Africa Faith Home Interviews Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Up-Close with Karin Prinsloo

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INTRODUCTION

Karin Prinsloo, SA’s Top Female swimmer, one of Africa’s and South Africa’s finest daughters, dedicated Olympian and our beloved Queen of the Swimming Pool talks to Heslop Sports in an exclusive interview.

She is also the deserving recipient of the African Female Swimmer of the Year award 2013. This ordinary girl from Marble Hall, with her extra-ordinary faith, vision, dedication and talent, is not just a triumphant athlete, but one who sets a brilliant example of purposeful living, showing that “this life is a dress rehearsal for eternity” (Leonard Ravenhill). This is the type of sportsmanship that inspires a generation, our Nation, our African Continent and also the world.

This champion represents SA well on the world’s top swimming arena’s and podiums, she is a multiple South African and African record holder and medalist, coach, mentor, and unashamedly an ambassador for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in and out of the water. Karin strives to motivate young athletes wherever she travels to or finds herself.

Read on to see what stirs this inspiring young lady, and what her plans hold for the future……

Queen of the Swimming Pool

Queen of the Swimming Pool

INTERVIEW:

How did Karin Prinsloo start out, and how did she become known as South Africa’s Queen of the Swimming Pool?

I started at the age of 6 years old, I’m the youngest of 4 sisters and swimming definitely ‘ran’ in the family. It was at the age of 10 when I first represented SA in Sydney, Australia where I realised that I had been given a huge talent. 

Who inspired you when you were much younger?

Natalie Coughlin and Ryan Lochte – USA Olympic medalists. 

Who inspires you now?

Over the years things changed a lot. Godly people started inspiring me. And unfortunately in the swimming world, a strong Christian is hard to find.  My sisters, mom, dad, pastors and fellow brother-and-sisters-in-Christ inspires me. In the swimming world people like Suzaan van Biljon, Trudi Maree and Penny Heyns inspired me because of their faith in Him.

I know you had injuries and illness leading up to SA Nationals, but you still did very well, congratulations! What advice can you give young athletes about making a comeback after a major setback?

Mind over matter – illnesses and injuries will definitely pop up and in my case at the worst times. But it’s what you make of it. You can either let it ruin your competition or make it. I went to Nationals with little expectations because of my bad build-up. Sometimes not having all the pressure on you is ideal and you should see it as a positive when injured or ill. Sometimes you’ll end up surprising yourself. 

One of the things that I admire about you is your openness about your faith in Jesus Christ. Can you tell me a little bit more about your faith journey?

From a young age my parents made sure I was raised in a very good Christian home. Always trying to be the best. But only in 2012/2013 I was given a new heart and it became a relationship not just religious do’s and don’ts. I used to swim for people, self-exaltation etc. but it was after I qualified for the London Olympics where everything changed. I prayed for it day in and day out. The Lord was faithful and blessed me with it. But it left me empty. I realized I made His gifts bigger than Him. Only when I started swimming for Him and His glory alone my swimming improved and I was content with failure and success. He knows exactly what you need, and sometimes an injury or bad times are exactly what you need in order for you to stay close to or lean on Him. He’ll bless you when you are ready and your heart is in the right place. But we often forget that having an able body is a huge enough blessing already. The rest are all just extras. Grace. 

Do you think that sports can be a ministry tool by which the lost can be reached?

In 2013 disciple-making pressed hard on my heart and ever since, everywhere I tour I really try to be a light and spread the Good News where I can. I know my purpose in swimming is far more than just winning medals but by winning souls. And I pray that He will use me more and more and that I’ll be faithful and listen to Him. Can’t think of anything more amazing than Him using you to win a soul/s. 

Karin doing her brilliant backstroke thing

Karin doing her brilliant backstroke thing

Tell me one thing about Karin Prinsloo that the world does not know.

I REALLY dislike having wet hair – haha. 

Not surprisingly you are also involved in your community, striving towards the upliftment of young female athletes – and mentoring the 12 year old Duné Coetzee. This is wonderful. What would you like to see as the outcome of this journey?

