Our Snowdon challenge: how this fundraising event has made a difference to our Schoolhouse Team

Posted on April 1, 2022April 1, 2022 by schoolhouse

On April 30th 2022, eleven of our lovely SchoolHouse employees are climbing Mount Snowdon to raise money for ‘Talking Hands’.

‘Talking Hands’ is a charity that supports deaf children and their families by delivering activities and hosting events across Wales. Our goal is to raise enough money to supply their Rhymes and signs Mother and Toddler Group with lots of new BLS books and toys (along with other helpful resources).

Why we chose ‘Talking Hands’ as our Charity of the Year

At the heart of Schoolhouse are 5 Core values: Nurture, Inspire, Enjoy, Encourage and Learn.

These values are at the centre of all we do and all we stand for at Schoolhouse. We truly believe they are essential to creating a happy and healthy learning environment.

So, when we learnt about the incredible work ‘Talking Hands’ are doing to educate, inspire and encourage their members, we knew we wanted to support a charity whose values aligned with our own.

Our community mission also urges us to contribute to causes close to our hearts. So as huge Strictly Come Dancing fans, we felt inspired to learn Sign Language ourselves. With 446 children currently in our care, we want to ensure we’re doing all we can to encourage our children and young babies to communicate with us at every opportunity!

Our target is to raise £5000 throughout the year, both through our Snowdon challenge and the other exciting fundraising events!

If you wish to make a contribution to our Snowdon challenge, you can follow this link to our GoFundMe page.

How our Snowdon challenge has helped our team!

Our tagline says, ‘Together we enjoy learning, encourage confidence and love life.‘ And we believe our fundraising efforts have really proven that! Already our Snowdon challenge has:

Brought our team closer together – working together to achieve a common goal has been really inspiring for us. Our Whatsapp group is filled with kind words and photos of our training walks. It has become a source of genuine support, positivity and motivation.

Made us happier and healthier – the preparation for this charity event has encouraged us all to become more active. We’ve been challenging ourselves to walk 10,000 steps a day and have even endured squat challenges! The additional exercise has really boosted our endorphins. As a result, we’ve all noticed a big improvement in our mental and physical well-being.

Encouraged growth personally and professionally – the skills we have learnt throughout this process (from learning Sign Language to climbing mountains) have proven that we’re capable of achieving amazing things when we put our minds to it.

Created a sense of purpose – to know our efforts are helping a good cause has been incredibly motivating for us. It has encouraged us to give our best (even when we haven’t felt our best) and continue promoting positive change.

Support our Schoolhouse staff

Our charitable efforts have taught us that working together can not only help charities like ‘Talking Hands’, but they can also help us right here at Schoolhouse Daycare!

The lessons we’ve learnt both personally and professionally will stay close to our hearts long after our Snowdon challenge. So, however much we raise, we can smile and be proud, knowing our contribution has made a difference!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Tips and Tricks for Helping Your Little One Through Their Teething Journey

Posted on March 16, 2022May 26, 2022 by schoolhouse

As a parent, you can often feel powerless during a teething phase. After all, a teething baby can be difficult to console. So what can you do to help?

We’ve outlined some helpful tips and tricks to support you and your child through their teething phase. Everything from what symptoms to expect, how long the teething phase should last and, most importantly, what you can do to help. So without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about teething:

What to expect

Typically, teething begins around the 6-12 month mark. But don’t worry too much if your child starts teething slightly sooner or later – most children can still expect to have their first set of milk teeth by 3 years old.

Now, depending on whether it’s just one tooth or a group of teeth erupting, the symptoms and duration of each teething phase can differ quite dramatically. One month your child could experience no symptoms at all – the next, they could be uncomfortable for weeks.

