In this article, we’ll explore how crafting a vision board with your child can strengthen family bonds, improve communication, and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

The importance of family goal-setting

Setting goals as a family is crucial for creating a shared vision that builds unity and a sense of purpose. When every member contributes to the family’s aspirations, it reinforces the idea that each person’s input is valued.

Not only that, but involving your children in this process leads to many benefits!

• It not only teaches them responsibility but also nurtures their ability to set and achieve personal goals.
• They learn the importance of planning, perseverance, and celebrating successes, no matter how small.
• Setting goals together leads to a stronger, more cohesive unit.
• Goal-setting can improve communication and trust, creating a deeper connection between family members as they work together towards common objectives.

Introducing the vision board

A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, created by arranging images, words, and other creative elements on a board. It serves as a daily reminder of what you’re working towards, helping to reinforce positive thinking and motivation.

For a family, a vision board offers a unique opportunity to unite around shared dreams and aspirations. It’s a fun and meaningful activity that allows everyone to have a say in shaping the family’s future.

By engaging in this creative process together, families can bond, communicate openly, and stay focused on their collective goals for the year ahead.

Steps to create a family vision board

Creating a family vision board is a wonderful way to bond while setting goals for the year ahead. Here’s how to get started:

1.. Gather supplies

Start by collecting materials like poster boards, magazines, markers, glue, and scissors. This is a fantastic opportunity to involve children in a hands-on, creative project that lets their imaginations run wild.

2. Discuss and set goals together

Sit down as a family and talk about your dreams and goals for 2025. Consider categories such as personal growth, family activities, health, education, and travel. Make sure everyone has a chance to share their ideas so that the vision board reflects the whole family’s aspirations.

3. Create the vision board

Begin by selecting images, words, and phrases that represent your family’s goals. As you work together, encourage listening and collaboration, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are valued. This step is all about turning your collective dreams into a visual reality.

4. Display and reflect

Place your family vision board in a prominent location where it can serve as a daily reminder of your goals. Regularly check in on your progress, celebrate achievements, and make any adjustments as needed to stay on track throughout the year.

Creating a family vision board is a powerful way to stay connected, focused, and motivated as you work towards shared goals throughout the year. By making this a fun and meaningful annual tradition, you can strengthen family bonds and ensure everyone is on the same path towards success. 

Start planning your vision board project today, and look forward to a happier, more cohesive family unit in 2025.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• 5 Healthy Habits to Adopt in the New Year
• How You Can Strengthen Family Relationships in the New Year
• Encouraging Independence in Children: Rewards and Daily Routines to Help Children Be confident
• 8 Strategies for Promoting Well-Balanced Technology Use for Families

The post Parent and child vision board: why set goals for 2025 as a family (and how!) appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

The importance of mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without distraction. For both children and adults, it can work wonders by reducing anxiety, boosting focus, and improving emotional control.

Yoga for children can be a fantastic way to introduce mindfulness. This activity not only helps children stay calm and focused but also supports their overall mental and emotional well-being.

Yoga as a tool for mindfulness

Yoga is a fantastic way to promote mindfulness, combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. These elements work together to help children and adults focus on the present moment.

Specific techniques, like balance poses and visualisation through storytelling, make yoga for children engaging and effective. These activities not only enhance physical health but also teach children to stay calm and attentive, improving their overall mental well-being.

Benefits of mindfulness and yoga for children

Yoga and mindfulness help children:

• Manage their emotions, leading to better self-awareness and acceptance. This emotional regulation is crucial for their overall development.
• Concentrate and focus better, aiding their performance in everyday activities.
• Physically. Yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and coordination, supporting overall physical health.

Benefits of yoga and mindfulness for adults

Yoga and mindfulness aren’t just for our children, they can also benefit adults. Activities lead to:

• Stress reduction:
  • Helps reduce stress levels
  • Promotes relaxation and calmness
• Improved mental health:
  • Reduces symptoms of depression
  • Alleviates anxiety
• Physical wellbeing:
  • Increases flexibility
  • Builds strength
  • Enhances overall fitness

Integrating yoga and mindfulness into daily life

For children, parents and educators can integrate yoga and mindfulness into daily routines through simple practices. For example:

• Starting the day with morning stretches that include yoga for children can set a positive tone.
• Mindfulness breaks during school help children stay focused and calm.
• Bedtime yoga helps them unwind and get ready for a good night’s sleep.

Adults can benefit too!