Duné’s dad approached me last year, and I’ve been loving the mentorship programme. Us girls in SA definitely need some guidance when life kicks in. I hope to teach Duné things that I wish I’d known when I was her age and the struggles she’s still going to face. Hopefully it will prolong her swimming career and help her in life in general. I really learnt a lot about myself too and it’s great being able to give back. She’s a hard worker and I’m sure she’ll go far. Excited to see what the Lord has in store for her. 

Explain your career, and how do you balance it with being a professional swimmer and Olympian?

I took over a Learn- to-Swim school in 2013. I absolutely love coaching little ones. With all my injuries and health issues I decided last year to team up with 2x Olympian Suzaan van Biljon. She took over my coaching job whilst I took over the admin side of the swim school. For now it’s ideal and gives me more time to concentrate on my swimming and rehab when needed. 

Karin with Coach Igor Omeltchenko

Karin with Coach Igor Omeltchenko

Where to from here Karin Prinsloo?

I would love to make a final next year at the Rio Olympics. I’ll be working hard till then and hopefully I can make SA proud. I’ve also learned that we can have many plans and dreams, but the Lord knows what we need and will provide and whatever the outcome if you gave your best, win or lose, His will is always better than yours. 

After my swimming I would love to build up my swim school and give clinics on stroke corrections on weekends etc. 

Blessings

Thank you so much Karin for this special interview and giving us a glimpse into your plans, preparation and what is on your heart!

Karin looking all relaxed

Karin looking all relaxed

Ready, Steady, GO!!

Ready, Steady, GO!!

Karin in full flight

Karin in full flight

Perfection

Perfection

Academics Home Interviews Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Meet the Young Athletes: Chloe Preston

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Introduction

Continuing in our series “Meet the young athletes”, next up is the young, determined and brilliant Chloe Preston, multitasker of note, and multi-talented too! A fun loving young lady, with a very gentle spirit and one who loves people. She is a scholar at St Ursula’s Primary School in Krugersdorp where she has for the past two years walked away  as the top academic achiever for her grade, plus the Junior swimmer of the year awards for the last two years. She is one who is learning from an early age to manage her time wisely, and managing to excel in both academics and sports. She is excited to take her swimming to a new level and has recently added club swimming to her wide array of activities.

Read on to find out more about this blooming young champion!

Interview

Who are you, what sport are you passionate about, and how old are you?

I am Chloe Preston, I love swimming, and I turned 11 on 16 April 2015.

At what age did you start swimming and why?

I learned to swim when I was about three years old, because I have always loved water. I enjoy swimming in school galas, it especially feels good when I win my events.

Would you like to share some highlights about your sports events so far?

A highlight for me was when I received the Junior Swimmer of the year award at school in 2013 and 2014.

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If you were not going to be involved in swimming, what sport do you think you would be involved in?

If I did not take part in swimming I would play hockey or do athletics.

Tell me a little bit about your home and school life?

During the week it is super crazy, because I have school until 2pm, then swimming from 3.15-4.30pm, Mon-Thurs. After that I have to do homework or study. On a Monday and Thursday I also go to Kumon, for extra Maths. On Fridays I go to Guides after school and then have guitar lessons at 5.30pm. This is all because of my amazing mum, she always gets me to school and extra-murals on time. She teaches me how to manage my time.

Tell me about what you like to do to relax?

Over the weekends I relax and spend time with my family. For relaxation I like to listen to music, read books, play games and take long drives with my family.

What is your favorite food? And who must cook it?

My favourite food is any good Italian food cooked by my parents.

Who is your sports hero in the sports that you are involved in? What have you learned from him / her?

Cameron van der Burgh, I learned from him that if you train hard it can get you to the Olympics.

What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

With hard work comes great rewards. Practice makes perfect.

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Young academic

Young academic

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Faith Home

Where there is no vision, the people perish

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By Cresi Heslop

Easter 2015, with its symbolism of new life, second chances and God’s Grace rushed up upon us too soon. Yet I came away from it deeply refreshed, hopeful and excited for the year ahead. It is almost as if Easter time is a better time to fully grasp the real impact of what was set in motion by January’s “new year’s resolutions”, goals and objectives.

I think this is so because by the time Easter comes by, the year is not that brand new anymore, one has made inroads into some of the goals set for the year, seen some successes and tasted some victories.

