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:

• What are the Benefits of Sending Your Child to Nursery?
• 7 Common Nursery Worries and How to Overcome Them
• 12 Questions You Need to Ask Your Nursery
• How to Choose the Best Educational Toys: the Ultimate Guide for Parents

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.

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

• How to Master Potty Training: the Ultimate Guide
• 12 Common Potty Training Problems (and Solutions!)
• How to Conquer the 5 Biggest Potty Predicaments

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.

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

• How to Master Potty Training: the Ultimate Guide
• 12 Common Potty Training Problems (and Solutions!)
• How to Conquer the 5 Biggest Potty Predicaments

Creating learning activities at home is a great way to support your child’s education – and it’s fun! All it takes is a few household items and a bit of inspiration. To help you with the latter, here are 12 fun learning activities your kids can do at home:

Practise writing

Practising writing can be much more exciting if you ditch the pens and paper. Try writing in chalk on the pavement or with your finger in some shaving foam. It’s both entertaining and educational.

Craft stick calculations

Line up your sticks to teach your toddlers about tallying or write out some sums to help them with their mental maths. From finding the missing digit in the number line to pairing the answer to the equation – the options are endless, so get creative with your craft stick calculations.

The science of sinking

Basic science experiments are always a hit with children! Try dropping different objects into a bucket of water to see whether they sink or float. You’ll have plenty of fun and gain a brief insight into the science of density.

Make some music

You don’t have to be a musician to teach your child about music – you just need a few household items and some creativity. Make your own instruments with anything from empty bottles, beans and rice to paper plates and bells. They’ll learn all about counting, rhythm and timing.

Storytime

Learning activities at home gives you the freedom to adapt regular activities, like reading, into something more fun and engaging. If your child can’t read yet, why not invite them to narrate a picture book? Or how about acting out one of their favourite stories?

Counting crafts

Why not mix up your maths lesson with some arts and crafts. Start by cutting out some flowers and counting the petals. From there, you can challenge your children to add a certain number of petals to a stem or even cut the flower into fractions. If flowers aren’t your thing, try anything from caterpillars to dried pasta.

Magic milk

Add drops of food colouring into a bowl of milk before pouring soap into the centre of the dish. The soap will cause the food colouring to dart around the bowl, leaving you with an exciting display of colours and an introduction to the science of molecules and surface tension.

Explore world cultures

Learning activities at home allows you to explore beyond the curriculum. Exploring other cultures through food, film and crafts is an amazing way to expand your child’s cultural awareness.

Colour coordination

Be it a bag of pom-poms, some colourful clothes pegs or a collection of their toys – inviting your child to start sorting objects into matching colours is a great way to teach them about colour. Using smaller objects like buttons or pasta shells will also help hone their fine motor skills.

Match the meaning

Expand your child’s vocabulary by inviting them to pair up new words with their definitions. Write out a selection of words and definitions onto cue cards and let them have it! For your younger children, you can always colour coordinate or include helpful clues.

Gardening galore

The benefit of learning activities at home is that you’re not limited to the classroom. Get outside and start planting some flowers and vegetables – your children will learn all about nature, science and even nutrition.

Sorting shapes

This can be as simple as pairing 2D shapes or as exciting as scavaging for 3D objects. Identifying familiar shapes in your family home can be a fun and easy way of introducing your child to basic geometry.

So there we have it – 12 learning activities your kids can do at home. Why not give them a try? You’ll have hours of fun and you may even discover your child has a way with words or a knack for numbers!

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 Choose the Best Educational Toys: the Ultimate Guide for Parents
• 15 energy-burning activities for children stuck indoors
• Why Reading is So Important in the Early Years

Sensory bins are all the rage at the moment – and for good reason! With so many different tools and textures, they’re a great way to stimulate your toddler and boost their development. The good news doesn’t stop there either – they’re also incredibly easy to make! In just 5 simple steps, we’ll show you how to make a sensory bin so that your toddler can start discovering independent play!