So, how can you best support your baby through each teething phase? Firstly we recommend getting familiar with the most common symptoms of teething. Teething symptoms include:

Swollen gums – check if your child’s gums are red and sore to the touch
Flushed cheek(s) – if only one cheek is flushed, they could be teething on that side of their mouth
Constant chewing – notice if they’re chewing and gnawing on things more than usual
Drooling – excessive dribbling can indicate that your baby is teething
Rashes – raised (or flat) red patches that appear on their face
Mild temperature – reaching up to 38C
Grabbing their face/ears – pay attention if your child uncharacteristically starts grabbing the face or ears

Tips for your teething baby

Now that you know what to expect (and what to look out for), we can start exploring practical ways to support your teething baby! Here are five tried and tested ways to help your child through their teething phase:

Be affectionate

Teething is uncomfortable (if you’re lucky enough to have your wisdom teeth, you’ll understand), so be sympathetic with your child and offer them additional care and attention.

Activities like playing games and reading can distract them from any uncomfortable sensations, whilst gentle rocking and cuddling them can help to soothe them.

Always carry a cloth

Perhaps not the tip you expected, but a useful one nonetheless! If, during their teething phase, your child is drooling more than usual, having a cloth on hand can help prevent further discomfort from teething rash or chapped skin.

Try teething rings

Teething rings are a lifesaver for any teething baby. Both durable and safe to chew on, teething rings help to relieve the pressure in your child’s gums. Just place them in the fridge beforehand to reduce inflammation.

(Note: never place teething rings in the freezer – if they freeze, they could end up damaging your baby’s gums.)

Gently massage their gums

If your teething rings have gone awry, you can always use a clean finger to massage your baby’s gums. Not only can you relieve some of their discomfort, but you can also feel where their teeth are coming through and how they’re progressing.

Use pain relief

Sometimes distractions just aren’t enough. If your baby is in pain and nothing else seems to be working, you can use pain relief to alleviate some of their more severe symptoms.

Pain relief like paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe for children 3 months or older and are proven to be far more effective than teething gels. However, if you’re unsure, ask for advice from a pharmacist or GP.

Teething is temporary

If your child is experiencing teething symptoms, we hope that these tips and tricks can help them along their teething journey. Although we cannot speed up the process, we can do our best to make it more comfortable for you both.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

How to stop your child from biting

Posted on March 12, 2022April 1, 2022 by schoolhouse

Biting is a troubling topic for many parents. And although it is relatively common amongst young children and toddlers, it is still greatly stigmatised.

So to help break the stigma, we are unpacking all things biting. We will explore the common causes of biting, how to stop your child from biting and how to prevent biting in the future.

So, without further ado, let’s dig in:

What causes children to bite?

If you want to learn how to stop your child from biting, you must first understand why they are biting.

The truth is children bite for a whole host of reasons. Sometimes, it can be as innocent as exploring the taste/texture of a new object. Other times, the motivation is different. To help you understand why your child is biting, here are some of the most common causes for biting:

Teething – biting down on something can help relieve some of the pressure/discomfort in a child’s gums.
Attention – when children crave attention but don’t know how to ask for it, they can act out to trigger a response.
To understand cause and effect – young children are naturally curious. They might bite someone/something just to find out what happens.
Coping mechanism – some children (especially those with Sensory Processing Disorder) need oral stimulation to help them self-regulate and relieve anxiety.
Communicate – articulating emotions like anger or frustration is incredibly difficult for young children. Biting can demonstrate how they feel without saying a word.

How to respond sensitively to biting

If your child has bitten someone else, it’s important to address the behaviour immediately. Here are six actionable steps you can follow to address biting and minimise distress:

