Elana Afrika's Baby Brunch | The Parenting Series

Moms-to-be... How do We prepare? Which experts should We listen to? What is the safest way to give birth? Should We consider a C-section? Or is natural better? What if there are complications? In this podcast, We explore the Secrets to Easier Labour, with our special guest - Cape Town based Doula, Nishaat Jano, from Back to Nurture. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

What does it mean when Our children are always talking to themselves? whether during playtime, at home, or loudly in public... In this captivating Podcast, educational psychologist, Megan Tucker, explains Why 'self-talk' among Our children could be an important part of their development. But when does it become a problem, that needs our intervention, or professional help? Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Let's learn the ABC... Adult Before Children, because it starts with me as the parent (the adult) teaching my kids without knowing it - simply by speaking to them, the sounds they hear from Day 1... How we teach as parents, is the WIN: what's important now? What do I need to look at, and address, as the parent in this moment. Engaging with our children - how we use words, and display actions, become their first level of education - way before school begins. Veteran Teacher & Author, Renee Lighton, joins Elana this week, and shares a few excellent ideas to stimulate critical thinking with our kids and use everyday items around the house to teach maths, organisation, and self-regulation. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

"How your kids practice their voice at home is how they're going to do things when they're out there in the world..." "Our Tweens want a little bit more control, making their voice heard a little more, and it's important we stay present, pay attention, and let them feel heard." ...but how do I manage these changes and all this drama without total disruption? The mood swings, the social behaviour, the impulse decisions and dis-regulation. Tweens are an interesting 'in-between' phase, and Psychologist Dr Jenny Rose returns to our Podcast, this time to help us better understand the dynamics of handling a smooth transition for our kids into their Tween years and beyond. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Whether you call it your ‘Auntie Flow’ or tell people that it’s your ‘time of the month’, there are many ways to address The Period Talk - but How do we as parents start the conversation? And when is the right time? When my daughter's first pimple appears? When she decides to ask me? In this Podcast, Tweenology Founder & fellow parent, Marlese Wallis, shares her story of Having the Talk with her own daughter- and how they founded Tweenology, a support platform for Tweens. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Take a seat, because this story will catch you off-guard... and inspired! "I was mocked and laughed at, because I look different, and kids are not always taught at home that children are different, and we need to love everyone no matter what they look like," says double-amputee, Neo Kirchway. A young girl from Botswana, with both her legs amputated as a toddler, decided to chase her dreams, no matter the hardships. Dancing her way into social media fame, and becoming a Mother of 4 children, happily married and now living her dream life in the USA! It's not a fictional tale, but the true-life story of Neo Kirchway - our guest this week. No frills, no make-up or Hollywood glam, just pure Love & Joy - a mother's Love, to be specific. @NeoKirchBaby is the most unlikely hero of our times! Listen to our podcast this week to find out how she made it happen! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

When should I be worried about my child's night terrors? At which point do I need professional help to solve the situation? Our visiting expert this week is educational psychologist Megan Tucker, who explains to us that nightmares and emotional stress are part of their development. However, the situation could become serious. In this podcast, she outlines the warning signs that parents should watch out for. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

My cycle is changing, My period is changing, What do I do? Perimenopause is easily managed if you know what the signs are, early on! And don't be fooled: lifestyle stress, depression, exhaustion, and mood swings, could all be indicators. In this Podcast we are joined by a medical expert, Dr Juanri Jonck, to help Women better understand the hormonal changes that happen when we enter this chapter of our life cycle. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Feeling overwhelmed? It's Winter, Stepmom responsibilities, 4 kids to juggle... everyone's coughing, play date is cancelled, you are feeling sick too, and hubby is off to work! HOW do We manage this chaos? In this week's Podcast: a Mom's heartfelt story brings some light into the tunnel of chaos, with wonderful tips on keeping our toddlers busy, entertained, and happy, while hubby is away earning our living. Chereen is a 'mommy blogger,' with 4 kids, "searching for simplicity amidst the chaos," loves 'everyday beauty, style, and chocolates.' She's a Twin mom, tween mom, and stepmom - find her on social media: @thismammaloves Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Is there an unfair stigma with Fathers in South Africa? How does an absent Dad affect our mental health in the family unity? Should our dads also get paternity leave? Why is our father’s presence at home so important? In this week's episode, we are joined by veteran broadcaster, and now author, Thabo 'T-Bose' Mokwele, who shares his personal story as a #father. How do we overcome generational stigmas? And what to do when parents are not around - or when our parents don't know how to express their love & affection with us? Thabo's book "Pause: Are you making the right choices?" is out now & available online and at all bookstores countrywide. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