Here is our definitive guide for how to make a sensory bin:

1. Find a container

The first step to making your own sensory bin is finding the best container for the job. This could be any box you have to hand, but we’d recommend a plastic storage container to transform into your sensory bin. This is because they’re super easy to clean, they can hold any base (liquid or solid) and they can store all of your sensory bin essentials when you’re done! Just be sure your container has high sides to help prevent some of the mess and you’ve got yourself a multi-functional sensory bin.

2. Choose your base

The options are literally endless when it comes to choosing the base for your sensory bin. Whether you raid your cupboards for some dried pasta and rice or you opt for more natural materials like soil and sand – the aim is to keep it interesting. Look for bases that have fun colours and textures to excite your toddler and really engage all of their senses. Then once you’re done, store them in a zip-lock bag ready for next time!

Here is a list of bases we’d recommend:

• Rice
• Dried Pasta
• Seeds
• Water
• Sand
• Soil
• Shredded paper

 3. Grab your tools

Don’t worry, this step doesn’t require any DIY – in fact, most of the ‘tools’ you do need, you’ll already own! Household objects like spoons, jars and funnels can be great additions to your toddler’s sensory bin. By adding these tools, you’re allowing your child to experiment with how to use these new objects, and in turn, helping them develop their fine motor skills.

4. Add your smaller objects

To add some excitement to your sensory bin, try including some smaller items like buttons or foam letters into the mix. This way your toddler can uncover even more exciting shapes and textures while exploring the base of their sensory bin.

Another alternative is natural materials like leaves and seashells. By including natural materials you’re allowing your child to partake in heuristic play – a form of play that focuses on interacting with everyday objects rather than toys. This way you’re allowing your child to explore nature, whilst also encouraging their sense of imagination.

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

5. Create a theme

Why not take your sensory play to the next level and start creating some themes! This could be anything from a beach theme with sand and seashells to a dinosaur theme with soil and pebbles! Whichever theme you choose, exploring different themes can be a great way to add some variety to your sensory play.

So there you have it – our definitive guide for how to make a sensory bin. With just a few household items and a little creativity, you’re able to provide your toddler with endless hours of fun. Whether you decide to get stuck in or you prefer to watch from the sidelines, you can be confident that you’re boosting your child’s development – and for little to no cost!

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:

• 5 Reasons Why Messy Play Is Important and Benefits Children
• How to Choose the Best Educational Toys: the Ultimate Guide for Parents
• What are the Benefits of Sending Your Child to Nursery?

Due to countless restrictions and several lockdowns, we’ve spent more time at home over the past 18 months than ever before! Now, with September on the horizon, more and more parents are anxious about sending their children off to school. To help address this, we’ve created 5 tips to support parents dealing with separation anxiety as we all transition into post-lockdown life.

Here are 5 tips for parents dealing with separation anxiety:

Discuss your fears

When it comes to soothing our children, we all know the importance of listening to their concerns and validating their feelings. But when it comes to us adults, many of us try and deal with our fears and anxieties alone. Instead of suffering alone find someone to confide in – a friend, a partner or even another parent. By simply having someone to talk to, you’re able to work through your fears (no matter how small or irrational) and let go of any worries that are perhaps more harmful than helpful.

Familiarise yourself with their teacher

Introducing your child to their teacher before they begin school or nursery, is a great way to ease some of their nerves. However, this introduction can also be incredibly beneficial for us adults – especially for those parents dealing with separation anxiety. By meeting your child’s teacher, you’re able to share your concerns with them and work together to find the best solutions for your child. Whatever your worries may be, having this support and reassurance can really help ease your anxiety.

Stay present

Maybe you’re worried that your child won’t enjoy nursery? Or perhaps you’re concerned they might hurt themselves when you’re not there?  Whatever it is that’s making you anxious, it’s important to remember there’s nothing you can do to change the past or alter the future. Instead, try and focus on the present and take things one step at a time. This will help you feel more in control and can help stop you from worrying about something that may never happen.

