social issues Archives

“Mommy, this curvy Barbie looks like you!”

by Tiffany Markman | gender, parenting, products, reviews, social issues, toys | 0 comments

A huge chunk of me is thrilled to bits with Fashionista® Barbies, and their diverse body shapes, skin tones, and hairstyles. A small chunk of me is irritated that it’s taken so long and that we’re still not quite there. But my girls, 6 and 13 years old respectively, are largely pleased. So there’s that.

Ways to give the gift of generosity to kids

by Carol Surya | giving, poverty, social issues | 0 comments

When children are given plenty of opportunities and encouragement to be generous, they naturally become more helpful and caring, developing loyalty and compassion for others. A good starting place to help children understand what it means to be generous is to teach them the importance of sharing, and talk about how you feel when you give.

#metoo: guiding your children

by Mia Von Scha | boundaries, communication, human rights, Self-esteem, violence | 0 comments

The main way that children learn consent is by getting to practice it themselves. They need opportunities to say “no” and also to have “no” said to them and to learn the appropriate responses. As adults, we violate this in so many subtle ways every day.

Rape, schools and our children

by Fatima Kazee | social issues, violence | 1 comment

Recently, as we drive to and from school everyday, news boards flash the word rape daily… rape in schools, rape in Hollywood, rape by caregivers, by family members and war criminals.

Condoms at schools, the debate continues.

by Guy Drew | parenting, sex, social issues | 0 comments

This country already has a major problem with a lack of personal self-discipline and self-restraint. What is the message being sent here ?

Making Mandela Day last

by Fatima Kazee | giving, human rights, poverty, social issues | 0 comments

So let’s make this Mandela Day the start of ongoing initiatives that are sustainable, that render good friendships between unlikely friends and that make a lasting difference – because then we can truly feel the spirit of Mandela and his great actions.

Honour all children on Mandela Day, including your own

by Mia Von Scha | gender, giving, human rights, social issues | 0 comments

We need some advocates, like Mandela, who will fight for the right of children to be seen as fully human and fully deserving of our respect, kindness and protection. We, the parents, are those advocates. The change starts at home. So here are some suggestions.

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.

why parents need to be at the march on Friday

by Mia Von Scha | human rights, social issues | 0 comments

This country has been in turmoil for the past week. Everywhere there is fear and uncertainty and a rising sense of panic. I think we can all agree that the status quo is not ok. Something needs to be done. And somebody needs to do it. Guess what? You are somebody!

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.

How is racial prejudice passed on to kids?

by Fatima Kazee | prejudice | 0 comments

I’ll never forget the day my middle son came home from preschool and told me that he’d learned about different people and cultures in the world. Now you may have noticed that people of Indian descent (like myself) in SA have many different complexions And he says to me, “You know you get all colours of people mama…

Gifting and giving

by Fatima Kazee | giving, human rights, poverty | 0 comments

I think a lot of thought needs to go into buying gifts for anyone so that they actually use and appreciate it. There’s also the issue of me not wanting the kids to feel entitled, I want them to realise that not everyone has the luxury of receiving gifts and wearing brand new clothes each special occasion. So how do we balance this without giving a sermon ..

When crime comes to our little ones

by Annette Baynes | violence | 5 comments

At the end of an awful April we took a much-needed break in a little village on the Western Cape coast. We had barely been there a day when our holiday rental was broken into.