Remember a time when you were growing up when your neighbours all looked out for you? Scolded you if you stepped out of line? An aunty two houses away made you a sandwich, or a grandpa fixed your bicycle? Yip, those were the days. At every turn, someone cared and ensured children were supported. 

Today, things are very different. 

Unlike previous generations, parents are increasingly raising children in isolation. Between demanding schedules, rising stress levels at work, ‘stranger danger’ and the pressure to have it all together, modern parenting can feel deeply lonely. Yet, regardless of how much society and times have changed, one truth remains: children still need the village. 

@homelearninghaven Quick to judge, but slow to offer support. Becoming a parent has made me realise now, more than ever, just how challenging the reality is. I’ve always felt that I’d rather give my support than my advice to my friends/family who have kids, but now I’m a mum, I feel that x100. I’d never give my daughter less than 100%, but I will say 100% becomes a lot more difficult when you’re tired, overwhelmed, there are other tasks to do…never mind being expected to do it all on your own 🤯 #childdevelopment #parentingtips #IntentionalParenting #consciousparenting #mumlife ♬ original sound – Home Learning Haven

According to Dr Anisa Vahed, the saying is more relevant now than ever. “While the world has advanced technologically, human biology has not,” she says. “Human infants are born incredibly dependent, and historically we evolved to raise them in co-operative, communal structures. Children thrive when they feel safe, supported and connected to a network of caring adults.” 

She believes modern families are trying to carry too much and do too much on their own. “Parenting was never meant to happen in isolation,” says Dr Vahed. “The ‘village’ isn’t just a nice-to-have luxury; it’s a fundamental safety net that preserves the mental health of parents and optimises the development of the child.” 

Parenting in isolation 

The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” feels harder to live by these days. Some parents are raising children far from grandparents and relatives, neighbours keep to themselves, communities feel less connected, and busy schedules leave little time to reach out and lean on others. And while technology is meant to keep us in constant contact, many parents are feeling increasingly alone in real life. 

“The modern village is not always made up of extended family living nearby,” says Dr Vahed.  “Today it can include grandparents on video calls, supportive friends, teachers, healthcare professionals, childcare providers, neighbours, school communities and even online parenting support groups.”  

She refers to this as a “mosaic village”, which means one that is intentionally pieced together through different forms of support. 

“It includes the found village, like neighbours and fellow parents; the chosen village, made up of close friends who become family: the professional village of paediatricians, teachers and therapists; and even virtual communities where parents share practical support and resources,” she explains.

Why children need more than just parents 

Children thrive when there are adults outside of their immediate family that they can trust, talk to and lean on. 

Whether it’s a teacher, coach, neighbour, aunt or family friend, those relationships help children feel emotionally secure and connected to the wider world.

@jenniferlatch The idea you must raise a family in isolation is false. Ask for help. Give help. Build a community. 💚 #TikTokLearningCampaign #lifetips ♬ original sound – Jennifer Latch

“Trusted adults outside the immediate family provide children with additional emotional security, perspective and support,” explains Dr Vahed. “These relationships show children that they are supported by a broader community.”  

When they see healthy relationships, kindness as well as support modelled around them, they also learn empathy, communication and emotional security. 

Importantly, she adds, supporting parents directly benefits children too.  

“A well-supported parent is often a calmer, more regulated and emotionally available parent.” 

Asking for support is not a weakness 

With so much emphasis nowadays being placed on being self-sufficient and independent, many parents feel the pressure to quietly manage everything on their own. But Dr Vahed believes that this type of mindset needs to change. 

“We need to move away from the idea that asking for help is a weakness,” she says. “Strong families are often built through strong communities.” 

She hopes people remember one simple truth about raising children today: “We were never meant to do this alone, and you are not failing because it feels hard.” 

Perhaps that is the real heart of the village. Not perfection. Not having all the answers. But simply showing up for one another with consistency, warmth and care. Because while times may have changed, one thing has not: it does still take a village to raise a child. 

