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COnneCtinGCOnneCtinGkidz.co.zakidz.co.za

June - August 2013

www.connectingkidz.co.za I 1www.connectingkidz.co.za I 1

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Inside Front Redfern Party Products Back Page Plastics for Africa1 Table View School 3 Refern Labels 4 From the Editor 5 Healthy Kiddie Parties 6 Outings I Getaways 7 Party & Play I Venues9 Giveaway 10 Cakes 11 Suppliers 14 On-line Shopping 16 Mother & Child 17 Photographers 18 Services I Training & Tuition 19 Extra Mural21 Fundraising 22 Autism & Siblings 23 Therapists 24 Medical 26 Paarl | Somerset West26 Stellenbosch 27 Parow I Brackenfell 28 Kraaifontein I Kuilsrivier 29 Parow I Goodwood 29 Giveaway

30 Importance of a Father Figure 32 Belville 33 Durbanville 35 Goedemoed 36 Uitzicht I Langeberg Ridge 37 Monte Vista I Summer Greens37 Milnerton | Richwood 38 Bothasig | Burgundy Estate38 Table View 39 Table View 41 Parklands | Sunningdale 42 Blouberg 43 Melkbosstrand 43 Zumbatonics 44 Pinelands | Mowbray44 Sybrand Park 45 Claremont | Wynberg 45 Amy Folgate story 46 Plumstead | Bergvliet 46 Biting 47 Heathfield | Meadowridge 48 Oranjezicht | Tamboerskloof48 Sea Point | Constantia 49 Kirstenhof | Diep River49 Tokai | Simons Town49 Noordhoek

Contents

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From the EDITOROne of the things I love about the juvenile products industry is how many different kinds of products there are to meet the needs of parents and children. We see new products and businesses every day that are innovative, insightful and successful and we continue to see success stories in the industry. Companies have offered quality for years and remained nimble in the face of changing economic climates. We are pleased that we were able to bring them to you in these pages.

Our new facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ConnectingKidz will offer you the opportunity to win awesome prizes on a regular basis as well as bringing you insightful news. Kindly visit the page and share with your friends.

Keep drinking your Vitamin C, dress warmly and stay healthy this winter. Nicky

read it, use it, love it!Editor

Nicky [email protected]

Accounts Executive Jacky Burger

[email protected]

Web Designer Pieter Smit

[email protected]

Contact usTel: 021 556 2720 Fax: 086 5177 945

Design 3rdi Advertising 021 557 5615

Publishers Choice Media –

Giving you responsible and informative choices

Choice Media and its staff provide this publication as a directory for child and parent related products and services.Choice Media and its staff do not in any way endorse or recommend any of the advertisers listed in this publication, and cannot be held responsible or liable for any dealings you may have with them.

Please read the Terms of Use before using this publication. Your use of the information in this publication indicates your agreement to be bound by the terms of use.

Connecting Kidz is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in whole or part without written permission from the publisher.

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A healthy kiddie party . . . is that possible?

Most health freak moms dread kiddie parties. What kind of snacks will there be at the party? My child will get a sugar-rush and bounce off the walls! They can’t drink that cool drink - it’s loaded with colourants and preservatives... These fears are real and well substantiated. However, there are two sides to the coin. Firstly, if your children are well fed at home and know what is good for them, they will not overindulge in all the bad sweet stuff at a party. Great was even my own surprise when my 3-year old said no to a piece of my son’s gluten-free sugar-free chocolate party cake and turned around to dip a piece of celery in hummus! Secondly, there is much that any hostess can do to offer more healthy alternatives at a kiddie party.

But how do I present a kiddie party that is fun and healthy? Be innovative and creative and set your own preconceived party ideas aside. For drinks, opt for homemade iced teas by mixing rooibos with a small amount of fruit juice (ratio 4:1) and lots of ice; or make

a punch by adding small pieces of fruit to the iced tea. A healthy chocolate smoothie made with raw cacao would be enjoyed as a ‘chocolate milkshake’ and fro-zen yoghurt or fruit ice lollies are a refreshing treat on a hot summer’s day.

As sweet treats, fruit kebabs, date balls or chickpea fudge are healthier choices, and a ‘fruit and chocolate’ fondue is always a great hit! For the party pack, make a tasty trailmix for the kids to nibble on. Seeing that more and more kids are gluten- or wheat-intolerant, try a delicious gluten- or wheat-free chocolate or carrot party cake, which both the parents and kids will enjoy. Or be creative like the moms in Knysna and consider a fruit tower cake!

