The
WELLNESS
Chronicles
Explore Insightful Tips & Guides for Your Family’s Health Journey
Exam Anxiety in Children: How to Help Them Feel Calmer
Practical tips to ease exam anxiety in children, from sleep and study routines to calm, natural support for nervous kids.
Emotional Regulation for Children: Why It Matters
Executive Summary Prolonged stress triggers hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, overloading children’s working memory and impairing focus, information processing, and test recall. Overwhelmed children often exhibit procrastination, distraction, emotional outbursts, and mental fatigue. Rather than demanding harder work, parents can…
What Is Saffron and Is It Safe for Children?
Discover the benefits and safety of saffron for children's cognitive wellbeing, focus, and mood support, featuring Vie&Sante Safari Squad gummies.
How Stress Affects Memory, Focus and Learning in Children
Discover how stress impacts children's brain development, memory, and focus. Learn practical learning and focus support strategies to help your child thrive.
What Vitamins Should Kids Take Every Day?
Learn which daily vitamins for children are important for healthy growth, immunity, brain development, and overall wellbeing. Expert advice for South African parents.
The Daily Wellness Habits Every Parent Should Teach Their Child
Discover simple daily wellness habits for children that help build healthy routines, stronger immunity, better sleep, and lifelong wellbeing.
How Gut Health Impacts Your Child’s Immunity During Winter
Summary Once winter arrives, our natural instinct is to immediately bundle our kids up in layers of warm clothing, keep them out of the cold air and supplement with Vitamin C. Contrary to popular belief it’s wiser to target their…
Why Do Kids Get Sick More Often During Winter?
Summary We all grew up with the phrase ‘dress warmly for winter so you don’t catch a cold’! However, this idea that cold temperatures cause or create infection is just not true. What actually happens is that the colder weather…
Why Does My Child’s Cough Last So Long After the…
Child still coughing weeks post-flu? Learn why the "post-viral phase" lingers and how to aid recovery. Get tips to soothe the cough, boost energy, and download our free Child Recovery Routine Guide for tired moms.
Rainy Day Activities for Kids in South Africa (Cape Town,…
Rainy Day Activities for Kids in South Africa Looking for rainy day activities for kids? Rainy days can quickly turn into long, restless hours when you’ve got kids at home. Looking for rainy day activities for kids in South Africa?…
How Easter Sugar Affects Kids’ Sleep & Mood
Easter is magical for kids. Chocolate eggs, family time, and long weekends. But by the end of it? You’re often left with a child who’s emotional, overtired, and completely out of sync. If you’ve ever thought: “Why is my child…
The Best Play Parks to Visit These April School Holidays…
School holidays are brilliant in theory. In reality, kids climb the walls by 09:30, and you need plans that do not involve another screen. Play parks are a win because they give kids a safe space to burn energy, practise…
The Science of Play: A Guide to Emotional Regulation &…
Helping children manage big emotions can feel overwhelming. One minute everything is calm, the next a meltdown erupts because a sandwich was cut into squares instead of triangles. Parents often search for emotional regulation activities for kids when these moments…
Kids’ Focus and Concentration Support: Do Supplements Really Help?
Many parents search for ways to support their child’s concentration without relying on harsh stimulants or medication. Is “homework time” a daily battle in your house? Many parents look for kids’ focus and concentration support when their children struggle to…
Daily multivitamin guide for kids
Is ‘cereal for dinner’ ruining my child’s nutrition? Picky Eater? Growth Spurt? The Truth About Daily Vitamins We’ve all been there! Between the beautiful chaos of school runs and work deadlines, hitting those nutritional goals can feel like a second…
The Science of Sleep
The Silent Architect: Why Sleep is the Ultimate Tool for Future Leaders We often talk about what our children do to get ahead, the extra lessons, the sports clinics, the advanced coding classes. But some of the most profound developments…
Navigating Kids’ Nutrition
Tiny Humans, Big Questions: Navigating Your Child’s Nutritional Journey Raising the Leaders of Tomorrow (While Surviving Today) There is no manual for the “wonderful pressure” we feel as parents. From the moment they’re born, we aren’t just raising toddlers and…
The Late January Momentum: Supporting Focus, Balance and Family Well-Being
The Late January Momentum: Supporting Focus, Balance and Family Well-Being By late January, the excitement of a new school year has usually worn off. Mornings feel heavier. Afternoons feel longer. And the smooth routines we promised ourselves at the start…
A Fresh Start for Little Bodies
At Vie&Sante, we believe that wellness begins with simple, nurturing habits that help kids feel grounded, energised, and emotionally balanced. This blog will guide you through ways to support your child’s well-being as they step into a new year.