Be calm and firm. Immediately say ‘no biting’ or ‘stop, biting hurts’. Make your instructions clear and easy to understand.
Comfort the child who was bitten by validating their feelings. Offer them your full attention and assess whether they need medical attention.
Discuss the implications of biting. In a clear, unemotional voice, explain that biting not only hurts people but upsets them too. Point this out by drawing attention to the victim and their pain/upset.
Ask the child what they can do to make the person they bit feel better. Suggestions like finding their favourite toy, book or friend are all welcome. Sometimes offering a hug straight after the incident can make the victim feel uncomfortable, so always ask for their permission first. We want to encourage positive actions here as some young children won’t fully understand remorse or what it means to be sorry just yet.
Ask the biter what happened. If you want to understand how to stop your child from biting someone again, you must understand why they felt the need to bite someone else in the first place. Try to understand their motivation whilst acknowledging their emotions and comforting them if need be.
Come up with different solutions to these emotions/situations. Instead of biting, discuss a range of ideas for handling similar feelings or scenarios in the future. For example, if someone takes your toy in the future, you will find another toy/ask for it back/go and tell an adult. It’s really beneficial for children to offer their own suggestions here.

For more help on biting and responding sensitively, download our full guide for free here.

How to prevent biting in the future

Once you understand the motivation behind your child’s actions, you can explore how to stop your child from biting altogether. For example, if the problem is teething, you can invest in some teething rings. However, in the likely case biting is an emotional response, here are some ideas for how to stop your child from biting:

Explore non-verbal communication – if your child struggles with communicating their emotions, try using facial expressions. That way, they can still express their emotional needs even if they can’t articulate them.
Create a calm zone – if your child is anxious or overstimulated, having a quiet space can help them decompress.
Talk about their feelings – give your child plenty of opportunities to discuss their emotions, both good and bad. Use these conversations as opportunities to explore how to handle emotions healthily.

Be empathetic

If your child is biting, the chances are they’re suffering themselves, so it’s important to respond calmly and empathetically. Only then can you find the root of the problem and work together to find a better solution.

For more help on biting and responding sensitively, download our full guide for free here.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

3 Easy Steps to Teach Your Child Kindness

Posted on February 8, 2022February 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

We often regard kindness as more of a trait than a skill – but why can’t it be both? If you’re stuck wondering how to teach your child kindness, don’t panic because we’ve listed our 3 favourite ways to encourage kindness and generosity. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve listed a whole bunch of random acts of kindness for you to try out too!

So, in the spirit of kindness week, here are our favourite ways to teach children kindness:

1. Lead by example

From their first words to their first steps – many of the skills our children develop are learned by observing others. So, if you’re wondering how to teach your child kindness, don’t worry! All you have to do is lead by example.

By regularly performing random acts of kindness, your child can witness the joy and positivity you can bring to others and undoubtedly follow in your footsteps. After all, kindness is contagious!

2. Praise acts of kindness

Positive reinforcement is a tried and tested teaching method – even for teaching kindness. So each time your child performs an act of kindness, praise them for their selflessness. Not only will it encourage them to continue being kind to others, but limiting these rewards to verbal praise will also promote kindness for kindness sake.

3. Practise, practise, practise

Repetition is the key to mastering any skill – so why not do the same when teaching your child kindness? Practise performing random acts of kindness together! Soon, paying compliments and smiling at others will become a simple, sweet habit.

30 random acts of kindness

If you’re looking for some specific examples for how to teach your child kindness, here are 30 random acts of kindness you can do together to encourage generosity and selflessness:

Pay someone a compliment
Help tidy up
Donate to a charity
Write someone a kind note
Give someone a hug
Help pick up litter
Bake for a friend
Carry a neighbours shopping
Smile at a stranger
Call a friend or relative
Hold the door open for somebody
Draw someone a picture
Invite others to play with you
Offer to make somebody a drink
Make your bed without being asked
Let someone go ahead of you in a queue
Say hello to a stranger
Thank your teachers
Donate old clothes and toys
Send flowers to a relative
Buy groceries for an elderly person
Tell someone you love them
Share your snacks with someone
Tell somebody your favourite things about them
Donate to a food bank
Feed the birds/ducks
Buy someone a gift with your pocket money
Write somebody a card
Lend a friend your favourite toy/book
Recycle any household plastics

So there you have it – 3 methods and 30 different ways to demonstrate how to teach your child kindness. We hope they have inspired you just as much as they have inspired your children. And remember, kindness isn’t always about big gestures and expensive gifts – it’s about the small, thoughtful actions we perform each day.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

How to Connect with Your Child Using Their Love Language

Posted on February 4, 2022February 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

Every relationship relies on the five love languages. They allow us to communicate our emotions whilst highlighting how we (individually) like to express and receive love. So why are they important?

