Absolute Mama Magazine (2025)

25/11/2025

Last week we celebrated World Children’s Day, a reminder of how powerful early literacy is in shaping a child’s future. 🧡📚

South Africa’s latest Funda Uphumelele findings show that many young learners are still struggling to read with confidence. Still, there is a proven path forward: teaching children to read in their home languages. When kids learn in a language that feels familiar, everything changes, comprehension improves, confidence grows, and their love for reading becomes a natural part of who they are.

That’s why we love what TAQA, a South African edtech start-up, is doing. They create beautifully crafted videobooks in all 11 official languages, bringing stories to life through audio, illustrations and text. It’s an accessible, meaningful way to help children learn and dream in the language they speak at home.

As TAQA’s CEO, Qhawe Bula, reminds us:
“Every child deserves the chance to read, learn and dream in a language that feels like home.”

Give your child the gift of home-language reading, explore TAQA’s eLibrary and discover a videobook in the language your family speaks.

https://taqa.africa

21/11/2025

Say hello to mealtime magic! ✨

Eskort has just launched Kiddos, South Africa’s first-ever pork range made specially for children aged 3–13 and we’re here for it!

Created with busy family life in mind, the new Eskort Kiddos range brings fun, flavour and wholesome goodness to lunchboxes, after-school snacks, and quick weeknight dinners. Think gentle flavours, soft textures, antibiotic-free pork, no added MSG and some gluten-free options, all ready in minutes.

And the best part? The Kiddos crew couldn’t be cuter:
🐷 Flingas – golden crumbed pork fingers
🐽 Tootsies – pork nuggets shaped like snouts
🍔 Smashies – mini pork patties for little sliders
🥔 Wim Wams – crumbed pork frikkadels
🧀 Tonkies – potato & bacon balls
🧡 Cheesy Wiggles – mini cheese viennas

Mealtimes just became a whole lot more playful and way easier for parents.

Available nationwide.

05/11/2025

The PnP Clothing Futurewear Collective brings together seven young designers from the brand’s mentorship programme, each reworking a signature floral print into beautiful, wearable designs for every woman’s wardrobe.

Guided by Gavin Rajah and supported by Julia Buchanan, the collection represents so much more than fashion; it’s about mentorship, collaboration, and creating opportunities for South African talent to thrive.

Made locally. Designed with love. Accessible to everyone.
Now available in select PnP Clothing stores nationwide.

04/11/2025

Juicy, sweet and packed with goodness, it’s stone fruit season! 🍑🍒

From the first peaches to cherries and nectarines, summer is the perfect time to fill lunchboxes, snack bowls and breakfast bowls with these natural powerhouses. They’re rich in vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, keeping little tummies happy and growing bodies fueled.

Try adding stone fruit to smoothies, salads, or even desserts – there are so many ways to make healthy snacking fun for the whole family!

For inspiration and recipe ideas, follow Juicy Delicious

16/10/2025

From chasing toddlers to running school errands, moms are always on their feet and often the first to forget about taking care of themselves!

While we acknowledged International Podiatry Day last week, every day is a reminder that happy feet mean a happier you.

“Your feet deserve the same attention you give the rest of your body,” says Lynsey Hammond from Kroko, makers of trusted South African foot care products. “Addressing small issues early helps prevent bigger health concerns later on.”

This season, take a moment to pamper your hardworking feet with Kroko Heel Balm or HeelFix, and don’t forget to remind your kids that good foot care starts young.

Find out more at www.kroko.co.za

𝗔 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:
The average person walks the equivalent of five laps around the equator in a lifetime!

09/10/2025

There are only a few days left of the school holidays, and the Two Oceans Aquarium is putting penguins in the spotlight. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a full line-up of penguin-themed activities, from daily feeding sessions to creative crafts and puppet shows.

Each day, three lucky visitors will be randomly selected to join the Penguin Keepers during feeding time, a rare opportunity to get up close with the African penguins. Younger children can still enjoy spot prizes, face painting, and fun from the sidelines.

The Children’s Play Centre is hosting penguin-themed crafts, and puppet shows run daily at 10:30, 13:30, and 15:30, featuring Peter the Penguin.

With extended opening hours from 09:00 to 18:00, now is the perfect time to make a last-minute visit and create unforgettable holiday memories.

Find out more at www.aquarium.co.za

01/10/2025

Family fun under the stars!

The Galileo Open Air Cinema kicks off on 15 October 2025, bringing picnics, movies and memories to Cape Town’s most beautiful outdoor spots. Perfect for families, tweens and little ones, with special dog-friendly shows too!

October Family Highlights:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Friday 17 Oct, Kirstenbosch

Secret Life of Pets – Friday 24 Oct, Central Park. VID's (Very Important Dogs) welcome!

Halloween Special Shows – Fun & spooky films for the kids

Bring a picnic or enjoy delicious onsite treats while watching movies under Table Mountain or in the Winelands. Weekdays from 6 PM, Saturdays from 5 PM.

Tickets from R155 at www.thegalileo.co.za/movies

22/09/2025

From penguins at Boulders Beach to the tip of Cape Point, now your kids can explore Cape Town with their very own adventure guide!

The brand-new Kids’ Cape Town Guidebook & Activities is designed for children aged 6–10. This fun, interactive book turns iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, Cape Point and the V&A Waterfront into exciting learning adventures.