On the savoury side, there are many healthy options. Homemade salted popcorn and salted Lay’s crisps go a long way. Make an enticing platter with crudités and dips, small blocks of cheese, sausage rolls and other savoury treats.

The healthiest ingredient though for any kiddie party remains an exciting and fun environment where they can be active with lots of free play!

Healthy Kiddie Parties

By Heidi du Preez

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Outings I Getaways I Party & Play

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Party & Play Venue

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Driftwood has been serving the community of Parklands for almost 12 years; we pride ourselves as community based restaurant that is a catalyst for change in our area.

Specializing in weddings, events & kiddies birthday parties.Our farmyard alfresco style venue is suitable for families and those who enjoy a little bit of nature.

Our goal is to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children & turn the hearts of the children back to the parents.Give us a call or pay us a visit for us to make a memory in you & your companions lives that will last long after our paths have parted

Your hosts: Dale, Iris, Belinda, Miki, and Bronson

Cnr Parklands Main and Hamstead Close, Parklands

GPS Coordinates 33°; 48’ 53.83” S; 18°; 30’ 08.48” ETel/Fax: (+27) 021 557 8886

Tel: (+27) 021 557 8401

Opening Hours:Mon & Tues - 9am till 9pm

Wed - Fri 9am till 10pmSaturday 8am till 10pm

Sunday 8am till 6pm

A KIDDIES PARTY IS A MINIMUM 10 CHILDREN AND A SNACK PLATTER FOR THE PARENTS ACCOMPANYING THE CHILDREN. PRICES INCLUDE ALL FACILITIES, JUMPING CASTLES, JUNGLE GYMS, PLASMA TV, SOCCER, AND GAMES SUCH AS TUG OF WAR, HOP SCOTCH, GIANT CHECKERS, AND FISHING (BYO POLE)

Party & Play

Southern Suburbs only

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Party & Play

www.facebook.com/ConnectingKidzPut your best foot forward and spoil yourself with the KROKO range of foot care products. Kroko products are available from Dis-Chem, Clicks and Pharmacies.

Visit the Kroko website to see more products

www.kroko.co.za

And stand a chance to win

one of the KROKO

HAMPERS

Southern Suburbs only

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Party & Play I Cakes

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Party & Play I Supplier

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10% Discount per customer on presentation of this voucher. T&C [email protected]

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Party & Play I Supplier

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Suppliers I On-Line Shopping

Cape Town and Durban ( 021 701 1275 ) Joburg ( 086 111 2876 )

COME AND JOIN Kidz-a-Peal Birthday Club

All children, 12 and under can register for our birthday club. Forms are available at our store in Plumstead. Every member will receive a surprize in the post in the month of

their birthday. See advert on pg 11

bubble ‘n squeaknew & used baby equipmentchristening outfits

[email protected]

Voortrekker RoadGoodwood Mall(021) 591 0490

Edu Toys, Arts, Crafts, Gifts & Stationery

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Suppliers I On-Line Shopping

Stationery labels

Clothing labels

Wrap-around pencil labels

Shoe labels

P O Box 1166, Wandsbeck, 3631 • Tel: 031 266 1738 • Fax: 031 266 4694E-mail: [email protected] • www.justlabels.co.za

ALSO AVAILABLE

IN PACKS

avoid lost

property

ORDER ONLINE @www.justlabels.co.za10% DIscOuNt

t’s & c’s appLy

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Party & Play I Supplier

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Mother & Child I Photographers

A little boy was overheard praying:

‘Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry

about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.’

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Photographers | Services I Training & Tuition

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Extra Mural

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Mother & Child | Extra Mural

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C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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West Coast Dental Ad Paths.pdf 1 2013/02/12 10:26 AM

Mother & Child I Fundraising

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HAVE SIBLINGS TOO!Having a “special needs” kid is beyond tough on parents, but more often than not, we forget how tough this can be on the child in the spotlights’ sister or brother.

I had an interview with a 19yrs old sibling, *James, who has a brother on the autistic spectrum (high functioning Aspergers Disorder), has temporal lobe epilepsy and has also been diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). James answered all questions with extreme honesty and bravery.

What do you want to do and be when you are older?

I’m still undecided really, currently I’m in my first year of a BCom at UCT, but I’m leaning towards something with

computers. Or architecture, that seems really interesting too.

Explain what you know about your brother’s difficulties:

I know he has Aspergers, and a few other things; epilepsy, OCD. But the Aspergers gets mentioned the most. He’s really bad at dealing with people, but incredibly intelligent, even though he struggles with communication.