Raising Self-Belief
Confidence isn’t just about how our kids look — it’s about who they believe they are.
Why Problem-Solving Is the #1 Skill Kids Need for Success
In this blog, we explore why problem-solving matters more than ever, how it supports cognitive development and emotional intelligence, and what you can do to nurture it from an early age.
Study Smart: How to Support Your Child’s Brain Health This…
We’ll explore brain-friendly habits and natural ways to support cognitive health, mood, and memory during exam season.
Springtime Wellness: How to Refresh Your Child’s Health This September
September is the perfect time to refresh routines and support your child’s health as they ease into a new season. In this blog, we’re sharing easy ways to align with the energy of spring while strengthening immunity, gut health, and…
The Power of Play: How Playing Regulates a Child’s Nervous…
Play is one of the most powerful tools for regulating the nervous system, building emotional resilience, and rewiring the brain for safety. And in today's world, play has never been more vital.
How to Help Your Child Cope with Big Feelings
If you’ve ever witnessed your child explode in anger, melt down in sadness, or completely shut down when overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Back-to-School Wellness: 5 Ways to Support Your Child’s Health This…
With a few simple habits and a little daily support, you can help your child stay healthy, focused, and well-rested this term.
The Gut-Brain Connection in Kids: What Every Parent Should Know
You’ve probably heard the saying “trust your gut,” but did you know there’s actual science behind it? Your child’s gut and brain are in constant communication, and this powerful link can impact everything from mood and focus to digestion, sleep,…
The Real Reason Study Time Feels Like a Battle
If you’ve ever asked your child to sit down and focus only to be met with wiggling, whining, or wild distractions, you’re not alone. Here’s what most people don’t realise: focus is a nervous system state, not just a mental…
Why Gut Health Matters More in Winter: Protecting Kids from…
Winter often brings warm meals, fuzzy blankets, and, unfortunately, sniffles and sneezes. If your child seems to catch every bug going around this time of year, it might be time to look deeper, all the way to their gut.
Managing Anxiety in Kids
Anxiety in children can be one of the most confusing and emotional things for parents to navigate. One minute your child is fine, the next they’re refusing to go to school, clinging to you at bedtime, or breaking down in…
5 Immune-Boosting Habits Every Family Should Adopt This Winter
Support your family's health and build daily routines that help prevent seasonal sniffles. As temperatures drop and winter approaches, many families begin the annual scramble to avoid the flu, colds, and endless rounds of tissues.
How to use Love Languages to Strengthen your Parent-Child Bond
As a neuroscience-based parenting coach, one of the most powerful truths I share with parents is this: connection is the foundation of cooperation, emotional regulation, and behavioural change.
The Easter Sugar Rush
Easter brings joy, family gatherings, and, of course, an abundance of sugary treats. While indulging in chocolates and candies is part of the celebration, excessive sugar intake can lead to hyperactivity and disrupt your child's sleep patterns.
Family Adventures: How to Keep Kids Energised and Healthy Over…
The school holidays are a perfect time for family adventures but keeping your kids active and well-nourished during this break can be challenging. With a few practical strategies, you can ensure your children stay energised and healthy, ready to make…
The 3 R’s of Regulation
Grounded With Shannon: The 3 R’s of Regulation A Parent’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Raising Emotionally Resilient Kids By Shannon Mandel Anxiety is an inevitable part of life, but for parents, it often takes on a new dimension. Whether…
Introducing Shannon Mandel: The New Face of Parenting Support at…
Introducing Shannon Mandel The New Face of Parenting Support at Vie&Sante At Vie&Sante, our mission has always been rooted in a simple but powerful idea: Good Health = A Happy Life. We’re passionate about supporting families with health solutions that…
How to Combat Seasonal Allergies
For health-conscious moms and parents seeking practical solutions, understanding how to manage these allergies and enhance your child's immune system is essential.