Once you understand your child’s preferred love language, you’re able to express your affections in a way that benefits them the most. (Think of it as a ranking system – once you know which love language is #1, you can focus on that, rather than wasting your efforts on #5.)

Throughout this article, we will discuss how to identify each love language before exploring how to nurture your child based upon their chosen love language.

Identifying your child’s love language

There are five different love languages (quality time, physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service and receiving gifts), and each person responds to these love languages differently. For example, someone may value physical touch over receiving a gift. It isn’t to say that person doesn’t appreciate receiving gifts – they just prefer physical gestures.

To help you identify which love language your child resonates with most, we’ve outlined each of the five love languages, explaining what they mean and how to recognise them.

Quality time

Quality time is all about creating valuable moments and memories with your children, either by engaging in activities or holding meaningful conversations. These moments aren’t reliant on a special occasion, activity or setting – they’re simply about being present and enjoying some one-on-one time with your child.

Signs your child’s love language is quality time:

They crave your attention
They constantly want to be around you
They prefer doing things together, rather than doing things alone

Physical touch

Physical touch allows you to express your love non-verbally. Spanning from hugs to high-fives, these small moments of physical contact are one of the simplest ways to show your child affection.

Signs that your child’s love language is physical touch:

They are very tactile
They like to be within your personal space
They crave physical contact when distressed or emotional

Words of affirmation

Words of affirmation allow you to communicate your emotions and express your love through kind, complimentary language. Whether that’s through praise, encouragement or terms of endearment, this positive language affirms your loving relationship with your child.

Signs that your child’s love language is words of affirmation:

They pay you lots of compliments
They love praise
They find verbal insults particularly hurtful

Acts of service

Acts of service are essentially helpful gestures that will support your child or reduce their stress. As a parent, you may feel as though you’re constantly performing acts of service but, (unfortunately) the gestures we’re talking about lie outside of the daily tasks.

Signs that your child’s love language is acts of service:

They ask for your help even when they don’t need it
They present you with problems without trying to resolve them themselves
They are particularly grateful when you help them accomplish a task

Receiving gifts

Receiving gifts is rarely about the presents themselves – instead, it focuses on the act of giving. By offering your child a gift, you’re showing them that your love, much like a gift, isn’t conditional.

Signs that your child’s love language is receiving gifts:

They express feeling loved after receiving a gift
They always remember when someone has given them a gift
They hold onto their gifts for as long as possible (months, maybe even years)

How to nurture your child through their specific love language

Once you have identified your child’s primary love language, you can start to express your affections more intentionally by focusing on what makes them feel most loved. To inspire you with new ways to appeal to your child’s love language, we have created five different lists catered to each of the five love languages.

For the children who value quality time

Play their favourite games
Ask them about their day
Go on family walks
Read them bedtime stories
Do household chores together

For the children who crave physical touch

Give lots of hugs
Hold their hand whilst walking
Praise them with a high-five
Kiss them good morning and good night
Play games like tag or twister

For the children who love words of affirmation

Tell them you love them multiple times a day
Hide kind notes amongst their belongings
Tell them you’re proud of them whenever they achieve something new
Create affectionate nicknames for each other
Praise them both publically and privately

For the children who appreciate acts of service

Help them with their homework
Offer to make their favourite meal
Help them with their coat and shoes
Fix their broken toys
Occasionally help them with their chores

For the children who cherish receiving gifts

Buy them a book and read it together
Make them a homemade gift or bake them a treat
Pick some fresh flowers for them
Wrap up small, inexpensive tokens before gifting them
Treasure the gifts they give you

So there we have it – the five different love languages. By identifying your child’s primary love language, you’re able to understand how your child likes to receive (and express) love, which will allow you to communicate more effectively and strengthen your bond.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

8 Healthy Foods for a Growing Child

Posted on January 19, 2022January 19, 2022 by schoolhouse

With winter setting in and flu season upon us, it’s time to start thinking about supporting our immune systems. We all know that a healthy, balanced diet can help boost our families immunity, but what about our youngest? To shine some light during these dark days, we’ve outlined our favourite healthy foods for children this winter.

