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FEATURED LISTINGS |
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"MY CHILDREN WILL NEVER......"
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All of you new parents or soon to be new parents out there – this is your warning! The parenting gods are watching and listening to you. The parenting gods are unstoppable forces of nature that derive J0Y out of making judgmental moms and dads suffer for their words. If you are a mom or dad who has ever said something like, “My children will never ______,” that may mean trouble is in your future. If you say your child will never use bad words in public then they will more than likely prove you wrong during communion at church. Or maybe at the grocery store they will show their mastery of the English language by saying ‘OUT LOUD’, “Mommy, why is that lady so FAT!”
Yes, the parenting gods are watching you so you had better watch yourself. If you say to other parents, “I can’t believe she lets him run around the front yard in just a diaper. Why doesn’t she make him wear clothes?” – then you will surely have the kid who strips down bare and runs away from you at the shops. While you are frantically picking up their clothes off the floor, they will have a ten-second head start towards the crystal and china department at Boardmans. Goodluck with that.
Another one to avoid is, “My children will not be picky eaters. They will eat all of their vegetables.” This may create a battlezone at home. Those vegetables will become tiny grenades hurled at you from the kitchen table. You are just setting yourself up for a child who eats nothing but crackers, peanut butter and 2 minute noodles. Hopefully they won’t be allergic to peanut butter.
The Super Mommies and Daddies out there who claim, “I will have my kids potty trained by the time they are two-years old,” be VERY careful. This statement could really upset the parenting gods. You don’t want to be sending your teenager care packages to college with adu!t diapers stashed under the cookies. They might have a hard time explaining that one to their dorm mates and then a new drinking sport will be invented: How many beers can you drink before you fill up your diaper?
The typical of all the statements made by new parents is, “My children will know how to behave in public and will never throw a tantrum.” This is a bold and dangerous statement to even think quietly in your head much less say out loud to other people. If you are lucky, at Toys R Us your child will only scream, “No! No! No! I want that Spider-Man toy! I want it! I want it! I want it!”
Then there is one of my all time favorites, “My child will never pick his nose!” Come on, how many kids out there do you think have actually never picked their nose? None! Every child wants to find out what’s up there and the bigger and slimier it is, the better!
Consider yourself warned about the parenting gods if you have not yet heard about them. I pray for your safety and sanity if it is too late and you have already said some of these things to other parents. For those of you who think I am crazy and the parenting gods are just a myth, go ahead and test them. I’ll try and hide my smirk when I see you in public.
Based on an article Written by James Grayson |
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KIDS CRAFTS AND RECIPES
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Homemade muesli bars
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Ingredients:
½ cup (125mL) honey
¼ cup caster sugar
125g butter
3 cups rolled oats (see note for GF)
1 cup rice bubbles
1 cup sultanas
½ cup chopped apricots or dates or choc chips
½ cup desiccated coconut
¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seed kernels), sunflower or sesame seeds
Method:
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Grease and line a slice tray (mine is 31 cm x 22cm) with baking paper.
- Combine honey, sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
- Bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes or until syrup thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat.
- Combine remaining ingredients in a large container.
- Pour over the hot syrup and stir to combine.
- Spoon into prepared pan and press firmly to make sure the mixture will stick together.I wet my fingers
with a bit of cold water and press the top to get a smooth finish.
- Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
- Cool and then refrigerate until well chilled and cut into 24 slices (about 2cm x 6cm).
Notes:
To make these muesli bars glutenfree, use 2 cups of crushed cornflakes and 2 cups of rice krispies.
The mixture has a total of 1½ cups of dried fruit – use whatever combination you or your kids prefer.
I have to put some obvious choc-chips on the top so my son will tolerate the sultanas.
And let’s not mention the sunflower seeds.
You could use half honey, half smooth peanut butter in the ‘syrup’ or add nuts to the mixture, but as most schools are nutfree now I have omitted these from the basic mix.