• Scheduling yoga sessions before or after work can relieve stress and promote relaxation.
• Mindfulness exercises during breaks keep you centred and calm.
• Short breathing exercises throughout the day help maintain a sense of tranquillity amidst the busyness.

Embracing mindfulness and yoga for a balanced life

Early Years Wellbeing Week is a perfect opportunity to embrace these practices and incorporate them into daily life. By doing so, we embrace a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle for ourselves and our children.

As Sharon Salzberg wisely said, “Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” Embracing yoga and mindfulness can pave the way for long-term wellbeing and a more fulfilling life!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• How to Recognise if Your Child is Stressed and What to Do
• 12 Fun Learning Activities Your Kids Can Do at Home
• Nurturing Wellbeing and Emotions: How to Help Your Children Identify and Manage Their Feelings
• Why it is Essential to Encourage a Growth Mindset in Your Children

The post Nurturing young minds with the power of yoga for children and adults appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Since striking the right balance is crucial for our children (and our own sanity!), this article explores some practical strategies to ensure your family benefits from technology without being overwhelmed by it.

1. Understand the impact of technology

Technology offers great benefits, like educational resources, connectivity with loved ones, and endless entertainment. With the right apps, learning becomes engaging, and staying in touch is simpler than ever.

However, overuse can reduce face-to-face interactions, lead to dependency, and impact mental health. It’s crucial to be aware of these risks to prevent technology from disrupting family life.

Simple actions to take:

• Teach responsible and purposeful technology use.
• Explain which apps are beneficial and why.
• Guide thoughtful choices about screen time.

2. Establish family guidelines

One of the best ways to manage technology use for families is by creating a plan. This plan should outline clear boundaries for screen time and the type of content that is appropriate. Having these guidelines helps ensure everyone in the family is on the same page.

Make sure your rules are suitable for the ages of your children and flexible enough to accommodate different situations, like holidays or remote learning periods.

3. Use parental controls

Implement parental controls on devices to manage what your children can access. This helps ensure they are only exposed to age-appropriate content and it limits their screen time.

4. Encourage positive role modelling

Setting a good example as parents or guardians is key, so you need to be aware of your own usage of technology. For example, show your children how to balance tech use by putting devices away during meals and family time. This helps reinforce the idea that not all moments need to be captured or interrupted by screens.

5. Practice open communication and education

Keep the conversation about technology ongoing. Talk openly about both the benefits and risks, making sure your children understand digital literacy and safety. This proactive approach helps them understand the digital world more confidently.

Our tip: Don’t wait for issues to arise! Discuss potential problems like cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content ahead of time. Equip your children with strategies to handle these situations, ensuring they feel safe and supported in their online interactions.

6. Promote offline activities

Encourage your family to engage in activities that don’t involve screens. Outdoor play, reading, and family board games are great alternatives to reduce technology use for families. These activities help build bonds and create memories without the need for technology.

7. Use technology purposefully

Make the most of technology by using educational apps and programs that enhance learning and creativity. These tools can make education fun and engaging, interactively providing valuable skills.

Another great use of technology is to stay connected with extended family and friends, especially when physical visits aren’t possible.

8. Regularly review and adjust

Regularly review and adjust your family’s technology use policies to keep them relevant. This ensures they meet your family’s changing needs and circumstances effectively.

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Balancing technology use for families is challenging – but trust us when we say that it is crucial for well-being. Not just for your children, but for the whole family and yourselves as well. If you implement these eight strategies that we’ve outlined above, you’ll soon see a happier, healthier, and more harmonious relationship with technology in your household. Not to mention, you’ll all spend so much more time with each other, making memories that last!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• 9 Big Benefits of Reading to Your Child
• 12 Fun Learning Activities Your Kids Can Do at Home
• Age Appropriate Chores for Children to Help Them Learn Valuable Life Skills
• 5 Benefits of Sharing A Family Meal

The post 8 Strategies for Promoting Well-Balanced Technology Use for Families appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Today, we’re exploring the core principles of gentle parenting, debunking some common myths, and sharing practical tips to help you create a loving and respectful family dynamic.

What is gentle parenting?

The gentle parenting approach is about nurturing and building strong, positive relationships rather than using traditional, authoritarian methods.  It’s about understanding children’s feelings, treating them as individuals with their rights, and fostering their emotional growth. 

Gentle parenting encourages open communication and mutual respect, creating a more supportive and loving family environment.