Berries

Berries like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Packed full of antioxidants and vitamin C, they help protect your child’s immune system and maintain their healthy cells. Despite being out of season, you can still buy frozen summer berries or switch them out for their seasonal alternative – cranberries!

Pair your berries with a warm bowl of porridge or some refreshing yoghurt for a sweet recipe. Alternatively – tis’ the season for turkey and cranberry sauce.

Eggs

Eggs are a terrific form of protein and one of the richest sources of choline. What is choline, you ask? It helps to support brain function and development.

Thankfully, eggs fit into almost any meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner). Whether you serve them with toast, cook them in an omelette, or make some custard for a treat – eggs are an easy but effective form of protein.

Milk

Whenever you think of healthy foods for children, this one is always top of the list. Milk is rich in calcium which helps support bone development and protects your child’s teeth. Whole milk is considered more beneficial for young children, but semi-skimmed also works.

Serve it warm in these cold winter months for a warming evening drink.

Wholegrain foods

Wholegrain foods are some of the best healthy foods for children to eat, simply because they are so easy to incorporate into your diet. They include things like brown bread, rice and pasta, and are a fantastic source of fibre, which helps support your child’s digestive system.

Try swapping out your white bread for packed lunches and bulking out your winter soups with some wholegrain rice.

Fruits and vegetables

This may seem obvious, but they are essential for a reason. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals (including vitamin C and potassium). They are also a good source of fibre and help to support your child’s gut health. Fresh or frozen, in any shape, size or colour, do your best to incorporate as many fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet as you can. But the question (like with all healthy foods for children) is how do you get them to eat their fruit and vegetables?

Our tip is to play to your strengths – if there is a particular fruit or vegetable they can’t get enough of, focus on that. Otherwise, try and work them into your meals as best you can. Add some extra vegetables into your turkey stew, hide them in a bolognese sauce or switch out your usual mash for sweet potato mash instead.

Meat and fish

Packed full of protein, meat and fish are staple ingredients in most diets – red meat provides a great source of iron, whilst oily fish are full of Omega 3s. Not only do they help keep your kids stay fuller for longer, but they also support healthy muscle growth.

There are so many ways to include meat and fish in your diet, so we recommend incorporating them into your families favourites meals.

Beans

Maybe you’re searching for healthy foods for children that are both high in protein and vegetarian friendly? If so, look no further – beans are a fantastic alternative to meat. They also contain lots of vitamins and minerals and are an additional source of fibre.

Why not swap out your mincemeat for a three-bean chilli this winter? Or if that’s too adventurous for your children, crack out your traditional baked beans – they are a classic for a reason.

Cheese

As another fantastic source of calcium, cheese also provides your children with additional protein and vitamin D to further support their bone growth. However, younger children should avoid mould-ripened cheeses. Instead, stick to things like a mild cheddar or cream cheese.

Serve it in cubes or strings or as a topping for toast, pasta or pizza!

So there you have it! Our 8 favourite healthy foods for children! Remember, it’s all about balance, so don’t worry about cramming every ingredient into each meal. Just make adjustments (where possible), and you can rest assured, knowing your family will be satisfied and supported this winter.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

The Big Benefits of Outside Play for Nursery Children

Posted on January 8, 2022January 19, 2022 by schoolhouse

Over the past year, we’ve learnt a lot about the benefits of fresh air and exercise. But do these benefits extend to our children? The short answer? Yes – and in more ways than one! So grab your coats because it’s time to explore the many (many) benefits of outside play!

