Share

School and routines

accreditation

26 September 2012

My husband was working at a client's office one afternoon a few years back when a mother working there lived all of our worst nightmares: a frantic phonecall from her nanny. Her child had tipped over the kettle all over himself. And the mom had no car. Without thinking, my husband bundled her into his car and drove her home.

What happened afterwards I am not sure. By the time my husband dropped the mom off, the ambulance had also arrived, and he left. I often wonder about that mom and her little boy and if everything turned out okay. And when I do, I push my kettle a little further back onto the counter. Burns happen in an instant as the sad, but ultimately triumphant case of Pippie Kruger showed us all. Luckily for her, her family had the means to find funding to help her get a new skin and hopefully a new start. 

But the pain and agony of that child is not something I would wish on any mother. Can you imagine? So when I discovered Jensen's story via his mom's blog I felt it was a story that had to be told. Not just how to prevent these things from happening (because sometimes you just can't prevent them) but what to do in the immediate aftermath and what every household should carry to minimise the damage and pain.

Being a Virgo I am a routine freak and my family seems to thrive on it. Experts say that babies and toddlers do love routine as it gives a safety net to their day. That kind of makes sense to me. And in the beginning days when you are still so deurmekaar as to what is day or night, up or down with your newborn, routine saves your sense of sanity and gives a bit of structure to your crazy world. 

Read our routine special on page 26 written by toddler guru Sr Ann Richardson to see if it's for you. Lastly, spare me a thought as I write this it is mere days before I start Evan in playschool. While all experts recommend only starting tots at three, those in the know say a baby whose mom works can benefit from school from two. I sent Dyl at two and, while those early days were traumatic, he settled down pretty quickly. I guess it is better because I know what to expect now that I am dreading the start of Evan's school days and the clingy goodbyes. But I know she's ready to go. Is yours? Read our article on page 70 to find out. 

There's lots more in our bright and colourful October issure so enjoy the read and come connect on social media to let us know what you think. 

Cheers for now...

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE