Parenting Hub

As we reach the midpoint of the academic year, we take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and acknowledge the effort, resilience, and dedication of both learners and staff. The first half of the term has been filled with meaningful learning, academic milestones, and personal growth. Learners have demonstrated commitment to their studies, adapting to challenges and continuing to progress with determination and focus.

Get ready for afternoons packed with laughter as Laughternoons arrives on Cartoonito this July! From Monday to Friday, families can enjoy a fun-filled line-up of some of the funniest animated favourites, guaranteed to keep little ones smiling after a busy day. The exciting programming includes: πŸ˜‚ Grizzy & the Lemmings (Seasons 1–4) – Watch as Grizzy tries to enjoy a peaceful life in the ranger’s cabin, only to be outsmarted time and time again by the mischievous Lemmings.

With winter setting in across South Africa, many parents notice changes in their baby’s skin. Dry patches, irritation, flakiness and increased sensitivity are common during winter, when cold outdoor air and indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Because a baby’s skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult’s, it loses moisture more quickly and requires extra care during the colder months.

An estimated one in three South Africans will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime, yet many people still struggle to distinguish between poor mental health and mental illness. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing and can fluctuate in response to stress, life events and everyday challenges.

The newborn months are unlike any other season of life. They are tender, joyful, messy and, at times, deeply exhausting. Between round-the-clock feeds, interrupted sleep and learning to care for a tiny new person, it’s easy for mothers to become so focused on meeting their baby’s needs that they forget to nurture themselves, too. But what if one of the simplest ways to strengthen your connection with your baby was something you’ve instinctively been doing all along?

A toddler with paint on their hands, glue on the table and a half-finished piece of paper in front of them may not look especially productive to an adult. But Dibber International Preschools say that these moments are often when some of the most valuable early learning is taking place. Dibber is encouraging parents to look more closely at the role of creative activity in the early years, arguing that art is more than a way to keep children occupied.

As education continues to evolve, online schooling is becoming an increasingly important part of South Africa’s learning landscape. Offering flexibility, personalised support, and access to quality education regardless of location, online schools are helping more learners thrive in environments that suit their individual needs. In 2025, the local online education market size was reported at USD 493.8 million (around R9 billion), with strong growth expected over the next decade.

As education continues to evolve in digital spaces, online safety has become an essential part of learner wellbeing. While online learning offers flexibility and opportunity, it also introduces risks such as online bullying. Online bullying can take many forms, including hurtful messages, exclusion from online groups, impersonation, or inappropriate comments during digital interactions. Unlike traditional bullying, it can occur at any time and may feel more persistent due to constant connectivity.

There are few things more distressing for parents than seeing their baby uncomfortable, especially when dry, itchy, irritated skin starts disrupting sleep, feeds, and cuddles. From rough patches on tiny cheeks to persistent dry skin on arms and legs, eczema and skin sensitivity are common concerns among South African families.

Imagine sitting around the dinner table with your family. Everyone is chatting and enjoying the moment. But while everyone else seems relaxed, one person feels completely overwhelmed by the sound of chewing, tapping, or even the way someone breathes. The sound may be ordinary to everyone else, but to that person, it feels impossible to ignore. This is the reality for many people living with misophonia, a condition where certain sounds trigger intense emotional or physical reactions.