@corporate_mom_agendaIt’s ok to ask for, want, or need help as a parent♬ original sound – Jen | Motherhood & Corporate

Words: Shanaaz Petersen
Photos: Pexels 

The post How to create a ‘village’ for your kids   appeared first on TFG Media.

Word whizz: The name game 

Find all 10 dinosaur names hidden in this word search. But then face the real challenge: Can you say them out loud without laughing? 

Download here.

Brain games: Fossil finder 

Draw a line between the fossils and the dinosaur you think they belong to. 

Download here.

Fun with numbers: More, less or equal? 

Palaeontologists need your help working out how rare these fossilised footprints are. Each kind of footprint has a value (see key below), so use multiplication to see how much each group is worth. Then, write down if it is more (>), less (<) or equal (=) the value of the group next door. 

Download here. 

Craft: T is for terrific 

Cut out, fold and play with this T.Rex to bring her back to life! 

Download here. 

Looking for more fun and educational activities for your little ones? Subscribe to Super Kids magazine today! 

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Treat your family to a hot chocolate tasting 

Warm things up with a family hot chocolate tasting – strictly in the name of ‘research’, of course! Be sure to book ahead as these tastings are popular in winter. 

Visit the Wild Café in Pretoria, Nouvelle Bistro in Durban, and Revved Up Café in Cape Town. 

@blondiandginger This is your sign to try hot chocolate tasting in Pretoria 🍫🤎 This is the perfect winter activity with friends, family or your loved ones 🤎 Cosy, delicious and a fun new unique experience to try Only R120 per person 📍The Wild Cafe Pretoria Glen Village @The Wild Café Not big on hot chocolate? No stress, they also have delicious food and other tastings available 👀 #hotchocolate #chocolate #foodie #winter #pretoria ♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

Plan a library visit 

Libraries are underrated winter gold. Let kids pick books, join a story corner or just explore shelves like tiny literary detectives. It’s quiet, free and will, of course, help to improve your child’s literacy skills. (Grown-ups get to peruse the latest whodunits and romance novels, too). 

@aboshmacingwane This is your sign to visit your local library📚its absolutely free and theres so many books to choose from #thingstodowithkids#durbankidsfun#freeactivitiesforkids#librarydatewithmykids#kidsfun#reading ♬ higher by tems cover – jendo

Go pottery painting 

Pottery painting is perfect for expressing your creativity on winter weekend afternoons: most venues have indoor heaters or fireplaces, playgrounds for little ones, as well as breakfast and lunch menus. This activity helps kids focus, sparks creativity and gives families a chance to slow down together without screens. 

Visit the Clay Café in Cape Town, Lanseria, Pretoria and Johannesburg; Ceramic Café in Somerset West; Create Lonehill in Midrand; or The Creative Studio at Fig Tree Farm in Durban. 

@hanibooboo_za Wholesome weekend creating memories! 🎨🖌 #pottery #clay #paint #create #art #mommy #minis #kidsoftiktok #babiesoftiktok #momtok #creativity #memories #activities #fun #idea #part1 #prisonbreak #johannesburg #southafrica @Janita ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – kittikmr – veesun95

Indulge in some (educational) nostalgia 

Gold Reef City in Johannesburg and Soetmelksvlei at Babylonstoren in Franschhoek both feel like stepping into a time capsule. The former mixes old mining history with theme-park energy (with rides galore), while the latter slows everything right down with a beautifully preserved working farm experience straight out of the voortrekker era. 

Both are ideal for families because they turn learning into something you can actually walk through. Kids get to explore, touch and ask questions, while parents get the rare win of an outing that is both entertaining and educational. 

