CHILDHOOD PAIN & FEVER: TURN TO RECENTLY LAUNCHED AND CONVENIENT, PANADO® PAEDIATRIC SYRUP, PEPPERMINT 5 ML SACHETS
It’s true: Babies don’t come with manuals. So, if your baby spikes a fever and appears to be in pain, it’s natural for even the calmest of moms and dads to panic.
When your baby or infant has pain and fever, turn to recently launched and conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets.
What Is Fever and Is It Dangerous to Children?
Throughout the ages, certain myths have caused an uproar… kiss a frog and get a prince, goldfish only have a three-second memory, and all fevers are bad for children.
Fever is defined as a body temperature of > (more than/equal to) 38 degrees C.1a As strange as it may seem, fevers can be a good thing. A fever is your child’s body’s way of fighting off infections and helping speed up recovery.1b
What Causes Pain And Fever In Children?
Viral infections are common in infants and children, and most are not serious, including the common cold and a sore throat.2
Teething can be uncomfortable for young children as the tooth cuts through the gums,3a while in older children, cavities may also cause toothache.3b Childhood vaccinations can also cause fever and local reaction (pain, swelling and redness).1c
Headaches are common in children, affecting up to 75% of school-aged children,4a and are commonly caused by viral or an upper respiratory tract infection.4b
Why choose Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets?
Recently launched and conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets have been made with little ones in mind. It contains paracetamol, which boasts more than 150 years of clinical experience5a, and is a trusted choice for many South African families to treat headaches, pain and fever. It’s also gentle on little tummies.5b Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets are great for on-the-go parents and super convenient for when you’re travelling those long distances!
Other Panado® Products Suitable for Your Child
In addition to Panado® Paediatric Syrup Peppermint 5 ml Sachet, Panado’s range for children include
Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),6
Panado® Paediatric Syrup Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),7
and Panado® Infant Drops 20 ml.8
Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado products from independent pharmacies and selected Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick ‘n Pay stores. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/and join the conversations onFacebook. #Panado #ADoseOfCare
References:
1a,b,c: Green R, Jeena P, Kotze S, et al. Management of acute fever in children: Guideline for community healthcare providers and pharmacists. S Afr Med J 2013;103(12):948-954. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.7207. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24300636/
To celebrate World penguin day and we booked a tour with SANCCOB Rehabilitation centre in Tableview, Cape Town.
About SANCCOB
SANCCOB is a non-profit organization conserving sea birds like the endangered African penguin with the primary objective to reverse the decline of the sea bird population through Rehabilitation, release, care and education.
They offer school and private tours as well as the opportunity to support the hard work they do through egg and penguin adoptions and through the sale of ocean related merchandise.
About our visit
I pre-booked our tour that morning and we headed off to the centre, which is down the road from us.
We arrived 5 minutes before hand, as requested, but unfortunately, there was a school visiting and so our tour started 10 minutes later than expected. We also waited quite a while for assistance as they were busy and then it took some time to fill in the forms. I must admit trying to keep an excited Hamish busy through this waiting period was not at all easy, especially as he saw all the other kids.
I do wish we’d been informed of the school visit, as I would have booked a tour later to avoid overcrowding.
We did not get off to a good start at all as the one guide told us we were in time for the feedings with the other guide informing us that we could infact not watch the feedings as with the school children we were too big a crowd.
Hamish, who was sure he was going to see penguins eat was most disappointed, as was I.
However, our guide Sim was amazing with Hamish and incredibly knowledgeable as he walked us through the centre.
We were able to see the nursery, learn how long it takes penguins to hatch. See the behind the scenes of how much value volunteers are to this amazing organisation.
The centre has a dedicated washing room, kitchen and vet on site. All to ensure the birds are well cared for and healthy.
Hamish got to see the fish used to feed the birds and preserved a penguin tounge and heart- which we found really interesting.
Lastly we saw the penguin area where the birds are rehabilitated and taught to swim in a colour coded manner to assess when they are ready for release.
