I have been reading fascinating books about instilling a sense of independence in our children from an early age.  It is important to me as a busy working mother that my daughter is aware of what her mother does.  I want her to know where I am and what I am doing - when mommy is at work, exercising or has to go away.  She needs to know that mommy somtimes needs time to herself and I tell her this.  She knows then that she can play in her playroom while mommy takes some time to be alone.  When mommy is done, we can play together and o what she wants to do. 

Of course she doesn't always quite understand this, but she is learning quickly, so quickly in fact that she is starting to give me some of my own medicine!  She will now tell me that she wants to be alone and that I must go play in my own room...... From the mouth of children .....!

Our time is the most precious gift we can bestow upon our children.  That pink fluffy toy or beautiful new bike may soon be forgotten, but they will always remember whether or not heir mom or dad was there for them when they needed them.  Your presence gives them the confidence and security they need to push their boundaries, explore their environment and grow in love.

Lately I have found it necessary for introspection.  Perhaps it is also time to reassess who you are and who you have become?  Are you the person you wanted to be?  Are you the parent you always wanted to be? Reflect on these questions for a few moments:

* Do you like who you have become?

* Are you happy with your career choice?

* Where are your children?

* Are you economically independent? If not, why?

* Do you still believe in your vision? If no, Why not?

* Do you feel that you improve the quality of the lives of the people around you?

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said:  "The only limit to our realisation of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

Each one of us is created for greatness.  Keeping your dream and vision in the forefront of your mind at all times is the key to attaining your goal.  Write down what you aim to achieve to keep you focused, and remember too that you are not alone.  There are so many people out there who are going through their own difficult moments and crises of faith.  Remember, you are the navigator of your own time, and time, once wasted, can never be regained. 

What can you do?  Register for a course to update your skills?  Start a small business.  Seek medical advice for that problem you have.  Don't sit back and wait for the answer to come to you.  Be bold.  Be proactive.  Even be aggressive, if that is what the situation calls for!

I admire women with fortitude!  We are all a little afraid, but we should look up to those who take up the challenge and move forward bravely... Taking up the challenge and moving forward bravely is what you want to pass on to your children.  Step out of your comfort zone and in doing so unite with all women out there.  Asian, black, coloured, Indian and white.  We all have a common interest, and that is to bring Africa forward in time.  DOING IT OUR WAY!

Your baby depends on you for all of his nutritional needs when you are breastfeeding, so you should be eating well to ensure he is healthy too.  To keep yourself and your baby energetic and healthy, be sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet.  Don't diet but make good choices and if you find your baby is so demanding you are not able to plan healthy meals, stock up on healthy items that are easy to grab on the run - fruit and individual servings of yoghurt are great options.

Protein

You should be eating a little more protein than usual - about three 65g portions per day.  Two slices of wholegrain bread with peanut butter and a glass of low-fat milk will give you this.

Iron

An iron deficiency can cause fatique, but you can prevent it by getting extra iron from foods like chicken liver, red meat, leafy green vegetables and raisins.  Improve the absorptionn of iron by combining it with sources of vitamin C.

Calcium

You need four or five portions of dairy a day.  One portion is equivalent to 250 ml of milk or yoghurt or 30g cheese.

Fruit & Veg

Five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables are essential.  Try to include at least one portion of yellow vegetables, two portions of leafy green vegetables and one citrus fruit.

Grains

At least six portions of wholewheat bread or wholegrain foods every day.

Drinks

Drink at least two litres of water a day.  Keep a glass of water or fruit juice handy when you are breastfeeding, because you will get thirsty.  Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine drinks as they can keep your baby awake at night.

Supplements or not?

Absolutely!  Look at the Pregnacare range from Vitabiotics on www.vitabiotics.co.za.  Go to www.pikanini.co,za and quote the voucher no on our homepage when you order vitabiotics products on line and receive a 20 % discount.

Suggested Meal Plan

Breakfast

3/4 cup jof oats with half a cup of milk and sugar as preferred

1 slice wholewheat toast with margarine

Half a cup of milk, yoghurt or cottage cheese

Snack

1 slice wholewheat bread with margarine

2 tablespoons of peanut butter or 1 boiled egg

Half a cup of yoghurt or cottaage cheese

Lunch

1 wholewheatt bread roll with margarine, tuna, sliced tomato, lettuce and mayonnaise

2 guavas or 1 orange

Snack

3 Provita's or one slice of wholewheat bread with margarine

30g of cheese

Dinner

1 portion (120g)  grilled chicken or a cup of lentils or dried beans

A third of a cup of cooked rice, stamp mielies, pasta, 1 medium baked potato or 1 cup of pumpkin

Half a cup of green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower or tomato

A half a cup of carrots, beetroot or other vegetables

Snack

1 cup of milk

It is through her eyes your baby will make sense of the world around her, making her early vision development critical.  Newborns see a blur of light and dark patterns.  From about 3 months, baabies begin to focus and coordinate eye movement.  Around 4 months your baby will start to follow moving objects with her eyes.  Her hand-eye coordination and depthe perception also begin to develop.

Babies eyes are sometimes quite squint for a few weeks after birth.  This is normal as the muscles have not fully developed yet.  Allowing your baby to play peek-a-boo stimulates focus.  By 1 year your baby is more mobile and can judge distance, grasp and throw her toys with greater accuracy.

Give your baby plenty of Vitamin A to ensure eye and visionn development.  Carrots are a good source of vitamin A. 

20 cm is the distance at witch your newborn can focus.

Following your baby's birth, the doctor will assess his eye health as early diaagnosis and treatment for and eye problem is essential.  Usually your child's first visit to the optometrust is at 3 years.  However see a doctor earlier if you detect the following:

* Turning of one eye inward, outward, upward or downward.

* Notable bumping or walking into objects on one side.

* Red eyes or lids

* Continual tearing

* Encrusted eyelids

* Regular stye infections