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…

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…

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…

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…