A defining story of 2026 will be the introduction of next-generation Wi-Fi technologies: systems that go beyond speed, promising seamless connectivity, smarter homes and constant access to the digital world. But as we celebrate faster connections, we must ask a far more important question: Are we making our children safer, or more exposed? As we […]
The Internet is raising our children – and we’re letting it Read More »
As South Africa grapples with persistent challenges in early childhood development (ECD), the conversation must move beyond access alone to impact, because the country’s future is being shaped long before children start school. The ECD stage, spanning from birth to 5 years old and extending into Grade R, is more than just playtime; it’s the
Strong academic foundations: The future starts in the early years Read More »
School holidays often arrive with a mix of excitement and pressure: Children are ready for freedom, while parents quietly wonder how to keep them busy without relying on endless screen time and expensive outings. According to Phethego Malapane, assistant principal: Social Services and Counselling at SPARK Schools, the holidays are “an opportunity for children to
Holiday hacks for busy parents: Keep your kids learning, moving and creating Read More »
As the holidays arrive and school routines fall away, many young people naturally spend more time gaming. Instead of turning this into a seasonal conflict, experts say parents can use festive downtime to encourage healthier habits, stronger social connections and even quality family moments. Gaming personality, e-sports commentator and Synthesis Entertainment founder Thendo “Thendo Plays”
How to turn holiday screen time into teamwork wins: 5 expert tips for parents Read More »
By the time November rolls around, many families feel as though they’re crawling to the finish line. Mornings take longer, motivation dips and even small tasks can spark big emotions. According to Rachelle Dadswell, principal at SPARK Rosslyn Hub, year-end fatigue is a very real and very common phenomenon in children. She explains that it’s
Is your child running on empty? Spotting and supporting year-end fatigue Read More »
I have not always cared about men’s mental health. I grew up and live in a world shaped by patriarchy. A world where power, violence, entitlement and history tilt overwhelmingly toward men. As a gay woman and feminist, I’ve often seen masculinity as something to resist, critique or dismantle, not something to nurture. But life
How I’m raising my son to be gentle in an ungentle world Read More »
Birthday parties, Halloween, playdates and rugby games… these are the simple joys that define childhood. But for many South African children living with diabetes, those moments come with extra checklists, calculations and quiet worries that most of their friends never have to think about. “Childhood should be about carefree fun and discovery, not constant health
The question of what it means to be a man, and how much ‘maleness’ comes from our physiological makeup or from how we are raised, has been debated and researched by academics, using masculinity theories to understand historical and contemporary dynamics around the psychology of men. In November (or Movember), when we traditionally celebrate strength
This November, what does maleness mean to you? Read More »
You’ve just welcomed your baby into the world: tiny fingers, soft cries, the warmest bundle imaginable. Amid the whirlwind of new-mom emotions, the midwives and nurses will often say: “Hold your baby skin-to-skin.” It’s a simple act – yet science shows it’s one of the most powerful things you can do to help your baby
The science behind babies, bonding and skin-to-skin contact Read More »
This Women’s Month, Heartlines – the social change organisation behind the Fathers Matter campaign – is flipping the script on a common misconception: that a focus on fathers somehow sidelines the role of women. Through a new video, Fathers Matter: A Conversation for Women, and the release of a new toolkit of resources created specifically for women, Heartlines
Reflect on your own father stories Read More »