Do you ever wish that you didn’t have a brother or a brother that was as “normal”as you?

I wouldn’t mind being an only child to be honest, or having a sibling much younger than me. *Mike is difficult to live with sometimes.

Do you ever feel people ignore what you want?

I used to feel this a lot when I was younger, thought he got all the attention. And sometimes, as recently as last year, I feel like my academics got compared with his. It made me think “Yeah, he’s smart, but he can’t do a lot of things that are important too, like deal with people, and I can, so why are marks so important”.

What are some of the things that you don’t like about your brother?

He’s very loud, in the mornings if he’s up normally everyone else is up. He can’t control the volume of his speech but he also just doesn’t even think, he’s quite careless with most things. He has no sense of boundaries, I’m not allowed near his room but he always barges into mine to practise his spin bowling in my mirror. I feel he can do a lot more

SPECIAL NEEDSPEOPLE

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than he lets on, he has problems with his hands and he does things slowly, but I remember times where he’s done something with ease with no one around only to struggle when there is someone to take the stress of doing it away from him. Those are the main things really.

What are some of the things that you like about your brother?

I must admit he is very dedicated, and he has overcome a lot, I remember people doubting whether he would even finish school. I admire that. He is quite loving, and loyal. He’s very loyal. And it’s nice having someone to help me with my work when I need it.

Anything you wish everyone knew about you or your family?

Not really, we are what we are, people’s opinions don’t really bother me.

If you can change one thing in your life, what would it be?

My course, I hate it, commerce just isn’t for me. My girlfriend’s parents too, sometimes they are far too strict.

What will help you in your life?

Motivation, I’m lacking it at the moment.

If you can be the interviewer, what are some of the questions you would ask yourself?

While you were growing up, did anyone ever explain your brother’s needs to you?

How successful do you think your brother will be? What do you think he will be able to do on his own?

James’ brother will be 21yrs old in October this year. He is 3rd year at UCT and majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science. He has done very well and the Disability Unit at UCT is very good and supportive according to his mother.

From a professional point of view, this interview has been an eye opener for me. I will focus more on sibling interaction and sibling needs in the future.

Thank you to James, a brave soldier of his brothers’ army. *Names have been changed.

Courtesy Karla Pretorius abafrica 082 309 8400

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Medical I Therapists

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Paarl I Somerset West I Stellenbosch

www.thehappyhandwriter.co.za

Fine Motor Fun kits designed by an

occupational therapist to improve pencil grip, pencil control and fine motor skills for handwriting.

The Happy Handwriter®

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Parow I Brackenfell

• Childcare for babies from 0 months up to Grade 5 learners• Qualified full time supervision

• 06:30 – 18:00 • Balanced breakfast, lunch & snacks• Weekly themes & educational activities• Security with electronic safety gates

• Transport to and from schools as well as homesKidz Academy

Babies, Pre-school And Aftercare Centre106 Gardiner Street, Parow Tel: 021 939 8939 • 076 474 6365

92 Jakaranda Street, Brackenfell Tel: 021 981 6743 • 082 824 [email protected] • www.kidzacademy.co.za

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Brackenfell I Kraaifontein I Kuilsrivier

1 cup (250 ml) pitted dates½ cup (125 ml) walnuts, cashews or macadamia nuts½ cup (125 ml) almonds½ cup (125 ml) desiccated coconut¼ cup (60 ml) sunflower seeds1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon¼ tsp (1 ml) unrefined salta pinch of ground or freshly grated nutmeg1 tbsp (15 ml) tapioca syrup or raw honey¼ cup (60 ml) purified water or apple juice½ cup (125 ml) rolled oats (optional)¼ cup (60 ml) toasted sesame seeds or desiccated coconut (optional)

1. Place the fruit, nuts, coconut, seeds and spices in a food processor and pulse until well chopped, but not pulverised.2. Add the syrup or honey, water or juice and rolled oats - pulse for 30 seconds.3. Take tablespoons full of the mixture and roll into balls.4. Roll in toasted sesame seeds or desiccated coconut (optional).5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Recipes from Naturally Nutritious Wholefood Cookbook by Heidi du Preez and Karen WergeTilneyVisit www.rainbowkids.co.za for more recipes

Date Balls Date Balls Date Balls Date Balls

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Parow I Goodwood

1. It makes us look at what they are pointing at.2. It makes us label what they are pointing at.

3. It makes us describe what they are pointing at.4. It makes us ask questions about what

they are pointing at.

