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TODDLERS AND RISKY PLAY: UNLOCKING DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EXPLORATION
Written by Lucy Hall In the busy life of a child, more so during toddlerhood, play is much more than entertainment. It is one of the stages in their growth that may influence the physical, mental. and emotional development. Risky play, such as climbing trees, moving through difficult landscapes or exploring new environments, has been identified to have many benefits. While many parents’ biological response might be to cocoon toddlers from possible danger, new research suggests that allowing little ones to take part in moderately risky activities may foster resilience and confidence while instilling curiosity for discovery. Risky play allows toddlers to push their physical boundaries, challenging themselves in a…
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AGE APPROPRIATE WAYS TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ON PERSONAL SPACE AND RESPECT
Written by Lucy Hall In our fast-changing world, teaching children about consent and personal boundaries is not a need, it’s a must. As children grow older, they have to learn the importance of personal space, mutual respect and being able to share comfort levels regarding physical interaction. These topics need to be taught in age appropriate ways so that the lessons are interesting, relatable, and educational. This ranges from toddlers to adolescence in ways that hugely impact a child’s perception of his/her own body and other people’s bodies. Laying the Groundwork: Begin Early with Basics Teaching your child about boundaries and consent starts much earlier than most realise. Even toddlers…
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WHY DOESN’T MY TODDLER HAVE FRIENDS? UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIAL LANDSCAPE
Written by Lucy Hall Why doesn’t my toddler have any friends? This is a very common concern that at some stage parents will have. It can be upsetting to witness our children struggle with social interaction because parents have a deep seated desire for them to connect with others. Before jumping to conclusions and asking yourself what’s wrong with your toddler, it’s important to understand that the idea of friendship for toddlers is different from what adults experience. Navigating the World of Play Toddlers are still developing their social skills and learning how to interact with others at this developmental stage. Most toddlers can be self centred and frequently find…
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IS YOUR TODDLER A GENIUS?
Written by Olivia Arrow Every parent wants their kid to do great in life, and the idea of raising a genius can be pretty cool. But let’s not forget that labels can come with its own set of pressures and expectations, and it might not always be fair to your child. Every child is unique and learns and grows at their own pace. So while it’s important to encourage their development and celebrate their accomplishments, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. If you’re curious about whether your toddler is showing some signs of being extra smart, there are some traits and behaviours that might make it easier to identify if…
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FOSTERING OPEN COMMUNICATION
Written by Olivia Arrow Maintaining open communication with your child is the key to building a strong, loving bond that will last a lifetime. Not only does it help them feel heard and understood, but it also gives you valuable insights into their thoughts and feelings, making you better equipped to guide and support them through life’s ups and downs. Fostering open communication isn’t always easy, especially when they’re going through those tricky preteen and teenage years, but the effort is more than worth it. By showing your child that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say and creating an atmosphere of openness and honesty, you’ll be well…
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THE POWER OF FAMILY FITNESS
Written by Olivia Arrow Life can be super busy and sometimes it’s hard to make time for ourselves, let alone spend quality time with our loved ones. But making exercise a family affair is not only great for your health, but it’s also an amazing way to bond with your family! Why it’s so important to get active together: It’s Motivating! When you’re exercising with your family, you’re more likely to stick to it because you don’t want to let them down. Plus, having someone to cheer you on and celebrate your victories makes it all the more fun and rewarding. It Teaches Important Life Skills. Working together as a…
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MINDFULNESS PRACTICES FOR A CALMER HOUSEHOLD
Written by Olivia Arrow In the whirlwind of daily life, it can be challenging to maintain a peaceful and harmonious household. The constant demands, distractions, and stressors can take a toll on our well-being and create an atmosphere of discontent and chaos. However, mindfulness practices offer a powerful antidote to this modern-day affliction, providing tools and techniques to cultivate a calmer and more mindful home environment. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is an artful craft of honing your attention to the present moment, embracing it without judgement or resistance. It’s a skilful dance of observing your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they ebb and flow, allowing you to navigate life’s…
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FROM CUTE TO STUBBORN: HOW TO DEAL WITH TODDLER POWER STRUGGLES
Written by Olivia Arrow Toddlers are notorious for having power struggles.. They’re at that age where they’re starting to want to do things on their own, but they don’t really have the emotional maturity to handle it in a healthy manner. This can lead to tantrums, meltdowns, and a lot of frustration for both toddlers and parents. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your toddler’s power struggles, don’t worry you are not alone. It is a challenging time that most parents have to navigate. Here are a few tips to help you navigate through this tricky time. Make Sure To Stay Calm! When your toddler is losing their mind over something,…
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IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE A THREAT TO KIDS?
Written by Olivia Arrow In the fast-changing world of tech, Artificial Intelligence has taken over like crazy. It’s changed so many industries and become a big part of our daily lives, especially for children. But with all these advancements, parents worry about how Artificial Intelligence might affect their child. While Artificial Intelligence has its perks, it also brings new challenges and risks that parents need to watch out for. One big concern is privacy. Artificial Intelligence can gather a ton of information about children, like personal details, online behaviour, and even biometric data. This can lead to companies tracking children, targeting them with personalised ads, or exposing them to inappropriate…
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ENSURING APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY USE FOR CHILDREN
Written by Olivia Arrow In the modern world, technology is a huge part of a child’s lives. It can be really helpful and fun, but there are also some risks that parents need to watch out for. As a responsible parent, it’s important to make sure your child is using tech the right way and staying safe. It’s important for us to make sure that the technology our child’s are using is age-appropriate and beneficial for their development. Too much screen time or exposure to inappropriate content can have negative effects on their physical, mental, and social well-being. As parents, we need to take an active role in monitoring and…