@elmaridevos Auntie outings part 2… took my nephew to #Soetmelksvlei and the grown-ups ended up having just as much fun! This family experience by @Babylonstoren lets you travel back in time to a working farm in the late 1800s. From visiting the kraal and a milling demonstration to watching a cream separation demonstrations and blacksmiths at work, this is a fun yet educational experience for grown-ups as well as kids. Plus your ticket includes entry at Babylonstoren, giving you a great excuse to visit the gardens, restaurants, and stores. Again. Because we can never have enough of Babylonstoren! #westerncape #capewinelands #familytime ♬ original sound – RWEeditz

Have a pajama party 

This is an enormously fun idea for a chilly Saturday or Sunday evening. Parents and kids put on their comfiest PJs or onesies (extra points if they match), make a snuggle pit in the lounge with plenty of blankets and cushions – and maybe a few hot water bottles for good measure – and lay out a selection of snacks and hot drinks. From here, you can decide if you want to have a movie night, a karaoke night, or a board game evening. Enjoy! 

Photography: Freepik 

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We’ve all seen it – your two-year-old sees a photograph and instinctively tries to ‘swipe’ it. It’s adorable, but it also shows just how naturally toddlers are drawn to screens. 

“This makes it important for parents to be mindful of screen exposure and its potential impact on early development,” says Jolandi Becker, spokesperson for BabyWombWorld. She shares what to keep in mind when it comes to screen time for toddlers. 

The Dopamine Response  

It’s easy to rely on screens to keep toddlers occupied – after all, nothing grabs their attention quite like a tablet or TV. Every swipe and tap triggers instant responses: colours, sounds and movement. This rapid stimulation prompts the brain to release dopamine, a chemical that plays a key role in our reward system and feelings of pleasure. 

This is why that dopamine rush can be addictive. When the screen is removed, toddlers may initially struggle to re-engage with slower-paced real-life experiences. 

Their brains have become accustomed to instant responses, making ordinary activities seem less exciting in comparison. 

The takeaway? Controlled and limited screen time is important to prevent toddlers from becoming overly reliant on fast, easy, digital rewards for entertainment. 

Screens and Social Development  

The first three years of life are critical for a child’s social development. During this time, the brain is laying the foundation for communication, emotional understanding and relationships. 

Too much screen time can limit opportunities for toddlers to engage in ‘real-world’ social interactions – playing, talking, observing facial expressions and responding to tone of voice. These experiences help develop the frontal lobe, which is essential for interpreting social cues and building meaningful connections. 

While occasional screen use is unlikely to cause permanent harm, regular or extended exposure reduces opportunities for these foundational experiences. Encouraging play with real people and engaging activities is key for a child’s healthy social development. 

Screen Time and Sleep  

Screens are also known to affect sleep in people of all ages. The blue light emitted by tablets, phones and televisions suppresses melatonin production – the hormone that signals the body it’s time to sleep. 

For toddlers, melatonin naturally starts rising in the early evening, helping them wind down to screens, even two to three hours before bedtime, can delay this melatonin release, making it harder for them to fall asleep. 

Poor sleep leads to irritability, behavioural challenges and a weakened immune system. 

To protect your toddler’s sleep, limit screen use in the evening and introduce calming, screen-free routines instead, such as reading, quiet play or music. 

@mike_on_parenting Click the LINK IN MY BIO for my 6 Effective Ways to get your kids to listen without battles. Screens aren’t the enemy… but… without moderation… they will become addictive. #parentingcoach #screentimehacks #screentimelimits #parentinghacks #parentingtip ♬ original sound – Mike_on_parenting

Finding The Balance  

Screens aren’t inherently bad and technology can play a role in early learning and family connection. The key is balance and moderation: 

• Under 2 years: Avoid sedentary screen time, except for brief video calls with loved ones.
• 2-3 years: Less than 1 hour per day.
• 3-4 years: Keep sedentary screen time to 1 hour or less, focusing on high-quality content.

Instead of relying on screens to occupy a toddler, try interactive, hands-on activities: 

• Reading a book together.
• Drawing or crafts projects.
• Playing with toys that encourage thinking,creativityand movement. 

And keep meals screen-free to support family connection and better sleep. 

Every family is different, so find a balance that suits your routine and your child, using technology thoughtfully while prioritising real-world development. 