Core principles of gentle parenting

Empathy: Recognising and validating children’s emotions is crucial in gentle parenting. It involves active listening and emotional validation, showing children that their feelings matter. 

Respect: Building a respectful relationship with your children is key; this means setting clear boundaries while maintaining mutual respect. It involves using respectful communication, such as listening to their views and speaking kindly.

Understanding: Creating a supportive and understanding environment is vital for children’s emotional growth. This requires patience and positive reinforcement, to help kids feel secure and valued. Techniques like considering their perspectives and addressing their needs thoughtfully encourage a deeper connection and better behaviour.

Common misconceptions about gentle parenting

You may think the gentle parenting approach only works with easy-going kids. In reality, it’s a structured, effective approach for all children. It involves setting boundaries and consistency, not just letting children do whatever they want.

Here are some examples of how to address behaviours with gentle parenting:

• A tantrum in a public place: Stay calm and respond empathetically. Offer choices to give your child a sense of control.
• Sibling rivalry: Resolve conflicts respectfully by promoting open communication and understanding each child’s perspective.
• Bedtime battles: Address fears and establish comforting routines to make bedtime smoother and more secure.

The pros and challenges of gentle parenting 

Benefits

• The gentle parenting approach offers long-term emotional and social benefits for children, enhancing parent-child relationships and fostering self-discipline and emotional intelligence. It builds trust and security, leading to open, honest communication. 
• Children learn to navigate challenges with support rather than fear by encouraging problem-solving skills and independence, reducing stress and anxiety. 
• This approach also promotes strong emotional regulation skills, resulting in better behaviour and social interactions.

Overall, gentle parenting creates a nurturing, positive atmosphere that benefits the entire family.

Challenges (and how to overcome them)

Adopting gentle parenting can come with its own set of challenges.

Parents often struggle with staying consistent and patient, especially when faced with public tantrums or sibling rivalry. Practical tips include setting clear, realistic expectations for yourself and your children, seeking support from like-minded communities, and practising self-care to maintain your own emotional balance. 

Remember, the key is to stay consistent and patient. Embracing these challenges as learning opportunities can help you grow alongside your children, making the journey more rewarding.

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Gentle parenting, with its emphasis on empathy, respect, and understanding, creates a nurturing and supportive environment for children. It helps build stronger parent-child relationships and fosters emotional intelligence and self-discipline.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• Why is it important for a child to feel safe?
• Nurturing Wellbeing and Emotions: How to Help Your Children Identify and Manage Their Feelings
• How to Recognise if Your Child is Stressed and What to Do
• 5 Valuable Life Skills that Children Learn Through Age Appropriate Chores

The post How the gentle parenting approach creates emotional intelligence appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Here´s how.

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The importance of routine in encouraging independence

Establishing a routine is fundamental to encouraging independence in children. Why? Because regular schedules provide the necessary structure and predictability that´s essential for healthy development. 

For example, such routines:

• enhance confidence,
• reduce anxiety during transitions,
• and provide a sense of security.

And this allows children to confidently tackle new challenges.

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Age-appropriate chores to build independence

Incorporating age-appropriate chores into daily routines teaches responsibility and encourages independence from a young age. Here’s how chores can be tailored by age:

• Toddlers: Putting away toys, and placing dirty clothes in the laundry.
• Young Children: Making beds, helping to set the table.
• Older Children: Assisting in meal preparation, and managing personal hygiene.

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Effective use of reward charts to encourage independence

Reward charts are excellent tools for motivating children, linking specific tasks to rewards and creating a positive feedback loop. Examples include:

• Sticker charts for younger children to reward daily tasks.
• Point systems for older children, where points are exchanged for larger rewards.

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Daily routine charts to build structure

Routine charts help organise a child’s day, instilling structure and predictability. For example:

• Morning charts: Include tasks like making the bed and brushing teeth.
• Evening charts: Focus on preparing for the next day, such as packing school bags and getting ready for bed.
• Chore charts: Listing daily chores.

Read: Age Appropriate Chores for Children to Help Them Learn Valuable Life Skills

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Customising routines to encourage independence

As children grow, their routines should adapt to align with their developmental stages and changing needs. Flow-style routines offer flexibility, adjusting to daily demands while providing structure. For instance, bedtime might vary based on the day’s activities or the child’s tiredness levels.