The Science of Sleep: How to Help Your Kids Rest…
As parents, we know that sleep is essential for our little ones, but between school, sports, homework, and screen time, bedtime can often feel like a battle. If your child struggles to wind down, wake up refreshed, or stay asleep…
The Connection Between Gut Health and Mood in Children: What…
When we think about mood and behaviour, we often focus on the brain. However, research has revealed that the gut plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, often referred to as the “second brain.” For children, a healthy gut is…
Screen Time and Learning: Top Tips to Boost Kids’ Focus…
With digital devices now integral to education and entertainment, managing screen time has become one of the biggest challenges for parents. While technology offers incredible learning opportunities, excessive use can impact focus, sleep, and even emotional well-being.
Building Immunity for Back-to-School: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids…
As children head back to school, they face exposure to new environments, classmates, and—inevitably—more germs. For parents, supporting a child’s immune system is essential for helping them stay healthy and focused on learning.
Back to School with Confidence: Essential Tips for a Smooth…
As the new school year approaches, parents everywhere are preparing their children to transition smoothly from holiday relaxation to a productive, focused routine. From establishing new habits to supporting emotional well-being, there are several ways you can set up your…
Gut Health and Festive Feasts: How TummyBiotic Gummies Can Help…
The holiday season is filled with delicious treats and indulgent meals that everyone loves, but these festive foods can sometimes take a toll on our digestive systems—especially for children. From sugary sweets to rich holiday dishes, the festive feasts can…
Top 22 Affordable Activities for Kids Under R100 in South…
The holiday season is here, and we know keeping the kids entertained while sticking to a budget can be a challenge. Luckily, South Africa’s major cities offer plenty of fun, affordable activities for families to enjoy.
The Power of Brain Batteries and Chill-Out Gummies: Ingredients That…
Vie&Sante’s Brain Batteries and Chill-Out Gummies are crafted with carefully selected, natural ingredients designed to support kids’ focus, memory, and emotional well-being.
Top Tips for Helping Your Child Prepare for Exams This…
November exam season is upon us in South Africa, and parents are gearing up to help their children succeed! For kids, effective study preparation means finding the balance between learning, well-being, and focus.
The Oral Health Benefits of Bacillus Coagulans: How Tummy Biotic…
At Vie&Sante, we’re excited to introduce our newest addition to the gummy family – Tummy Biotic Gummies. These delicious, gut-friendly gummies are packed...
The Link Between Sleep and Focus: Why Rest Matters for…
As parents, we all know how challenging it can be to keep our little ones focused—during schoolwork, chores, or even playtime. While distractions are a common culprit, one of the key factors affecting your...
DIY Playdough: A Fun and Easy Guide for Kids
There’s something magical about creating something from scratch, especially when you can squish, shape, and mould it into anything you imagine. Playdough is a childhood favourite for...
The Importance of Omega-3s for Children’s Brain Development
As parents, we’re constantly on the lookout for ways to support our children’s growth and development. One of the most crucial yet often overlooked nutrients is Omega-3 fatty acids.
Immune Supporting Tips for Your Child
As parents, ensuring our children stay healthy and resilient against illnesses is a top priority. At Vie&Sante, we understand the importance of a strong immune system in safeguarding your child’s health.
Understanding Probiotics: How They Benefit Your Child’s Health
Helping children develop an understanding of boundaries is crucial for their emotional and social well-being. As parents, it's essential to guide our children in setting and respecting boundaries to foster healthy relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.
The Importance of Routine in Child Development
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a consistent routine can be challenging. However, for children, routines are more than just a schedule; they are a foundation for security, stability, and healthy development.
Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained on Rainy Days
When the weather outside is dreary, keeping your children entertained indoors can be a challenge. However, rainy days don’t have to be synonymous with boredom.
Teaching Kids About Boundaries: Building Strong Relationships
Helping children develop an understanding of boundaries is crucial for their emotional and social well-being. As parents, it's essential to guide our children in setting and respecting boundaries to foster healthy relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.