Jacolien Britz

And stand a chance to WIN an amazing

Naturally Nutritious Wholefood Cookbook

Why is pointing

important?

Like our new Connecting Kidz facebook pagewww.facebook.com/pages/Connecting-Kidz

The Naturally Nutritious Wholefood Cookbook will inspire you to create easy and delicious meals based on sound

nutritional research and scientific method.Read more on www.rainbowkids.co.za

30 I www.connectingkidz.co.za

THEIMPORTANCE OF A FATHER FIGURE

What difference does a dad make? Are they really that important?

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Yet just being physically present isn’t enough to be a great father. It is critical that a dad be warm and emotionally available to his child. Author and researcher, John Gottman, describes this kind of father as an “emotion coaching father.” Emotion Coaches are parents who listen to their children’s feelings, see the sharing of feelings as an opportunity for intimacy, and validate their children’s emotions.

While children may not always recognize the importance dad plays in their lives, most children long for and need a loving, involved and responsible father or father-figure. It is far more important to be emotionally engaged in the life of your child than, the newspaper, your hobby or even your job . . . if for no other reason than to avoid the risk of being put on the trading block!

Why Are Male Role Models So Important?

• Just like a student needs a math teacher to teach him math, or a swimming teacher to teach him swimming, he needs a male role model to teach him to be a man. And not just any man, a strong, capable man with a good sense of right and wrong. When a son does not have a father to look to as a positive role model, he may turn toward outside influences. Boys may aspire to be like the rappers, rockers, actors, and athletes who permeate our culture or even older kids in the neighborhood. Without a solid, consistent male

role model in their lives, boys drift towards manhood without a compass, and easily end up lost.

Providing Other Examples of Positive Male Role Models

• A child without a father is not doomed to a life of crime and mental disorders. Single moms should actively seek out alternative male role models for their sons and daughters. Male teachers make for wonderful male role models. male coaches, male youth group leaders or pastors, music teachers, grandfathers, uncles, and even community mentors can make great male role models.

Benefits of Male Role Models

• Fathers who provide their time and attention to their children will produce more secure, disciplined, and successful children. Kids without father figures can connect with positive male role models in their school, community, or extended family to achieve similar effects. Single moms need to take the time to make sure that their children’s exposure to negative male role models is limited while helping their children bond with men who are willing to make a positive difference in a child’s life.

Courtesy: Importance of Male Role Models | eHow.com

For the most part, studies have consistently demonstrated that father’s - whether they live with their children or not, matter in the lives of their children. When fathers are present, they provide economic support for their children and assume emotional and caregiving responsibilities. Well-fathered children are shown to be more emotionally intelligent and socially successful as adults. When fathers are absent, their absence may negatively impact children’s academic achievement, gender-specific development, general behavioral adjustment and anger management, especially in males.

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Bellville

DIE VERKLUIMDE AKKEDIS Net hier voor my op die grondHet ek die liefste ding gekry.Stertjie rooi en verder bont,En gladnie bang vir my.

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Bellville I Durbanville

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Durbanville

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Durbanville

Nursery School and Activity Centre12 Twist Street, Rosenpark

021-914 [email protected]

We cherish your little stars like royalty so that they can live happily ever after…

visit our website for more informationwww.rosencastle.co.za

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Durbanville I Goedemoed

plaasskoolpartytjies en nasorg

coniglio konyn plaashoek van klipheuwel

en spes bona paddurbanville083 257 1424

www.b tterbl mmetjies.c .za

‘n unieke ondervinding vir maatjies 1tot 5 jaar. Waar net die beste

goed genoeg is vir u kind. Ons kanmet trots sê dat maatjies en ouersop hul gelukkigste is hier by ons.

Vier klassies vir verskillendeouderdom maatjies, binne en buitespeel area, baie spasie, ‘n klompplaas diertjies, groente tuine,

renbaan, buitemuurse aktiwiteite,nasorg, partytjies en vele meer.

vir navrae kontak tonia083 257 1424

Kom kuier by ons!

b tterbl mmetjie

jou kind verdien net die beste!

www.facebook.com/botterblommetjies

For healthy recipes visit www.rainbowkids.co.za

36 I www.connectingkidz.co.za

Goedemoed I Uitzicht I Langeberg Ridge

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Recognizing that the early development stages of a child is one of the most critical phases in their lives, we would like to provide an essential gateway for your child to transition easily from these early stages of development into primary school and beyond.

