by Tanya Kovarsky, mom to Max , addicted to blogging, Apple products, long-distance running and Converse shoes. Freelance writer, with 11yrs experience who does editing, writing and training. Read her blog

Mother guilt is as synonymous with parenting as poo nappies, toddler tantrums and sleepless nights. And if I had a dollar for every time I heard moms lamenting their mommy guilt, felt it myself, or read blogs and tweets about it, well, I’d be able to quit work. And thus alleviate my own mommy guilt!

But it being Mother’s Day coming up, and the fact that we’re often hard on ourselves as moms, I thought I would outrule stuff that we probably shouldn’t be feeling guilty about.

Wishing you a wonderful and hopefully guiltless Mother’s Day!

by Lindsay Grubb -when she’s not mixing elixirs out of Aromat, salt, soil, water for imaginary baby birds with her daughter, Lindsay’s writing copy for her corporate clients or articles for magazines. Follow her on Twitter

Just over a year ago I wrote about the challenges facing working moms for the Jozikids’ blog. I’ve been working for myself for nearly three years now and at the same time raising a fabulous, precocious four year old daughter and I’ve learned a lot about managing some of the challenges.

A better way of working

I spent the first year and a half working incredibly hard, mostly to prove to myself and others that I could still be a positive driving force in business and at the same time be a great mom and wife. While I didn’t miss a deadline in that time, I put myself and my family through a lot of stress and frustration. I knew there had to be a better way to handle work and my family life.

Over the past year I’ve learned a lot in the pursuit of happiness and balance, particularly;

My house isn’t always spotless, but my stress levels and those of my family are down. I found my sense of humour again and I’m producing an even better quality of work. Win-win all round.

Copyright © Lindsay Grubb 2012

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
The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre – De Wildt Tours, Pta North, Apr 29-May 1.
Animals viewed on the tour include cheetah, african wild dog, brown hyena, caracal, african wild cat, vultures and various antelope species. Prior booking is essential and children under six are not permitted.

Predator World Zoo, North West, Apr 29-May 1, Near Sun City
Predator World sits at the foot of the beautiful Pilanesberg Mountain, only 5km from Sun City and Pilanesberg National park and 90 minutes from Hartbeespoort dam. Animal Feeding on Monday at 11am. Animals include mountain lions, cheetah, leopards, spotted hyena and more The kiddies may play on the jungle gym or feed the goats in the farm yard. Also a  restaurant for light meals.

Welties Kiddies Farm Weltevreden Park, Apr 29-May 1.
Child friendly Tea Garden and Sunday carvery available (Booking essential)in a farm atmosphere. Come and relax while your kids can play in a safe evironment with lots to do a farmyard. The play area has a trampoline, jungle gym, swings and sandpits, Swingball, soccer poles (for the little ones), pony rides, scooters and scooter track.

ACTION
Bush Paintball Hennopsrivier, Apr 29-May 1, from 9yrs
The bush paintball range consists of 7 fields designed to suit all types of players. These include heavily bunkered “close quarter” fields for intense, fast-paced play. As well as genuine bush ball fields which test a players’ stalking and bush craft skills. Mad Hatters Tea Garden is close by at Tatz Junction where you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea.

Zwartkops Quad Centre, Centurion, Apr 29-May 1, from 4yrs old
Come for the day for action packed quadbiking fun. Bring along your picnic baskets and enjoy a fun day-outing for the whole family. Tuck shop and playground available. Special on Monday and Tuesday – R2 off – only R10 per lap.

STEAM TRAIN
Reefsteamers to Magaliesburg, May 1.
Travel to the beautiful Magaliesburg countryside on a classic old steam train, enjoy a leisurely lunch, explore the village with its arts and crafts shops, and come back to the big city behind steam (Much to the surprise and the envy of the commuters we usually pass!). Adults R200, children (4-12) R140 U/4yrs free- all day.