All the birds are tagged and in the event of an oil drill the centre has a dedicated space to clean the birds.
My thoughts
It was wonderful to learn more about how this wonderful NGO operates and to see the dedication of the staff and volunteers.
Hamish walked away with so much more knowledge about African penguins.
I must admit I wouldn’t recommend this for young children as it’s definitely a more an educational than an entertaining outing. My recommendation would be for children 8 and older. As there were many moments where the tour was too long and not hands on enough for our busy 5 year old.
How you can help SANCCOB
There are many ways that you can assist SANCCOB
Financial donation
Adopt an egg, chicken or penguin
Shop from their online or on premises store
Volunteer your time
Donate goods like towels, wet suits, teddy bears for the baby chick’s to snuggle with
The days are getting colder and we are all looking at ways to snuggle up and keep warm.
However, as a family it’s still very important to stay active. The best way to do this is to set put togther a family plan that includes physical activities.
Children spend an average of 3 hours a day watching screens and many teens and children do not get regular weekly exercize.
Children should, ideally spend 1 hour a day outside, engaged in play and vigorous activity. Adults need 30 minutes exercize a day to stay healthy.
So, exercising as a family is not only benefits our health but it also teaches our children how to become healthy adults.
How to set out a physical activity plan for your family
With so many other things to do a week, taking care of everyone’s physical health may seem really overwealming but this is where a good schedule will help co-ordinate your family and keep you all physically healthy.
So, how do you set up a physical activity plan for your family?
Existing activities – examine which physical activities your family currently take part in. Prehaps your child does an extra mural, you enjoy an evening run or your family hikes each Sunday. Chart these into your plan first.
Options – for those families not yet active, or for the families wanting to add more activities that include all family members sit down and brainstorm some activities first. Make a list of options that meet your family dynamic, interests, energy and physical level and that are age appropriate.
Time limits – set time limits to how much physical activity you wish to participate in each week. This could be a 30 minute walk or a 1hour hike. By having a time limit it will help the less enthusiastic members of your family to complete the activity. This also sets the basis to physical activity becoming a habit in your weekly routine.
Be flexible – Remember that life happens and many factors could determine you not reaching your goals for the week. Mood, health, weather or other engagements. Instead of feeling guilty or frustrated rather enjoy your family in a less demanding way.
Some low cost family activities
Not every family has the resources to join gyms, add additional extra murals or endulge in new exercize equipment.
But
Every family can enjoy these low cost and free activities to become healthy.
Low cost family activity ideas
Walking – walk around your neighborhood, in the park, at the beach or walk the dog
Ball games– winter is the perfect time to bring out those soccer balls. cricket sets or other ball games.
School yard games – games like tag, hide and go seek or red rover on the yard or park will keep the kids entertained.
Fly a kite– Cape Town autumn winds are perfect for kite flying. You could make your own first then see who flies their kite the highest.
Park runs – join a local park run . These are every Saturday morning and great for all ages.
Beach clean ups – use your physical time to do good and join a beach or river clean up
Bike rides– family bike rides or scooter rides are great to not only see your neighborhood but to keep fit too.
Roller skating – Go roller skating, roller blading or ice skating.
Dance parties– for bad weather you could turn up the music and have a dance party.
There are so many other inexpensive ways to get moving as a family and stay healthy. The goal however is to always have fun.
The child who needs to run and jump and explore
The child who grabs life and swings across her adventures with the courage and enthusiasm of an adventurer.
The child who knows no limits and tests boundaries, determined to find his own path.
The child who leads and seldom follows.
I’m raising a wild one
A self confident traveler whose spirit dances with the wind as he sings songs that only he can hear, whilst dancing to his own tune.
The loud one.
The strong one.
The child who dies not hide in shadows and who isn’t afraid to say NO! He isn’t afraid to take up space or to question the roads already travelled.
I’m raising a wild one
The stubborn child. The smart child. The child who looks back at me and says “but mother you are wrong because I’m being raised by the wild one.
