Making Separation Easier for Your Child
Starting school is a big milestone, and for many children one of the most challenging parts is being away from their main carer for a whole day. Some children may feel anxious because they’ve never been to childcare before, while
Inclusive Play: What It Really Looks Like and Why It Matters for Every Child
April is Autism Awareness Month. But increasingly families and professionals are asking for something more meaningful than awareness: acceptance - ensuring that children of all abilities feel welcomed, understood and supported in everyday life. This sense of belonging should extend
Talking to Your Child about our Difficult World
In today’s intricate and often distressing world, parents and caregivers are tasked with the significant challenge of discussing global issues with children. Our very own, Dr. Amanda Gummer recently presented a webinar (embedded below) which provides invaluable advice on how
The Power of Friendship: Supporting Children as They Start School
Starting school is a big change, and one of the things that can make it feel less daunting for children is having a friend by their side. Friendships help children feel safe, happy, and more confident in a new environment,
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
Heartfuls: Building Emotional-Intelligence Through Play
Emotional intelligence is our ability to identify, understand and manage our own emotions and those of others. It is one of the most important skills a child can develop. It supports well-being, healthy relationships, and success in school and beyond. But
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
Helping Children With Fear and Anxiety
Fear and anxiety are natural human emotions, and often begin to emerge during childhood. Fear is a response to a specific perceived threat, such as a barking dog or a loud thunderstorm. Anxiety on the other hand, involves a more generalised sense
Do children have multiple intelligences?
As parents, we strive to provide our children with the best opportunities for growth and development. Dr. Howard Gardner, a renowned psychologist and educator, introduced the theory of multiple intelligences, challenging traditional views of intelligence as a singular concept. Play
Boosting Children’s Mental Health Through Play
Children learn and make sense of the world around them through play. While they are having fun, they are developing their cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. But play is also key in building your child’s mental health and is