Recipe created by Melissa Hughes for Kidspot. |
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UPCOMING MOVIE FOR THE KIDS
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Release Date: Friday, 16 October 2009 (Ster-Kinekor & Nu-Metro)
Suitable for All Ages (Parental supervision is advised for brief mild language)
His entire life, Flint Lockwood wanted to be an inventor. But while he has a scientific knack, he has yet to build a working invention. His attempts to create spray on shoes, hair growth formulas, televisions that walk, and genetically engineered 'rat-birds' were all failures. Even worse, he believes his father is not proud of or supporting of his efforts.
But when Flint creates a device that transforms water into food and accidentally launches it into the sky, he has his first success. As it rains hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and steaks, Flint becomes the town hero. He also finds a interest in a weather intern named Sam Sparks who is reporting on the phenomenon.
But as Flint and the town put more and more demands on the machine, it starts going haywire. Soon the entire world finds itself in a food weather catastrophe and only Flint and his friends can rescue them. |
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GIVEAWAYS
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CUTIE OF THE MONTH
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Thank you to Aunty Vicky Knipe, who sent us this very cute pic
of her sisters baby girl, Jorja Joseph (6 months old).
She is simply a happy baby who luvs nibbling on anything in sight!
If you would like to show the world your "cutie" then email me your pics and your precious one might feature in our next newsletter - debbie@parentportal.co.za |
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THE BABY EXPO IS COMING TO CAPE TOWN
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Unsubscribe me from this list |
What is happening in the Western Cape?
SILLY BILLY'S MOM MORNINGS
6th of October @ 10am - Beading session presented by beady craft
13th of October @ 10am - Fun exercise for mom and children. Presented by a qualified physiotherapist.
20th of October @ 10am - Self defence class
27th October @ 10am - Woolworths to present : Why organic and earth friendly
3rd November - Treat yourself. Come and see what you need to make your own hand cream, and try the 100% natural products sample packs
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DIAMOND RATTLE BABY & TODDLER BUFFET
Date: 9 -11 October 2009
Upmarket event showcasing innovative brands in the baby, toddler and expectancy industry. All welcome. Entrance control with goodie bags. Onsite food and refreshments.
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NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE CHILDRENS FUN ACTIVITIES
3 October - Craft Day(Time: 10h30 - 12h30)
10 October - Enchanted Parties (Time: 10h30 - 12h30)
17 October - Seashell Craft (Time: 10h30 - 12h30)
24 October - Science Day (Time: 10h30 - 12h30)
31 October - Firefighters Day (Time: 10h30 - 12h30)
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SPACE ROCKS SLEEPOVER
Date: 7 October 2009
Don't miss out on a whole night of space science fun! Learn about stars and planets, make edible space rocks and see the wonders of outer space in the planet-treasure hunt.
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IETS UIT NIETS! KINDERTONEELSTUK
Date: 10 Oktober 2009
Die Klein Libertas teater bied ‘n energieke interaktiewe kindertoneelstuk aan onder leiding van die bekende Waldemar Schultz (Jan-Hendrik van 7de Laan). Die Iets uit niets verhaal vertel van Nikki se probleme met Gritsel, wat aanhoudend rommel in die straat strooi, haar telkens in die moeilikheid laat beland by haar tannie, Frau Reinenshön! Die iets-uit-niets-feetjie kom uiteindelik tot almal se redding en herstel die vrede in die buurt !
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EQUAL ZEAL OCTOBER PARENTING WORKSHOPS AND TALKS
Date: Saturday, 10th October
PANIC ANXlETY DlSORDER TALK
Date: Thursday, 22 October
EQual Zeal® Parenting Workshop
Date: Tuesday, 27th October
Get REALwith ZEAL Parentz Chatz
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BARBlE AND THE THREE MUSKETEERS ROADSHOW
Date: 9 - 11 October 2009
BARBlE invites you to join her in celebrating the launch of BARBlE and The Three Musketeers. In line with her 50th Anniversary, BARBlE brings an inspiring new twist to an old timeless tale, BARBlE and The Three Musketeers, targeted at girls aged 2 – 8 years. This will definitely get every little girl and her family onto their feet, combining elements that girls love and invigorating and inspiring them with an tale filled with friendship, loyalty, dancing, a little action and of course romance... The story melts princess with girl power.
