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• Mother’s Day events & parenting workshops
• Where to go on the Freedom Day long weekend
• Valentines Day Events
• Fear factor and fantasy parties plus Halloween events
• Swimming lessons & Heritage weekend events
• Spring fun coming up
• Madiba, you’ve done us proud.
• Preparing for exams, a letter to students
• ‘Go natural’ and make your own cleaning products
• Mid-term break with a difference
• Trick or Treat 101
• Escaping Halloween
• Double Trouble
• Spring thoughts…
• What makes a good friend?
• Roast butternut salad recipe
• Discovering Soweto
• Employing an au pair, the pros and cons
• Our African journey during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
• What an awesome weekend!
• The gift that keeps on giving
• My mom: a 9 yr old pays tribute
• My failure as a son
• Don’t let holidays hinder your child’s learning
• When the ex husband skypes the kids, a single mom dilemma
• Its the Pitts.
• My Family Christmas
• Presents and a 2 year old
• Making Xmas crafts with kids
• Halloween at the Zoo
• Left is right too…!
• Sharing and caring
• Chrissiesmeer, a weekend away
• Taking the littlest Haggard for his shots
• A single mom, two kids and a guy
• Halloween, past and present
• Halloween treats
• Two moms in a car park have a crazy idea
• Preparing for exams
• How much freedom should we give our kids?
• Over the mountains and far away
• Tips for taking good photos
• Buying birthday presents
• Spring is here – let’s get planting
• Wet Nose
• My son’s dream guest
• Over the ocean
• What’s it like living in Joburg with young kids?
• Green Parenting
• Easy Answers to Awkward Questions : New Parenting Book
• You cannot call on the Incredible Hunk
• HIV / AIDS – Questions about testing workers
• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Glass
• Juggling two homes
• Reading Difficulties – how can you help?
• School Holidays
• Organising a birthday party
• Playful parenting is a way to enter a child’s world.
• Karate birthday party – Martial arts party ideas for kids
• Why can’t my kids fall asleep at night?
• The HELP AT HOME Mental Stimulation Course for Nannies
• Please let us be vigilant, and let us keep our children safe
• My daughter was almost stolen
• A cooking morning for my kids
• NEW COMPETITION LISTING & EVENTS
• MOTHER’S DAY AND MORE
• VANISHING INSECTS SERIES
• EASTER HOLIDAY EVENTS
• VICKY FRIEDMAN TIES THE KNOT!
• ABOVE AVERAGE HOME SCHOOLING CENTRE
• COLOURFUL FAMILY FUN AT MONTECASINO THIS EASTER
• THE SECRET GARDEN
• SINBAD’S STUNT SHOW SETS COURSE FOR GOLD REEF CITY THEME PARK
• DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD
• MARCH 09
• EXCLUSIVE BOOKS
• MOVIE SCREENING OF “FOOD MATTERS”
• HOLIDAY SUGGESTIONS
• JOZIKIDS Walks and Events
• JANUARY 09
• MELVILLE KOPPIES COMMITTEE WARNING
• DEC HOLIDAYS & XMAS
• NOV/ DEC EVENTS
• EVENTS & CAR JOURNEY
• NEW OCT LISTINGS & EVENTS (2)
• OCT /NOV EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
• NEW OCT LISTINGS & EVENTS
• OCT/NOV EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
• WHOLESOME FOOD AND HOMEMADE CRAFTS GALORE THIS SUMMER
• JOZIKIDS HOLIDAY CAMPS & EXTRA LESSONS
• AUG EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• JOZIKIDS JULY-AUG EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
• JOZIKIDS HOLIDAYS PRIVATE & PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• JOZIKIDS WINTER HOLIDAYS(3)
• JOZIKIDS JUNE EVENTS
• JOZIKIDS HELP XENOPHOBIA VICTIMS
• JOZIKIDS WINTER HOLIDAYS(1)
• BEAUTIFUL CREATURES CONCERT BY TOPTOTS
• CREATIVE CRAFT EXPO 2008 4-6July 2008

If you haven’t discovered it yet, Jozikids.co.za is the most up to date and detailed resource for parents in the Gauteng region to find what you need including events, activities, venues, parties and lessons. You’ll also find us on your cell phone.