Research Findings  

• The 30 Minute Rule: 

A 2026 report found that 18-month-olds are 2-3 times more likely to develop language delays if their screen time exceeds 30 minutes a day. For every extra 30 minutes, the risk of speech delay increases by 49%. 

• Content Matters:

Studies show that 2 hours of creative play (like building in Minecraft) has a vastly different neurological impact than 2 hours of passive scrolling (like TikTok). 

• Tech Neck:

Paediatricians have noted cervical (spinal) strain in children as young as 8 years old due to hunched postures over tablets.  ‘Tech neck’ can lead to frequent neck pain, headaches and impaired concentration. 

Text: Courtesy of Jolani Becker. For BabyWombWorld  

Photo: Gallo/Getty  

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Mix & match: I’m right, right? 

We all know we have rights, but they also come with responsibilities. They come in pairs, so grab a pencil and draw a line to connect each right to its responsibility. 

Quiz: Let’s figure it out 

You make decisions every day, right? But here’s something to remember: they don’t just affect you. These quizzes will show you that your choices impact those around you! 

Look & see: Stay curious 

We are all different – but also the same in a lot of ways. This might be the most obvious with strangers, but it stays true even with our pals. Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between you and a friend.  

Reflection: Pay it forward 

Kindness is contagious! Take some time out to do these activities and you’ll be sure to help make the world feel a lot brighter.  

Enjoy these great activities? Subscribe to Super Kids Magazine for these fun activities and so much more for your little ones! 

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The reality is that more people are choosing to step away from relationships that are not working. They’re no longer ignoring issues that constantly resurface, hoping that they will magically change or disappear. In many cases, it’s a simple but difficult realisation: they were never truly compatible to begin with. They are waking up to the idea that they may be better off apart, and choosing to focus on themselves rather than a relationship that is no longer working. However, stepping away has its challenges when there is a child involved. 

Co-parenting is a trial-and-error process in and of itself – you get some things right and fail at others. It relies heavily on how much both partners are willing to make the new dynamic work, trying to create a sense of normalcy in what is an unfamiliar new reality. Co-parenting with an ex can be tough because you are forced to still have them in your life, and remain connected through the child you are both committed to. It requires constant communication, despite what has happened between you in the past – and this is never easy. Despite all of this, healthy co-parenting is possible. 

Treat it like a business 

Transitioning from being a romantic partner to a co-parent means shifting from a family of emotion to a family of’ logic. Treat the new environment as an ‘office’ or business partnership built solely on parenting responsibilities. 

The more cordial and less personal, the better. A meet-up does not have to turn into a coffee-and-cake catch-up. Just keep things polite and respectful, as you would in a business partnership. This is the core of platonic co-parenting. 

@uninterrupted “I just make everything about my children.”🙏🏽 Watch the latest episode w/ #AmberRose ♬ original sound – uninterrupted

Boundaries need to be established early on – and honoured consistently. Limited access between the parents can help eliminate confusion for both the parents and child, as well as prevent silent resentment building over time. 

An emotional shift is also necessary. This is not a move from love to hate, but from a personal, romantic context to a business-like dynamic – one that is entirely focused on the well-being of the child. In business, emotions are set aside, expectations are clear and plans are stuck to so that all parties can reach a common goal and benefit. Co-parenting, at its best, operates with the same clarity, structure and mutual respect. 

@amberhenryy Four things my parents did as co-parents that i hope to emulate in my own situation! #momtok #momsoftiktok #singlemomsoftiktok #singleparent #coparenting #singledad #toddlermom #blackmomsoftiktok #parentingdoneright #dadsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Amber Ciaglia

Sudden changes can be harmful and create anxiety for both the child and the parents, leaving room for picking sides or the resurfacing of past issues and trauma. Consistency, on the other hand, creates stability for everyone. 

Getting technical 

The engine of successful co-parenting is fuelled by intentional planning and parental philosophies. Don’t be afraid to define routines around school, holidays, special occasions and custody. This prevents misunderstandings and escalating conflict. 