Navigating Exam Stress: Tips for Parents
At Vie&Sante, we understand that the pressure of exams can be overwhelming, not just for children but for parents as well. As parents, it's natural to want to support our children through these challenging times.
Motor Skills in School Children – Developmental Importance
As parents, we want to provide our children with every opportunity to thrive and succeed. One often overlooked aspect of development is the acquisition of motor skills. These fundamental skills form the building blocks for a wide range of physical…
Future Innovators: Nurturing Coding and Robotics Skills in Children
In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for skills in coding and robotics is rapidly growing. With advancements in technology shaping our daily lives, it’s becoming increasingly evident that these skills are no longer just advantageous but essential for success in…
The Power of Play: A Gateway to Lifelong Learning and…
In the early stages of life, play serves as the primary mode through which children interact with the world and each other. It’s through playful exploration that children exercise their innate curiosity, laying the foundation for acquiring skills and abilities…
Crafty Easter: DIY Egg Decorating Ideas for the Whole Family
As Easter approaches, it’s the perfect time to get creative and indulge in some egg-citing DIY projects with your family. Crafting and decorating eggs together is not only a fun activity but also a wonderful way to bond and create…
7 Suggestions to Help Your Child Get a Good Night’s…
In the whirlwind of parenting, few things are as precious as a good night’s sleep—for both children and adults alike. However, bedtime routines can sometimes resemble a battlefield, with resistance, restlessness, and a reluctance to settle down.
Nurture Creativity & Learning in Kids – The Power of…
Ignite your child's creativity and learning potential through the transformative power of play. Explore the different types of play and practical tips to foster their development and create unforgettable moments together.
Mental Well-Being in Children: Mindful Moments
As we navigate the month of love, let's also embrace the commitment to nurturing our children's mental well-being.
Back-to-School Wellness: A Guide for Parents
Navigating Back-to-School Wellness: A Guide for Parents Ensuring your child’s wellness is a top priority. The back-to-school season is upon us, bringing a flurry of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of anxiety for both parents and children. As parents,…
Nutritious and Exciting Recipes for Your Little Ones
Fueling Growing Bodies Nutritious and Exciting Recipes for Your Little Ones 🌿 As the pioneers in crafting holistic wellness through our Safari Squad range, we are also committed to nourishing our little ones from the inside out. And what better…
COMPETITION: The V&S Momfluencer Search Competition
Join our exciting Mom-fluencer competition in partnership with influential mom, Lisa Mthembu. Stand a chance to win fantastic prizes, and become a brand ambassador for Vie and Sante! Learn about the entry process, competition rules, and the exceptional journey you…
A Balanced Diet Can Improve Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being
Getting kids to eat a balanced diet can be a challenge, but these fun and tasty recipe ideas can make meal times a hit!
Healthy Habits for Happy Kids: Nurturing Well-being from an Early…
At Vie&Sante, we believe that a healthy child is a happy child... we’ve compiled some practical tips to cultivate healthy habits for your little ones, ensuring they’re not just surviving but thriving.
Growing Seeds from Scratch: A Green Thumb’s Guide
Growing your own herbs from seeds can be a delightful adventure for both you and your children.
Treats for Kids: Fun & Healthy
A Spoonful of the Right Sugar Fun & Healthy Treats for Kids At Vie&Sante, we’re dedicated to minimizing sugar in our children’s supplements while keeping them tasty and enjoyable. But it’s important to remember that not all sugars are created…
Our Founder
A Personal Journey of the founder Heili-Marie Van Staden “How I Navigated My Child’s Health Challenges to Become the Founder of Vie&Sante” Born and raised in a small town in North-West Province, I’ve dedicated many years to the pharmaceutical industry…
Exam Anxiety in Children: How to Help Them Feel Calmer
Practical tips to ease exam anxiety in children, from sleep and study routines to calm, natural support for nervous kids.
Emotional Regulation for Children: Why It Matters
Executive Summary Prolonged stress triggers hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, overloading children’s working memory and impairing focus, information processing, and test recall. Overwhelmed children often exhibit procrastination, distraction, emotional outbursts, and mental fatigue. Rather than demanding harder work, parents can…
What Is Saffron and Is It Safe for Children?
