Parenting & Family

Trauma can have a significant impact on the brain, resulting in changes in neural pathways, neurotransmitters, and brain structures. Trauma activates the amygdala, which is the fear centre of the brain, leading to a heightened sense of anxiety and fear. It can also lead to changes in the prefrontal cortex, …

Not many of us spend a lot of time thinking about estate planning when we’re young and starting out in life.  It’s a common misperception that having your affairs in order is only necessary for the rich and old.  However, becoming a parent changes us irrevocably in many ways, not …

It would be challenging, if not entirely impossible to find someone that has never played a card-game.  Card playing appears to be one of the oldest and most traditional pastime activities for all ages. They have not only proven to improve motor and cognitive skills in children, but also encourage …

We can make an immense impact on those around us simply by spreading kindness. Random Acts of Kindness Week is observed annually from 14 – 20 February; it’s a celebration of all the ways we can become a positive influence in each other’s lives. As the school year is back …

Getting back into the school routine doesn’t have to be painful.  With some basic planning and organising habits, you can beat the weekday morning blues and get the kids off to school with a smile and a wave.  If you do just one thing this year to make the kid’s …

Does your baby cry for hours at a time every night for what seems like an eternity? Do their tears worsen into a full-fledged meltdown, complete with clenched fists, flailing legs, and an unhappy red face, despite your best efforts to soothe them? Welcome to the (very unpleasant) world of colic! …

It’s back to school for millions of South African learners. But one of the biggest lessons they need to succeed in life – how to be smart with money – is taught at home, and the best time to start teaching kids good money habits is right now. In fact, …

Getting a first smartphone has become the major milestone of modern childhood, and many families are starting off the year with a new connected user in their midst.  Children are getting phones younger than ever, and parents need to be well-prepared.  Much like a teen getting their first car, the …

When you find out you are pregnant it is a time of great joy, however, it can also come with a lot of apprehension and anxiety for new moms. There is a lot to think about, and many things you need to do to prepare for your new baby. You …

Online schools are not all the same.  Just as the quality of teaching and learning varies immensely across traditional schools there are online schools doing a great job, those that are mediocre and some that are failing.  You won’t know that difference though if you’re just scanning websites and social …

Sterilizing baby bottles is an additional step in cleaning that helps with eradicating excess germs that still remains after washing. It is imperative to keep your baby’s bottles clean to keep their still developing immune system working as it should and healthy. It is advised to sterilize baby bottles until …

Planning any trip is not easy, especially if it is an overseas trip. It takes a lot of preparation, time and money, and you can only imagine the added stress when your kids are involved. But fear not, this article will tell you everything you need to know about traveling …

As learners across the country prepare for and write their last Grade assessments of the year, there are a lot of parents who are dealing with children overwhelmed with high levels of anxiety.  Test anxiety is a real thing, and because the traditional South African assessment approach is to have …

Taking pictures of your children can be highly beneficial for all involved. I’d like to discuss why we snap pictures and how doing so briefly might impact not just our own lives but also our kids’ lives. No doubt, it’s crucial to enjoy moments genuinely and not constantly stress about …

Irlen Syndrome is also called Meares-Irlen Syndrome, visual stress, and scotopic sensitivity syndrome and is not an optical issue. Irlen syndrome is a scotopic sensitivity syndrome which affects the brain’s ability to process visual material. The syndrome tends to run in families and is not presently identified by systematised psychological,  …

Bringing new life into the world truly is a miracle. Pregnancy and the months following birth are a special time as you and your newborn grow, learn and develop together. From conception to birth, it can also be a time of uncertainty, as you discover what is going on inside …

A four month sleep regression is very common, but not all babies experience it. You may notice a significant change in your baby’s sleep habits around 3-4 months of age. This is generally after the fourth trimester when your baby has surpassed the newborn phase. Read on to find out …

Cyberbullying is one of the online threats that parents dread the most.  It’s covert and insidious, sometimes tricky to put your finger on, and hard to stop.  It’s also frighteningly common and widespread, affecting children from around 10 to 18 years. Unchecked, cyberbullying can have serious consequences. Apart from the …

Life doesn’t stop just because you have children and summer travel vacations and holiday escapes shouldn’t either! You can still enjoy a robust traveling lifestyle after childbirth – even if it is just a weekender – and no matter how young your family may be, these 10 top childcare essentials …