1. Improved physical health

We all want our children to be as fit and healthy as possible (especially given the current circumstances). But did you know outside play not only helps to keep our children safe but also promotes better health and immunity? That’s right! There are a whole host of health benefits to be gained from playing outdoors, some of which include:

Greater fitness and stamina
Improved motor skills (i.e. walking, running, climbing, jumping)
Better calcium absorption and stronger bones
Regulated sleeping patterns
Muscles development and strength
Improved coordination
Stronger immunity

By simply getting your children out into nature, they’re able to explore and play whilst also reaping all the rewards of being outdoors. So long as they’re dressed appropriately for the weather, there’s fun to be had all year round!

2. Better communication skills

Yes, believe it or not, playing outdoors can really help develop your child’s social skills! Why? Because unlike in a classroom, outside play doesn’t follow any set rules or structures – it’s the children who are in control. This means they get to decide what games to play, which far-off worlds to travel to or which secret hideouts to build. As a result, they have to learn to listen to one another, communicate their ideas and work together to achieve their goals.

But the benefits don’t stop there! Being outdoors can also help to improve your child’s language skills. By placing them in a new, stimulating environment, you’re encouraging them to learn new words and phrases. How? By simply narrating their sensory experience (the texture of the leaves, the sound of birdsong), your child can absorb new words relative to their environment.

3. Supports emotional well-being

You may be wondering if it’s even possible for outside play to impact your child’s emotional well-being. But the truth is, there are several emotional benefits to playing outdoors. Some of which include:

Improved confidence. Whether it’s mastering climbing frames or learning to skip, the new skills your child develops from the independent play will help to boost their self-esteem.
Understanding empathy. Children become more aware of each other’s feelings when playing in a group. As they grow to understand these emotions, they can learn to empathise with one another and, in turn, start resolving conflicts.
Greater independence. There are very few things nursery children can do independently, so giving them the freedom to play outdoors affords them some well-needed autonomy and control.

4. Promotes creativity

No need for toys or TV – outside play allows your child’s imagination to take the wheel. Not only is this a welcome break from screentime, but it also improves your child’s creativity. With an active imagination, your child can enjoy playing independently, increasing their overall happiness and reducing boredom.

Outdoor play is also a great way for children to process their emotions and express their feelings (usually through imaginary characters and scenarios). And if that weren’t enough, children with active imaginations are usually better problem solvers! Because of their vivid imaginations, creative children can visualise several different solutions to any single problem – a skill they will appreciate later in life.

Read: What Is Heuristic Play and Why Is It Good for Our Children?

It’s clear to see that outside play is hugely beneficial to our children’s health and development. Both mentally and physically, nature has a lot to offer our children – and unlike their greens, they’ll welcome these health benefits with open arms. So while they’re outside playing and having fun, you can rest assured knowing their bodies and minds are benefitting too.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

How to Keep Your Children as Healthy as Possible at Nursery

Posted on November 15, 2021 by schoolhouse

Before starting nursery, it’s unlikely your child will have been exposed to many different germs. So, when placed in a new environment with lots of other children, it’s almost inevitable they will catch something. (Perhaps not the answer you expected when researching how to keep your children healthy). However, exposure to new germs is essential when developing a strong and healthy immune system! Think of it this way – no infection, no immunity.

So, the question is how to keep your children healthy (or as healthy as possible) when it’s likely they’ll be exposed to some sort of bug/virus/infection? To help you support your child (and their immune system), we’ve outlined what you should expect from ‘daycare diseases’, why early exposure can benefit your child in the long run and what steps you can take to help keep your children healthy.

What to expect

Within their first few months of nursery, most children will catch (at least) a couple of infections. While unpleasant, this shouldn’t be cause for panic. As the saying goes – ‘it’s better the devil you know.’

The most common illnesses you should look out for are:

Colds, ear infections and other upper respiratory infections
Mild fevers
Sickness and diarrhoea (gastroenteritis)
Hand, foot and mouth disease

But why does this happen?