PARENTING HELP
ReelMom New Mom Seminar and Eco EXPO – May 5, from 8am-3pm
A Seminar featuring expert speakers covering sleep, health and nutrition. Speakers include: Dr Alison Bentley – well know sleep expert and international speaker, Dr Johnny Lotter – Specialist Paediatrician at Pretoria East Hospital. Our health and nutrition expert will cover: why organic is best for you and baby and our clinical psychologist will cover dealing with PND. All guests will receive a Goody Bag valued at over R500, scrumptious finger snacks and refreshments and Prizes to be WON worth over R10,000!Tickets are R480 a couple or R250 per person. Includes a FREE copy of Momtails – lifestyle and recipe book featuring non-alcoholic drinks for moms and kids valued at R120!

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

by Joy Dembo, married, with an 18 year old son and a 25 year old daughter.  Addicted to the www, particularly Twitter. Recruitment Response Handling Consultant and Freelance Copywriter, vegetarian and animal lover. Visit her blog.

This one is a definite no-no for the kids but for the older teens and adults, it’s a must see if you want to literally laugh your butt off!  You don’t HAVE to have seen the previous 7 American Pie movies, but if you have,  so much the better!

Written and directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, this movie will delight audiences.  It is risque and hilarious and it will leave you giggling for days!

The movie features the same five high school buddies -  Jim (played by Jason Biggs), Oz (played by Chris Klein), Kevin (played by Thomas Ian Nicholas)  Finch (played by Eddie Kaye Thomas), and Stifler (played by Seann William Scott).  Thirteen years after graduating high school, thefriends have gone their separate ways and are living the stereotypical American Dream.  Jim is married to Michelle (played by Alyson Hannigan) and they have a toddler of their own.  Oz is an NFL sportscaster living in Los Angeles with his supermodel girlfriend,  Mia,  (played by Katrina Bowden). Kevin is an architect,  married to Ellie (Played by Charlene Amoia) Finch has supposedly gone MIA and Stifler works as a temp at an investment firm, and is as crazy as ever. .

When they are invited to a high school reunion, Jim and Michelle decide to attend, and they meet up with Oz and Kevin at a bar. Finch and Stifler also arrive and the fun begins!

The following day they meet up with various other long lost high school buddies and a weekend of debauchery, misunderstandings and awakening of long lost love ensues, in typical American Pie Style.

18-year old beauty,  Kara, who Jim used to baby sit, and her friends,  end up in the middle of the shenanigans,  and all hell breaks loose, with hysterically funny consequences.  And, of course, Jim’s dad (played by Eugene Levy) and Stifffler’s mom, played by Jennifer Coolidge are still around and still as entertaining as hell!

The movie is classified 16 SNL, and opened at cinemas countrywide on 05 April.

Kerry Haggard is mom to the two most beautiful boys that ever there were. She juggles her roles of writer, mother, wife and daughter, and manages to keep the balls in the air most of the time. Follow her on Twitter @KerryHaggard.

I visited SciBono for the second time today – my four year old son Matthew asked that we come here on his birthday because he had such fun when we visited in December.

If you’ve not heard about it, SciBono is a playful science learning centre, located in Newtown opposite the Turbine Hall and the SAB World of Beer. I would not be exaggerating when I say that there are hundreds of interactive exhibits – there’s everything from a MIG replica and a replica of the Wright brothers’  plane to interactive science experiments that make understanding physics and electricity as easy as pie.

There are quite a few-related soccer games, so the kids can be active as well, and then there’s the Murray & Roberts construction  site, where larger than life foam ‘bricks’ and ‘mortar’ are used by the children to build with – with the help of pulleys, bucket lifts and conveyor belts that they power themselves.

And that’s just the beginning – there’s really too much to describe in one blog post.

The several floors of exhibits are staffed by friendly people all dressed in bright orange jackets who will explain each exhibit to you, should you wish. They are also really good at keeping the place spotless, by asking politely that you refrain from eating or drinking on the exhibition floor.

There’s a lovely coffee shop with possibly the cheapest prices in Johannesburg – where else could you enjoy a 250ml cappuccino for R10, each served with its own decoration by a smiling gentleman who is pretty inspirational in his own right..