• We are an established early development and pre school facility that caters for children from ages 4 months to 6 years and offering a balanced, fun filled, structured, educational and stimulating day for little one’s within a spacious and secure premise.

• Our hours are from 06h30 to 18h00 – Monday to Friday.• We are open all year round, only closing for part of Dec/Jan.• We serve 2 wholesome cooked meals and 1 snack daily.• There is a variety of extra mural activities to choose from• Qualified and experienced teachers.• 4 playgrounds.• We offer aftercare for grade 1,2,3 learners in the afternoons.

NURSERY AND TODDLERSWe have three classes within this section namely:

• BABIES FROM 4 MONTHS TO 16 MONTHS• YOUNG TODDLERS FROM 17 MONTHS TO 24 MONTHS

• OLDER TODDLERS FROM 2-3Each of these classes have two teachers.

PREPARING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLWE HAVE 3 CLASSES WITHIN THIS SECTION NAMELY:

• AGE 3-4 GRADE 000 (INTRODUCTORY PHASE)• AGE 4-5 : GRADE 00 (PRE GRADE R)

• AGE 5-6 : GRADE 0 (GRADE R)

Applications for enrolment for 2014 will be accepted now.Visit our website for more

information.

Monte Vista I Summer Greens I Milnerton | Richwood

EVE’S SHOEEDUCARE (est. 1980)

325 Koeberg Road, Rugby (Near Milnerton)

- PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL including Gr R- CRÈCHE- Primary School children: AFTERCARE/HOLIDAY CARE

Registered with the Department of Education and the Department of Social Development

We have:n Superb crèche facilities for babies and children

from 1 month – 3 years.n An excellent pre-primary school, including Gr R, for

children from 4 years to 6 years (includes Aftercare and Holiday Care).

n Aftercare and Holiday Care for children from Gr 1 upwards. (Transport for Aftercare for schools in Milnerton and Tygerhof.)

We provide:n A structured educational programme and Gr R’s follow the

curriculum, as prescribed by the Dept of Education.n Two cooked meals n Full day and half day enrolments.

n Hours: 06h30 – 18h00

For further info visit our website at www.eveshoeeducare.co.za

Telephone now to view. Tel 021-511 5231E-mail: [email protected]

A Happy Homely Atmosphere with Room for Everyone!

38 I www.connectingkidz.co.za

Bothasig I Burgundy Estate I Table view

Fathers are like candles, they make daylight

out of darkness. A father is someone

who is concerned with everything

we do.

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Table View

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Table View

is a brand new exclusive school in Table View.

12 months - 3 years Nursery

3 years - 6 years Preschool

including Grade R

Times: 6h30 am - 6pm

Tel: 021 556 4119 • Fax: 086 671 9141 • Cell: 083 897 8040

[email protected] I www.montessoriconnect.co.za

www.connectingkidz.co.za/montessoriconnect

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Table View I Parklands I Sunningdale

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Parklands I Blouberg

COnneCtinGCOnneCtinGkidz.co.za

kidz.co.za

June - August 2013

AdvertisingContact:

Jacky Burger021 556 2720

[email protected]

EditiorialContact:

Nicky Smit021 556 2720

[email protected]

Reserve your space nowfor our next edition

www.connectingkidz.co.za

www.connectingkidz.co.za I 43

For Izabelle’s 5th birthday, we decided to have a party with a difference. Rosie, my Zumba instructor, joined us in a fun filled, memorable birthday party. Even 3 year old Benjamin did the Reggae with the best of them.

Designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12), Zumbatomic classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbia and more. Parents love Zumbatomic because of the effect it has on kids. Increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination. Zumbatomic rounds out family fitness goals by giving parents a great reason to head to the gym – for themselves, for their kids, for a totally fun family experience.

Visit Zumba.com for more information I Courtesy Elizma Coetzee Vancouver Island, Canada

Zumbatomic® Party

Zumba is the buzz word today for a rocking high

powered exercise session

44 I www.connectingkidz.co.za

Pinelands I Mowbray I Sybrand Park

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Claremont I Wynberg

My daughter was asked to write a letter on what Autism Awareness meant to her. This is the letter she submitted to her school in hopes to begin an Awareness day.

“Hi, my name is Leah Folgate. I’m 10 years old and in the 5th Grade. I have a little brother. His name is Bra-dlee, and he has Autism.