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Encouraging independence through structured play and decision-making

Allowing children to play independently and make decisions about their activities encourages creativity and problem-solving skills. For example, encourage: 

• Independent playtime: to build creativity and self-sufficiency.
• Choice in activities: to enhance decision-making skills.
• Problem-solving tasks: to boost logical thinking.

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How parents can encourage independence in children

Encouraging independence in children means providing opportunities for children to make decisions and allowing them to understand the consequences. Therefore, parents should aim to be supportive guides rather than directors of their children’s daily activities.

For example, allowing a child to choose their outfit for the day teaches decision-making. Even if the result is a mismatched ensemble. Parents must sometimes step back and let children tackle challenges independently, stepping in only when necessary. This approach not only boosts a child’s confidence but also cultivates critical problem-solving skills as they learn from their successes and mistakes. 

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Empowering future generations

By encouraging daily decisions and problem-solving, we enhance children’s confidence and judgment, preparing them for future challenges.

These strategies collectively play a crucial role in encouraging independence in children, providing a foundation for them to thrive in all areas of life.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• 5 Valuable Life Skills that Children Learn Through Age Appropriate Chores
• Age Appropriate Chores for Children to Help Them Learn Valuable Life Skills
• How to encourage your children to read for pleasure
• How Young Children Can Help in the Kitchen

The post Encouraging Independence in Children: Rewards and Daily Routines to Help Children Be confident appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Taking risks and learning from them is an inevitable and important part of growing up. And as parents or carers, it is our responsibility to encourage healthy risk-taking behaviour. By understanding different types of such behaviour and the motivation behind them, you can set children up for success and reduce their risk of harm in future life.

Here´s our essential guide to risky play.

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Why is risky play important?

Children take risks for a number of reasons. As some children develop mastery of a task, they take risks to improve their skills; for example, as pre-schoolers, they may try balancing on logs in their favourite park, which can lead to them walking on top of a wall by a river as they turn into teenagers! Some risk-taking behaviours stem from an effort to assert independence and develop autonomy.

We tend to associate the term risk with dangerous activities, but risk-taking behaviours can be healthy, too. For example, when your child steps outside of their comfort zone and participates in a new activity, or when they are joining a new leisure club, or auditioning for a role in the latest school play – these all come with risk and sometimes disappointment, but isn’t that a part of learning how to deal with new situations when they are older?

Such healthy risk-taking behaviors are a normal and important part of child development and should be encouraged as your children learn to make good choices and become more skilled and independent.

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Guidelines for safe risk-taking

Providing children with opportunities to take controlled risks helps them grow, so how can we do this (without giving ourselves a heart attack)?

When it comes to facilitating risky play safely, it’s all about striking the right balance between freedom and safety. Here are some practical tips for parents and educators:

• Adopt the “As safe as necessary” approach: Instead of trying to make everything ‘as safe as possible’, focus on making environments safe for children to explore risks without danger. 
• Use the 17-second rule: Before stepping in, pause for 17 seconds to observe how a child handles a risky situation. This brief moment can provide insight into whether the child can manage independently or needs your help.
• Create safe boundaries: Design play areas that encourage risk-taking within a safety framework. This might mean setting up a climbing frame with appropriate fall mats, choosing safe locations for playing near elements like water, or supervising activities that involve tools.

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Age-appropriate risky play and its benefits

Risky play is a dynamic way to support a child’s development. Not to mention that it teaches resilience and independence within a safe environment!

Let’s explore the types of risky play and their benefits:

1. Play with heights: Climbing trees and structures allows children to develop their coordination and assess their limits. For toddlers, this means supervised climbing on low structures. Preschoolers can tackle more complex climbing challenges, and school-age children can ascend to greater heights under watchful eyes. 
2. Experiencing speed: Activities like riding bikes or sledges give children a sense of speed and motion. Toddlers can enjoy gentle pushes on swings, preschoolers can start with tricycles, and older children can handle bikes and sledges on varied terrains.
3. Using tools: Handling tools, such as building forts with real hammers or saws, teaches responsibility and fine motor skills. Supervised tool use starts simply with preschoolers, who might use screwdrivers under adult supervision, and expands to more complex tools for school-aged children.
4. Playing near elements: Being near elements like water and fire can teach children about natural forces and safety precautions. Water play can begin with shallow paddling pools for toddlers; supervised beach trips are great for preschoolers, and you can explore more adventurous water activities like kayaking for older children, always under strict supervision.
5. Rough-and-tumble play: Wrestling and play fighting help children understand social boundaries and physical capabilities. This form of play should be closely monitored to ensure it stays friendly and fun. 
6. Disappearing games: Games like hide-and-seek offer independence and exploration. Toddlers can play peek-a-boo; preschoolers can enjoy hide-and-seek in safe indoor spaces, and school-age children can extend their play to larger yet secure outdoor areas.