The reason so many children fall sick at nursery is because they have an immature immune system. This just means they haven’t been exposed to many different germs yet. Despite nursery staff’s best efforts, children will inevitably share toys, get dirty and continue putting their hands in their mouths. So when faced with new, contagious illnesses, their immune systems are bound to have a shock.

Shouldn’t I just keep my child at home?

Whilst this may seem like the logical solution, in reality, it’s only delaying the inevitable. We can’t protect our children from germs forever, so it’s only a matter of when. By tackling this phase now, your children can begin developing their immune systems in preparation for school. In comparison, children who don’t attend nursery are usually far more sickly in their early school years.

How to keep your children healthy

Unfortunately, we can’t prevent every virus, bug and infection – it just isn’t realistic. However, there are some healthy habits you can adopt to help support your child’s immune system.

1. Encourage handwashing

We’ve heard a lot about handwashing over the past year – and rightly so. Encouraging your child to wash their hands regularly will significantly reduce their risk of contamination. Promote handwashing before meals, after being outside or in a public place and, of course, after using the toilet.

2. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet

Good nutrition is a simple but effective way to support your child’s immune system. Having a varied diet full of vitamins and minerals, paired with the essential macro-nutrients (proteins, carbs and fats), will ensure your child’s immune system is working at its best.

3. Discourage thumb-sucking

Breaking a habit is hard – it’s even harder for our children. But when it comes to thumb-sucking, it’s necessary. Sucking thumbs and sharing toys provides a golden ticket opportunity for bugs and viruses.

4. Change after nursery

Changing your child’s clothes after nursery, particularly during cold and flu season, is a simple way to prevent spreading the virus in your home.

5. Stay up to date with their vaccinations

Vaccinations won’t prevent common viruses, but they will protect your children from more severe illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. With flu season coming up, now’s the time to book in for your yearly boosters.

Although they won’t stop your child from getting sick altogether, these steps can help reduce their risk of contamination.

Despite our best efforts, our children will fall ill at some point or other – and that’s okay! Getting sick is an essential part of developing a strong and healthy immune system. Just be patient, implement these tips wherever you can and know that, like all storms, this too shall pass.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Potty Training Regression: How To Work Through It

Posted on November 5, 2021November 15, 2021 by schoolhouse

After working so hard to potty train your child, it’s natural to feel disheartened when they start having regular accidents again. However, this doesn’t mean you should resort back to nappies. Potty training regression is usually the symptom of a problem – find the problem, and you’ll find the solution.

What causes potty training regression?

There are a few different reasons why your child may be regressing. Thankfully, they are all easily remedied. To help you identify what is causing your child’s accidents, we’ve outlined the most common causes of potty training regression.

Distractions

We’re all guilty of getting distracted once in a while – the same goes for our children. Whether they’re busy playing with their friends or unwinding with some tv time, it’s not uncommon for them to simply ignore the urge to go.

Stress

Potty training regression can be a tell-tale sign that your child is feeling stressed – and a sudden change in routine is often the culprit. For example, many children start having accidents when they first start school. It’s important to realise that more often than not, these accidents are a cry for attention.

Health problems

It’s always a good idea to rule out any potential medical concerns when your child is experiencing a regression. Issues like constipation and UTI’s can cause your child pain or discomfort, which can have them avoiding the potty altogether.

How can you help your child get back on track?

Once you’ve found the problem, you can begin looking for a solution. Luckily we have plenty of suggestions to help you speed up the process.

Find the cause

There are a few reasons why you could be facing a potty training regression – so the quicker you identify the problem, the sooner you can find a solution. Try taking note of when your child is having accidents. Is there a common theme? Has their routine changed recently? Could they be stressed, or are they just distracted? Use these questions to help with your process of elimination.

Don’t punish them

Accidents are exactly that – accidents. Showing your disappointment will only make your child feel worse, so do your best to remain non-judgemental. Although it can be frustrating, punishing your child will only increase their anxiety around using the potty.