What does that mean? It means that he has to work even harder to do things like talk, make friends, learn, and even play with me. Autism is a different, no wrong, way to view the world. Everyone is different and unique. My hope is that we can help to teach everyone

to learn to love what makes us different. My brother’s Autism makes him special and funny. All I want is for him to succeed and stay true to himself. Not to change him, but change how the world views him and others living with Autism. I hope that he will have friends and love school. That’s why Autism Awareness is so important. I knew our lives would be different, having a little brother who has ASD. My goal is to help change how people view and treat those living with Autism. That people are kind and supportive of their special needs. You can’t judge a book by its cover, so I hope people will look past the outward and get to know how awesome kids with Autism really are.... “

Submitted by Amy Folgate – Forreston Illinois

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Plumstead I Bergvliet

LETTER’S TO EDITORI’ve got more calls due to the Connecting Kidz booklet and website than from any other advertising. I think this will be a better advertisement

route for the Western Cape.Renate Lubbe, Little Cooks Club

Well once again thank you for all your services, it’s been great & the response has been very good. Thank you again for the services you provide,

it’s been great!!!!!! Warm RegardsChantell - Pooh Bear Daycare

STOP BITINGEvidence suggests up to a quarter of all children will bite others at some stage, with most parents conceding that it’s one of the worst things your child could do in public. And, it can be just as alienating for you as for your child. Other parents are appalled; the poor victim has a throbbing red mark and you wish you could just sink into the ground. It’s about the most antisocial, public thing your child can do. Reactions of other parents can be out of proportion and it’s very difficult to remain calm.

Many parents of biters complain they receive an unfair dose of disapproval – often their children have been heavily provoked. Other children have equally antisocial habits – taunting and teasing – but the biter is the one who gets the blame.

Not all kids bite, but up to a quarter of all children will do so at some stage – mostly between the ages of two and three. It is a phase that does pass – by four; most children have grown out of it. Some try the odd nip and move on, others grow into serial biters. And it’s a serious problem – not least because it hurts so much and can get your child kicked out of play school. But it doesn’t mean your child is a monster – many biters are otherwise gentle and sociable.

Why do they bite?Not all children bite out of anger or to hurt another child – in fact young toddlers can’t really understand how much pain they’re causing. The first thing you need to ask yourself as a parent is “What is my child achieving by biting?” Think what the reward is for him or her – does s/he get a big amount of attention?”

Experts advise parents to try and see biting as a way of communicating rather than just bad behaviour – once we do that, we’ve got more choices in how to respond.

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Heathfield I Meadowridge

Look at who they bite, when they bite and in what situations. And a tailor-made response will be more effective than a “one-size-fits-all” solution.• Experimenting • Expressing emotion• Defending• Controlling• Frustrated or irritated

How to stop itAlways react swiftly, and keep your cool. Don’t ever bite back or hit. Retaliation teaches them violence causes violence. Children need to know immediately that what they have done is wrong. Make sure your child also knows that you are addressing the behaviour (biting) as being bad, not them as a person.• Intervene: • Teach them to express themselves: • Teach them it’s wrong: • Reduce the effectiveness• Praise them for good behaviour:

Give the victim sympathy and the biter a clear message this is an unproductive way of getting attention.

When nothing worksThere are a number of reasons methods may not work – there may be something getting in the way of your child learning – perhaps anxiety. Some children learn at different speeds and won’t pick up on things straight away – you might just need to be more persistent.• Give clear commands and be positive: • Stick with it: • Seek help or advice first from friends and other parents, or teachers and nurseries and health visitors, who can also point you in the right direction if you want to take it further.

If these interventions fail contact a Psychologist to assess your child and assist you to become an empowered parent. In serious cases a paediatrician will assist by prescribing a low-dose of neuroleptics. It seems to slow that strong emotion that gives rise to aggressive behaviour. The latter will only be effective if the source of “biting” is addressed.

Courtesy Rose-Hannah Brown Counselling PsychologistTel: 021-987 0111

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Oranjezicht I Tamboerskloof I Sea Point I Constantia

I won’t always cry, Mummy, when you leave the room, and

my supermarket tantrum, will end too soon.

I won’t always wake, Daddy, for cuddles through the night,

& one day you will miss having a chocolate face

to wipe. You won’t always wake to find my foot is kicking

you out of bed, or find me sideways on your pillow where

you want to lay your head. You won’t always have to

carry me in asleep from the car, or piggy back me down

the road when my little legs can’t walk that far. So

cherish every cuddle, remember them all, One day

Mummy, I won’t be this small.

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Kirstenhof I Diep River I Tokai I Simons Town I Noordhoek

ChildrenI gave them life, they gave me one more reason to live

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