Tiffany Markman, Author at Parenting Tips and Advice | Zaparents Blog

We spent WHAT on groceries?!? Copy

by Tiffany Markman | families, family time, finance, food/recipes, nutrition, parents, snacks | 0 comments

What do families spend on groceries? In this piece, Tiffany Markman investigates the monthly spend of families of 3 or 4 people and provides some tips on cutting down.

Coron-undrum: parenting & surviving COVID-19

by Tiffany Markman | activities, COVID-19, family, family time, health, health, health, health/safety, homeschooling, indoor, natural disasters, parents, social issues | 3 comments

A coronavirus so contagious that you think twice about hugging and kissing your own child? This is not something I ever thought I’d live to see. I’d love to pretend that, in this article, I can offer sage and brilliant advice on surviving COVID-19 amid school closures, keeping your job, providing for those who rely on you, remaining safe and healthy, and still maintaining a sense of humour. But, I can’t. All I can do is share some of the nuggets of optimism, realism and creativity that are currently working for us.

The Lion King: Movie Review

by Tiffany Markman | family movies, family time, reviews, shows, technology, television | 0 comments

Okay, this is a movie review with a difference. Because this review was written by two movie reviewers… who are married to each other… and who have very different opinions about many things, and agree on some things, but not this film. So it’s a He said/She said review of The Lion King (2019).

Still a tasty treat: Disney on Ice – A Theatre Review

by Tiffany Markman | Family shows, family theatre | 0 comments

Disney on Ice remains a spectacle of the size, style and quality that your kids don’t get to see every day. And I’m pleased to confirm that this year’s offering, although simpler in many respects to its predecessors, is no different.

Raising an only child

by Tiffany Markman | family time, only child | 11 comments

There are loads and loads of mommies out there, like me, who have chosen to have one child. For loads and loads of reasons. And many are fed up with the questions and the comments. But, I’m not. So I’m gonna come right out and say it: I rather enjoy being challenged on our family’s one child choice.

Goggas! A South African Musical – A Theatre Review

by Tiffany Markman | family theatre, family time, festive holidays, holidays, reviews, shows | 0 comments

Cleverly choreographed by Jaques de Silva, beautifully costumed by the legendary Sarah Roberts, and set to a host of re-jigged contemporary hits, ‘Goggas! A South African Musical’ is the story of Lady Caroline, a British butterfly, who accidentally lands in South Africa, and Antic, the picnic ant, who helps her.

Matilda The Musical | A Theatre Review

by Tiffany Markman | family theatre, reviews | 0 comments

Matilda The Musical is about the fact that, even when things seem hopeless and all the grown-ups in your life are evil trolls, you can control your own story thanks to the transforming powers of imagination, rebellion and friendship. P.S. My daughter’s main takeaway was ‘Read books!’

Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical | A Theatre Review

by Tiffany Markman | family theatre | 0 comments

Whether you have little ones (aged 4 and up), bigger ones (mine is 7), or tweens, you’ll all adore this musical – which is clever enough to land some serious and important messaging and fun enough to keep the colours, quips, and tunes in your head for hours.

Look out for Sherlock Gnomes, coming to a theatre near you in May!

by Tiffany Markman | family movies | 0 comments

Sherlock Gnomes is an enjoyable family adventure, best suited to kids aged 6+. It has a couple of solid messages about teamwork, appreciating others, not taking the people you love for granted, and building healthy romantic relationships in which the individuals are equal partners who encourage each other.

Theatre review: Underneath a Magical Moon

by Tiffany Markman | family theatre, family time, holidays, reviews, shows | 0 comments

From an imaginative set to expressive physical theatre; from catchy songs and dances to a nicely abbreviated plot, the musical ‘Underneath a Magical Moon’ is lovely for little kids, big kids, and grown-ups.

“Mommy, this curvy Barbie looks like you!”

by Tiffany Markman | gender, parenting, products, reviews, social issues, toys | 0 comments

A huge chunk of me is thrilled to bits with Fashionista® Barbies, and their diverse body shapes, skin tones, and hairstyles. A small chunk of me is irritated that it’s taken so long and that we’re still not quite there. But my girls, 6 and 13 years old respectively, are largely pleased. So there’s that.

16 road trip tips for the festive season

by Tiffany Markman | cars, family, family time, going away, holidays, travel | 2 comments

Yikes. Travelling over the festive season is NOT for the faint-hearted. Here are some tips for safe car travels, and for taking your littlies along without wanting to murder someone en route.

Review: Pinocchio at Joburg Theatre

by Tiffany Markman | family theatre | 1 comment

I’m traditionally not a fan of panto; ..So I wasn’t expecting much and I was pleasantly surprised. More importantly perhaps, my 6-year-old absolutely adored the first 90 minutes or so.