Leaving your kids with strangers

 

Stranger danger is a real threat to society and it is with ample cause that parents warn their kids against interacting with strangers when they’re alone. 

 

Sometimes however, it turns out that you need to leave your kids with a stranger and this might confuse them as to the actual definition of a stranger. 

 

Let’s look at some things you can do in order to simplify the process.

 

A child’s perception of a stranger is probably that they’re bad looking and scary, like villains in cartoons. You need to explain to your child that anyone that they don’t know is actually a stranger and that people don’t necessarily look mean when they are. It’s also important though to not make all strangers seem like bad people. 

 

Should your child need help when you are not around, they must have the courage to ask a stranger for help. If you are with your child and you see a stranger that does not look trustworthy, quietly point them out to your child and explain to them what you see in that person that makes you distrust them.

 

Teach your child who safe strangers are. These people are people that children can easily recognise as trustworthy and approach for help when they need it. Two examples of these include police men or fire fighters. You can also point out figures of authority in the child’s own life such as his school principal or a trusted teacher.

 

It is important to teach your kid how to recognise the warning signs of suspicious behaviour, such as an adult asking the child to do something and then keep it a secret or if the adult makes them feel uncomfortable in any way. This is such an important skill to have as the danger unfortunately not only comes from strangers. Trusted friends or family could have less than good intentions and teaching your child what to look for, could save them from an unwanted situation. Teach your child to scream as loud as possible when they feel unsafe, say no, run away and find a trusted adult immediately.

 

Your child will develop their instincts over time and as their parent you should guide that process. Explain to your children that the feeling you feel deep inside in a situation is the feeling that they should trust. If they are scared or uncomfortable, they should leave as fast as possible.

 

By teaching your kids how to assert between different types of people and how to react to a dangerous situation, you are teaching them life skills that might just save them when they need it. 

 

By empowering your child, you can send them on school camps and day trips with their friends, with peace of mind.

 

 

Written by  Marleen Theunissen

Linking ADHD with exposure to video games

 

It is not uncommon for a parent of young children to use the TV as an assistant; a babysitter to keep the kids busy for an hour or two while they prepare meals, do some work or find time to relax after a busy day. 

 

However, research over the last few years suggests that this is something that should be avoided as often as possible.

 

Studies have shown that children who watch more television between the ages of 1 and 3 have more of a chance of developing attention problems by age 7. 

 

This, coupled with a 10% increase (on average) in problems in concentration for every hour of television time, means that many children are at risk of developing at least semi-serious problems before puberty.

 

While it is commonly believed among scientists that television viewing, video games and interaction with other forms of electronic media are not necessarily causally linked to the development of conditions such as ADHD, however, they do significantly increase the effects and potential harm that could stem from it.

 

Video games and TV shows cause the brain to develop methods of consuming their material more effectively. 

 

Since many of the techniques used to create these games and shows rely on high impact, short blasts of information, the brain will get used to constantly switching from one input to the next, significantly lowering the tendency to focus on one aspect for an extended period of time, something that is very necessary for concentration both in the classroom and in a social environment.

 

While it is not completely evident that increased television and video game interaction could cause ADD (since the causal link doesn’t exist – many children that do not watch TV or play video games still get diagnosed regularly), the processes that the brain naturally makes in order to accommodate increased use of these media significantly decrease the likelihood of staving off symptoms, such as concentration. 

 

Another significant factor in the correlation is the effect on exercise habits. Children who consume high amounts of media are less likely to have stable exercise routines, which, if present, would increase blood flow and nutrient flow to the brain and other important cognitive centres that would be needed for coping with prolonged periods of concentration and calmness.

 

 

Written by  Wesley Geyer

Should my child take malaria medication when going on a school trip?

In South Africa, as in most other parts of the world, the threat of malaria is slowly being weakened by the use of preventative measures such as prophylaxis, awareness, use of mosquito nets, etc. 

 

 

However, it is always challenging as a parent to decide on whether or not it will be necessary for our children to be protected against it when they go away on school trips, many of which take place in areas with relatively high risk.

 

In South Africa, the risk of malaria infection is highest from October to May, the most likely time for thunderstorms and humid conditions to occur, a thriving ecosystem for mosquitoes. Areas commonly known to carry a threat of malaria include the Kruger National Park, Limpopo Province, and northern KwaZulu-Natal.

 

Children going on school trips will usually be informed of whether or not the area they are visiting carries any risk of diseases such as malaria, but if you are a concerned parent, it is always best to find out for yourself, both from the school and the destination where the trip is planned, whether or not it is needed. 

 

You should also find out what the best course of treatment will be for your child, as many of the medications available may bring about side effects that could affect your child’s experience on the trip such as nausea, dizziness, insomnia, vomiting and in some cases even nightmares and hallucinations.

 

Your GP or any experts in the area in question will be able to advise you as to the best method to follow when preparing your child for a school trip.

 

 

Written by Wesley Geyer

Creative writer at ATKA SA 

Pack your bags for a school trip

 

Outdoor Education Africa School Tours recognize the value and undeniable success of educational school tours. 

 

Students gain exposure to new and exciting aspects outside of the classroom, which creates within them a thirst for knowledge regarding Human and Environmental Sciences. Moreover it fosters a healthy sense of self in the leaders of tomorrow. 

