Velda Frankim Occupational therapist

05/12/2025

HEIDELBERG OUERS: Met die vakansie wat voorlê en jou kinders by die huis wil knibbel:

Hoekom is neute en gedroogde vrugte ’n goeie peuselhappie vir kinders?

Neute en gedroogde vrugte is vol voeding, gee lang-durige energie en is maklik om in ’n kosblik te pak. Neute bied gesonde vette en proteïen, terwyl gedroogde vrugte natuurlike energie en belangrike vitamiene gee. Saam help dit om kinders langer versadig te hou en hul konsentrasie te ondersteun. Dit is ook handig, rommelvry en hoef nie verkoel te word nie

(Let wel: Heel neute kan ’n verstikkingsgevaar vir kinders onder 5 wees.)

21/11/2025

💜 Standing With Women for Change Against Gender-Based Violence 💜
From the team at our Paediatric Occupational Therapy Practice

Today, we stand alongside Women for Change and every woman, child, and family affected by gender-based violence in South Africa. As paediatric occupational therapists, we witness firsthand how violence in the home leaves deep emotional, developmental, and behavioural scars on children.

No child should grow up in fear.
No mother should have to choose between safety and survival.
No family should face violence alone.

We raise our voices today to say: Enough.
We honour survivors, support families, and commit to creating safe, nurturing spaces where children can heal, grow, and thrive.

Together, as a community, we can break the cycle.
Together, we are the change.

💜 No more silence. No more violence. 💜

14/11/2025

💜 The Lasting Impact of Growing Up Around Gender-Based Violence 💜

Children who grow up in homes where gender-based violence is a daily reality often carry invisible wounds. Even when they are not directly harmed, witnessing violence can shape how they view safety, relationships, and themselves.

Over time, these children may experience:
• 🌪️ Emotional distress: anxiety, fear, guilt, or low self-esteem.
• 🧠 Developmental and learning challenges: difficulty concentrating or regulating emotions.
• ❤️ Behavioural struggles: aggression, withdrawal, or over-responsibility at a young age.
• 🔄 Cycle of violence: without support, they may repeat or accept harmful patterns in adulthood.

As paediatric occupational therapists, we believe in early intervention, safe environments, and consistent care — helping children heal, rebuild trust, and discover healthier ways to connect. Every child deserves a life free from fear and filled with hope. 💜

13/11/2025

https://c.org/bbPnfkgjpW

Declare GBVF a National Disaster in South Africa

12/11/2025

💜 💜 Recognising the Different Forms of Abuse in Children 💜

As paediatric occupational therapists, we often walk alongside children who have experienced various forms of trauma. Abuse is not always visible — it can take many forms, each deeply affecting a child’s development, sense of safety, and ability to thrive.

🚨 Types of abuse we may encounter:
• Physical abuse: Visible injuries or frequent unexplained bruises.
• Emotional abuse: Constant criticism, rejection, or fear that affects self-esteem and confidence.
• Sexual abuse: Inappropriate exposure or contact that violates a child’s boundaries and trust.
• Neglect: When a child’s basic emotional or physical needs are not met, leading to developmental delays or poor health.
• Exposure to violence: Witnessing domestic or community violence, leaving children anxious, hypervigilant, or withdrawn.

At Frankim OT we strive to create a safe, nurturing space where children can rebuild trust, strengthen resilience, and rediscover joy through play and meaningful activity. 💜

On the same note- thank you to amazing, caring, diligent team members who also carry this massive load!

10/11/2025

💜Why are we seeing purple profile pics everywhere? This initiative is to raise awareness and stand united against gender-based violence.
I believe little (and big) humans deserve to grow up in a world that is safe, nurturing, and free from violence.

As paediatric occupational therapists, we support children in building resilience, healing, and hope — but true safety starts with us all taking a stand. And if you think you are not being affected by this you are sorely mistaken.

The combined lifetime physical and/or sexual violence prevalence is 35.5% among women 18+ – ~ 7,847,438 women. That is only the reportable cases- and it excludes male victims (of which there are many)

And lastly abuse comes in many many forms- physical, verbal, financial.

Let’s break the silence, educate, and empower our communities to protect every child and family. 💜

28/10/2025