Born2Care Vereeniging

07/09/2025

01/09/2025

31/10/2024

28/10/2024

Blessed and grateful to have been part of Pregnancy Help Network 's 20th annual conference.

08/05/2024

Women facing a crisis pregnancy feel alone. They’re afraid to confide in someone or reach out for help, even to friends and family. At this time abortion may seem like the only option. But we are here to help, support, provide information and to listen to the overwhelming circumstances. We empower women to navigate the crisis and make informed choices.

08/05/2024

Did you know this interesting fact about pregnancy?

Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy and feeling unsure about everything that is going on? Let us help you find a pregnancy centre in your area that can walk with you through your crisis.

DM us today!

11/04/2024

Thank you Pregnancy Help Network for the list of affiliated centres.

23/03/2024

An unplanned pregnancy can feel like you have no options. It may feel overwhelming and like you have no one to turn to for support.

Pregnancy Help organisations understand how overwhelming it can be. They are a safe place for you to share your thoughts and emotions and receive accurate information on all your options and the support you need. They are there to help.

You can find a pregnancy help organisation near you by clicking on our website.

https://pregnancyhelpnetwork.org.za/pregnancy-help-organisations/

18/01/2024

*Earn as you learn*
Developing Maths and Reading Skills in Toddlers
By Audrey Virgin

As soon as your child turns 1, they enter toddlerhood. Your child's development seems to speed up tremendously during this time as they reach so many social, intellectual and emotional milestones. This is the best time to help your child develop basic skills to help them read and understand maths.

Life is a game for a toddler! It is good to make learning fun. Here are 5 games or activities that develop mathematical skills:

1) Count things!
Count toys, fingers, food items, bath items, etc. Sing songs and say rhymes about counting that will make it stick.

2) Sort objects
Sort colouring crayons, toys, food items, etc. into different categories - like colours, or shapes, or types of things.

3) Name shapes
Try to find shapes (for example all the circles) in your house or a shop. Draw and paint and build shapes. Try to use shapes to make new objects or pictures.

4) Spatial relationships
Talk about 'near and far', 'in and out', 'under and over' and similar concepts while playing games such as 'tag' or doing a self-made obstacle course or playing at a park. Use words like 'empty and full' while playing with cups and containers in water or sand.

5) Patterns and Sizes
Help children to understand patterns by having them arrange blocks or toys in patterns of colours or drawing patterns on paper. They can also arrange toys or other objects from small to big in order to compare sizes.

Now, let us look at how to develop your toddler's literacy skills. The best way to help your toddler with reading is to talk to them to develop their vocabulary, and to read to them regularly. We will focus on how to read to them. Here are 5 ways to make reading time more engaging:

1) Read slowly and clearly to help your child understand.

2) Read the book that your toddler asks for or give them options of different books so that they can choose it themselves. Toddlers want to do more things on their own.

3) Make it entertaining by changing your voice, using puppets, acting out what you are reading, and singing songs that go along with the story, etc.

4) Use card or cloth books so your child can handle the books themselves (turn the pages or play with it on their own) without damaging it.

5) Talk about things in the book. Point to objects and name them. Ask your child to name them or answer questions about the story. Praise them for their responses.

You might also wonder where to find suitable books for your toddler. Bargain Books or PNA in the mall are good options. It is not always possible to buy new books. A good place to find second hand books in Heidelberg, is at the SPCA book shop near the mall and the Helpende Hand second hand store above China Mall across from Laer Volkskool.

Sources:

1) https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/intellectual/math-games-for-your-toddler/

2) https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/reading-toddler.html)
Answer these
questions about the article to earn 100 points which can be exchanged for products at our preloved baby shop at Delta Community Centre.

1) When is your child a toddler?
2) Name 3 games that can develop mathematical skills.
3) What items can you count with your toddler?
4) Why should you talk to your toddler a lot?
5) Why should you read slowly to your toddler?
6) How can you make reading entertaining?
7) How can you help your toddler to feel more independent during reading time?
😎 Where can you find new books in Vereenging?
9) Where can you find second hand books in Vereeniging?
10) Where else could you find books (other than the places mentioned in the article)?