 

With all your arrangements being taken care of by Outdoor Education Africa, the only thing you need to concern yourself with, is packing The Bag.

 

The typical mom thinks about the hygiene first, which is really important. The list is endless – toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body lotion, face cloth, pads/tampons for the girls, shaving cream, razor, shampoo, towels, hair brush, sun screen, hairdryer (if there’s still space in your bag left!) and the list goes on. Remember to also pack allergy medication if you have any known allergies.

 

Clothing wise, you will need to check the weather a few days prior to your departure. Make sure you take extra clothes as you might be required to complete obstacle courses that will see you crawling through mud and such. No matter what the weather report says – always pack a sweater. 

The evenings might be cold and you might have to spend part of them outside. Pack a rain jacket as well and never forget the necessities – underwear, tank tops, socks, boxers and most times you will need a swimsuit too! Pack a few plastic bags to pack your muddy, dirty or wet clothes in, to make sure it doesn’t dirty your clean clothes.  

 

Although you might want to, don’t pack your best clothes. Remember that these trips will more than likely be taxing on your clothing, so pack clothes that you feel comfortable in and that allows you to partake in physical activities.

 

Check with your educator whether you are allowed to take your phone, MP3 player, camera or iPod. Also be aware that you might not be able to lock these things away while you’re busy with the tour activities. If you are allowed to take these, remember their chargers. Also always remember money – you might stop at a shop on the way and many camp terrains have tuck shops available to their visitors. Take a water bottle – chances are you will be spending most of your time outside in the sun and you don’t want to cut your tour short due to dehydration. 

 

Make sure the bag you pack your stuff in is durable and preferably has wheels. You might need to walk quite a bit from the bus to your allocated rooms, so having wheels will save you from carrying your bags all the way. Also don’t take too many bags – for your own comfort and to avoid a sermon from your educator!

 

School tours are meant to be fun and educational. Don’t be left behind because you didn’t pack everything you need! The night before your depart, double check that you’ve packed all you might need and remember to set an alarm so you don’t miss the bus! 

 

Above all – enjoy your trip and allow yourself to be educated.

 

 

Written by Marleen Theunissen

Creative Writer at ATKA SA 

Facts on: The African Elephant

When you think elephant, you probably think trunk.

 An adult African elephant's trunk is about seven feet two meter long! It's actually an elongated nose and upper lip. Like most noses, trunks are for smelling. But they're also for touching and grasping.

When an elephant drinks, it sucks as much as 7.5 liters of water into its trunk at a time. Then it curls its trunk under, sticks the tip of its trunk into its mouth, and blows. Out comes the water, right down the elephant's throat.

Since African elephants live where the sun is usually blazing hot, they use their trunks to help them keep cool. First they squirt a trunkful of cool water over their bodies. Then they often follow that with a sprinkling of dust to create a protective layer of dirt on their skin (think elephant sunscreen!). Elephants pick up and spray dust the same way they do water—with their trunks.

Elephants also use their trunks as snorkels when they wade in deep water. An elephant's trunk is controlled by many muscles. Two fingerlike parts on the tip of the trunk allow the elephant to perform delicate maneuvers such as picking a berry from the ground or plucking a single leaf off a tree.

The elephant can also use its trunk to grasp an entire tree branch and pull it down to its mouth. Elephants also use their trunks to grab clumps of grass and shove the greenery into their mouths. When an elephant gets a whiff of something interesting, it sniffs the air with its trunk raised up like a submarine periscope.

If threatened, an elephant will also use its trunk to make loud trumpeting noises as a warning. Elephants are social creatures. They sometimes hug by wrapping their trunks together in displays of greeting and affection.

Is Shale Gas the answer

 

Is Shale Gas the answer?

 

Shale gasses are natural gasses that are formed due to being trapped within shale formations. Shale is finely grained clastic sedimentary rock which is composed of mud formed by flakes of clay and tiny bits of other minerals (Quartz & Calcite).

 

Shale gas is seen as the worlds next big power source that could help South Africa with its dependency on electricity production. The US Energy information administration believes that 485 – trillion cubic ft of gas lies approximately 4km below the surface of the Karoo.

It is said that a lot more information and proof is needed before any exploration may proceed but as soon as they receive positive feedback all five of the companies that have applied in 2010 will be granted the permits, while working with interest groups like Square Kilometer Array Radio Telescope to ensure no negative impacts will occur that cannot be managed.

These companies that have applied for the rights will receive permission to go ahead with hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing is the increase of fractures in a rock layer that is caused by pressurized fluid. By giving these companies the “go ahead” we can great a greener environment and make the dreams of gas-fired power a reality. Shale gas has a much lower carbon emission making it much cheaper and friendlier to the environment but could take up to 9 years to process.

Shale gas requires a lot of scarce skills from all around and a lot of deep drilling in order to extract it which could make shale gas uncompetitive.

Sasol has decided to build their own gas-fired plant and are in the final stages of constructing a 140MW gas-fired plant which will be supplied with gas from Mozambique. This will create a market and put a limit on the prices for gas unfortunately with this head start it could make it much harder for shale gas to compete.  

  

The question is “ Will shale gas be the answer to our problems?”