It’s about discussing the minor details before they become a communication breakdown and agreeing on parenting styles in the child’s daily life. Whether its sleepover pick-ups or discipline tactics, strong alignment is the formula to winning the co-parenting game. 

When both parents remain actively involved, co-parenting becomes less about conflict management and more about collaborative success. 

From personal to practical 

The traditional nuclear family (dad, mom and a couple of kids) is not the only family structure recognised these days. In fact, more people are starting to see the co-parenting lifestyle as the more ‘intentional parenting’ approach. 

Co-parenting is rooted in choice rather than the predictability of a relationship that starts with fire and begin to slow-burn and wither away over time. When the romance dies, healthy co-parenting is a testament to the fact that partnerships do not have to. 

More people are willing to appreciate the co-parenting arrangement, with its emotional and practical advantages. Co-parenting depends far more on the quality of the relationship between the parents than the separation itself. 

Research by psychologist Dr Mavis Hetherington, co-author of For Better or For Worse: Divorce Reconsidered, posits that 75-80% of children raised in low-conflict, happily divorced and collaborative homes emerge as emotionally healthy individuals, compared with children from a high-conflict ‘intact family environment. 

Ultimately, co-parenting comes down to a very simple principle: the child comes first. It’s less about the past failed relationship and more about prioritising your child’s needs. When personal differences take a back seat, teamwork and trust are forged in the new dynamic. In this way, co-parenting shifts from being a resentful challenge to a fulfilling commitment.  

@intentionalparentingsaChild -centered coparenting places the child’s needs and well-being at the forefront, promoting a cooperative and supportive parenting dynamic. By working together and keeping the child’s best interests in mind, parents can create an environment that fosters the child’s growth, happiness, and overall development.♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Words by: Mbalentle Zangqa  

Photographs: Gallo/Getty Images 

The post How to make co-parenting work appeared first on TFG Media.

1. Look and see: Bingo! 

Cut out these cards and collect three counters (like a Lego). Next, watch the game with three players. When you see one of the pictures on screen, cover it with a counter. The first person to have three counters in a row shouts “Bingo!” and wins! 

Download here. 

2. Mariachi maze  

The mariachi band is on in five minutes, but their lead guitarist left his instrument behind somewhere! Help him find the shortest route to his beloved guitar. 

Download here. 

3. Craft: All dolled up  

Let’s make a traditional lelé doll! Kids in Mexico are given these as a guardian that will look after them. Although the dolls are usually made of cloth, we’re going to make one out of bright paper.  

Download here. 

4. Word whizz: Let’s taco ‘bout it 

See if you can crunch this taco by finding all the ingredients in the word search below.  

Download here. 

5. Fun with numbers: Mayan Math Class  

Long before calculators and classrooms, the ancient Mayans created their own way of working with numbers. Let’s learn more about how it works… then try it yourself!  

Download here.  

Want more educational (and fun, of course) activities to keep your kids busy at home? Subscribe to Super Kids magazine today! 

Photography: Cameron Adams, Freepik, Shutterstock

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Look & see: Bo-Kaap Kaleidoscope 

The residents of Bo-Kaap are spending the day refreshing the colours of their houses, and you’ve offered to lend a hand! They’ve given you their wishlist, so it’s time to decide which colours should be mixed together. Write your answers below, and let’s get painting! 

Download here. 

Brain games: Tongue tanglers 

This is a tricky one! Say the colour that you see – not the actual word! How fast can you go? 

Download here. 

Word whizz: True colours 

Let’s have some fun with the clever words and colours! Try connecting each colour idiom to its correct meaning! 

Download here. 

Craft: Take it for a spin 

Make your own bright and bold spinners to see colour theory in action. 

Download here. 

Fun with numbers: Funky fruit & veg 

Sara is a fruit & veg seller who wants to help her customers “eat the rainbow”, so she needs to know if she has enough of every colour. Add up the foods below based on their colour, then write down the total for each one.  

Download here. 

Want more fun learning activities? Subscribe to Super Kids magazine today! 

Photography: Cameron Adams, Shutterstock, Courtesy Images

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