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Your role in risky play

The tendency of parents to wrap children in cotton wool has transformed how some children experience childhood today. It is important to remember that risk-taking is a normal part of a child’s development; it allows a child to define his identity and grow as an individual.

When children play, they move from what they know and can do—and what is, therefore, familiar and boring—to what is engaging, exciting, uncertain, and new. By taking risks, children build their capabilities, explore their emotions, expand their horizons, and test boundaries. They also gain practical experience of taking responsibility for their own safety.

So, talk to your children about risks and discuss ways to reduce the negative aspects of risk. Give your child opportunities to participate in healthy risk-taking behaviour and model appropriate risk-taking behaviour. Be brave by stepping back and giving your child space, but ensure you’re within reach that´s comfortable for you!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• 5 Reasons Why Messy Play Is Important and Benefits Children
• The brain science of play
• Encouraging Independence in Children: Rewards and Daily Routines to Help Children Be confident
• Why Reading is So Important in the Early Years

The post How to let your child engage in risky play (without having a heart attack) appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Since it´s Child Safety Week, we thought this was an important question to answer.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we are committed to child safety and ensuring that every child feels secure and nurtured in our environment. After all, this is key to helping them learn and grow confidently, and for the healthy development of their young minds.

If you want to know more about how to make a child feel safe and why this is so important, read on.

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The importance of feeling safe and valued

Feeling safe and valued is essential for a child’s development. Research shows that children learn best when they are free from fear, enabling them to fully engage and take intellectual risks. 

A secure environment fosters effective and meaningful learning, encouraging active participation and the embrace of challenges. This supportive setting not only enhances their academic journey but also promotes their overall well-being, making it crucial to make a child feel safe to unlock their full potential.

Read: Professional Love in Early Years Settings: Why it´s Essential

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Practical strategies to make a child feel safe

Ensuring that children feel secure is fundamental to their development. Here are five practical ways to make a child feel safe, drawn from expert recommendations:

1. Limits and boundaries: Establish clear rules that help children understand what is expected of them. This predictability makes the world less intimidating and helps children navigate their environments more confidently.
2. Control: Always remain calm and be a voice of reason, especially during moments of misbehaviour. Remember, such moments often mean a child is struggling with emotions and needs your guidance to learn appropriate responses.
3. Availability: Be consistently present, especially after conflicts or challenges. Quick reconciliations show children that disagreements don’t affect your love and support, reinforcing a sense of security.
4. Acknowledge mistakes: When mistakes occur, admit them. Demonstrating that everyone, even adults, can err and recover teaches resilience and honesty.
5. Routines and schedules: Maintain a consistent daily routine. Regular schedules provide stability and comfort, especially during times of change or stress.
6. Open communication: Foster an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns without fear of judgement. Encourage them to talk about their day and share both positive experiences and worries.
7. Physical comfort: Sometimes, physical reassurance such as hugs, holding hands, or a pat on the back can help provide a sense of security. Gauge what each child is comfortable with to ensure they feel supported in a way that respects their boundaries.
8. Educate on safety skills: Teach children basic safety measures like knowing who to contact in an emergency, understanding their home address, and how to assess safe versus unsafe situations. This knowledge can empower them and reduce anxiety about the unknown.

In conclusion, we can make a child feel safe by establishing a secure, supportive environment. Using practical strategies like clear boundaries, constant availability, and open communication, we can nurture children’s confidence and well-being.

These efforts not only help children thrive in the present but also equip them with the resilience to face future challenges.

Champions for child safety

At Schoolhouse, we are proud to partner with the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) during Child Safety Week. Our collaboration underscores our deep commitment to child safety, amplifying our impact on community safety initiatives. 

This partnership demonstrates our dedication to creating safer environments for children. Together with CAPT, we strive to make a child feel safe, embodying our core values through active community involvement.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• Nurturing Wellbeing and Emotions: How to Help Your Children Identify and Manage Their Feelings
• How to Recognise if Your Child is Stressed and What to Do
• Age Appropriate Chores for Children to Help Them Learn Valuable Life Skills
• The Secrets to Handling Toddler Tantrums like a Pro

The post Why is it important for a child to feel safe? appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

#1 – The majority of brain growth happens in the first 5 years.