Packed with 40+ puzzles, mazes, codes, crosswords and spot-the-difference games, it’s the perfect way to keep little travellers engaged while exploring. Parents will also love the practical tips on what to pack and what to expect at each stop.

Written by tour guide & travel writer Jeanne Bonnema and educator Emma Cleworth, this book is all about sparking curiosity and making family adventures unforgettable.

Available now at Takealot Loot.co.za Amazon SA and local bookstores including Wordsworth Books Bargain Books SA & Exclusive Books RSP: R170.

Follow Kids' Guide Cape Town | www.kidsguidecapetown.com

17/09/2025

A morning of motherhood, memories & magic!

Last week we joined Ackermans for their Mommy & Baby Annual Event, a beautiful pastel-filled celebration of moms, bumps and the littlest loves, hosted by the ever-inspiring Sherlin Barends, our MC with the mostest.
From gorgeous 100% cotton pieces (that are as kind to little ones as they are to our pockets) to adorable rompers up to 24 months, every detail of the day reminded us why Ackermans is such a trusted part of the motherhood journey.

The morning was filled with heartwarming moments, from a sisterhood of mamas sharing their journeys on the panel to storytime with Buddy Bear’s First Jungle Party. We were introduced to the brand-new range of Buddy Bear baby toiletries, smitten with the cheerful new swimwear collection for summer and of course, absolutely loved the surprise appearance from Buddy Bear himself, a true hit with the little ones.
As always, Ackermans impressed us with their thoughtful details: 100% cotton pieces that are as gentle on our littles as they are on our pockets, rompers available up to 24 months, and a rainbow of colours and patterns to brighten the season. Their passion, creativity and energy shone through, reminding us why they remain such a trusted part of every mama’s journey.
A special moment of the day was the give-back station, where each guest packed a gift for an underprivileged baby to be donated to Bless a Baby, a beautiful reminder of the spirit of community and care.

D O N ‘T F O R G E T
The Ackermans Baby of the Year competition is running until 21 October,be sure to enter your little star!

Here’s to summer loving, pastel dressing and watching our minis shine with Ackermans. 💛

Butter Knife PR

16/09/2025

South African kids now spend over 9 hours a day on screens, nearly 3 hours more than the global average. Experts warn that this digital overload is fuelling anxiety, disrupted sleep and lower academic performance.

But here’s the good news: screen-free play is making a comeback. From schools introducing phone bans to families investing in toys that spark creativity, children are rediscovering the joy of unplugged play.

Brands like ZURU are leading the way with toys designed to rival screen time for excitement, from XSHOT blasters and MAX Build More bricks to quirky plush companions like Fugglers and collectables like Mini Brands Create. These toys don’t just entertain, they build resilience, social skills, and imagination.

“Screen-free play is becoming the new luxury,” says Christiane Schwarz of ZURU. “Parents love that it’s not only healthier for kids, but it also brings families back together in ways a screen never can.”

Maybe it’s time to rethink playtime? Because the best childhood memories aren’t made online, they’re made together.

25/08/2025

𝗪𝗜𝗡! 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗶𝗻 𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 & 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗿’𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Johannesburg: Alchemy Studio – 6 September

In Joburg, the day is all about strength, balance, and community. Hosted by Alchemy Studio, two classes, barre sculpt and yoga, will blend ballet-inspired movement with strength training for an uplifting wellness experience. Guests will be treated to a post-workout hot drink from Plato Coffee and delicious low-calorie sodas from PURA, plus a tote bag filled with Under Armour goodies.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿
All you need to do is follow the link below to sign up for the Totalsports and Under Armour newsletters, like this post and you’ll be entered into the draw. Competition runs from 25 August to 3 September.

Here is the link: http://bit.ly/41lIH1X

Ts & Cs
Winners will receive one ticket to attend.
Winners should be located in the relevant event’s city, all related transport costs not included.
Tickets are non-transferable
Successful sign-up to the newsletter qualifies as an entry, but does not guarantee a ticket win.

28/07/2025

𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮: 𝗣𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀

Say goodbye to boring snacks! These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Balls by PB2 are the perfect make-ahead treat for your kids’ lunchboxes. Naturally sweet, protein-packed and bursting with flavour. Plus, they’re mum-approved for busy days when you need something quick, healthy and homemade.

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons Original PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
4 tablespoons rolled oats
1 tablespoon maple sugar
½ teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon crystallised ginger, chopped fine
A pinch of salt
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons coconut milk
A hint of vanilla extract
½ cup shredded coconut

Directions:
1. Place PB2, oats, maple sugar, allspice, ginger and salt into a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse, powdery texture.
2. Add pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and vanilla extract. Pulse to combine.
3. Adjust consistency to taste by adding more PB2 if needed.
4. Using a small 1-ounce scoop, shape into 12 balls.
5. Roll each ball in shredded coconut, place on wax or parchment paper, and refrigerate until firm (8 hours to overnight).
6. Pack in your kids’ lunchboxes or grab as an on-the-go snack. Enjoy!

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter is available at selected Dis-Chem, Checkers, Pick 'n Pay and Wellness Warehouse Stores nationwide.

Absolute Mama Magazine

25/11/2025

21/11/2025

05/11/2025

04/11/2025

16/10/2025

09/10/2025

01/10/2025

22/09/2025

17/09/2025

16/09/2025

25/08/2025

28/07/2025

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