I see Easter as a time of renewing and strengthening of the “vows” of new year’s resolutions, dreams and objectives. This then encourages one to push onward! By this time of year, one has also ironed out the wrinkles in the set plans, twitched the day to day activities and one feels a bit more settled and geared for the year ahead.

So as the days of 2015 march on, may we daily chip away at what we have set out to achieve for this year. I know full well that this is not always easy, but let us not lose hope and especially not VISION!

“Where there is no vision, the people perish….” Proverbs 29:18

Vision

Image: freedigitalphotos.net

Home Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Report back Level 3 Swimming Championships 2015

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Nelson Mandela Bay’s Newton Park Swimming Pool was the place to be this last 12-16 March 2015, as they hosted the SA Level 3 National Swimming Championships.

The young Ruan Breytenbach, aged 12 made his debut at this highly competitive South African National Swimming Champs. He had all heads turning in his direction as he went full force, with much excitement and totally fearless for each and every race.

Ruan was well prepared on all fronts by his two brilliant Hillcrest Swimming Club coaches, Leon Anderson and Marcus Gloak. Ruan’s culmination of hard work and dedication shined through when he brought home 7 silver and 3 bronze medals, improved all his times, broke 6 NTS records and 1 SA record. He smashed the following NTS Records: 100m, 200m Butterfly; 200m IM; 100m, 200m Breaststroke and 400m Freestyle. He also co-broke the SA record for 100m Butterfly.

With this type of stellar performance at such a big event, all I can say is “watch out world – here comes Ruan”. Also read more about this well rounded youth here, when we interviewed him a while back.

These are Ruan’s words of encouragement to other young athletes, a firm truth that he himself reads and internalises each and every time before a race, since his very first race:

“DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF. MANY PEOPLE LIMIT THEMSELVES TO WHAT THEY THINK THEY CAN DO. YOU CAN GO AS FAR AS YOUR MIND LETS YOU. WHAT YOU BELIEVE, REMEMBER, YOU CAN ACHIEVE”. Mary Kay Ash

Below is a “visual tour” of Ruan’s Level 3 Swimming Champs 2015

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Home Jonathan Our Sons Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Report back Level 2 Swimming Championships 2015

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The SA Level 2 Regional Age group Swimming Championships took place 19 – 22 March 2015 in Germiston at the Delville Swimming Pool.

Jonathan Heslop (Jono), aged 11, had a brilliant Level 2.  He really enjoyed the fruit of his labour at this champs and found himself a bit stretched at times, but in very high spirits throughout the 4 days! He saw the benefits of good mental and physical preparation with Coach Hendrik.  Jono swam the following events – 50m, 100m, 200m Backstroke; 50m, 100m Butterfly; 50m, 100m, 200m Freestyle, 50m, 100m, 200m Breaststroke and 200m Individual Medley. He was also selected for two relay events. Here, this smallest member on team blasted the water like dynamite and contributed to the relay victory for Team Tuks! As they say: TUKS OF NIKS!

Throughout the 4 days he pushed on bravely and managed to make it to the finals for all the above events. He slashed down a total of 33 seconds collectively across all his events. He proudly brought home 3 medals: 1 gold and 2 bronze. Well done for your courage, bravery and persistence Jonathan!

“THEREFORE, SINCE WE ARE SURROUNDED BY SUCH A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES, LET US THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS AND THE SIN THAT SO EASILY ENTANGLES. AND LET US RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US”. HEBREWS 12:1

Below is a “visual tour” of Level 2 Swimming Champs 2015!

Delville Swimming Pool: Day 1: clear waters and blue skies

Delville Swimming Pool: Day 1: clear waters and blue skies

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Coaches Home Interviews Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Meet the Coaches – Hendrik v d Merwe

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Introduction

As a parent of two sports sons, I know just how important a coach is in the life of a child. They are the experts in their particular sports fields. They guide, teach, advise, and correct our children in their passion for a sport. Many times these coaches fade and blend into the background as the focus goes onto the achievements of an athlete who does well in his or her sports.

But with this new series called “Meet the Coaches” I want to bring our coaches back into the front line. I want to say: coaches you matter, you make a difference and you are sent by God to guide and lead our children in their sports paths. I want to thank and celebrate our coaches for their long, hard hours and passion in teaching and training our children not only in sports skills but also in important life skills.