A fact that might surprise you is that a newborn’s brain, though only about a quarter of an adult’s in size, expands to almost 90% of adult size by age five. And that’s just the start.

In the early years, a child’s brain is very active, making over a million neural connections every second. These connections will influence future learning, behaviour, and health, quite literally moulding their future selves. Quite something, isn’t it?

Read: Why Day Nurseries are Essential for Early Learning

#2 – Positive interactions are key to growth and success.

What’s heartwarming is how our interactions with children can help drive this remarkable growth. Simple acts like chatting, reading, or singing to a child can bolster these neural connections and encourage cognitive growth. Playing with them, and engaging with their imaginative worlds, is also a massive booster.

It’s been found that high-quality early childhood education can significantly impact a child’s success down the line. It’s akin to nurturing a tiny seed into a lush, sturdy tree over time.

#3 – Nurturing a strong parent-child relationship as early as possible is essential for social development.

Building on this, we move to attachment theory, which focuses on the emotional bonds children form with their caregivers during these early years. These bonds greatly impact their social and emotional growth. Simply put, consistent, loving care forms a secure attachment, fostering a positive self-image and a healthy approach to learning.

In contrast, inconsistent care can result in insecure attachment, which may hinder a child’s emotional development. Hence, these early bonds play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future.

#4 – Young children sleep so much due to learning, rather than rest.

Now, despite being bundles of energy, young children spend about half their time asleep. But don’t be fooled, their brains aren’t on a break. While peacefully snoozing, their brains are busy sorting out memories and assimilating the day’s experiences, further strengthening their neural pathways. This underlines just how crucial a good night’s sleep is for healthy brain development.

#5 – Children don´t have a dominant side of their brain in the first 3 years.

You might’ve heard about people being ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained,’ but in young children, things are a bit different. They utilise both sides of their brain equally until about the age of three when they might start leaning towards one side.

This could be why children are such amazing inventors and storytellers. It’s like they’ve got an orchestra in their heads, and everyone’s playing together!

#6 – Young children learn different languages incredibly well.

One of the standout marvels of early childhood is the natural gift for language. It’s remarkable how young kids can differentiate between different sounds and languages – something which often challenges adults.

That’s why we should embrace the opportunity to introduce children to different languages at an early age. They’re ready-made linguists, picking up sounds and structures with ease.

Childhood: A Time of Wonder

Peering into these captivating facts about a child’s brain development in the early years is like uncovering hidden wonders. This time is a hotbed of fast-paced development, with each child charting their unique course filled with milestones and discoveries.

As adults, we can play a vital role in guiding and nurturing this growth. These little humans aren’t just our future, they are our present too, a vibrant and exciting present that’s growing and learning each day.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• How to Choose the Best Educational Toys: the Ultimate Guide for Parents
• Age Appropriate Chores for Children to Help Them Learn Valuable Life Skills
• The 6 Best Potty Training Books (For Parents and Toddlers)
• The Secrets to Handling Toddler Tantrums like a Pro

The post Fascinating facts about children’s brains during the Early years appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

In this article, we explore why this is, particularly the science behind play and how it helps the young brain develop.

From brain development and emotional resilience to its essential role in healthy human growth, here is why play is so crucial and what you can do as parents to support and encourage this development.

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The neurological foundations of play

Play is vital for brain development, quickly establishing complex neural networks in babies that form the basis for their future cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. Infants strengthen these connections by exploring their surroundings and interacting with sensory stimuli.

Reaching for colourful objects, listening to sounds, or tasting different textures, serves as a brain workout, reinforcing and creating new neural pathways. This early sensory play is vital as it challenges and expands the brain’s capabilities, making it more adaptable and strong.

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Key learning through play

Understanding the importance of play in childhood development highlights its many benefits that extend into adulthood:

Sensory exploration

• Cognitive development: Grasping cause and effect through interactions with various sensory stimuli emphasises the importance of play in cognitive skill building.
• World understanding: Children learn how their actions impact their environment, a key insight provided by the importance of play.

Repetitive play

• Motor skill improvement: Activities such as stacking blocks or solving puzzles encourage refining motor skills.
• Cognitive skill enhancement: The importance of play is evident as it reinforces knowledge, encourages persistence, and supports skill development.