By the mother who will not break my will as she guides me to be free to be myself ….a wild one.”
And I look back, knowing, as only a wild one knows…..
DECCA RECORDS ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ILLUMINATION’S…
MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU
ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK
PRODUCED AND CURATED BY GRAMMY
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR JACK ANTONOFF
FEATURING NEW MUSIC FROM
DIANA ROSS FT. TAME IMPALA
& COVERS FROM ST. VINCENT, THUNDERCAT, PHOEBE BRIDGERS, H.E.R., BLEACHERS, CAROLINE POLACHEK, BROCKHAMPTON, WEYES BLOOD, & MANY MORE
BRAND NEW SINGLE FROM DIANA ROSS FT. TAME IMPALA
‘TURN UP THE SUNSHINE’ OUT ON 20 MAY 2022
ILLUMINATION’S MINIONS THE RISE OF GRU (ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK)
WILL BE RELEASED VIA DECCA RECORDS ON 1 JULY 2022, THE SAME DAY
THE FILM OPENS IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE
Decca Records today announced the original motion picture soundtrack for Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru, the new action-comedy from the biggest animated franchise in history, set for release on Friday 1 July to coincide with the film’s global theatrical release.
Set in the 1970s, Minions: The Rise of Gru tells the origin story of how Gru (Oscar nominee Steve Carell), the world’s greatest supervillain, first met his iconic Minions, forged cinema’s most despicable crew and faced off against the most unstoppable criminal force ever assembled.
The funk-fuelled soundtrack, produced by 2022 Grammy Producer of the Year Jack Antonoff, features a star-studded line-up. Following the recent release of her 2021 hit album ‘Thank You’, Diana Ross ft. Tame Impala leads the way with the joyous, dance-inducing first single ‘Turn Up The Sunshine’ (out on Friday 20th May and available to pre-save here).
The soundtrack celebrates a range of dazzling funk, disco and soul classics with brand-new versions of some of the biggest hits of the 1970s from some of today’s hottest talent. From St. Vincent’s new take on Lipps Inc’s 1979 hit Funkytown and H.E.R.’s rendition of Sly and The Family Stone’s 1967 smash Dance to the Music, to Bleachers version of John Lennon’s 1970 track Instant Karma! and Phoebe Bridgers’ interpretation of The Carpenters’ 1972 single Goodbye To Love, every track has been reimagined by each artist with ingenious results. And of course, Illumination’s Minions themselves star on the album, with their distinctive performance of the classic Simon & Garfunkel 1970s favourite, Cecilia.
The soundtrack’s executive producer, Jack Antonoff, is a globally celebrated singer, songwriter and record producer and is the lead vocalist of rock band Bleachers. Kicking off 2022, Bleachers made their debut performance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, marking the seminal show’s first episode of the year. As a songwriter and producer, Antonoff, who, in 2021, was credited by the BBC for having “redefined pop music,” has collaborated with the likes of Diana Ross, Taylor Swift, Lorde, St. Vincent, Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Kevin Abstract and many more. This work has seen Antonoff collect numerous accolades, including six Grammy Awards, most recently winning the 2022 Grammy Award for Producer of the Year.
Both in and out of the cinema, this sun-soaked 70’s inspired soundtrack is guaranteed to have you Gru-ving all summer long.
Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will be released digitally, on 3-panel CD digipack, standard black double LP, yellow & blue splattered double LP, yellow cassette and a limited-edition picture disc via Decca Records on 1 July 2022. Pre-order here.