Today I am talking to Coach Hendrik van der Merwe. A great Olympian, true athlete, and a man who does not shy away from long hours and hard work. One who personally knows the “grind”, with a deep passion and dedication to see his young athletes that he coaches progress to the top.

Read on to find out more about this special coach!

Your nick name is Coach Legs – tell me a little bit about that?

The nickname Legs comes from one of my very first swimming tours. At a SA Schools Champs to Durban I made friends with two girls on the swim team, they gave me the nickname of Legs. Ever since the name just stuck, with family, friends and colleagues. I guess it is because people are comfortable with me, due to the fact that I am always making jokes about my disability. There is no time in life to look down on yourself.

How did you get involved in swim coaching?

Swimming is my life, I was forced to give up my own swimming career, because bills need to be paid and I do not get the time during the day anymore to train like a professional, of course me being me, I do not like doing things half. None the less I love my job as a Coach. I get to be involved in the sport still, the swim team gets to inspire one another, I get to produce quality swimmers, and I absolutely live for that indescribable goose bumps feeling that sport gives one, it is simply amazing. Swimming is a way of life and one will never survive in this sport unless you as an individual is driven by passion.

How long have you been coaching?

I have been coaching now for + – 3years.

What do you think are the top 1 or 2 characteristics of a good coach?

It will be difficult to name only two characteristics although two very important characteristics would be: Sharing a common love with your swimmers, and for you and the team to have the same visions moving forward.

What is your favorite part about coaching?

Showing the swimmers that they are capable of so much more. Creating stronger more confident swimmers. What we apply in the pool can also be applied in our day to day lives.

At this moment – what are you working on with your swim team?

Currently we are just working towards a successful year, although most of it being achieving more goals and improvements in training. After all, if one wants to race passionately, one must train passionately.

If you have to sum it up shortly, what is your number one aim as a coach for now and for the future?

Producing Olympic Athletes, and becoming one of the world’s greatest.

Are your all work and no play with your swim squad?

I am all about hard work, but it is important to play hard as well. Then again content vs context means everything.

If you could change a rule in swimming, what would it be?

Allowing more dolphin kicks on the breaststroke start.

Besides your professional work as a coach – what do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for keeping fit, and I have a strong liking to the pit bull dog breed.

Name the best moment of your coaching career so far?

Every day of coaching will have a minimum of one or two good moments.

Tell me about what you like to do to relax?

After a long week of coaching and working out, I do absolutely nothing and just plain enjoy being lazy.

You are an Olympian who participated in the 2012 London Paralympics Games. When you swam for you country, what did it feel like?

Swimming for my country gave me a good feeling and sense of achievement. It was a very proud moment for me competing in various IPC world championship events.

What word of motivation do you have for young athletes?

Train as perfect as possible, focus on doing the small things right. Always have long term success in mind when working towards a goal. Without passion nothing is attainable.

What is your favourite motivational quote?

”If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Perseverance, Gratitude, Blessed life.

Watch him on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz1-KRaHkPg

Relaxing at home with some "good friends" who do not talk back!

Relaxing at home with some “good friends” who do not talk back!

The daily grind to keep fit

The daily grind to keep fit

The glory days of Olympics

The glory days of Olympics

Hendrik part of Team SA - London 2012

Hendrik part of Team SA – London 2012

Quiet moment of contemplation before the race!

Quiet moment of contemplation before the race!

Watchful eye over his young athletes warming up at SA Level 2 Champs

Watchful eye over his young athletes warming up at SA Level 2 Champs

Some poolside fun between coach and student.

Some poolside fun between coach and student.

A coaches reward - SOME MEDALS!

A coaches reward – SOME MEDALS!

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Coach Hendrik in action!

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Coaches you matter, you make a difference and you are sent by God to guide and lead our children in their sports paths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Soccer Sports

Sports Birthdays: Ronaldinho

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by Cresi Heslop

This is the first in a new series called “Sports Birthdays”. The aim is to give a glimpse into the youth days of various athletes. It is fascinating to see what the world’s top athletes were like as young men and women growing up. A special note to our young athletes reading this: just remember that they were nothing different to you, dreaming, believing and working hard to someday reach high goals, make an impact and leave a good legacy!

Name and Sport

Ronaldinho Gaucho, Brazilian international footballer. Full name Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. Ronaldinho being the diminutive for Ronaldo.