Use positive reinforcement

Regressions are natural and very common – so don’t panic! Instead, try using positive reinforcement to encourage your child to get back on track. You could create a reward system with stickers and treats or congratulate your child with hugs and applause. However you reward your child, remember, staying positive is crucial.

Create a routine

Having a regular bathroom routine can help your child work through their regression. This way, you can avoid accidents by simply reminding your child about using the potty. Encourage them to use the potty:

First thing in the morning
Last thing at night
Before every mealtime
Before leaving the house

It’s also helpful to ask teachers and other caregivers to take your child to the bathroom every few hours. With enough regular reminders, your child should be back on track in no time.

Consult your doctor

If you have any concerns about your child’s regression, it’s important to have them checked over by a doctor. Whether your child is suffering from constipation, a UTI, or another underlying health issue, they will be able to identify and treat the problem accordingly. If not, you have some peace of mind their regression isn’t a medical concern.

We understand the frustration you can feel when faced with another regression. But remember – with a positive attitude, some patience (and the help of these tips), your child will be dry again in no time!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

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The 6 Best Potty Training Books (For Parents and Toddlers)

Posted on October 19, 2021September 9, 2021 by schoolhouse

Potty training can be a stressful experience. So to help you rise to the challenge, we’ve put together the 6 best potty training books for both parents and toddlers. With a mixture of storybooks and how-to guides, you and your toddler will have the tools and confidence to take on potty training together.

Oh Crap! Potty Training

The book, written by Jamie Glowacki, is a light-hearted step-by-step guide to potty training. With six steps from ‘when to start’ through to ‘ditching the diapers’, this book combines Jamie’s expert knowledge with her wicked sense of humour. It’s also chock full of real-life scenarios and covers almost every problem you could possibly face before pairing it with a solution. This book gives you all the tools you need to succeed with the bonus of some genuine comedy, making it one of the best potty training books for parents.

On My Potty

A great picture book for your youngest children, ‘On My Potty’ is one of the best potty training books for toddlers who aren’t reading yet. This colourful cartoon follows a toddler as they figure out if and how they should use their potty. With a little dialogue and a lot of fun illustrations, this book shows that learning to use the potty can take time but it’s worth the wait. With the final pages full of smiling faces, colourful stars and cheering families, it really celebrates the success of learning to use the potty.

Potty Training in 3 Days

This book is essentially a crash course in potty training! With five steps and lots of helpful instructions, author Brandi Brucks guides you through the entire process. She also includes real-life case studies and helps you understand the potty training experience from your child’s point of view.

However, like with any crash course, it is intense. This approach asks you to read the book in advance before setting aside three days to stay home and focus solely on potty training. With winter on the way and lots of us still staying safe at home, this fast and furious approach could be the one for you!

Everyone Poos

This book explores (in the simplest terms) why everyone poos. As we meet lots of different animals and explore their different toilet habits, this book is great for children who are nervous or embarrassed about using the potty. Plus, the drawings are funny, engaging and somewhat accurate. Although aimed at children, there are plenty of adults that will find this one amusing too.

Stress-Free Potty Training

Written by two neuropsychologists, this book focuses on finding the best potty training approach for your child. For example, the book begins with a short quiz to help you identify your child’s personality type. Once you know which of the five categories your child fits into, you can then read the chapter that’s best suited to their needs. This personalised approach doesn’t sell you quick fixes or guaranteed tricks – instead, it teaches you how to best understand how your child learns. By ditching the one-size-fits-all approach and replacing it with expert scientific advice, this book has become one of the best potty training books on offer.

Pip and Posy: The Little Puddle

This is a lovely book for slightly older readers. This story explains that even after you’re potty trained, accidents can still happen – and that’s okay! This wholesome story reminds children that there’s no need to be embarrassed or upset if they have an accident and that it’s all part of the process.

We hope these recommendations can help you find the books best suited to you and your toddler. Whether you stumble upon some amazing advice or just an enjoyable story, the goal is to make the potty training journey as stress-free as possible. Remember, be patient with yourself and your child – you will get there!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.