Minions: The Rise of Gru – Tracklisting:
Turn Up The Sunshine – Diana Ross ft. Tame Impala
Shining Star – Brittany Howard ft. Verdine White (Earth, Wind & Fire 1975)
Funkytown – St. Vincent (Lipps Inc in 1979)
Hollywood Swinging – BROCKHAMPTON (Kool & The Gang 1974)
Desafinado – Kali Uchis (Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto 1959)
Bang Bang – Caroline Polachek (Nancy Sinatra 1966)
Fly Like an Eagle – Thundercat (Steve Miller Band 1976)
Goodbye To Love – Phoebe Bridgers (The Carpenters 1972)
Instant Karma! – Bleachers (John Lennon 1970)
You’re No Good – Weyes Blood (Linda Ronstadt 1975)
Vehicle – Gary Clark Jr. (The Ides of March 1970)
Dance to the Music – H.E.R. (Sly and The Family Stone 1967)
Black Magic Woman – Tierra Whack (Santana 1970)
Cool – Verdine White
Born To Be Alive – Jackson Wang (Patrick Hernandez 1979)
Cecilia – The Minions (Simon & Garfunkel 1970)
Bang Bang – G.E.M. (Nancy Sinatra 1966)
Kung Fu Suite – RZA
Minions: The Rise of Gru Score Suite – Heitor Pereira
About Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru:
This summer, from the biggest global animated franchise in history, comes the origin story of how the world’s greatest supervillain first met his iconic Minions, forged cinema’s most despicable crew and faced off against the most unstoppable criminal force ever assembled in Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement.
It’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto—a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please—this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons, and strive to execute their first missions.
When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.
Featuring more spectacular action than any film in Illumination history and packed with the franchise’s signature subversive humor, Minions: The Rise of Gru stars a thrilling new cast, including, the Vicious 6: Taraji P. Henson as cool and confident leader Belle Bottom, whose chain belt doubles as a lethal disco-ball mace; Jean-Claude Van Damme as the nihilistic Jean Clawed, who’s armed (literally) with a giant robotic claw; Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, whose traditional nun’s habit hides her deadly nun-chucks; Dolph Lundgren as Swedish roller-skate champion Svengeance, who dispenses his enemies with spin kicks from his spiked skates; and Danny Trejo as Stronghold, whose giant iron hands are both a menace to others and a burden to him.
The film also stars Russell Brand as Young Dr. Nefario, an aspiring mad scientist, Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow, an acupuncturist with mad kung fu skills, and Oscar® winner Julie Andrews as Gru’s maddeningly self-absorbed mom.
Steered by the franchise’s original creators, Minions: The Rise of Gru is produced by visionary Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborators Janet Healy and Chris Renaud. The film is directed by returning franchise filmmaker Kyle Balda (Despicable Me 3, Minions), co-directed by Brad Ableson (The Simpsons) and Jonathan del Val (The Secret Life of Pets films), and features the iconic voice of Pierre Coffin as the Minions and a killer ’70s soundtrack courtesy of legendary Grammy-winning music producer Jack Antonoff.
About Decca Records:
The logo has been associated with some of recorded music’s defining acts: The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Luciano Pavarotti and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few. Decca Records has been the number one classical record label in the UK for well over a decade, operating alongside its international sister label Decca Classics. In recent years Decca Records has been selected as the official label partner of high-profile events such as the 2011 Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the London 2012 Olympics and the 2016 Paralympics. Decca is also home to such diverse and distinctive artists as Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Gregory Porter, Melody Gardot, Aurora, Ludovico Einaudi, Imelda May, Alfie Boe, The Lumineers and Sheku Kanneh-Mason.
About Illumination
Illumination, founded by Academy Award® nominee Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of event-animated films, including Despicable Me, the most successful animated franchise in cinematic history. The company’s releases include two of the top 10 animated films of all time, and its iconic, beloved franchises—infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance—have grossed more than $6.4 billion worldwide.
Illumination, which has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures, is the creator of the world of Despicable Me. The franchise includes Minions, the fourth-highest-grossing animated film of all time and the most profitable film in Universal’s history, as well as the Academy Award®- nominated Despicable Me 2 and Despicable Me 3, which made more than $1 billion at the global box office.
