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NEWSLETTER
- JAN / FEB 2007
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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
CONTENTS
Ed's Note
Because I said so… your monthly column from the editor
Featured Article 1: Starting School, by Sally Hetherington
Featured Article 2: Overcoming First Day Fears, from www.direct.gov.uk
Quick Coffee Break: A Toddler's Rules
MTW Recommends: Kindersafe Wristbands
Giveaway! See what's on offer this month
Noticeboard: Your space
In Closing...
Ed's Note
Hope you all had a wonderful festive season and had a bit of a break! I am writing this from Langebaan at the moment - trying to have a holiday. I use the term 'holiday' loosely, as with a very busy three year old and a cranky baby, well being in Langebaan is just a change of venue, life goes on! But the plus is that hubby is on leave so at least we all get to spend time together as a family! You will notice that I have combined Jan's and Feb's edition - just to give me a bit of breathing space too as this edition is going out quite late! I have also done something I have never done before - repeated an article - *gasp* - but I have good reason! I am reprising the starting school article because a) it is topical at this time of year, b) I have 250 plus new subscribers since it was first published in Jan last year, and c) I am too jolly tired to write a new one!!! So bear with me - if you don't like it, send me a new one and I will put it up!! :-) But don't worry for those of you who HAVE read it, there is a new one to help you prepare your child for the first day - what to expect and how to overcome anxiety. And don't forget about my MTW Webcards available on my site - if you have a product to sell and don't want a full website, this is perfect for you - OR if you want a page to show off your little ones, this will work for you too! Drop me a mail if you want more info - sally@mumstheword.co.za.
Going on holiday with the kids. I remember writing about this last year when I was in Langebaan. And I quote: "Holidaying with the kids. Now there is an oxymoron if I ever heard one. (For those of you have forgotten your high school English, an Oxymoron is defined as “ A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist ”[dictionary.com]). It's like putting the word “diet” in front of “chocolate”. Kids and “holiday” just don't go together. Don't get me wrong – I love going away and spending time with the family at a new location, but holiday it is not. It's not like I leave “mom / chef / nurse / cleaner / bottle washer” at home and go on holiday to be a sun goddess, oh no. I still carry on doing pretty much most of what I do at home, I just do it somewhere else. It is great having hubby around to lighten the load a bit, but that mother bit just never goes away entirely!"
A year down the line and what has changed? Well now I have a baby thrown into the mix. I remember complaining last year about all the stuff that needed to come with on holiday and that by the time you had finished packing the car and trailer you needed a holiday from the holiday! But I didn't realise how easy I had it then - just a couple of toys for Megan, some nappies, clothes and a campcot. Everything else we could buy in Langebaan. But now... don't get me started. Nappies, wipes, fragranced nuclear disposable baggies for teething poos, campcot, mattress, sleeping bag, formula, bottles, bottle brush, microwave steriliser, dummies, bathchair, babywash, hooded towels, face-clothes, a million changes of clothes to cover all manner of messes, two million bibs, Purity by the truckload, pram, carchair, enough rattles and toys to open a small shop, toddler's duvet, pillow, Mr Puppy, Rattle and Sundy (the three things she won't sleep without), and the travelling pharmacy: Empaped suppositories, Voltarin suppositories, Ponstel suppositories, Stopayne, Panado Infant Drops, Vidol teething powder, Panado Syrup, Buscopan, Cough medicine, antihistamine, etc. etc. etc. - call me paranoid, but you never know what's going to hit when. And I have learnt from experience... once we came to Langebaan for a weekend when Megan was about 15 months. Of course we hadn't toddler-proofed Langebaan yet and there was no lockable medicine cabinet, and she somehow managed to stretch high enough to reach up on the bathroom counter and take down the bottle of Panado Syrup... and opened it... and poured it all over the carpet... in my mom's room (my parents own the house, not us!). Yes, it could have been worse - i.e. ingested, but what happened consequently is a typical tale of Murphy's Law. Megan, who had been quite healthy for weeks, chose THAT NIGHT to have a FOURTY DEGREE FEVER! And the Panado Syrup? All over the carpet. Now you must remember this happened in Langebaan where there are no 24 hour pharmacies or close friends to fall back on! It was the one and only time I allowed Megan to drink directly from the Panado bottle, trying to get in every last drop of residue.