Wondering how to teach math to toddlers? Build your little one's skills with these easy and entertaining activities.

18/01/2024

*Earn as you learn*
How to Improve Your Child's Concentration
Compiled by Audrey Virgin

These days it seems like many children are struggling to concentrate. Have you ever wondered why that is and how you can help? This article aims to shed some light on the topic.

Let's start by looking at things that are bad for or that decrease concentration.

1) Unhealthy Foods

According to healthline.com in an article 'The 7 Worst Foods for Your Brain', foods that we need to avoid giving children, are:
-sugary drinks and sugar
-refined and highly processed foods like white flour, chips, sweets instant noodles, store-bought sauces, and ready-made meals
-foods with a lot of trans fats, e.g. margarine, snacks, cakes, cookies
-seafood (as it contains mercury which is poisonous)

All of the above foods cause children to concentrate less.

2) Too Much Screen-time

Dimitri Christaki from the Seattle Child Research Institute (at the University of Washington in America) found that children under the age of 3, that are exposed to a lot of TV (or other screens), tend to have concentration issues by the age of 7.

It is therefore wise to limit screen-time for children. This is difficult as we all know. TV's and phones can be very convenient 'baby-sitters'. Try to replace the TV, computer, or phone with toys or things that can keep them busy. Also, where possible, play with them, or read stories to them. Turn off the screens when eating together and spending quality time together.

Now let us look at things that can improve concentration.

1) Healthy Foods
Healthline.com has an article called '11 Best Foods to Boost Your Brain and Memory' in which they recommend the following foods for a healthy brain:

- fatty fish
- blue berries
- turmeric
- broccoli
- pumpkin seeds
- nuts
- oranges

2) Activities

Klara Hugo, in her article about concentration ( 'Die Kuns van Konsentrasie' uit Baba en Kleuter Tydskrif Mei 2003), says that every-day, non-expensive activities can help children to concentrate better. Things like: kicking a ball, shooting a ball in a bin, climbing things, colouring in, building and makimg things, scavenger hunts, etc.

When doing these activities, parents can offer children choices of what they would like to do to make it more fun. Parents should encourage repetition of these activities as this helps their child to learn and remember. When playing with them, show them how you are concentrating by thinking out loud and saying what is difficult or easy for you or the steps you are taking. This models concentration for your child.

Another fun way to help develop your youngster's brain, is to play music to them. Jacky Silberg (an American child development psychologist) says that listening to music before birth or from a young age helps improve a child's concentration skills and imagination.

In summary, eating healthy and engaging in wholesome activities will improve children's concentration. As with all the other things we try to teach kids, we need to lead by example. So, it's a good idea for us grown-ups to have healthy, wise habits as well.

Sources:
1)https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods
2)https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/worst-foods-for-your-brain
3) 'Die Kuns van Konsentrasie' deur Klara Hugo (Baba en Kleuter Tydskrif Mei 2003)
4) 'Laat jou Baba Rock' deur Louïne van der Vyver (Baba en Kleuter Tydskrif September 2013)
Answer these questions for 100 points and make an appointment to come and exchange it for baby products at our preloved shop at Delta Community Centre.

Questions:
1) Do you or your children struggle with concentration? Why do you think that is?
2) Name 3 foods that decrease concentration.
3) What are examples of trans fats?
4) Name 2 examples of refined and highly processed foods.
5) What types of screens are children exposed to?
6) What can children do instead of looking at screens?
7) Name 4 foods that are good for the brain.
😎 What are 3 activities that you can do with your child to improve their concentration?
9) What did Jacky Silberg say is good for concentration?
10) True or False: adults should lead by example.

We're committed to being your source for expert health guidance. Come to us in your pursuit of wellness.

06/12/2023

09/11/2023

If you need help and do not have a pregnancy help centre in your area.. Make use of this online support system. Do not go through your crisis alone. Contact Pregnancy Help South Africa by sending them a message today.

An unplanned pregnancy can feel stressful for anyone involved, and we want to make sure everyone has access to non-directive information and compassionate support 🤗
If you are feeling overwhelmed in a crisis pregnancy situation, message us today 🙏