Spirited Mama

Living a SPIRITED life filled with wanderlust, emotions and everything in between

Month: October 2023

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“Grow better humans”: A monthly gratitude journal for kids

A monthly gratitude journal for kids aims to “grow better humans” in South Africa

 

“It’s never too early to adopt positive habits and cultivate emotional regulation,” says the creators of The Little Steps Big Wins Journal, a daily gratitude journal for children aged eight to 12.

The journal is a joint project for Durban-based trio Kim Naidoo, Matthew Jones and Anjil Naidoo from Change For Good Kids.

Kim Naidoo and Matthew Jones

 Why grow better humans

The Little Steps Big Wins Journal uses the principle of Kaizen – a Japanese concept of continuous improvement that hinges on four concrete phases: plan, do, check and act.

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“We emphasise the concept of small incremental changes to create better habits. We believe by taking small, consistent steps, we can create lasting positive change in children’s lives,” says Kim, the creative maverick behind the journal.

She adds: “Our fill-in journals help kids learn good habits and unlearn bad ones, it’s filled with daily tasks, journal prompts, and a space to practice daily gratitude all whilst being filled with easy-to-relate illustrations and fun games.”

The creators of the journal rely on research that has shown that practising gratitude journaling has a positive impact on one’s mental health and overall well-being.

Kids can also start a gratitude journal

“By encouraging your child to write about what they are grateful for, you are cultivating a mindset of appreciation and positivity that can last well into their adult life,” says Kim.

The monthly journals incorporate a host of scientifically proven techniques, and each month focuses on a different theme.

Kim’s career has seen her gain experience in brand strategy, event planning, and marketing, and uses elements of this to fuel her new venture.

“As the creative force behind the Little Steps Big Wins Journal, I channelled my eclectic background, my love for wellness, and my unbridled creativity into crafting a unique educational tool. With my visionary approach and the magic, I try to bring to every project, I am poised to make a lasting impact on the world of personal growth and self-expression,” she said.

She is joined in this journey by former Sharks rugby player, Matthew Jones, who changed career paths due to health reasons.

“Setbacks opened my eyes to the world of alternative healing and introduced me to remarkable individuals who guided and supported me throughout my recovery. As a result, I discovered a newfound love for teaching movement and creating music, recognizing the power these elements have in promoting physical and emotional well-being,” he said.

“In addition to my passion for movement, I also have a strong desire to empower others through education. I believe in the transformative power of journaling and creative self-discovery, and I am eager to share these tools with the youth, helping them unlock their true potential.”

To make sure as many children as possible can benefit from this, companies and private individuals have the opportunity to pledge a number of books to earmarked underprivileged schools.

“Little steps to more happiness, positive habits and to nurturing enquiring minds. We aim to grow better humans for South Africa.”

Books are R89.95 each and are available through www.changeforgoodkids.com and through Kim Naidoo on info@changeforkids.com / 076 349 8664

 Are you growing better humans?

Spirited Mama

x

 

 

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChangeForGoodKids
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/changeforgoodkids_/

ABOUT CHANGE FOR GOOD:

At Change for Good, they aim to create happier futures by encouraging positive habits today. They believe that the habits we teach are lessons for life. So, the earlier we get started, the greater the number of happier humans we get to create for the future.

 

 

Road tripping with kids

Road tripping with kids = Family time and creating memories

As parents, we are always looking for fun and memorable experiences to share with our kids. Road tripping with kids has been our go to adventures for ever. Road tripping never goes out of style and allows you the opportunity to tailor your road trip experience to add your unique style and preferences. It’s the perfect time to spend together as a family, away from our busy lives and just be present with one another.

Road tripping need not be for hours on end. There are so many beautiful places within an hour or three’s drive from us. We’re based in Pretoria by the way. And we are definitely not scared to take on a 12 hour road trip either. Did you know that you could use Sani Car rental in South Africa for your road trips? Majority of our family is based in the Western Cape and spread so far across the provinces that visiting multiple families often turns out to be a road trip with the kids.

But for some the idea of road tripping with kids can seem daunting, so why not start with shorter road trips, closer to home.

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Of course you need to choose some destination, and by this I mean your accommodation. Keep in mind your family’s preferences and interests when choosing your accommodation. Whether is be a game reserve, a small dusty town, a game reserve or even a beach destination, just ensure that you have family-friendly activities and attractions to choose from to keep everyone entertained.

Packing for road tripping with kids

WETWIPES! And more wetwipes. This is a staple in the car. We have learnt, believe me this comes with experience and many road trips with the kids, that packing is crucial. Regardless of the space available, somehow we always have way too much stuff that we take along. I have a checklist on my phone: “Packing for a road trip”, which I have used for almost all of our road trips. The list is not exhaustive but has some essential items that I pack every single road trip with the kids. I always pack the first-aid kit, sunscreen, hats and swimming towels. My Dude also makes sure that the plug in cooler is stocked with drinks and snacks. Someone is always hungry and/or thirsty, especially when you are kilometres away from a convenience store!

Entertainment for road tripping with kids

My kids are 13 years and 6 years old. We don’t promote screen time whilst on a road trip otherwise what was the point in driving on the long open road… Music is crucial. Fortunately, we as parents like *some* of the newer generation music and the kids in turn like *some* of our generation music. This makes putting together a road trip playlist easier as everyone gets to contribute their favourite road trip songs. Many years ago, Dude bought some bird and animal books. Another staple for the road trips. This makes for great entertainment as when the kids ask, “what is that bird/animal?” we refer them to the books to look it up and share the facts and information with the family. Firm favourites are playing “I spy” and counting cars on the road. Mom’s favourite is to play the “silent game”, whereby the winner is the one who goes without saying a word for the longest time 🙂 This is hilarious as none of us actually stay quiet for more than a few minutes at a time!

Scheduled breaks is not negotiable for road tripping with kids

It’s not about the destination but rather the journey, that is the highlight of any road trip. When road tripping with kids, you will understand why scheduled breaks are not negotiable. The scheduled breaks not only allow for some leg stretches and bathroom breaks but affords you an opportunity to choose where to take a break. Perhaps choose a filling station with a play area so that the kids can release their excess energy. Remember they too are excited and hyped up, so they may need a way to burn off that energy.

Explore the local territory on your road trip

Part of the fun on a road trip is to explore the local territory. Be adventurous and try something new. We’re always on the lookout for a padstal (Farmstall) to buy some fresh homemade bread and biscuits! Food is a big deal to me. It’s a no brainer that food is FOOD is a memorable part of the journey. It’s also a great excuse to eat all the ice-cream 🙂

Road tripping with kids is a wonderful way to bond with family, explore new places and create lasting memories. Plan ahead, pack wisely and remember to keep the journey fun and interactive. The road trip is suppose to be enjoyable. FOR EVERYONE. What are you waiting for? Map out a route, pack the car and get ready for some adventures.

Spirited Mama

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