MOTHER’S DAY OUTINGS

Lipizzaner Stallion Centre, Kyalami, May 12-13. The white stallions will be dancing to the fantastic music from Mama Mia

Madd Hatters Tea Garden, Doornranjie, Hennopsriver May 13, 10am-5pm. Come and join us for a mothers day lunch..(with a gift for mom) Lasagna,salad,rolls, with mad hatter platter and drinks! The ladies can relax while the boys play paintball @ Bush Paintball. And the kids can play on the jungle gym and feed the animals.

Princess Alice Adoption Home, Westcliff, May 12, 10 am-4pm, R125 pp. Treat your mother, aunt, sister and yourself to pampering in our Pamper Parlour. Packages include mini manicure, arm/shoulder massage and head/shoulder massage. Refreshments will be available in the tea garden for you to enjoy while listening to light musical entertainment.

WS Botanical Garden, Roodepoort, May 13 from 1pm. This is a concert that celebrates all mothers—the most important people in everyone’s life. Please arrive early and bring along your picnic baskets, blankets or chairs. The City Swing Fever Big Band will be performing.

SHOW FOR HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS

Waiting for GODOT at the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, Sandton, May 6th, 9th and 14th
Producer Daphne Kuhn has invited Crawford College Sandton to perform their recent production of WAITING FOR GODOT – and to present it for high schools.

PARENTING HELP

Discipline & Self Esteem, Parenting Magazine Irene Dairy Farm, May 12, 8.30am-1pm, R200 pp. Parenting Magazines presents, Dereck Jackson in Irene Farm Pretoria, where he will be speaking on Discipline and Self Esteem. Enjoy A relaxing morning in great surroundings, a 10 minute pampering session, awesome prizes up for grabs as well as a fantastic goodie bag.

Ladies Image & Deportment wkshp, La Femme, Kyalami, May 12., 9am-4pm. R750 pp. Basics: sitting, standing, walking up/down stairs, posture. Maintaining your body: Body shape and understanding your body weight. Skin care and makeup. Cupboard planning: Fashion styles to suit you, Body proportions & dressing accordingly, Colour wear, power dressing. Body Language, Voice control,  presentations, interviews, Social Skills – Etiquette

Free Day for Senior Citizens at Pretoria Zoo, Tues, May 8. The Zoo will be hosting senior citizens older than 60 years and offering them free entry to the Zoo, the Aquarium and the Reptile Park. The day’s activities begin with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits at the Zoo’s Flamingo Restaurant (first-come-first-served) where after a programme of events will be presented. A special meal will also be prepared by our Restaurant for the day

If you haven’t discovered it yet, Jozikids.co.za is the most up to date and detailed resource for parents in the Gauteng region to find what you need including events, activities, venues, parties and lessons. You’ll also find us on your cell phone.

ANIMALS

Birthday Celebration at Montecasino Bird Garden – Apr 27 8.30-4pm
The Montecasino Bird Gardens, is celebrating its 11th Birthday. Children can enjoy the “Flight of Fantasy” bird show while enjoying sweets, treats, and birthday cake. JT the Jelly Tots man and the Oros Man will make a special appearance, while Tango the Toucan, the Bird Gardens mascot, will also be there to meet and have his picture taken with his friends. Have your face painted, watch the funny stilt walker with his marionette, or try and decipher the mime artist’s secret messages, Apr 27

Johannesburg Zoo Saxonwold, Apr 27-May 1.

National Zoological Gardens (Pretoria Zoo) Pretoria, Apr 27-May 1.

RESTAURANTS WITH PLAY AREAS

All the following restaurants have play areas for kids and are open from throughout the Freedom Day weekend through until May 1.

The Silver Birch Randpark Ridge
Situated at Lifestyle Garden Centre opposite the playground so your kids can play while you have a  light meal.

Doppio Zero Restaurant, Cnr Bellair and Malibongwe Drives Northriding
Has a supervised play area kids can use in the shopping centre while their parents enjoy their meal. They’re offering free kids pizzas when the parents buy a meal on  Friday evenings.

Cornish Kettle Teagarden, Irene
The Cornish Kettle is a tea garden, restaurant and kiddies birthday party venue offering secure outdoors playground and a large duck pond. Services include themed party packs, kiddies meals menu and duck feeding. Variety of popular themes available. Fully catered adult meals, snacks and drinks

Villa San Giovanni Pretoria,
Join as at our family friendly restaurant to enjoy delicious traditional Italian food. Kids are also welcome in our special dedicated play area with jungle gyms, traffic area, swings etc.

