3 Moana-inspired DIY activities for the holidays

by Tiffany Markman | crafts, DIY Kids, family time, holidays, indoor, recycling crafts, Uncategorized | 0 comments

By Tiffany Markman, on behalf of Sing at my Party, which sends musical theatre singers – dressed as Disney characters, including the gorgeous Moana – to sing at Joburg birthday parties. In our house, we’re ALL about Moana at the moment. If your little one...Read more

Review: The Smurfs Live on Stage, Emperors Palace

by Tiffany Markman | activities, family theatre, family time, holidays, reviews, shows | 0 comments

It’s spring, the Smurfs’ favourite time of year, and 8 members of the tribe are preparing for the annual parade. But Gargamel comes up with a plan to trick Mother Nature into un-spring-ing spring. What will happen? See it with your kids, and find out…

Helping kids cope with traumatic events: Garden Route fires

by Carol Surya | anxiety, behaviour, communication, emotions | 1 comment

The Garden Route fires took everyone by surprise. Children often experience trauma differently, as they are more sensitive and less able to express their feelings and needs.

Review: The Adventures of Mr Toad, National Children’s Theatre

by Tiffany Markman | activities, cars, family theatre, family time, holidays, reviews, safety, shows | 0 comments

Watch as the wealthy Mr Toad becomes obsessed with motor cars and addicted to reckless driving. His friends Rat, Mole and Badger intervene, with unhelpful sabotage by a nasty pack of ill-intentioned weasels – and both chaos and jail time ensue. This is a glorious holiday musical for the kids.

Understanding your child’s behaviour & responding positively

by Carol Surya | behaviour, bullying, communication, emotions, parenting | 1 comment

When kids can’t find positive, useful ways to have their needs met or feelings expressed, they’ll inevitably turn to more unhealthy ways.

Theatre review: Hairspray (Redhill High School)

by Tiffany Markman | culture, family theatre, family time, human rights, reviews, shows | 1 comment

This isn’t your below-average high school musical. Actually, this isn’t even your average musical. Redhill High School’s Hairspray is something else.

5 simple & powerful relaxation techniques

by Helen Hansen | emotions | 0 comments

Have you ever noticed that when you are calm and at ease you achieve more in your day even though it sometimes feels like you are taking longer at individual tasks.

10 tips to help you cope with tantrums & door slamming

by Keshnie Kitti Mathi | rules | 0 comments

Are you struggling with tantrums, sudden bursts of anger and slamming doors? Did your once sweet angel suddenly become a little gremlin who screams and cries for the smallest thing? Are you worried because you are not that great with discipline?

Kids and strangers: 6 skills that will empower your children.

by Mia Von Scha | emotions | 3 comments

It is probably the worst fear of any parent – that their child might be kidnapped or molested. It’s the stuff of our nightmares and the kind of movies you can never watch again once you’ve had your own kids

Lighting up the dark for your kids

by Mia Von Scha | emotions | 0 comments

Almost all children become afraid of the dark at some point – usually around the age of 2-6 years old. At that time their imaginations are running wild and they also become more aware of the greater world and the dangers that lurk within it

9 tips for playing with your kids

by Carol Surya | being present, play | 0 comments

Playing with your kids must be fun for you too. They know exactly when you’re enjoying yourself or not. It doesn’t have to be a board game – find things that you both enjoy – throwing balls, a “tea-party” or a hide-and-seek adventure in your backyard, walking around the neighbourhood…

Theatre review: Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical

by Tiffany Markman | bullying, family theatre, holidays, prejudice, reviews, shows | 0 comments

Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical is currently showing at the National Children’s Theatre. Based on actress Julianne Moore’s New York Times best-selling book, it’s a fun, funny and fast-moving show – with a valuable lesson about self-esteem and self-image.

12 tips for positive parenting

by Carol Surya | being present, play | 0 comments

Is positive parenting simply about being ‘positive’ towards our kids? Is it about talking positively instead of negatively, or disciplining without loosing your cool? Actually positive parenting is being seen as an entire way of being that values growth, well-being, relationships and happiness, above all else.