Discover the benefits and safety of saffron for children's cognitive wellbeing, focus, and mood support, featuring Vie&Sante Safari Squad gummies.
How Stress Affects Memory, Focus and Learning in Children
Discover how stress impacts children's brain development, memory, and focus. Learn practical learning and focus support strategies to help your child thrive.
What Vitamins Should Kids Take Every Day?
Learn which daily vitamins for children are important for healthy growth, immunity, brain development, and overall wellbeing. Expert advice for South African parents.
The Daily Wellness Habits Every Parent Should Teach Their Child
Discover simple daily wellness habits for children that help build healthy routines, stronger immunity, better sleep, and lifelong wellbeing.
How Gut Health Impacts Your Child’s Immunity During Winter
Summary Once winter arrives, our natural instinct is to immediately bundle our kids up in layers of warm clothing, keep them out of the cold air and supplement with Vitamin C. Contrary to popular belief it’s wiser to target their…
Why Do Kids Get Sick More Often During Winter?
Summary We all grew up with the phrase ‘dress warmly for winter so you don’t catch a cold’! However, this idea that cold temperatures cause or create infection is just not true. What actually happens is that the colder weather…
Why Does My Child’s Cough Last So Long After the…
Child still coughing weeks post-flu? Learn why the "post-viral phase" lingers and how to aid recovery. Get tips to soothe the cough, boost energy, and download our free Child Recovery Routine Guide for tired moms.
Rainy Day Activities for Kids in South Africa (Cape Town,…
Rainy Day Activities for Kids in South Africa Looking for rainy day activities for kids? Rainy days can quickly turn into long, restless hours when you’ve got kids at home. Looking for rainy day activities for kids in South Africa?…
How Easter Sugar Affects Kids’ Sleep & Mood
Easter is magical for kids. Chocolate eggs, family time, and long weekends. But by the end of it? You’re often left with a child who’s emotional, overtired, and completely out of sync. If you’ve ever thought: “Why is my child…
The Best Play Parks to Visit These April School Holidays…
School holidays are brilliant in theory. In reality, kids climb the walls by 09:30, and you need plans that do not involve another screen. Play parks are a win because they give kids a safe space to burn energy, practise…
The Science of Play: A Guide to Emotional Regulation &…
Helping children manage big emotions can feel overwhelming. One minute everything is calm, the next a meltdown erupts because a sandwich was cut into squares instead of triangles. Parents often search for emotional regulation activities for kids when these moments…
Kids’ Focus and Concentration Support: Do Supplements Really Help?
Many parents search for ways to support their child’s concentration without relying on harsh stimulants or medication. Is “homework time” a daily battle in your house? Many parents look for kids’ focus and concentration support when their children struggle to…
Daily multivitamin guide for kids
Is ‘cereal for dinner’ ruining my child’s nutrition? Picky Eater? Growth Spurt? The Truth About Daily Vitamins We’ve all been there! Between the beautiful chaos of school runs and work deadlines, hitting those nutritional goals can feel like a second…
The Science of Sleep
The Silent Architect: Why Sleep is the Ultimate Tool for Future Leaders We often talk about what our children do to get ahead, the extra lessons, the sports clinics, the advanced coding classes. But some of the most profound developments…
Navigating Kids’ Nutrition
Tiny Humans, Big Questions: Navigating Your Child’s Nutritional Journey Raising the Leaders of Tomorrow (While Surviving Today) There is no manual for the “wonderful pressure” we feel as parents. From the moment they’re born, we aren’t just raising toddlers and…
The Late January Momentum: Supporting Focus, Balance and Family Well-Being
The Late January Momentum: Supporting Focus, Balance and Family Well-Being By late January, the excitement of a new school year has usually worn off. Mornings feel heavier. Afternoons feel longer. And the smooth routines we promised ourselves at the start…
A Fresh Start for Little Bodies
At Vie&Sante, we believe that wellness begins with simple, nurturing habits that help kids feel grounded, energised, and emotionally balanced. This blog will guide you through ways to support your child’s well-being as they step into a new year.
Raising Self-Belief
Confidence isn’t just about how our kids look — it’s about who they believe they are.