MARTIAL ARTS CAMP

Alchemy Training Camp – Apr 27-30 in Rustenburg.
3 days & nights of martial arts training covering self defense, syllabus work and weapons training. All training, meals accommodation and adventure activities included as well as a game drive. Educational and fun, Under 13 and under 18yr olds

PARENTING HELP

Parenting Workshops, Bright Start Early Intervention Centre, Saxonwold coming up in May  and June. R300 per couple or R150 and most workshops covered by medical aid. They have:
Dunstan Baby Language, workshops: Learn to meet your baby’s needs quickly and efficiently by recognising the early sound patterns babies use to communicate.
Child birth education workshops

If you haven’t discovered it yet, www.Jozikids.co.za is the most up to date and detailed resource for parents in the Gauteng region to find what you need including events, activities, venues, parties and lessons. You’ll also find us on your cell phone.

VALENTINES DAY

Next week is Valentine’s Day- since Jozikids is also about helping  parents to find that space for ourselves that allows us to go back our families energized to continue to tackle the biggest challenge we’ll ever face, parenting our gorgeous kiddeos. Here are some ideas:

Glass Kitchen Couples cooking session called Aphrodite’s Table, Krugersdorp, Feb 14- Looking for a unique idea for Valentines day? 2 hour couples cooking lesson and then dine in our restaurant. Two menus to choose from

Ludwig’s Farm Run of the Roses & Valentine’s Treat, Pta North, Feb 11,12,14 Participate in an 8km and 3km petal power “Eco Run” between the rose fields. This is an exclusive charity run in aid of Susan Strijdomhuis.

Tres Jolie Valentine Dinner, Ruimsig, Feb 14 Choose from a 3 course meal & gift for the Lady or Picnic Basket for 2 including set up in the garde

FOR KIDS TOO:
Lipizzaner Special Evening Performance, Kyalami, Feb 14
Valentine Fun at Yeesh! in Woodmead and Bryanston Feb 11-12, 13-18, Children can paint ceramic hearts, ice heart shaped biscuits, eat heart lollies and heart cup cakes or buy some cute hearts – all in the fun Valentine decor at Yeesh
Mungolistix Valentine Dinner, Centurion, Feb 14 Enjoy a romantic dinner, while we look after the kids

ACTION

Cycle Challenge Stonehaven on Vaal, Vanderbijl Park, Feb 19

Stonehaven on Vaal is proud to be involved in Cycling Events in the Vaal Triangle, motivating the Vaal to keep fit and enjoy life at its most – even if just as a starting point. Bring your family and friends to join in the fun and keep fit, or they can indulge in a warm cup of coffee and slice of cake at the restaurant while waiting. Choose between 80km, 40km or 10km

PARENTING

Living Legends & Stork Talk, PsychMatters, Bedfordview, Feb 15, 18 Explore your beliefs and values about sex. This workshophelps handle challenging topics (miscarriage, abortion, types of relationships e.g. homosexuality, sexuality STI’S/HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, circumcision, dirty talk): You will learn: Naming of the body parts, how to explain erection, menstruation, pregnancy, birth, sex, how to handle sexual curiosity, sexual play and self-stimulation, how to prepare your pre-teens for puberty

WALKS / TALKS

Bat Walk Kloofendal Reserve,West Rand, Feb 18.

Birding with Geoff Lockwood, Kloofendal, Feb 18.

Bush Food & Drink Experience, Kloofendal Reserve, Feb 19

If you haven’t discovered it yet, Jozikids.co.za is the most up to date and detailed resource for parents in the Gauteng region to find what you need including events, activities, venues, parties and lessons. You’ll also find us on your cell phone.

PARTY IDEAS

Party ideas for this week, in line with our Halloween theme we want to tell you about some Fear Factor and Fantasy parties

Fear Factor Parties

are not for the faint hearted. Quite a few party planners do them. We found one called Firefly Kidz Crew
that will come to your venue anywhere in Gauteng. Some of the challenges your child will face are:
-digging eyeballs out of a bowl of slime,
-taking marbles out of an ice bath with your toes
and using their mouth to transfer dirt worms from a dirty to a clean place.

Fantasy Parties

Goblins Cove Fantasy Restaurant in Hekpoort on the West Rand is filled with goblin statues, situated in a forest with birds and  a big playground. They organize fairy and goblin theme parties for younger kids and teenage children can spend the night in a 1929 Goblin’s express train coach.

HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Love it or hate it,  Halloween is here to stay. Schools, neighbourhoods and kiddie venues organise dress up competitions, trick n treating or craft activities. So, what do we have to tell you about.

Johannesburg
On Sunday Serendipity in Rosebank will be handing out prizes for the best dressed boy, girl, mum and dad.  There’ll be  a magic show, balloon modeling and trick or treating.  That’s Sunday from  8.30-11.30am or 11.30am-3pm, R70 per person, booking is essential

Then on Monday  October 31st Brightwater Commons will be hosting a Halloween party from 4-9pm.  There’ll also be jumping castles, water balls, bungee trampolines, a magic show and more

East Rand
They start celebrating a bit earlier, on Friday October 28th, Tissenati Animal Farm in  Benoni is  also offering prizes for the best dressed. They want your pumpkin art for pumpkin prizes, will play games and have a bonfire.   From 6pm to late, R10 each, Trick or Treat walk leaves at 7pm,  booking essential

Pretoria
Boo @ the Zoo Halloween weekend, Oct 29-30. From 8.30am-5.30pm. You’ll find a ghost house, ghoulish story-telling, a pumpkin decorating contest and a host of other family activities. Come dressed to win the best dressed prize!

Its summer – those wonderful swimming pools are beckoning your kids to splash around.   If they can’t swim, now’s the time to start finding a place where they can learn.

SWIMMING LESSONS AT PUBLIC POOLS

We spent last week finding out which public pools offer free swimming lessons via the government sponsored Learn-to-Swim program and which ones have private teachers who use their pools.

Unfortunately we discovered East Rand public pools still have no phone lines. So we apologise on their behalf and welcome feedback from you about these facilities.

SWIMMING LESSONS AT PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The  private schools listed  teach babies, toddlers and all ages. Several of these schools have heated indoor pools which teach swimming throughout the year.

NEXT WEEK FOR HERITAGE WEEKEND

On Saturday at Lory Park Zoo in President Park in joburg. They’re doing something about an endangered bird called the GroundHornbill and then at 11am, the owl enclosure will be  opened for children to  feed the owls and learn about their habitat.

National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria has a  weekend program which includes includes storytelling sessions, face painters, jugglers and balloon sculptors while conservationists will demonstrate Komodo Dragon enrichment exercises, horse cart rides, Cape Fur Seal educational demos and more.

Then there are a few shows that might interest you.
The internationally renowned, grammy award winning, Soweto Gospel Choir will be performing with the magnificent South African Lipizzaner’ stallions- in celebration of the 63 years since the Lipizzaners landed on African shores.  That’s at 7pm on Saturday

Also on heritage weekend  the Barnyard theatre in Cresta has a performance of the classic fairytale, The Three Little Pigs a funky version for the whole family with a wolf called Biker Betty.

And finally there’s a wonderful place in Florida Park where your kids can ride on a Miniature Steam Train Its run by a group of volunteers called the Rand Society of Model Engineers. They are hosting a gathering to display and run model Locomotives for all to come and see and enjoy from Sept 23-25.

That’s it from me for today.

Have a memorable heritage weekend with your family.

Remember you can find more ideas of what to do with your family in the Gauteng region on www.Jozikids.co.za on your computer or your cell phone.

Spring is definitely in the air and a great time to get out with your kids.   We have a couple of outdoor family events you may want to take your kids to next weekend.

Spring Festival with Coaching Concepts, Florida park, Sept 3 , from 9-11am for 3-13yrs, free activity. A morning of fun and games for the kids at the Florida Albion Football club to celebrate the beginning of Spring. All kids must wear a football shirt (if they have one)

Body Mind Soul - Holistic Fayre, Benoni, 10am-3pm, R10pp, kids under 10yrs free.  Sept 3,4. A day of holistic fun and entertainment for people interested in Complementary Health, Alternative Healing, Holistic Lifestyle and Physical Wellbeing. Various free talks and demonstrations lined up on the day, including a Live Crossing-Over Session.

5th Birthday Party Rocky Ridge Estate, Kameeldrift, Sept 4, 10am-4pm, R10 pp or free for all Facebook friends. You and your kids are hereby invited to join us for our BIG 5th birthday party! Bring all your own eats & treats, camp chairs and come and enjoy our special day with us. Children will be allowed to play in our famous Fantasy Mini-Town, play parks and join in all the other activities organised for this special day! We promise there will be lots & lots of FUN-activities for the kiddies!