Birthdate

21st March 1980

As a young Athlete

Ronaldinho grew up in a working class district in Porto Alegre, in the south of Brazil. He was the youngest of three children. His father, an amateur dedicated footballer, who worked in the shipyards, was set on training his sons in football from small, and soon recognized their talent. Ronaldinho was given a football for his first birthday, and was almost never seen without a ball after that!

Both Ronaldinho and his older brother played for youth football clubs. The young Ronaldinho of 8 and his family suffered a tragic loss when his father died of a heart attack. However, I believe that his father’s prophetic words over him from the time that he was but a toddler, saying that Ronandinho would be the best in the world deeply impacted Ronaldiho’s determination and journey to the top. When Ronaldinho was 13 he scored a ridiculous 23 goals in a 23-0 match. As a young boy he spent many long hours studying and practicing the moves and strategies of the greats of football in Brazil like Pelé , Ronaldo and Revelino. The young Ronaldinho was no stranger to hardship and had to contend with dusty, grassless soccer pitches and makeshift balls, but this did not stop the burning passion within him to keep playing football.

He had a celebrated youth career which included the call up in 1997 to the under 17 National Team which won the FIFA under 17 World Championship in Egypt. He went on to play for the Brazilian National Football Team and various world class football clubs.

Famous for

Renowned for his “samba with a football”, for his technique, tricks, dribbling, overhead kicks, no-look passes and free kicks, Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the best players who deeply impacted his generation. He is often mentioned in the same breath as Pelé – one of the greatest ever Brazilian and world footballers. A characteristic about Ronaldinho that grips the attention of all around him is that abundant joy, that ever smiling face. One who plays The Beautiful Game “Jogo Bonito” – for the love of the game! This I think this type of attitude makes all the difference between success and failure.

Playing position

Attacking midfielder / Forward

Famous quote by Ronaldinho

Football is about joy. It’s about dribbling. I favour every idea that makes the game beautiful. Every good idea has to last.

Ronaldinho. It is fascinating to see what the world’s top athletes were like as young men and women growing up. Young athletes remember this: they were nothing different to you, dreaming, believing and working hard to someday reach high goals, make an impact and leave a good legacy!

Ronaldinho. It is fascinating to see what the world’s top athletes were like as young men and women growing up. Young athletes remember this: they were nothing different to you, dreaming, believing and working hard to someday reach high goals, make an impact and leave a good legacy!

Image courtesy of:

Reto Stauffer, www.hopp-schwiiz.ch (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0 de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldinho

http://biography.com/people/Ronaldinho-16636081

 

 

 

 

Academics Home Libraries Proudly South African Sports

SA Library Week 2015

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South Africa celebrates National Library Week during 14 – 21 March 2015 with the theme “Connect @ your library”. The official launch takes place in Cape Town on 13 March at Centre for the book.

Is it not beautiful how certain things in life just seamlessly connect and knit people of diverse walks of life together, things like books, libraries and the love of reading. I am a firm library advocate and with this post I want to emphasize again to our youth in general and to our young athletes, the importance of being a reading generation of young people.

Do not get so overwhelmed in your compulsory school / university reading, or sports activities that quiet reading time is neglected. I am not sure if libraries are still considered “cool” among our youth, but I dare you, go to your local library and start a trend of being cool at your library!

Why not treat yourself and find libraries in your communities to visit and use the visit to connect with peers your age, your broader community and much more. I take particular pride our National Library of South Africa in Pretoria. A true beauty to behold, inspiring, a feast for the eye, a hub of wonderful paper and electronic information, a caring group of people and a real sense of “Connect @ your library”.

Young athletes – keep reading, keep studying, enlarge your horizons, broaden your experiences, get motivated, get educated, and fuel your dreams.

Library Week 2015 Poster IMAGE

Young athletes – keep reading, keep studying, enlarge your horizons, broaden your experiences, get motivated, get educated, and fuel your dreams.

Image courtesy of The Library and Information Association of South Africa – www.liasa.org

 

Faith Home Sports Swimming

Bon Courage Young Athletes

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by Cresi Heslop

This post is to say: “BON COURAGE YOUNG ATHLETES”, for the upcoming SA National and Regional Swimming Championships in March 2015. I know you are champions in and out of the water!

