How can parents recognise and address mental health issues in children?
Good mental health is just as important as good physical health and we all want our children to grow up happy and healthy, but unfortunately, anxiety and depression are on the rise in both adults and children. It can be
How to Encourage Children to Write
Encouraging children to write is a wonderful way to nurture creativity, communication and cognitive development. Writing is not only essential for academic success, it also allows children to express themselves, develop fine motor skills and explore their imaginations. Here’s an
Christmas Festive Faves
- Updated for 2025 - Christmas will be here before you know it, and finding the right gift for every child can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created Festive Faves; a handpicked selection of toys and games that promise both fun and
Gross Motor Skills: Big Movements for a Strong Start at School
Starting school is a major milestone, and while it’s easy to focus on learning letters and numbers, physical development plays just as important a role in helping children feel ready and confident. Gross motor skills – the big movements that
Travelling With Toddlers
This time of year is ideal for a family with younger children to go away, as rising temperatures, cheaper off-peak travel options, and quieter destinations create the perfect recipe for a holiday. However, travelling with toddlers can be quite daunting,
How Play Supports Brain Development in Preschoolers
Play is one of the most effective ways to support your child’s development—and it’s fun! I’ve seen time and again how play nurtures every aspect of a child’s growth, particularly in the critical early years when their brains are developing
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
Christmas Must Haves
- Updated for 2024 - Christmas will be here sooner than you think, and finding the perfect gift for every child can be a challenge. At the Good Play Guide, we’ve made it easier for you with our list of
Dyspraxia in Children
Development Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurological lifelong condition affecting physical coordination. It is not related to intelligence and can affect people in various ways. Dyspraxia can cause a child to perform less well than expected
Activities for Children with ADHD
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often have unique play needs and preferences that can require a bit of creativity and flexibility from parents and caregivers. But by understanding these needs and providing engaging, age-appropriate activities, playtime can be