Make plans for when they’re away

Most parents dealing with separation anxiety feel lost without their children – almost like a piece of them is missing.  To avoid this feeling, try your best to keep yourself busy and start making plans for when your children are away. This can be anything from visiting your friends and family to fitting in those chores you haven’t gotten around to. However you decide to fill your time, take the opportunity to do things you enjoy – you’ll be surprised at how quickly the time goes.

Remember the feeling is temporary

Suffering from separation anxiety is difficult, so it’s important to remember that these feelings are temporary. Although it seems overwhelming to begin with, over time you will adjust and get used to this new normal. In the meantime, be patient with yourself and try to find comfort in the knowledge that your child is learning new skills and having fun with their friends. While it will take some time to get used to being apart, remember every day they go off to school, they’re benefiting from your bravery.

If there is just one thing you should take away from this article, it is that you are not alone – there are plenty of parents dealing with separation anxiety. Revisit these 5 tips as often as you need to and remember, adjusting takes time, so be kind to yourself.

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:

• Advice for parents: helping your children adjust to life after lockdown
• 7 ways to support your child when they return to school after lockdown
• Is Your Child Anxious to Start School? Here are 4 Essential Tips for Comforting Them
• How to Recognise if Your Child is Stressed and What to Do

For some children, the idea of making new friends and learning new skills has them rushing out the door when September rolls around. But for other children, the fear of the unknown can squash their excitement. In fact, with so much change on the horizon, many children are left feeling anxious and overwhelmed. So how can you support your child starting school?

With these 4 tips, you can help your children work through their anxieties and get them prepared for this exciting new chapter.

Spotting signs of stress or anxiety

Sometimes it can be difficult to know when your child is displaying signs of stress or anxiety. During the run-up to your child starting school, pay close attention to these telltale signs:

• Trouble sleeping – this can be either difficulty falling to sleep or poor sleep quality.
• Changes in their behaviour – are they irritable or withdrawn?
• Changes to their eating – are they eating more or less than usual?
• Are they expressing signs of worry – do they get upset or nervous when school is mentioned?

If your child is struggling with any of these issues, it’s important to address them in a way that reminds your child they’re supported and loved. Here are 4 tips for comforting them:

1. Validate their feelings

It’s important that your child knows it’s okay to feel anxious about starting school – in fact, it’s normal! Take the time to sit down with your child and listen to any of their worries and concerns. Once you understand where your child’s anxiety is coming from, you can empathise with them and start working together to find solutions. The most important thing is to validate your child’s feelings and let them know they are supported – after all, a problem shared is a problem halved.

2. Get them comfortable with new things

One of the scary parts of starting school is getting used to all the new things. But how can we prepare our children for so much change? Start by introducing them to some of the things they will see at school. Try serving their lunch in their lunchbox or allowing them to get comfortable in their new uniform. This way, when it comes to your child starting school, they’ll be faced with fewer unfamiliar surprises which can help them feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed.

3. Don’t overdo it

How many times have you heard ‘school years are the best years of your life’? This is a classic example of overdoing it when it comes to reassuring your child about starting school. The truth is, there will be things your child dislikes about school – and that’s okay. The important thing is, to be honest with them about what to expect, rather than sugar-coating the experience.

4. Reward their bravery

While there are steps we can take to help ease their transition, it’s likely your child will still feel anxious about starting school. However, what we can do is reward their bravery as they face this new challenge. Praise your child for facing their fears and celebrate their bravery! This will help them develop healthy coping skills and boost their confidence.

When it comes to your child starting school, it’s natural for them to feel nervous. But with the help of these 4 tips, you can offer them the comfort and support they’ll need to face their fears and take on this exciting new adventure.

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:

• Advice for parents: helping your children adjust to life after lockdown
• 7 ways to support your child when they return to school after lockdown
• How to Recognise if Your Child is Stressed and What to Do

Much like us, our children have had to adapt a lot over the past year – and with so much change and confusion, it’s understandable that some of them are struggling to adjust. But with so much still unknown, how can we help them transition all over again?

With just a few pointers, we can help you support your child through this next chapter – here are our suggestions on how to help your children adapt to post-lockdown life.