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PORTERVILLE CHRISTUSFEES
Date: 9 -11 October 2009
Die Christusfees is ‘n gemeenskapsfees met ‘n verskil en word vanjaar vir die vierde maal op Porterville aangebied by die sportgronde van Hoërskool Porterville. Bring jou gesin, familie en vriende! (Kindervriendelike omgewing) Die Christusfees bied drie dae van topgehalte musiek, talle kos- en droë stalletjies, ‘n karavaankamp op die terrein asook talle ander gerieflike gastehuise in die omgewing.
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NANNY TRAINING IN PANORAMA
Date: 20 October 2009
The first course starts on the 20th October and runs for 4 consecutive Tuesday afternoons 2pm – 5pm. The training is at the Panorama Breast Feeding clinic, just behind the Medi Clinic.
What is happening in Gauteng?
MCLAREN CIRCUS
Heidelberg on 6 - 7 October 2009
Nigel on 9 - 11 October 2009
Alberton on 14 - 18 October 2009
Krugersdorp on 21 - 25 October 2009
McLaren Circus, presents spectacular 90-minute long shows that will amaze all ages. The star studded line-up includes tumbling by the Velocity Boys acrobats, contortion by Jade and unbelievable balancing by Madame Franscisca, SA’s top female circus
artist to mention a few as well as performing animals that include poodles and miniature horses.
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EQUAL ZEAL OCTOBER WORKSHOPS (Pretoria East)
Date: Saturday, 3 October
“Micro Zeal for Life® 4-week Family Programme”
Targeted at Reception to Grade 2, age group 5 to 7
“Mini Zeal for Life® 4-week Family Programme”
Targeted at Grade 3 to Grade 5, age group 8 to 10
Date: Wednesday, 14 October
Teen Zeal for Life® 4-week Family Programme”
Targeted at Grade 9 to Grade 11, age group 14 to 17
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BSG ENERGADE KIDS TRIATHLON SERIES
Date: 25 October 2009
The series is anticipated to become the biggest sporting series in the country for kids. No first prizes are up for grabs, but every participant will be a winner as every entrant receives a medal, a t-shirt, Energade and a goodie bag with fun stuff from the series sponsors.
Parents have no need to worry about their children's safety, as this is a top priority for the organisers who have plenty of experience in hosting triathlon events. They (the organisers) have successfully arranged the Energade Triathlon Series, a seven event series for adults and more serious junior triathletes for the past 14 years, and will ensure that children compete in a secure and shielded environment. Races will only be held at venues that have secure routes and plenty of lifeguards and marshals.
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TOPTOTS Toddler Sense Seminars 2009
Date: 10 & 17 October 2009
Come and enjoy a morning with Ann Richardson, best selling author of Toddler Sense, and learn everything you need to know about what makes your toddler tick!
Topics include:
Toddler sleep
health and nutrition
managing behaviour and discipline
potty training
R200 per person
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BABA INDABA
Date: 23 - 25 October 2009
At Baba Indaba you will find everything from prams and baby joggers to feeding bottles and vitamin supplements and vaccinations; from car safety seats nursery furniture; from nutritional and medical products to pool safety and video cameras. In fact everyone with an interest in babies, children and parenting will find something new and thrilling at Baba Indaba. ________________________
FRIENDS OF THE RAlL STEAM TRAIN RIDES
Date: 25 October 2009
SPRING DIAMOND Express To CULLINAN and Rayton
Spring is in the air and so is the wonderful nostalgic smell of steam. Join us as we celebrate the beginning of spring on our vintage heritage steam train ride to Rayton and the historic Cullinan Village located some 48km by train east of Pretoria.
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HOWLOWEEN AT THE JOHANNESBURG ZOO
Date: 31 October 2009
Dress up and join us for Howlo’ween at the Zoo.
You stand to win the best costume of the evening award. We have lots of fun and trick and treat all our visitors at the Zoo. A scary Evening Event promoting Howloween in the Zoo (mostly loved by families)
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