Illumination has launched two additional original franchises that have captivated audiences worldwide. The first Secret Life of Pets film achieved the best opening for an original movie, animated or otherwise, in U.S. history, and the studio followed that success in 2019 with The Secret Life of Pets 2. Illumination’s smash hit, Sing, has now became the studio’s latest global franchise with Sing 2 in December 2021. In addition, Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch continues to hold the record for the biggest opening weekend of any Christmas-themed movie in history. Illumination’s upcoming films include Minions: The Rise of Gru on July 1, 2022 and a new Super Mario Bros. film in April 2023.
Mother’s Day is all about celebrating your amazing memories with mom. With the Instax range of instant cameras and printers, memories can be captured on the spot and treasured as a special keepsake. Here are a few Instax gift options for mom this coming Mother’s Day.
Instax mini 11 camera bundle
The Instax mini 11 is one of the most popular instant cameras on the market and for good reason. Not only is it extremely easy to get started with, but it also comes in a number of attractive colours to suit the choice of any mom. The Mini 11 is also one of the more cost-effective ways to get into instant photography, especially with the Mother’s Day bundle. This bundle includes a Pink or Lilac Mini 11 camera, a case, strap, plus a pack of ten Instax Mini prints, all for a recommended price of R1 499 while stocks last.
Instax link Wide printer
If your mom is one of those with LOADS of pictures stored on her smartphone, the Instax link Wide printer is the printing solution she needs. This instant printer connects quickly and easily to a smartphone to print photos directly within 90 seconds. The best part? These photos are in Wide format, which is twice the size of Instax Mini film. The portable Instax link Wide printer is available from R2 599, with a pack of ten Wide prints retailing for R180.
Instax mini 40 camera
Instax fans love the fun-loving Mini 11 design, but for the mums who prefer a more classic, retro look and feel, the Mini 40 is a top choice. With its textured black and chrome look the Mini 40 adds a touch of style while offering improved automatic exposure and a selfie/close-up mode. Easy to operate, the Instax mini 40 retails for a recommended R1 400, now also available as a bundle. The bundle includes a beautiful camera case, a strap, and a pack of Instax Mini film and can be found for a suggested R 1 749.
Fujifilm Print A Photie app
While Instax provides instant prints, you can also spoil mom with beautiful traditional printed photos that will last a lifetime. The Fujifilm Print A Photie app allows you to pick your favourite family photos from your smartphone and send it to print at your closest photo print shop. There’s the option to choose from a range of different print sizes, and to pay either in-store or via the app. If you pay via the app, your photos will be ready and waiting for you at the shop. For an added cost, you can have your photos delivered directly to your mom’s front door. Search for “Print A Photie” in your favourite smartphone app store.
A few months ago Brent discovered a transaction on one of his accounts that he definitely did not make.
This was reported, investigated and his account was suspended for a while and he had to go through the process of awaiting a new card and changing his banking Pins, etc
Now, we are still not exactly sure how this transaction was processed but I had wondered if it wasn’t the Tap and go feature on his bank card.
As a consumer, I’m still wary of this feature so I was interested to read a recent article where a consumer journalist, discussed the relevant questions regarding the tap and go facility offered by banks.
Tap and go …the facts
The Tap and go feature is offered by all banks, however only one of our South African banks does not allow you to turn off the feature.
Whilst incredibly convenient, as you do not need a signature or a Pin code if you Tap for an amount under R500, this feature is feared by many as an easy means for criminals to conduct fraudulent transactions.
However, the banking ombudsman has reported that fraud in connection to the tap and go feature is low, with as little as only 2 cases a month reported.
Banks
These banks offer tap and go options to their clients with the option to turn off the feature.
Capitec
ABSA
Nedbank
Standard bank
However FNB does not. The reason for this is because all FNB are contactless enabled and this is a core feature of their product, thus not allowing the tap and go facility to be disabled.
How to disable your tapped go
Should you wish to disable your tap and go facility, depending on your bank of choice, here is how to find where to do so.
Capitec– Inside the branch or on the Capitec banking App
ABSA – Inside the branch , on the APP or via the customer care contact centre.
Nedbank – Through the Money App or via online banking.
