Skin-to-skin contact during the 6 hours after birth has an enormous impact on the bond between Baby, Mom and Dad. Childbirth educator Cozette Laubser from BabyGym® describes how this affects a baby’s brain and those of its parents, and the role played by the triune brain, oxytocin, dopamine and cortisol. She offers practical guidelines for babies born prematurely or by Caesarean section - and supporting bonding once Baby goes home.

An estimated 1 in 3 adults have pre-diabetes. Food writer Vickie de Beer introduces a hands-on guide to understanding and managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as well as insulin resistance. She highlights low carb living as a long-term solution for children, adults, women in menopause and older individuals. Fortunately, the low carb recipes in “Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Handbook” are delicious! Sponsored content.

Om 'n geliefde te verloor beteken nie die wond sal nooit genees nie, sê grief coach en skrywer Marlene Potgieter. Toe haar seun 11 jaar gelede sy lewe beëindig het, het haar pad van rousmart begin. Sy praat oor die skok, skaamte, woede, misplaaste skuldgevoelens, ervaring van verwerping, en hoekom rousmart nie net ‘n toestand is nie, maar ook ‘n werkwoord.

Have you lost your mom, or do you dread her passing? Angel whisperer Belinda Bras-Nel shares her own experience, highlighting the complexity of some mother-daugher relationships, our need to be loved and nurtured, what soul contracts involve, and the importance of allowing feminine or mother energy to flow through us - no matter who we are.

Did you know that unresolved physical and emotional trauma can cause chronic pain and recurring injuries? Physiotherapist Benita Kropman explains how the Lyno® Method identifies and facilitates the release of fascia restrictions by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, restoring mobility to individuals including athletes, babies and the elderly.

A new baby often takes centre stage, while its mother’s needs are put aside. Business & confidence coach Gosia Scarrott sheds light on new moms’ conflicting emotions, loss of identity and self-worth, loneliness, and unhelpful beliefs. Speaking from her own experience, she offers practical advice that can help moms rebuild their confidence, embrace their new identity and connect with their heart and soul.

Clinical psychologist Jeffrey Rink emphasises the concept of a “good-enough” dad and considers what a “good-enough” society would look like. Which elements should our society address? Can spirituality significantly contribute to easing fathers’ role, and also assist in a broader societal context? And what about psychotherapy? Join Jeffrey in his probing of these profound questions.

While we love our children deeply, parenting is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Three moms share their views of the challenges and joys of motherhood and offer practical insights, coping ideas and strategies.

The causes contributing to the development of narcissism are complex and include genetics, neurobiology, and environmental factors such as culture and parenting. Body language expert Tania Steyn discusses parenting style as one possible contributor to the development of narcissistic traits and explains how effective nonverbal communication - including eye contact, mirroring and fronting - can foster bonding and help children build empathy.

Prospective parents often find decisions regarding birth route, birth care provider, caring for a newborn, etc. daunting. BabyGym Institute programme director and childbirth educator Cozette Laubser offers guidance on being ready for parenthood, financial concerns, choosing experts wisely, babies’ brain development, skin-to-skin contact, practical decision making, and reducing the stress parenthood brings.

South Africa is one of the 5 countries with the highest postpartum depression rates worldwide. The stigma attached to this condition makes it hard for new moms to admit they’re not coping. Counselling psychologist Luricka Fick discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of postnatal depression, the question of “fantasy versus reality”, and sensible steps a mom or her loved ones should take.

Hoewel versuim om onderhoud te betaal ‘n kriminele oortreding is, ontvang talle primêre versorgers nie die onderhoud wat hulle of hul kinders toekom nie. ‘n Nuwe inisiatief verhoed dat onderhoudwanbetalers voortgaan om krediet te ontvang terwyl hulle onderhoud verskuldig is – en ‘n nuwe toep help geskeide ouers om misverstande en konflik te beperk. (Hierdie artikel het in die Februarie 2023-uitgawe van ‘rooi rose’ verskyn.)

South Africans are daily plunged into the dark by intermittent electricity supply – but have we been robbed of our inner energy? Rudi Swanepoel explains how we can channel our personal power in a solution-focused way, the benefits of harnessing group energy, and how parents can use their energy to empower their children - in particular the parents of teens and young adults.

Many parents, caregivers and young children are feeling stressed out, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Mari Payne, involved in Takalani Sesame, explains how adults can recognise overwhelming feelings in kids and support them; what is necessary for children to thrive; and why self-care for adults is so important. She offers easy and practical tips for calming down a child – and yourself!

Finding talking to your teen an uphill battle? Psychologist, coach and dad Hennie Vorster throws light on the development of adolescents’ logical-rational faculties, the power of their emotions, the world they inhabit, and why so many struggle with anxiety. He advises listening for emotion, guiding teens to focus on what is in their control, and using choices and consequences as parenting tools.

Young kids’ and tweens’ emotional health seldom gets the attention it deserves. Actress Milan Murray, collaborating with mental health experts, has created journals for 6-to-13-year-olds prompting reflection and self-understanding. Exploring their identity in an age-appropriate way – and being part of The My Story Tribe - helps them stand stronger, set healthy boundaries, overcome challenges, and have fun!

Business & executive coach Dawn Klatzko discusses the objectives of coaching, the importance of a chemistry check, and how coaches use profiling instruments to help their clients achieve their goals. She illuminates the neuroscience-based Mind Dynamix Profile Instrument, explaining why our “experts” power down during stress and how Mind Moves tap into neuroplasticity.

Discovering that your child has Type-1 diabetes is traumatic. Knowing that a coma may be fatal, making optimal, sustainable lifestyle changes, and successfully managing your child’s school and social life creates constant stress. Food writer Vickie de Beer shares what this path has taught her, and how the advantages of a low-carb lifestyle inspired her to write best-selling cookbooks.

None of us is immune to relationship fallouts. Counselling psychologist Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling clarifies what conflict entails, its purpose, causes and effects, and explains what happens in your body during a quarrel. She recommends rules for fair fighting and reveals the secret behind handling disagreements really well.  

Occupational therapist Tanya Muir sheds light on sleep problems encountered by parents, babies and young kids. Combining evidence-based solutions with her experience as a mom, Tanya explains how sleep deprivation can affect caregivers’ physical and mental health, weight loss after pregnancy, and love relationships. She offers practical interventions for getting better sleep all round.