Spring Rose Care & Finger Pruning Demo, Ludwigs Rose Farm, Pretoria North, Sept 3, & 11 from 10am. You’ll find something for the whole family; fresh flowers, scrumptious breakfasts, premium coffee and cappuccinos, and for the kids, a huge playground and our Fairy Tale Garden. Don’t miss out on a fun-filled educational morning,

Then we have some fun stuff for moms both expectant and new.

Baby Boot Camp Stroller-based Fitness Classes for moms and expectant moms. Classes on offer in Fourways, Sandton, Kyalami plus a free water bottle at your first class. Prices range from R90 for a single class to R600.

LENGTH: 55 minutes
What you need: Water bottle, mat or towel
What your child needs: Stroller, snacks, toys, sun block, diapers, hat, blanket

Memory Moulds Belly casting kits for expectant mums to create lasting memories of your pregnancy. Kits cost R399 – store in Bryanston – next day delivery = R100

So all those new and expectant moms, happy running with strollers and belly casting.

by Robyn Hobson, who works in digital, dreams of acting, makes incredible lame jokes & 1st impressions. Scared of spiders! Loves Kings of Leon, Tanzanite, Cricket & French Bulldogs . Find her on twitter or visit her website

I won’t sit here and attempt to write about your virtues. I wouldn’t wish that task on anyone. Because even the most skilled writer is going to struggle. The words don’t seem to do you justice really.

I was too young. I didn’t understand the enormity of what we were going through back then. I remember people being scared. And confused.

I remember this man.

You, this ray of hope.

You were going to lead us down this road. And we were going to follow you.

Like the smell of SPF20, Timothy Traddle and Mnet Open Time. You really were a part of me growing up. You’re tightly woven into the heartbeat of my South Africa. It wouldn’t make sense without you. I mean, the soccer World Cup only felt real once you showed up.

You know… there’s not a heart in this country that you haven’t touched.

I like knowing you’re around.

Like a grandfather, sitting on the stoep. Keeping an eye on all us unruly, neighbourhood kids. Smiling when we get on. Worrying when we fall and scrape our hands and quietly scolding us when we trip each other up.

I know you won’t see this. And I know it doesn’t really matter what some 23 year old girl in Cape Town thinks. I know you don’t need my approval. You don’t need me to say well done. You’ve done us proud. You deserve a break and you’ve done all that we asked and more.

It’s just that I sat in my car yesterday and heard you’re in hospital. I know it’s just routine tests. But my heart dropped. I told my friend that I’d cry buckets if something happened. She said she would as well. We’re softies this way.

Although when it comes to you. I think everyone’s just a giant marshmallow inside.

And maybe this post is a bit silly. But I realised that I had to ask.

I have one more favour Madiba.

Yes. It’s a selfish one.

But I want my grand-kids to see you. I don’t want to have to try and explain all that you are and all that you mean to us, out of the pages of some history book.

I’d actually just like it, if you could live forever.

Robs

by  Michael Marinus, an early thirties  dad of Megan(3) and James(1) who also works as a Chiropractor in Joburg You’ll find him on twitter @mikemarinus or visit his blog

Dear Student.

When I think of all the exams I wrote whilst at school and during my university days, one recurring theme comes to mind. FEAR. It was my worst enemy during these stressful times and it is only recently that I came across some information about this ‘fear’ state of mind that I wish I had understood when I was in your position.

We all go through a certain amount of healthy anxiety when faced with an examination situation but it is how we deal with this emotion that ultimately decides the outcome. If we let it get the better of us, our chances of performing at our best become impossible. Fear is a state in which the brain changes gears and looks for excuses rather than opportunities. Let me explain.

When you are confronted with stressful situations and you allow yourself to be sucked down by negative emotions to the point of fear, a part of your nervous system activates something called the fight or flight response within you. This is your body’s way of dealing with fear and leaves you in a state where you are constantly agitated, the blood is flowing to the wrong bits of you and you cannot think clearly. This dulls the part of your brain that needs to be sharp when studying and makes it almost impossible to retain information in a way that it can be easily accessed during the actual exam.

Now, how do we make sure that we don’t end up in this position? Fear’s greatest enemies are preparation and confidence. The more you prepare, the more confident you will become in your ability, its that simple. For those of you who tend to worry and put off studying, make sure that a big part of your preparation is learning to calm yourself before trying to study. Half an hour spent putting yourself in the right mindset is a lot more beneficial than three hours spent in useless agitation in front of your books.