So now you know. I do take everything AND the kitchen sink when I travel with the kids. So you can imagine how long it took us to pack. Before Megan was born, before we even had dogs, we used to travel to Langebaan in my husband's teeny weeny Opal Corsa. Bags in the boot, no problem. Then we bought a "family car". For our two dogs (and no, they are not rotties, think "vienna sausage" - although they like to think they are rotties). So luggage on the backseat, dogs in the "dogbox". Then Megan came along, no space for all the baby paraphernalia that travels with her, so we bought a trailer. Dogs still in the back, Megan in the carchair, luggage now in the trailer. Off we go. Now we have Caty. What a big squeeze. Twice the amount of stuff to take with, plus two very unimpressed canines (after all they were the babies of the house, now things like the frequency and texture of baby poo is higher on the list of things to pay attention to). We really struggled to pack the car and ended up having to leave behind daily essentials like the bouncy chair, the high chair, the bumbo chair (perfect to leave in the bathroom for when I need to use the facilities!), the playgym, the PVR decoder, the case of wine, the kids... haha. Next time, if I should be so lucky... started working on hubby already for an overseas holiday next year for JUST US (i.e. kids to Granny), but was told it's a trip, or a new kitchen... (something I have wanted since we bought our house nearly six years ago)... oh well, France will always be there another time... move over James Tanner, I'm armed and dangerous, even if it is only with a spatula covered in baby drool having been sucked on... wait, on second thoughts, James Tanner in MY kitchen?? Dream on Mommy... Dream on.
For those of you who DON'T watch BBC food and DON'T know who James Tanner is... think a young Brad Pitt crossed with Jamie Oliver...
Featured Article 1: Starting School
By Sally Hetherington, Editor of Mum's the Word
Starting play or preschool is probably one of the biggest milestones your child (and you!) will take – an emotional time for mom and dad, and a big change for your little one. It is after all their first step into the big wide world - and independence! Naturally as a parent you may be anxious about choosing the right school for your child, and it is also your duty to prepare your child for what is coming, and get them excited rather than apprehensive about Mom leaving them behind…
Choosing a Pre-School
Most preschools often mornings only, with only some offering aftercare, and children attend anything from once a week to five days a week. You will need to decide on a preschool suiting your time-table as well as choosing a routine that will fit your child. Many parents opt to start their children off in smaller steps, maybe one or two days a week, building this up to four or even five. You will need to check with your school if it is an option to increase attendance days, as many schools are booked in advance. It is best to do your homework early on (preferably early the year before they start), and ask questions about the school, activities, safety, and of course cost. It is also a good idea to pop in unannounced with your child, to see how the teachers relate to the children, if the children seem content, whether activities look age appropriate and the general appearance of the school. Don't be shy to ask for references. Speak to other parents who have children at the school. And most importantly, go with your instincts. If something just doesn't feel right, keep looking. After all, you know your child best.
Helping your child to cope
Starting school is a huge leap for children – exciting for most but scary for some. Here are some ideas to help your child prepare for their first day:
- Spend time talking before they start about what to expect. Tell them all the exciting things they are going to be doing, introduce them beforehand to their teacher, and tell them what their routine will be like. If possible visit the school and show them where to find everything. Small children thrive on predictability – if they know what's coming they will settle in easier.
- Don't brush off your child's feelings of concern. Explain that it is normal to be a little scared, but that they will soon make lots of friends. Make sure that they understand that you will not be with them at school, but stress that you will be there to fetch them after naptime / lunchtime / story-time or whatever the routine. Tell them also that if they are sick at school the teacher will phone you to come and fetch them. Answer any questions honestly but with reassurance.
