19 December 2024

Climate anxiety

Climate change is impacting almost every aspect of a child’s health and well-being. Direct exposure to climate events, as well as indirect exposure through news and social media about subjects like environmental devastation and government inaction, can further increase stress leading to anxiety, depression and a l...
25 November 2024

Thembile’s story: how parenting support can #ENDviolence

“I used to be a very angry and violent person”. But after joining a parenting support programme, Thembile, a father of two boys aged 14 and 11, says, “I’m now able to think before I act”. Parenting support reduces violence at home and in our communities. It is a crucial tool to #ENDviolence and Thembile’s story illustrates the transformative power…, Thembile:, My name is Thembile. I am the father of two boys, Junior and Aza. Junior is 14 years ol...
25 November 2024

Parenting support: A crucial tool to #ENDviolence

PRETORIA, 25 November 2024, – “More than 3 children and 10 women were murdered daily in South Africa between July and September 2024, according to the latest South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics . Another 490 children were victims of attempted murder, marking a shocking increase of 35.7% since the ...
05 November 2024

What you need to know about newborn sleep

Between the sweet noises they make and the frequent wake ups at night, newborn sleep can quickly go from adorable to exhausting. We’re here to help you navigate this time. You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. , Why do newborn babies sleep so much?, Newborns need a lot of sleep (up to 18 hours a day!) because...
30 September 2024

Mental health and wellbeing

Our mental health is a fundamental part to our overall health and well-being. As a parent, you play a huge role in supporting your child's mental well-being. Nurturing and loving care build a strong foundation, helping your child to develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead a happy, healthy and ful...
16 September 2024

Mental health conversation starters: 11–13 years

As your child enters puberty, they are better able to express their feelings, and have a stronger sense of right and wrong. They can make their own choices about friends, sports and school. With this independence comes a bigger focus on their own personality, interests and friends. They are also undergoing many ph...
15 August 2024

What is SIDS?

Every parent wants to do all they can to keep their little one safe. In the early days of your child’s life, the worries can feel constant, especially if you are a new parent. While sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS is rare, it is important to be aware of the steps you can take to reduce the risk. , What is SI...
15 June 2024

Baby sleep

How much babies sleep – or don’t! – is on every parent’s mind during the first year. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about baby sleep. , How do I safely put my baby to sleep?, To keep your baby safe at night, remember the, ABCs of safe sleep:, , A, lways place your baby to sleep on...
11 June 2024

First ever International Day of Play promotes importance of play in child and adult development

PRETORIA, 11 June 2024, – The first ever International Day of Play – 11 June – marks a milestone in the recognition of the crucial role of play in children’s and adult’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. Adopted by a United Nations resolution passed in March this year, the now annual commemorat...
08 June 2024

Pledge To Play with the Manifesto for Fun

ManifestoThe “Manifesto For Fun Colouring and Activity Book” is a special colouring book to celebrate the first ever International Day of Play (IDoP) on 11 June 2024. The book contains information about how the IDoP come to be, the latest research about play in children’s development as well as a series of colouri...
01 June 2024

Newborn health warning signs

Do you have questions about your newborn baby's breathing or how often a newborn should poop? Join Dr. Alok Patel, parent and pediatrician from Stanford Children's Hospital, to learn about some of the most important newborn health warning signs. Embedded video follows Watch the video or read the tips below ., Ask a doctor: Newborn health warning signs, Little babies really only have a few jobs. Peeing, pooping, eating, sleeping, crying. I guess ...
27 April 2024

Indoor games that support your child’s development

There are so many ways to play and learn right in your own home! We teamed up with our friends at the LEGO Foundation to come up with some creative ways to enjoy playful moments with your child and expand their world even when they're inside. Check out some fun ways to explore the great indoors together!, Jump t...