Cramming is not preparation. Believe me, I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work. Preparation needs to be a constant process that puts you into a routine as you approach the exam date. It is a proven medical fact that your brain needs time to absorb information and to truly have something sink in, you need to have encountered it at least 17 times during your preparation. This is why, as boring as it may be to go over and over your work, it is necessary if you want to be able to retrieve it when you are sitting in that room and its only you and your thoughts versus the questions.

Good luck to you all, take your time to think about what they are asking and most importantly don’t rush to be the first one to finish. Look over the paper to check you haven’t missed anything and you’ll be just fine.

provided by Matthew Ballenden, dad to Isabella & owner of the Fresh Earth Food Store, an organic health store and vegetarian restaurant with a  great online store.  Visit their website to find out more.

The safety of beauty and household products has largely been taken for granted but as you do with food, its vitally important to also scrutinise these ingredients.

The shampoos you apply to your body and the detergents you use in your home eventually end up down the drain and into our water system. It is therefore important that these products have no negative environmental impact during manufacturing and also when released into the environment.

Natural and organic detergents are generally not as strong as regular chemically-based detergents and require a little more effort in the cleaning process. People are often put off by this but a little sweat never harmed anyone in comparison to the damage non-environmentally friendly detergents are causing.

Every year a new Organic detergent is brought into the market and its effectiveness is getting better and better. There are no more excuses for not buying environmentally friendly body care products and household cleaners.

All one needs is white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, water, and a bit of elbow grease.

Not only are these ingredients cheaper than other products on the market, they come in fairly large containers from your local supermarket – white vinegar, for instance, is available in 2 litre bottles (plastic, unfortunately, but it is recyclable).

Visit the Fresh Earth Food Store website to learn more about natural detergents and cleaning products

by Jayshree Sita, mom to 2 gorgeous, lively kids, Amishka 9yrs and Vishen  5yrs.  She traded the glamorous life of a chartered accountant to become a teacher. She’s also an aspiring writer and artist who is passionate about self-development and keeping her family happy.

After the long World Cup Holidays, my kids enjoyed another two weeks of holidays at the end of August.  So I was surprised that just last Wed, they were home again on mid-term break, for a full five and a half days.

Normally, this would have stressed me out a bit, because despite being a ‘stay-at-home’ mom, I have very busy days filled with home repairs, admin, shopping, studying and  assignments ( I am currently doing a  creative writing course) and all sorts of other obligations. When the kids are on a break, if I don’t plan  fun activities they tend to spend too much time watching TV and playing wii games, and  I end up feeling  guilty.

This time around, I decided to plan to do meaningful things with them. We drew up a list together. Some of the things we included and actually managed to do together were:

A visit to my mum & sister – so that they could appreciate time with Granny, Aunty and cousins in Lenasia, a township quite different from Sunninghill, and I could relax and read my book.

A clean out of some toys, books and clothes, and a drop off at Sefikeng Primary School which is located inside Leeukop prison- I wanted them to see the conditions at the school, and how different it looks from their own private school, and hopefully to recognise how privileged they are.

A visit to the Bryanston Organic Flea market – they loved this one, and spent an hour dipping candles and doing sand art.  We also purchased two beautiful works of art made from recycled paper – a chance for me to discuss caring for the environment.

A lunch outing at an adult restaurant-where they behaved themselves reasonably well and we played ‘hangman’ to keep ourselves entertained – so we didn’t need a jungle gym.

A visit to ToysRus. – one for my son, who had received a gift voucher for his birthday- he had to think carefully about what to buy, since his voucher had a limited value, so it was an exercise in decision making and how to spend limited resources wisely.

A drop off at the Mondi recycling bin of old newspapers- once again….an opportunity to teach them how to make a difference to ‘saving the trees’.

Having family friends over for Sun lunch – the mom is my very good friend, and the kids are friends with both my kids, hence their playdate was my playdate. I even gave my daughter a list of things to do to help me prepare for the guests .

A morning with Dad –My hubby took my son shopping for a new bicycle then proceeded to teach him to ride without training wheels.  He  also took my daughter shopping for her upcoming school camp, while I went to a book club breakfast and then bought  seedlings at a nursery, which my daughter planted with her Dad later that evening.

Board games- They even ended up enjoying a lo…ong game of monopoly- an old favourite of my school holidays.  Thankfully, I went bankrupt and could duck out of half way through the game.

All in all, it turned out to be a wonderful mid-term break!