Reassure them

From family members to nursery teachers – it’s important to reassure your children that everyone is working their hardest to keep them safe. Whether it’s by explaining the importance of hand-washing or listening to their concerns, by showing your children they are supported, you’re able to ease any anxieties they experience when navigating post-lockdown life.

Answer their questions

So much has changed in the past 2 years that it’s all become a bit confusing – especially for our children. Try answering any questions they may have as simply as you can: this way, your children can understand why things are changing again and feel a little more in control of the situation. By relieving some of their confusion, you’re reassuring them that these changes are there to keep them safe – so that they can enjoy post-lockdown life.

Look forward

It’s been a long year for all of us, so it’s important that we enjoy the highs after suffering the lows! As restrictions begin to ease, try taking advantage of post-lockdown life by creating new, positive memories with your children. Whether a trip to the farm or a picnic with friends – allowing your children to enjoy the benefits of fewer restrictions (whilst still staying safe) can help ease their anxiety and get them excited about the future!

Understand that change is scary

Change can be scary – especially when it’s out of our control.  So when it comes to our children, how do we help them feel safe in a time of constant change? By showing them that you understand how they’re feeling, you’re reminding them that they’re not in this alone.

Also, by explaining that these new rules are there to keep them safe, your child can understand that, although the world may look very different now, it’s all to protect them and their loved ones!

Move at their pace

After spending every day together, the thought of being apart (even for a short amount of time) can seem scary. So it’s important that your children know you’re there to support them and that it’s okay to miss one another when they are away at nursery. With lots of quality time and plenty of affection, you can help relieve any separation anxiety they’re experiencing as they ease back into the everyday routine of post-lockdown life.

Take a break from it all

Working through all these emotions can be tiring, especially for your children. Help them find some escape by encouraging them to do the things they enjoy when they’re feeling down or anxious. Whether this means painting, going for a walk or even reading their favourite book – we all need a break sometimes. This way you’re able to provide some relief, whilst also teaching them to seek out the positives in any situation.

Try as we might, there are some things even we can’t fix – and that’s okay! By making sure your children feel safe and supported, you can help them readjust to post-lockdown life so that they can get back to being children.

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:

• Advice for parents: helping your children adjust to life after lockdown
• 7 ways to support your child when they return to school after lockdown
• How to Recognise if Your Child is Stressed and What to Do

With some of us having never left their side before, the thought of sending our children off to nursery can seem daunting. So when making decisions about child care, it’s important that we know – what are the benefits of nursery? 

With lots to learn and friends to be made, we’ve picked out 7 benefits of sending your child to nursery so that you can feel confident in your decision. 

1. Improved Communication  

One of the benefits of nursery is that children are able to express their thoughts and feelings to new people. This teaches them to better communicate how they’re feeling, whilst also learning to understand the thoughts and feelings of others.

Nursery is also a great way to help develop your child’s speech as they pick up new vocabulary from staff members and other children. Another plus is interactive play! Interactive play is a great way for your child to develop their social skills.

2. Learning new skills 

From learning to count to washing their hands, there are lots of opportunities to learn new skills at nursery. Whether through interactive play or developing new habits, there are so many exciting activities on offer for your child to absorb new information with ease and enjoyment!  

 3. Building confidence 

The thought of leaving your child for the first time can be scary – for you and for them. But did you know that time spent away from home can help your child develop self-confidence? At nursery, your child is able to navigate new experiences and start completing small tasks all on their own, and this helps nurture their independence.  

4. Making friends 

We know making friends can help develop our child’s social skills, but it’s so much more than that. One of the benefits of nursery is that your child is able to create bonds with their peers and form relationships beyond their immediate family. Relationships that we all grow to love and need! 

5. Regular exercise  

Juggling work and family life can be difficult, especially when it comes to regular exercise. But with busy schedules, how can we prioritise keeping our child active?

Ensuring your child gets enough exercise is one of the major benefits of nursery! With so many activities to enjoy (both inside and outdoors), your child can begin building stamina, fine-tuning their motor skills and, most importantly, having fun!  