Below find the dates and venues of the upcoming events in which our young athletes will be competing.

But first things first – I want to encourage our Young Athletes with these words:

 

The Competitor’s Creed 

I am a Christian first and last.

I am created in the likeness of God Almighty to bring Him glory.

I am a member of Team Jesus Christ.

I wear the colors of the cross.

I am a Competitor now and forever.

I am made to strive, to strain, to stretch and to succeed in the arena of competition.

I am a Christian Competitor I face my challenger and as such, with the face of Christ.

I do not trust in myself.

I do not boast in my abilities or believe in my own strength.

I rely solely on the power of God.

I compete for the pleasure of my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.

My attitude on and off the field is above reproach – my conduct beyond criticism.

Whether I am preparing, practicing or playing; I submit to God’s authority and those He has put over me.

I respect my coaches, officials, teammates and competitors out of respect for the Lord.

My body is the temple of Jesus Christ I protect it from within and without.

Nothing enters my body that does not honor the Living God.

My sweat is an offering to my Master.

My soreness is a sacrifice to my Savior.

I give my all – all of the time.

I do not give up. I do not give in.

I do not give out.

I am the Lord’s warrior – a competitor by conviction and a disciple of determination.

I am confident beyond reason because my confidence lies in Christ.

The results of my efforts must result in His glory.

LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN. LET THE GLORY BE GOD’S. 

“The Competitor’s Creed” courtesy of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA): http://fcaendurance.com/the-competitors-creed

 

As mentioned above here are the details of the different events.

Level 3 National Age Group Championships: 12-16 March 2015 – Port Elizabeth – Newton Park Swimming Pool

Level 2 Regional Age Group Championships: 19-22 March 2015 – Germiston – Delville Swimming Pool

Level 1 Regional Age Group Championships: 27-29 March 2015 – Johannesburg – Ellis Park Swimming Pool

 

splash water for blog free

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Food Home Sports

Youth Sports Nutrition

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Youth Sports Nutrition – by Cresi Heslop

I must confess that with this topic I really thread very carefully, because of the wide array of opinions, studies and stats available on nutrition.

What I have thus decided to do is to write simply from my own household’s point of view, of what happens in my family concerning nutrition.

Both my boys are involved in competitive sports. I have two extreme opposite cases concerning nutrition on hand: the one enjoys eating a wide variety of different foods from all the food groups, and the other one is a poor eater, who eats only a hand full of fruits and vegetables, the rest only under duress or in a much disguised form……. J

Although this is mainly a sports orientated blog, I firmly believe that nutrition is not only important for sports activities but equally key for academic performance. Ultimately we as parents should strive to raise whole and well balanced children giving attention to mind, body and soul.

The following are some of the points that I personally consider as important with regards to nutrition:

  • Food First philosophy. Children should be encouraged to eat well. This means not skipping meals, and eating as close to the healthy and balanced options as possible.
  • Anchor with a protein. From my own experience and that of my family, we have come to realise that meals only contain carbohydrates just cause quicker and more intense hunger an hour or so later.
  • Begin the day right. Breakfast, and a breakfast of substance makes all the difference in how the day starts and continues. In my house my husband makes a special effort to prepare a large selection of cooked breakfast foodies for the family for the week ahead. It stays refrigerated and serves all of us well for the entire week. It allows for real quick dish up and heat in the morning rush of things.
  • Supplement as backup and “insurance”. I definitely believe in supplements and vitamins. It is impossible, if you consider the little time that we have, our city lifestyles and the quality and variety of foods within close proximity to our houses – to cook and eat like our forefathers, who enjoyed a much more quiet and “whole” lifestyle. Just a note of warning in this regard – it is of the utmost importance to do a thorough check before you take or give your child any of these supplements and vitamins.
  • Variety – the spice of life. Trying to prepare meals that are different all the time is a real challenge for me who likes to hit the “repeat” button! Mixing and matching different types of foods will ensure that a good balance of foods are eaten, enjoyed and the necessary nutrition gained from them.
  • Stay well hydrated. In our home water bottles stand around in almost each room, ready to grab and go, ready to sip on all the time.

ID-100230776Image courtesy of rakratchada torsap at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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