parenting in Cape Town: Janni Younge

Internationally acclaimed puppeteer, Janni Younge is a born and bred Cape Town gal. Janni was the initiator of the Out the Box Festival (just finished it's 6th year), was named the 2010 Standard Bank Young Artist for theatre and won a Fleur du Cap 2010 for the masks of Pictures of You.

She is currently the Associate Director of the Handspring Puppet Company and has just completed a highly successful season at the Baxter showing her original work, Ouroboros.

Janni is also happy Mum to two-year old Tara and the first of a series of Cape Town parents to be 'min(i)terviewed' here.

What’s your favourite thing about being a parent?

I love being so much in love with this little person. Her hugs melt me to my knees and her delight in the world has me see things newly every day.

And the most challenging?

When we both get cross at the same time and I have to remember that I need to be fair and kind and I just want to be cross.

Best thing about raising kids in Cape Town?

There's always an adventure, somewhere beautiful to go.

Favourite thing to do with your daughter in CT?

The new park in Greenpoint, the promenade, lying at home on my bed tickling her and her climbing me wherever we are.

A funny thing your child has said to you, or an experience you had with them, which made you learn something about them, or yourself, or their view on the world.

Janni: "Tara, you must go to Tara's seat if you want to see Kook (aunty Kirsty)."
Tara: "No, I want Tara driving!" (Getting in the driver's seat a firm grip on the steering wheel, inserting the keys into ignition).

If she's got even half of her mother's drive (ha ha) and determination Tara will definitely be able to do anything she sets her mind to! Well done Janni.

This is the first in a set of 'minterviews' with Cape Town parents. The intention is not to get all hot 'n heavy on the big issues of childcare and safety and schooling and all that other important-but-serious stuff, but just to have a giggle and celebrate the madness that is parenting and the beauty that is Cape Town. Enjoy!