The Benefits of Mindfulness for Children
Mindfulness for children is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Simple, playful activities can help children feel calmer, focus better and handle everyday challenges with more confidence. And the best part is that mindfulness doesn’t need to be formal
How to Help Your Child Develop Healthy and Consistent Sleep Habits
A good night’s sleep is so important for children (and adults). It supports physical growth, emotional wellbeing, concentration and memory. Yet NHS sleep studies show that around 40% of children in the UK are not getting enough sleep, which can
Australia’s U16 Social Media Ban: What Every Parent Needs to Know Now
Australia has recently announced a ban on social media for under 16s, which takes effect from the 10th December 2025. A move that has triggered global debate. The ban covers major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, and
Free and Affordable Places to Visit with Children Across the UK This Christmas (Updated for 2025)
Christmas is a magical time for families, but with the continued cost-of-living challenges across the UK, it’s more important than ever to find festive days out that don’t strain the budget. Thankfully, there are lots of free and low-cost options
Children to Be Taught How to Spot Fake News: What Parents Need to Know
Transparency Statement: To visually represent the theoretical curriculum changes and concepts discussed (such as lessons on fake news), select images within this article have been created using AI generation tools. These images are illustrative and do not represent actual students,
What Parents Need to Know About New Money Management Lessons in School
Transparency Statement: To visually represent the theoretical curriculum changes and concepts discussed (such as lessons on money management), select images within this article have been created using AI generation tools. These images are illustrative and do not represent actual students,
How to make sure you’re buying safe toys this Christmas
- Updated for 2025 - With Christmas approaching, it is natural to want to make sure we are buying good quality toys that are going to last well and be safe for our children to explore. Play is a key part
Talking to Teenage Boys: Navigating Emotions, Social Media and Positive Role Models
Netflix’s acclaimed series Adolescence about a teenager accused of killing a schoolmate, dominated this year’s Emmy Awards, taking home six prizes. Its raw portrayal of adolescent struggles with mental health, self-image and online pressures sparked widespread discussions. For many parents,
What the Research Says About School Readiness
Starting school is a big milestone – but what does it really mean to be ready? At Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide, we believe school readiness goes far beyond knowing letters and numbers. We conducted a literature review to explore the evidence
The Importance of Unstructured Play to Child Development
Children don’t just play for fun – it’s how they learn, grow, and make sense of the world. That’s the big takeaway from the newly published Raising the Nation Commission Report (June 2025), a year-long independent look at how play