Role-playing and decision-making:

• Social skill enhancement: Through assuming various roles and navigating social scenarios, children learn the importance of play in developing complex social skills.
• Emotional intelligence growth: Play is crucial in building empathy, cooperation, and the ability to understand social cues.

Long-term impact:

• Mental health promotion: Play is crucial as it develops the psychological tools needed to manage stress and challenges later in life.
• Problem-solving enhancement: Adults who experienced diverse play as children typically show more flexible thinking, highlighting the lasting benefits of play.

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Supporting and encouraging Play

Now we understand how important play if for development, here are effective ways to nurture play:

• Create diverse play environments: Set up spaces that spark curiosity and imagination, such as colourful playrooms filled with toys and outdoor areas for nature exploration.
• Allow unstructured play: Let children play freely without too much guidance from adults. Unstructured play ignites creativity, problem-solving skills, and independence. 
• Promote social play: Social play is crucial for developing emotional and social skills. By playing with peers, children learn to cooperate, negotiate, and empathise. Organising playdates or participating in community playgroups are great ways to support this.

By taking these steps, we can reinforce the importance of play and ensure children have the necessary environments and opportunities to thrive.

The importance of play in developing a well-rounded, resilient individual cannot be overstated. Play is not only fundamental for cognitive and emotional growth but is also crucial in laying the groundwork for healthy mental and social capabilities later in life. As we’ve explored, play shapes the brain, influences lifelong well-being, and prevents negative developmental outcomes.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• Fascinating facts about children’s brains during the Early years
• How to Choose the Best Educational Toys: the Ultimate Guide for Parents
• Age Appropriate Chores for Children to Help Them Learn Valuable Life Skills
• The Secrets to Handling Toddler Tantrums like a Pro

The post The brain science of play appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

We’re here to share some top tips for encouraging children to read – making the journey not just effective but incredibly fun for everyone involved.

Top tips for encouraging reading

There are so many benefits to reading.

• Reading for pleasure boosts literacy skills, making words their friends rather than foes.
• It fires up their imagination, turning them into little dreamers and thinkers.
• And guess what? It even gives them a leg up at school, leading to better academic performance across the board.

So here´s how to encourage it!

1. Create a reading-friendly environment

Now, onto crafting that perfect reading spot. Imagine a cosy corner where stories come to life, a place so inviting that even the most stubborn screen-lovers can’t resist. A comfy chair, soft lighting, and maybe a few cushions can transform any nook into a reader’s paradise.

2. Lead by example

When it comes to encouraging children to read, nothing beats showing them how it’s done. Let them catch you lost in a book, chuckling at a funny line, or gasping at a plot twist. It’s all about showing them that reading isn’t just homework; it’s a ticket to adventure.

3. Integrate reading into daily routines

Making reading a regular part of your family’s day can work wonders. How about a bedtime story that takes them to dreamland? Or some quiet reading time while dinner simmers away?

Why not mix things up with a family reading hour? Everyone grabs their book of choice and dives in. It’s a great way to show that reading is for everyone, not just for school or bedtime. 

Check out our other blog Benefits of reading to your child for more information.

4. Choose the right books

Picking the right book can be like finding the perfect pair of shoes – it just fits. It’s about what sparks your child’s curiosity. Whether they’re into dragons or detectives, there’s a book out there that’ll light up their eyes.

Getting them involved in choosing their next read can make all the difference. A trip to the library or a browse through a bookstore can be an adventure in itself.

5. Encourage discussion and interaction

Chatting about a book is a golden chance to dive deeper into your child’s imagination. Why not turn it into a game? Ask them whacky questions about the story or what they’d do if they met their favourite character. It’s all about encouraging children to read and then share the joy.

6. Celebrate reading achievements

Who doesn’t love a bit of fanfare for a job well done? Setting up a reward system for hitting reading milestones can turn it into a thrilling quest. Imagine the beam on their faces when they earn a new book or a themed bash for finishing a story. 

In a nutshell, making reading a joy rather than a duty can light up a child’s world. From creating snug reading spots to celebrating each book finished, it’s all about fostering a deep love for stories. Let’s embrace these adventures in reading, turning every page into a journey of discovery for our little ones.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• Why Reading is So Important in the Early Years
• 9 Big Benefits of Reading to Your Child
• The 6 Best Potty Training Books (For Parents and Toddlers)
• Screen Free Activity Ideas To Do As A Family

The post How to encourage your children to read for pleasure appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.