Standard bank – On the App
As banking features, payment Apps, virtual cards and device payments grow in popularity it is important that we as consumers stay educated to make the most informed decisions to protect our money.
Two weeks ago we had a playdate planned, the weather however, was not in our favour and we decided to look for a space to go where the moms could chat over coffee whilst the kids played.
As moms know when it rains and you have two busy boys to entertain Spur steak ranches does not disappoint.
We decided to visit Spur at Seaside villiage in West Beach, Tableview.
Why?
This Spur is my first choice in the Tableview/ Blouberg/Parklands area mostly because it always looks clean, has the best service with great presentation food and as all Spur franchises should be, it is incredibly child friendly.
Food
Our waitress pointed out the new menus. Which are a fantastic upgrade from the old ones that looked a little bit like those I chose from as a kid in the 80s. The new menu is cleaner, easier to read and still contains the old favourites that we love.
I naturally ordered the brownie to go with my coffee because it’s Friday ….and who doesn’t love warm brownies with ice cream?
The presentation was great and the food was delicious.
I ordered Hamish’s milkshake in the takeaway cup already knowing that he would only eat his pizza at home. ( Honestly, It should just be standard practice to serve kids food in a takeaway box )
My only complaint would be that I was offered a rectangle food box to take home a full round kids pizza making me have to stack the pieces on top of each other and my poor OCD mind really struggled with that but also a child with sensory issues would hate to open a square box of food stacked on top of each other.
Service
I never complain of the service here. In the years that we have visited this has to be the friendliest Spur franchise.
The waiters, management, front of house staff and child minder are always pleasant.
Child friendly
I would give this branch a 20 out of 10 for being child friendly. As a young girl I loved Spur, as an adult I still look for the same features that I loved as an 8 year old.
Things like your parents not having to ask for a colouring sheet and crayons, a special child’s menu, the waitress treating you like a ” big person” and patiently letting you order, fun food options that are presented well and a great play space.
This Spur ticks all those boxes.
Play area
A huge, clean play area with only one entering and tons of natural light from the windows awaits your child.
The friendly child minders engage and play with the kids and are hands on to watch that no one gets hurt .
Just a reminder that if you do use the facility, whilst it’s never required, leave a gratuity tip for your child minder.
Safety
The first thing you notice as you walk through the don’t is that they have a tag system to ensure the kids can’t leave the shop without someone being alerted.
A tag, similar to those found on clothing, is attached to your child’s outer clothing and you can rest assured that they are safe whilst playing.
Should they try leave the store, an alarm at the door will be activated. This offers parents peace of mind whilst dining.
Overall, many of us use a Spur as our go to meet up place or kids restaurant. Sometimes that means Spur know that parents will support them regardless of the type of service or level of food quality, so its great to find a Spur franchise that pride themselves on delivering the best parent and child experience from the moment you enter the door.
As of 2023 the transition of ECD ( early childhood development) which was moved from the department of social development to the department of education, will be in effect in South Africa.
But
What does this mean to you the parent?
Grade 00 is now compulsory
The biggest change aside from how academic development in young children is approached, is the compulsory attendance of children from Grade 00.
Currently compulsory school attendance for young children only starts at grade 1, when your child is turning 7. So, you will now be required to ensure your young child is attending an educational facility from the year they turn 4.
Parents need to do their homework
With a huge push for compulsory education it’s important that parents look for ECD centres which are still play based and child-led. Focusing on teaching children skills through the use of educational material too old for their development and ignoring the need for children this young to rather learn through play, would be counter productive to their development.
Things parents need to consider
When you are looking for the right early childhood centre for your child for next year, here are some things to look out for to help you make the right choice.
-Qualified teachers who are trained to teach in an ECD environment.
A school that is accredited and registered with the education department.
Look for a school that values play based learning and child-led philosophy. Montessori, Reggio Emillia and Waldorf based schools hold these traits.
Does the school value the students well being as being the most important factorover and above academic results?