- Help your child to be involved in their morning routine by allowing them to choose their outfit (limit to two choices to speed things up!), let them help make breakfast and choose what they would like for lunch (remember chips and sweets aren't food!).
- For very anxious children consider packing a keepsake from home in their bags, such as a favourite teddy or a small token from Mom.
- When they have started school, arrange for play dates with fellow classmates. Once your child has made friends getting them home will be the problem, not going to school!
- Listen to your child. Talk about the day, what they have experienced and how they are feeling. Act on feelings of concern and trust your instincts. If your child has seemed happy at school and suddenly finds every reason in the book not to go, dig deeper to try and find out what the problem is.
If your child refuses for you to leave, ask the teacher for assistance and find an activity that you know your child enjoys. The teacher would have seen it all before and might be able to offer assistance. You can always phone later to make sure your child is okay. Remember that starting school is a huge transition, and some children might have trouble sleeping or get hysterical on the way or even lash out – this is normal as they take time to adjust. Acknowledge their feelings and constantly reassure them, and before you know it you will wonder where the time went as you prepare them for their first day of highschool!
Featured Article 2: Overcoming First Day Fears
From www.direct.gov.uk
Your child's first day at primary school, nursery or playgroup is a big step. However, there are plenty of practical things that you can do to prepare them, such as talking to your child about school and helping to develop their practical skills.
Talking to your child
Your child may be anxious about what to expect on the first day at school.
If so, one way of helping them is to talk through their fears:
· explain where they'll be going, what they'll be doing, and for how long
· answer questions, and iron out any fears by asking what they think the school might be like
· emphasise the things they may enjoy doing
Don't dismiss your child's fears – things that seem obvious or silly to an adult can seem like terrible obstacles to a five year old.
Building on practical skills
If children have a good idea of what school is going to be like and have already experienced learning activities at home and in other settings, they're less likely to find the experience stressful.
Games, role-plays and reading at home can help your child get into the right frame of mind and boost their confidence.
Activities for your child could include:
· playing games that involve taking turns or speaking in front of a group
· playing with children of a similar age to develop social skills
· reading books about starting school
· using your child's favourite toys to role-play going to school
· painting and drawing, which involve sitting down for short periods of time
In the weeks before school starts
In the run-up to the first day of term you could:
· involve your child in choosing things they need for school such as school bags or uniforms
· visit the school with your child so they become familiar with the building and the local area
· some schools have arrangements to support your child's transition into school which you may want to enquire about
· establish a routine and discuss what might be happening at school at different times of the day
For more articles on a range of topics see www.direct.gov.uk
Quick Coffee Break: A Toddler's Rules
- If it is on, I must turn it off.
- If it is off, I must turn it on.
- If it is folded, I must unfold it.
- If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled. If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.
- If it is high, it must be reached.
- If it is shelved, it must be unshelved.
- If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed.
- If it has leaves, they must be picked.
- If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
- If it is not trash, it must be thrown away. If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor.
- If it is closed, it must be opened. If it does not open, it must be screamed at. If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
- If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, or table.
- If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied. If it is empty, it will be more interesting full. If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon.
- If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest. It must be pushed by me instead.
- If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
- If Mommy's (or daddy's) hands are full, I must be carried.
- If Mommy (or daddy) is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
- If it is paper, it must be torn.
- If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
- If the volume is low, it must go high. If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor. If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon.
- If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth. If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force.
- If it is a phone, I must talk to it.
- If it is a bug, it must be swallowed. If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor. If it is not food, it must be tasted. If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
- If it is a car seat, it must be protested against w ith arched back.
- If it is Mommy, it must be hugged. I am toddler!
For more quick funnies, prose and pictures, see the Coffee Break on www.mumstheword.co.za - and keep them coming to sally@mumstheword.co.za!