SciBono has a separate room for hosting parties – the children can have the run of the warehouse for the duration of the event, but you can keep your drinks and snacks and the all-important cake time away from the rest of the visitors.

This is really one of the gems of Jozi – it feels secure enough that mom could take her laptop or book and sit in the coffee shop and let the littlies have the run of the place – and they’re learning all the time, even though they’re not aware of it. My boys are 4 and 6, and love it, but we had guests in the early teens in December who had a blast too.

If you’re in Jozi over the holidays or over the weekend, and are stuck for ideas for things to do, this spot should be top of your list. And with adult tickets costing just R20, and kids over 6 costing R10 (under 6 are free), it’s affordable enough to visit several times.

Click here to find out more about the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

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.

ANIMAL WELFARE FAMILY DAY

Dog Walk and Market Day Amakoekoe Guest Lodge, Apple street Honeydew.on April 21st in support of 2 animals welfare organisations- FORA, is a  haven for cats & dogs based in Krugersdorp and CLAW  helps animals in poor communities.

It’ll be a fun day  which starts at 9am with a crafters market, raffles, competitions and a dog walk which begins at 10.30am. Adults: R20, Kids and dogs: Free

Bring tin of food, bag of food or a bag of treats to add to our tower and stand a chance to win great prizes from this. CLAW is always in need of food, collars, leashes, bedding and newspapers for the clinic and other township dogs.

FAMILY SHOWS

There are loads of great family productions on at the Barnyard theatre which now has a branch in Rivonia with others in Pretoria ( Menlyn), Boksburg and Cresta. It’s a great family outing where you can take your own food, book a table and enjoy a meal or your own food while watching the production.

Here’s whats on:
Lets start with kids theatre performed by On Cue theatre company at Barnyard. The productions cost R50 pp and start at 11am

Alice in Wonderland - Barnyard Boksburg,Wednesday, Apr 21, based on ‘Alice in wonderland’ and ‘Alice through the looking glass’, by Lewis Carroll.

The Princess and the Pea, Barnyard Rivonia,  Apr 30- only next Monday. The Princess and The Pea is based on the fairy tale “The Princess on the Pea” by Hans Christian Anderson.

Then some musical theatre which Barnyard is famous for. Please check prices and times. Most of these are only running for another week.

The Final Countdown, Barnyard Boksburg, until Apr 29. Experience 6 decades of music from the Beach Boys to the Beegees, Lionel Ritchie to the Spice Girls.

Moonshadows Barnyard Menlyn, until Apr 29. A tribute to folk, country & acoustic rock legends Johnny Cash, Cat Stevens, Eagles, Adele, Simon & Garfunkel & more,

Big Top Rock Barnyard Cresta, until Apr 29. Featuring the music of Adele, Lenny Kravitz, U2, Shakira, Journey & many more!

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

For those of you whose kids are still on holiday- if they attend schools with 3 terms they will be until May 2nd. Jozikids has a very detailed Holiday Calendar to help you.

Dance Cafe Theatre Camp, Sunninghill, 16-19, 23-26 Daily 10am-3pm, Professional Arts practitioners take kids through modules of drama, theatre craft, music, and dance and stage production. Kids are taught improvisation techniques, voice projection, characterisation, movement and dialogue development, all of which culminates in a production to be enjoyed by parents on the final evening

The Hide Out holiday program, Kyalami, Apr 16-20, 23-26. Daily 8am-4.30pm for 5-12yr olds, Our program is exciting yet relaxed, and run in a homely environment where your crafter can truly enjoy a holiday adventure: crafts, baking, swimming and cycling are a few of the fun activities offered daily. Booking essential.

That’s it for this week. Next week we’ll be back with loads of ideas of what to do over the upcoming Freedom day long weekend.

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.

We hope you’ve been enjoying your Easter Weekend with your family – still one more day to go and we want to give you some tips of great activities you can do tomorrow.

Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary –Hartbeespoort
Guided tours, walk through natural indigenous forests on elevated wooden walkways and experience a variety of exotic monkeys in theirnatural environment. Our mission is to take in rescued primates that have been kept as pets and then to relocate them to a natural environment

Compu-Kart Raceway Pretoria
Derdepoort Pretoria/Tshwane,Indoor Go-Karts , from 12 years, open from 10:00 – 20:30

Gotcha Paintball Pretoria
Paintball for adults, teens and kids from 9 yrs

Dirt Ryders Adventures
Lanseria Johannesburg West Rand, Go-karting, paintball, volleyball , archery, playground, ponies, restaurant and bar

Toyota MTN Cycle Park , Bryanston from toddlers, from 6am – 6.30pm. We offer cycle enthusiasts of all ages with a safe place to cycle. We have a BMX dirt racing track, several short course entry-level racing tracks for younger age groups. Kids track for new young riders, advanced single track routes for the more experienced off road cyclists, every Monday to Friday.

Lory Park Zoo President Park, open daily President Park NE Johannesburg, We have lions tigers, leopards, linxes and more. We have an array of exotic parrots at our tea garden who keep you company. During school holidays we organise Ranger Days where you can leave your child at the zoo to be trained as a mini-ranger. 7.30am-4m They learn to feed the animals and all about their habitat. Open Easter Weekend 10 am – 4pmm

KIDS SHOWS

Puppetales Rand Show, Nasrec, Apr 5-15, 10am, 1pm, 4pm
Puppet theatre, accompanied by music, marionettes and a dash of ventriloquism,

Giselle Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Apr 12-29, Tue, Thur, Fridays
The South African Ballet Theatre with the Joburg Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to present ‘Giselle’ – a ballet in two Acts. Giselle is the ultimate ballet love-story – of a prince who falls in love with a peasant girl and of her love for him which is stronger than betrayal and death,

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.

Do you have something for your kids to do these holidays? We’re here to help if you need it. For a long list of programs and camps visit our Holiday Calendar page on Jozikids. Today we’ve selected a few to tell you about.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Artjamming ,School Holiday Program Blubird, Lonehill & Irene, Apr 2-27, 9am-12pm. Each day has a fun theme to encourage creativity while jamming art. From colour workshops to learning how to paint landscapes and portraits.

Fire Engine Buildathon with Lego, Fourways Mall, Apr 2-29 ( excl Apr 6th)
Help us build a l 2metre Lego fire engine and fireman, consisting of over 190 000 pieces of Legobat the Junction Court. Join us and watch the fire engine come to life between Apr 2-29, open 10am-3pm. Its free for adults and children. Building sessions of an hour.

Solar Science Holiday Program –Sci- Bono, Newtown Mar 31-Apr 9
A daily program of science shows and interactive workshops investigating Solar Science.
Hands on Science Workshops (max 30 children per workshop)
•Test the power of the sun: (Free)
Learn how to generate electricity from renewable sources, build and test a solar powered model.
•Go Green, cook solar! (R10)
Construct a solar oven using recyclable materials.
•Super fast solar racing: (R30)
Harness the power of the sun to fuel your mini electric car.
Entrance fee R10 kids, R20 adults, Time 9am-3.30pm

EASTER ACTIVITIES

Pretoria Zoo Easter Fun, Pretoria, Apr 6-9
Apr 7: Egg hunt for over 15000 eggs with Easter Bunny
Apr 7-8: Meet the Easter bunny and play games

Zwartskops Quad Centre Easter Egg hunt, Centurion, Apr 7-8

DAY TRIP

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and Wondercave
Weekends & public holidays 8am-6pm.Tours to Wonder Cave: 8pm-4pm.Muldersdrift West Rand.  Find a variety of animals & 4 of the big five to see!! Feeding of lions, african wild dogs and cheetahs at 1pm on Wed, Sat and Sun. Snake demo and Cheetah Run daily at 2.30 and 3pm except Mon and Fri. Opening times weekdays 8am-5pm