 6. Better immunity  

As parents, we try to prevent our children from feeling unwell whenever we can. But did you know, exposure to common illnesses can actually be a benefit of nursery?

Though it may sound silly, things like playing with other children and experiencing the common cold can really strengthen your child’s immune system. This means by developing your child’s immunity now, you’re supporting their health long after they leave nursery! 

 7. Preparing them for school 

Going to school may seem like a far off adventure for your child, but being able to prepare them for this is one of the biggest benefits of nursery education. From understanding instructions, socialising with other children and adjusting to new environments – these are all skills that your child will need for school and they can all be taught at nursery!

The transition into school is difficult enough, but nursery can make it that little bit easier.  

As we’ve seen, there are lots of benefits to sending your child to nursery. They have so much to learn and enjoy, so you can relax knowing they’re safe and sound, playing with their friends. And if at the same time you take the opportunity to catch up on emails, tidy up, or just relax, you can rest assured that their time spent at nursery, is time well spent (for the both of you).  

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:

• 12 Questions You Need to Ask Your Nursery
• 7 Common Nursery Worries and How to Overcome Them
• How to Prepare Your Child (and Yourself!) for School Separation Anxiety

With ever-changing rules and regulations, being able to get outdoors has been a great comfort to many of us over the past year. We now know how much it can improve our mental and physical health, but do these benefits extend to our children? In choosing to take your baby outside, you’re opening them up to a whole new world of exciting experiences and health benefits. Here are our 6 key reasons to spend more time outdoors with your baby.

New surroundings promote cognitive development

Cognitive development is essentially the process of how children think and ultimately learn. By allowing them to explore new sights and sounds, you’re also encouraging brain stimulation. Simple activities, like smelling different flowers, can help with the formation of brain synapses. This means, when you take your baby outside, their brains can soak up lots of new information and begin piecing it together.

Exploring the outdoors improves motor skills

Did you know that most basic motor skills are developed by the age of five? Whether crawling or walking, being outdoors can help our children master these skills. For babies, new environments challenge their gross motor skills – much like hiking is different from an afternoon stroll – so choosing to take your baby outside for playtime can help improve their overall strength and muscle development.

Supports communication and language development

Discovering the outdoors can be a perfect opportunity for your baby to become more vocal and to help their language development. When exploring new places we often ooh and aah at things that excite us, and the same goes for our babies. By interacting with new things, be it a leaf or a tree trunk, you’re able to narrate their experience and teach your baby new language skills through play.

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

Encourages better health and immunity

Now more than ever we want to protect our families from illness, but did you know that more time spent outdoors, particularly from a young age, positively correlates with having a stronger immune system? This is because exposure to a wide variety of microbes stimulates and strengthens your immune system. It is even associated with preventing allergies and auto-immune disorders! To put it simply, in choosing to take your baby outside, you’re essentially choosing to invest in their health, long-term.

Sunlight provides your baby with essential vitamin D

As adults, we are often encouraged to invest in supplements to ensure we get all of our vitamins, but what about our babies? When it comes to vitamin D, this can be easily remedied! By taking your baby outside, they can produce their own vitamin D when safely absorbing the sunlight. The benefits include better calcium absorption, improved bone growth, and prevention from bone deformities such as rickets.

More time spent outside leads to better sleep

The words all parents wish to hear: ‘better sleep.’ And the only cost? Spending some time outdoors! It’s actually proven that sun exposure leads to the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps induce sleep. Not only that but more time spent in the natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms (a.k.a the sleep-wake cycle).

So why not try an afternoon stroll for the whole family? It’s not just the babies who will benefit!

Read: 9 Tell-tale Signs of a Tired Baby

Whether it be from the comfort of your own garden or a trip to the local park, the outside world can help boost your baby’s health and development! And with these 6 benefits too, you can be safe in the knowledge that exploring the outdoors can be a great way to create precious childhood memories.

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:

• 13 Things Your Baby Loves and Why
• How to Spot if Your Baby is Unwell
• 8 Reasons Why Your Baby Might Be Crying