Minecraft: Educational Benefits for Children
With the highly anticipated Minecraft movie proving a huge box office hit, the beloved block-building game is once again capturing the attention of children and their parents. Since its release in 2011, Minecraft has become a global sensation, attracting over
The Pros and Cons of Smart Devices for Children
Smart devices such as tablets, smartwatches and smart speakers like Google Home or Amazon Echo are increasingly popular among children. These devices offer exciting opportunities for learning, entertainment and communication. However, they also come with challenges, including privacy risks, potential
The ‘Raising the Nation’ Play Commission: What Parents Need to Know
At the Good Play Guide, we’re always shouting about the importance of play – it’s essential for children’s development, helping them learn, grow and thrive. Yet, play is under threat. Shrinking green spaces, increasing screen time, and changing lifestyles mean
Ollyball: The Ultimate Indoor Play Solution for Active, Creative Kids
Dr. Amanda Gummer, a leading child development expert and advocate for balanced play, champions toys that encourage active, social, and creative play. Ollyball aligns perfectly with her Balanced Play Diet, which emphasises a mix of physical activity, imaginative engagement, and
How to Achieve a Better Work-Life Balance as a Parent
In today's fast-paced world, juggling the demands of a career and family life can feel like an overwhelming challenge for many parents. Whether you work away from home or have embraced remote work, finding the right balance is important for
Understanding Your Child’s Digital Footprint: How to Protect Their Privacy Online
From an early age, children begin interacting with technology, leaving behind a record of their online activities known as a digital footprint. This online presence can have lasting consequences – both positive and negative – impacting future opportunities and relationships. Here
Factors Influencing Children’s Involvement in Riots
The finding that there were significant numbers of children involved in the riots last year is no surprise, but why do children get caught up in these events - is it, as suggested, just for fun? And if so, how
Supporting Children’s Mental Health in the Digital Age
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, children grow up surrounded by digital devices, social media and online content. While this offers lots of opportunities for learning and connection, it also presents unique challenges for children’s mental health. It can feel daunting
The Healing Power of Play: Supporting Children Impacted by Traumatic Events
The recent fires in Los Angeles have left many families dealing with loss and uncertainty. For children, experiencing events like this can be especially overwhelming, often causing anxiety, fear and a loss of security. Traumatic events aren’t limited to natural
The Embarrassment of Playing with Toys – Encouraging Pre-Teens to Keep Playing
The Embarrassment of Playing with Toys - Encouraging Pre-Teens to Keep Playing Play is crucial to development well into adolescence, but as children transition into their ‘tweens’ (around 9-12 years), there is often a shift. While they may still enjoy toys