MTW Recommends: Kindersafe Wristbands
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Wristbands that speak for your children when they can't... reuniting children in the quickest time possible. It must be every parent's worst nightmare to lose sight of their children in a busy shopping mall or on the beach - how could someone help to reunite you with your child? And how many children can recite their parents' cell numbers? I know of a lot of mums who instead write their cell numbers on their children's arms when they all go out together, but I have tried this and found that half of it washed off the first time my daughter washed her hands after going to the toilet - and I am not keen on using something so permanent that it does not wash off at all - not ideal for a sensitive skin. Kindersafe solves all these problems |
WINWINWIN! This Month's Giveaway!
Kindersafe Hampers
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Wristbands that speak for your children when they can't... reuniting children in the quickest time possible. It must be every parent's worst nightmare to lose sight of their children in a busy shopping mall or on the beach - how could someone help to reunite you with your child? And how many children can recite their parents' cell numbers? I know of a lot of mums who instead write their cell numbers on their children's arms when they all go out together, but I have tried this and found that half of it washed off the first time my daughter washed her hands after going to the toilet - and I am not keen on using something so permanent that it does not wash off at all - not ideal for a sensitive skin. Kindersafe solves all these problems with their range of wristbands and safety tags. Simply write your details on the inside of the reusable wristband or disposable tag so that anybody who finds your child can phone you and reunite you with your child immediately - simple and highly effective. For more info contact Sandra Wiese at kindersafe@hotmail.com or phone 0832359210. Kindersafe is giving away five hampers consisting of 2 reusable wristband, 1 tag and 1 pack of five single use wristbands. To enter send an email with "Kindersafe" in the subject line to sally@mumstheword.co.za before 28 February 2007. |
Noticeboard: This is your space! Submit your comments, ideas or suggestions on anything you have seen or want to see in Mum's the Word. This is also a space to advertise child related products or services, be they your own or something interesting that you have seen or heard about. Email me your contributions and if I deem them suitable I will happily put them up!
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Winners! Congratulations to the following who won in our bumper holiday edition: Afrikaans CDs - Erna Nel and Tatiana Millard; Aquarium Vouchers - Jemima Madsen and Di Ritchie; Baby Boutique Voucher - Angie Ginsberg; Baby Toy - Amanda McIlwraith; Kevin Bender Photoshoot - Debi Christie; Kidz Only Bath Hamper - Heidi Hudson-Bennett; Moya Pregnancy Massage - Philippa Sales; Heidi Hutton / Natural Expressions Photoshoot - Natasha Perreira; Lindsay Lottering / Photo's by Lindsey Photoshoot - Amanda Ritchie; Puntino Hamper - Syda Greyling; Sports Science Institute Voucher - Mariam Isaacs; and finally the Toddler Toy went to Natasha Brand. Congratulations to all of you - your prizes are on the way! For more information on the prize sponsors, see the Giveaways page of www.mumstheword.co.za. |
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Birth Options ! Post comments or questions on the message board at www.mumstheword.co.za - whatever grabs you! Your comments on MTW would also be hugely appreciated! |
In Closing…
It is just before 7 on a Thursday morning - supposed to be on holiday but been up since 5:45! Guess Caty didn't get the "holidays are for sleeping in" memo. Have her sitting in the pram here next to me chilling (for a change!!) while hubby and Megan are still asleep. But I love Caty at this age and she will be Megan's age (and sleeping through let's hope!) in the blink of an eye, and next time we are in Langebaan (Easter probably) she will be on the fast track to crawling, which will be a whole new ballgame - no more leaving our hot coffee on the lounge table! We have become somewhat complaisant with Megan because she is at an age when she understands what is off bounds and what is dangerous, so we are going to have to start the babyproofing all over again (but don't worry, we are still careful with medicines and really dangerous things!)! Any tips to include on my website would be great! And as it's the start of the brand new year, I would love any feedback on what you would like to see in MTW this year! Otherwise have a fantastic 2007!
Until next time…
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