We all like to save money and for me I make a living advising people not to overspend and whip out the credit card for every little thing they desire. Following my own advice that I dish out on a daily basis has served me well…so far. But there are times when parents (including myself) need to spend more money to ensure that their children get to enjoy a quality product and that they don’t spend more on cr*p that they were enticed to buy thinking they had gotten a bargain.
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Kirstie Haslam, partner at DSC Attorneys is warning parents to be aware of the dangers some toys can pose to the health and well-being of their children following a report by non-governmental organization (NGO) World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) that was issued in November last year.
The NGO listed the ten most dangerous toys for 2017, which have caused injury and even death. WATCH was created 45 years ago to monitor and prevent these kinds of accidents by highlighting which toys have the potential to hurt children.
Today I made my first chore chart for my kids. They’re very rudimentary and basic but I’m certain (read: hoping) they will get the message across. Some of the chores on my list my kids already do. But there’s no consistency. Often my four-year-old, Hayden, will leave the bed a mess and needs to be reminded to make it up. But one day he made it up without me asking him too. Since then, he’s generally left it untouched unless I ask him.
These chores are simple but are things that I expect them to get a handle of, or at least try. They include: feeding the dog, taking the dishes back to the kitchen, which Hayden and Sebastian (2) are generally very good at, tidying the playroom and, of course, making their bed as I mentioned. With Sebastian, the task may be a bit more difficult as his cot is a bit higher than his head. But I’ll encourage him to do the basics – like at least pick up the blankets that he tossed to one side in the night. Continue reading “Chore chart tips for parents”
*In collaboration with Travelstart
There was a magical time (before kids) when you got on a plane and only had to worry about yourself. Now with a family in tow you’re the one that solo flyers pray that they’re not sitting next to. You’re the one with the screaming child who everyone glares at with a ‘you’re not doing it right’ smirk on their know it all faces.
For parents struggling with active children in a confined space or with a toddler or baby that’s not so sure of this massive tin can that makes lots of noise, it’s hard not feel overwhelmed and underprepared – no matter if the trip is a cheap return flight to Cape Town or a long haul flight to Disneyland, Florida. It’s also hard not be aware of how you’re being judged by other passengers ALL THE TIME.
This month sees Cool (Kids) Cabs launch in Cape Town. This cab service for kids promises to be a safe form of transport, with drivers that ensure your child is strapped in safely. Its focus is solely for transporting children from school.
Continue reading “Cab service for children launches in Cape Town”
I thought I’d wrap 2017 up with a post about the recent trips we took with the kids over the December holidays. We took three trips in total – yes three! But for one of them I decided to leave the youngest behind (I’ll explain why later in the post).
Some of you may think we’re mad travelling with a two-year-old and a four-year-old. Granted, it wasn’t always easy keeping this energetic bunch in check but I’d say with the places we chose we had an awesome experience and I’d definitely go back to each and every one of them in the future (provided I had the money of course).
I’m also including some money-saving tips at the end because unless you’re related to Zuma or the Guptas, I’d imagine most families need to get a good deal to make the financial burden of going away that much more easy on the wallet. December is, after all, a very long month considering that you have to stretch your salary and bonus all the way to January.
Continue reading “Our child-friendly holiday getaways for 2017”
Black Friday is an informal name for the day after Thanksgiving in America and is supposed to usher in the festive season shopping. Shoppers have been known to stand in long-snakelike queues outside shops before they open and then stampede in to get the best deals. Injuries and fights have often made the headlines.
But you don’t have to be in a bricks and mortar store to land a bargain. In South Africa some are offering online bargains too. I’d recommend avoiding the crowds and shopping online. It’s less hassle and less pressure. Remember, most stores will have their deals feature till what people often refer to as CyberMonday. So if any sites crash, look again over the weekend and on the 27th. Here, Mombabbles, has rounded up a few deals for moms and families.
Are you growing concerned about how much time your children spend on their mobile phones? Or are you worried about who they message or call? What about whether they’re online or active on social network platforms and who they may be connecting with? Do you also worry about what content they may come across when online?
Continue reading “Win a Kaspersky Internet Security product to the value of R584”
Now that matric finals are in full swing it’s understandable that you want to take away all distractions so that your children concentrate on the final hurdle and get the best marks possible.
Mother did it, or tried in any event. She wanted me to cut back on my sport. I had to give up drum majorettes, which took hours of practice and a large chunk of my day. To be fair, I agreed with her.
Continue reading “Should you ban access to social media during exam time?”
We tend to spoil our kids with toys from the shops because we think that’s the right thing to do. Inevitably, our children get bored of them and they sit in the toy box collecting dust. But what if you could change the practice of kids tossing toys to one side that they no longer like?
Mombabbles chats to Lyneve Pieterse, one of the founders of the Smart Toy Club, which allows parents to rent toys to find out more about this concept.
Continue reading “Should you rent toys rather than buy?”