Look to see if the teachers are kind, gentle in approach and caring with positive dispositions. Your child’s teacher will spend the most time moulding them in their still formative years, that experience needs to be a positive, loving one.
Does the school have and instill a strong sense of community?
Is the teaching within the classroom fun, engaging, relevant , interactive and based on play?
What discipline policy is in place. Is the child guided and supported as they grow and develop their social and self- regularly skills?
And if I can leave you with one last reminder that children learn best through play. They need time to explore, discover, experience and experiment to understand the world around them.
If you are finding it overwealming to choose an ECD centre, look beyond the pleasing athletics, the brightly coloured playground equipment and the fancy toys or learning aids within the classroom. Look to see if the teachers in your chosen school will facilitate your child’s learning journey with careful observation and offer stimulating, meaningful and engaging learning materials, whilst still having the ability to hug them often, talk gently and guide them as they develop.
Brent’s been on leave for most of April and the beginning of May. We’ve loved having him at home and it’s been a fun mix of chaos and busy !
He heads back to work today and we will slowly find our routine again after weeks of sleeping in a little later and adjusted schedules to fit in weekday outings.
We have enjoyed some really great staycation memories during his leave, as we explored Cape Town, because let’s be honest, there is always something to do in Cape Town.
Holiday moments
We tried to put in as many special trips with Hamish as possible and managed to visit the following places while Brent was on leave :
Ysterplaat Airforce Base museum– This museum is free and divided into 2 parts. The first is the museum, which has a ton of memorabilia of the SAAF. The second is at hangar 4 where you get to get up close to the aircrafts and climb into some.
Ten pin bowling at Grand west – This was a really fun outing for all of us and Hamish has asked to go again. At R60 an adult it was also super affordable as far as activities go.
Canal walk kids world imagination station – Here Hamish got to create his own masterpiece for only R50
Games arcades – There were a few visits to the arcades at both Canal walk and Grand west. I’m not a fan of arcades but Hamish loves them.
Ratanga park– Also several visits here to ride bikes. I really love this park .
The museum of Childhood- Another free museum. The museum of childhood is a wonderful space for children to learn, play and express themselves.
The beach – Is it even a holiday without beach visits? We have found a local spot with rockpools that has become our favourite
Spur and other fast food restaurants– Because who cooks when on holiday right?
SANCCOB– This was a great visit to learn more about the workings behind the scene at SANCCOB penguin Rehabilitation center. If you are going please book in advance.
Cool runnings – A fun family taboggan track with 1.2km of track to wind down . The guys loved this. You can see how much the guys enjoyed this here
Majik forest – Another space we love. An open forest to picnic at or wander around. You can also feed the ducks on the water.
Melkbossie animal farm – This farm yards Sanctuary is free to enter and animal food is R10 a bag . We love going here, grabbing some coffee and playing putt putt. Hamish enjoys feeding the animals and riding the horses.
The Labia– I had a few invites to some screenings while Brent was on leave and we took Ronan on his birthday with Shaun to watch the lost city. The Labia has some great date night specials if you are looking.
Intaka Island– We spent Easter Sunday doing a fun Easter egg hunt at Intaka Island. This little wetland is under R30 for an adult to enter and aside from watching birds, taking a hike you can also book a boat ride on the canals.
Tablebay mall Easter veggie garden – Hamish got to join the fun at Tablevay mall over Easter and plant his own strawberries.
Ostrich farm – We headed to the ostrich farm and Hamish loved the museum, learning about ostriches. He also stood on ostrich eggs, fed ostriches, sat on an ostrich and went to the scratch patch on site.
McClaren circus – I don’t support animals in a circus so this was a difficult choice for me because I wanted Hamish to experience the joy, just once of going to the circus.
And in-between outings, keeping Hamish entertained and the copious amounts of coffee I’ve made we managed to find some down time, some rainy days and a few lazy pj days.
Honestly though, I’m quite greatful to get back to our routine although adjusting to him being back at work full time again is going to be hard.
