The brain science of play
May 5, 2024
Ever wondered why play is so important for children?
In this article, we explore why this is, particularly the science behind play and how it helps the young brain develop.
From brain development and emotional resilience to its essential role in healthy human growth, here is why play is so crucial and what you can do as parents to support and encourage this development.
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The neurological foundations of play
Play is vital for brain development, quickly establishing complex neural networks in babies that form the basis for their future cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. Infants strengthen these connections by exploring their surroundings and interacting
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April 10, 2024
Spring is in the air! This means it´s the perfect time to get our children outside, learning and engaging in spring activities that nurture their physical well-being.
Need help with some ideas? Here´s why spring activities are so important along with our top ideas to help with your child´s learning and development.
The benefits of outdoor learning in spring
Outdoor play is so important for children as they grow – here´s why:
Enhanced physical development: Spring activities encourage children to be active, improving their physical strength, coordination, and overall fitness.
Stimulated curiosity and exploration: The vibrant spring environment, with its new life
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March 5, 2024
Early reading experiences are the foundation of lifelong learning and success. These first experiences with books not only spark imagination but also equip children with critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
Here we will take a look at the vital role early reading plays in shaping the minds and futures of our children.
Why is early reading important?
Cognitive development
Early reading experiences are like a workout for the young brain. These experiences boost cognitive abilities, laying the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and memory skills. As children navigate the twists and turns of narratives, they’re also constructing the mental pathways for complex thought.
Language and
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February 10, 2024
Random Acts of Kindness Day is a perfect time for us to spread some joy together. From brightening someone´s day to bringing you closer as a family, kindness is truly magical. Let’s look at how random acts of kindness for families can benefit everyone!
Enhancing emotional wellbeing
Isn’t it amazing how a simple act of kindness can light up your day? Random acts of kindness for families aren’t just about making others smile; it’s a surefire way to boost your happiness too!
When we’re kind to others, it’s like a happiness boomerang – it comes right back to us, reducing stress and making
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Ever heard of professional love in early years? It’s about the unique care we early years educators offer, distinct from parental love but equally important. In fact, it’s gaining recognition for its role in young children’s development and wellbeing, going beyond basic education to provide warmth and emotional support. In this article, we give you some insights into what professional love is and why it is so beneficial for children.
What is professional love?
Dr. Jools Page introduced the professional love in early years concept to describe the unique care educators provide, distinct from but complementary to parental love.
While
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January 19, 2024
Emotional intelligence is a crucial aspect of children’s development, and as a parent, it’s important to help your children manage their feelings effectively. It’s all about preparing them for a lifetime of identifying, understanding, and controlling their feelings in a healthy way. To help you do just that, here are some practical tips to help you guide your children towards emotional awareness and resilience.
Role model emotional behaviour
As a parent, you’re the blueprint your children follow for managing emotions. By demonstrating calm and composed reactions in your own life, you’re teaching your children the art of emotional control. Remember, in teaching
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January 10, 2024
As a parent, you’re constantly racing against time, balancing family responsibilities with personal needs. It’s crucial to find those precious moments for your family and yourself. We outline straightforward, effective time-saving tips for families, aimed at streamlining your daily routine.
1. Be Realistic
Juggling life’s demands means setting achievable goals and not trying to conquer the world every day. An important time-saving tip for families is about striking a balance, not reaching for the stars every time.
2. Prioritise Sleep
Remember, a well-rested parent is a productive one. Ensuring you get enough shut-eye isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
3. Aim For Nutritional Balance
A balanced
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December 28, 2023
Do you want to strengthen family relationships this new year?
Family is the most important thing to all of us so naturally, when we think of how to bring even more happiness and success to the new year, spending more time together is pretty much at the top of our list. If you want to strengthen family relationships in the coming year, here are some great ideas that are easy to implement straight away!
1. Follow a routine
Over the Christmas holidays, it’s easy for daily routines to get scraped but what many families don’t know is that lack of structure can be
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November 11, 2023
Let’s face it: keeping our family finances afloat can sometimes feel like we’re trying to fill a leaky bucket. Here are our top money-saving tips for families to help save those pennies:
1. Slash Your Food Bills
Plan your meals around what’s on sale and snag those deals with coupon apps. Set a cash budget for your supermarket runs to keep a tight rein on spending.
2. Keep Your Festivities Frugal
Making homemade decorations is fun for the whole family while keeping the costs low, a great money-saving tip for families.
3. Embrace Secondhand Options
Scoop up pre-loved clothes and toys, and sell what you no
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October 20, 2023
Being a mum or dad is incredibly rewarding, but let’s face it, it’s also quite demanding. From school runs to preparing meals and balancing work, it feels like there’s hardly a moment to catch our breath.
With that being said, it’s essential to remember that taking a bit of time for ourselves isn’t a luxury—it’s vital for your overall well-being. Easier said than done, we know! But when we’re at our best, so are our families. Here are our top self-care ideas for busy mums and dads to help you take time for you.
1. Take Short Breaks
One of the best self-care
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