BABY STEPS

Janet Michaelides (Occupational Therapist) and myself teamed up together to form a Mommies and Babies group called Baby Steps. We know that with busy lives and hectic schedules, it is sometimes really difficult to dedicate one-on-one time to your child…..there is always someone else to tend to or some other task that seems to draw us away. This is your time!

We have planned a programme of music, age-appropriate (yet challenging) learning activities and sensory experiences. We as Occupational Therapists have put together an age-related programme catering for your babies needs and your needs at various stages of development.

We are specialized in child development and early learning and have done post graduate courses in childhood development, sensory integration, play therapy, parenting and psychology. It is our hope that these groups will be a place for moms to meet, exchange stories and share experiences.

• The groups are R100 a session (R80 per session before your baby turns 6 months), payable monthly as you will see in the specific group attachment. Included in this price are teas and eats, lots of materials we use, and things to take home on a weekly basis.
• The group times are flexible but usually run from 10:30 to 12:00 including tea, chat and free play time. We recognise that all babies have their own sleeping routine (depending on what time they choose to wake their parents in the morning), and that this group time may not be 'ideal' for everyone. You could try to slightly adjust/manipulate your baby's schedule on that day so that they get a nap prior to the group starting.
• The session dates follow the school terms (roughly). Some of the holidays are very long and so for the moms that are keen, we may offer some holiday sessions.
• The groups have been structured in the following way ~ A few minutes of 'connection time' for moms and free play for the little ones, a session of fun music and action songs, a time of gross motor activities and play, a less structured session of sensory exploration and activities focusing on fine motor skill development, and finally a few minutes of 'winding down' and quiet time. There will be time at the end to catch up over a cup of tea or coffee. We have some other ideas for this time too……an introduction to baby signing, managing difficult situations, book and toy reviews etc.
• Please always pack in a sunhat, sunscreen and a change of clothing for your child. We cannot guarantee that having fun is going to be clean!