There's a lot we can learn from working through our challenges, and #bullying is perhaps one of the biggest challenges that many parents must work through - so, getting a little help, is always welcome! Noko the Knight is a beautiful children's book series, written by our guest this week, Eleni Theodorou, that aims to spread awareness & help with the bullying problem. @nokotheknight_southafrica has also partnered with the National Children’s Theatre, bringing valuable lessons to life for children through Theatre in Education (TIE). Your school can benefit from the programme, and the Noko the Knight Lesson Plans. See more details on their website at www.nokotheknight.co.za Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

“MY BABY DOESN’T SLEEP!” Are We doing something wrong? Is my baby ill? or lacking something? This week Our guest is Venetia from Dudus Baba. While trying to fix her own baby's sleeping difficulty, she discovered sleep therapy - a different approach that changed her life! Learn more about sleep therapy & the incredible work Venetia does, in this week's podcast. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

How do I know I am fertile? How do I know I can have a baby? When do I get my body checked out? In this week's episode, we answer your questions with our fertility specialist, Dr Qinisile Cele. Founder of the Family Matters Fertility Centre in Centurion, Dr Cele (known by her patients as "Dr Q") is medically trained as an obstetrician & gynaecologist. She is passionate about finding solutions to help frustrated women that struggle to fall pregnant. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

What does the word "resilience" mean to us as parents? How do we go about raising a child that is resilient? This week We have the honour of hosting Naomi Holdt, educational psychologist, speaker, and author, from KZN, to help us better understand the concept of 'raising a resilient child.' Perhaps, the answer might be simpler than we realise! Have a listen to our latest Podcast for a truly interesting take on this topic. Naomi's book, "Bounce: How to raise resilient kids and teens" is available now. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Endometriosis. It's a tough condition for women to talk about, let alone asking for help. And very often it's misdiagnosed, leading to embarrassment later in life. Nadine Dirks, activist & author, is joining us this week to tackle this very intimate topic, because she is living with this experience herself. She has just published a memoir reflecting on her journey with endometriosis, called 'Hot Water,' and is currently studying for a master’s degree in Women & Gender Studies. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

I am building a world of kindness for my children, but how do I deal with bullies? It's a controversial topic, but in this Podcast, Dr Judy Jaye gives us helpful guidance on recognising, managing, and solving the bully-problem in our schools and among our children. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

How do I make sure I am covered with all the preparation needed for my new-born? In this important Podcast we ask a medical expert - Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, Executive Director of Grow Great. With her wealth of knowledge and years of experience, I can consider the key aspects to ensure my baby is healthy, comforted, and taken care of in the best possible way. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Rhona Erasmus made sure her dreams became a reality and her 'secret' might be simpler than you think. Now a successful businesswoman, the former beauty queen, turned reality TV star, says that simple advice is often the best advice. But she adds "We have to challenge ourselves, and for The Real Housewives I wanted to see how tough I could be in tricky situations." In this Podcast, Rhona talks about lessons learnt, challenges she mastered, and the true value of having a loving husband, being a mother to her two boys, and managing a successful business. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

How do I treat my shy child? In this podcast, veteran teacher, Sandrina Naidoo, explains why a "shy child" is simply a smart child that is introverted. Introverted children are individuals who tend to be more reserved, reflective, and inward-focused compared to extroverted children. Being introverted is a personality trait, and it does not imply shyness or a lack of social skills. They just prefer quieter & less stimulating environments and may need time alone to recharge. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Ever heard the saying, 'Having kids is expensive'? Let's break it down- just how costly is it? Join us in this week's episode as we number-crunch the nitty-gritty of raising our little ones. Accompanied by Justin Harrison, an investor, author, business guru, and fellow parent, we unravel the true costs of parenthood—from the early days to school expenses, birthday celebrations, and beyond. Let's demystify the world of baby money together! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.