Social development is more than making friends. It includes taking turns, understanding feelings, cooperating , and developing empathy. Socially developed children have the skills to form relationships and achieve success in school and life. Here are ten practical tips to help parents and caregivers develop healthy social skills for young children. 1. Show Kindness and Respect Adults teach children by example. Even in conflict, be polite, calm and respectful. You can say: “Can I help you?” “Thank you for your patience.” 2. Teach & Practice Sharing Young children don’t always understand sharing. Gentle language and frequent repetition are key. Speak: “You get to have your turn and then the turn…

Physical development during the early years lays the groundwork for a child’s coordination, strength, health, and independence. Supporting both gross motor (big movements) and fine motor (small hand movements) skills helps children grow stronger, more confident, and ready for future challenges — from writing to sports. Here are 10 essential tips to promote healthy physical growth in toddlers and preschoolers: 1. Encourage Active Play Every Day Children need at least 1–2 hours of active play daily to build strength and coordination. Try: Climbing Running games Obstacle courses Jumping on a soft mat 2.  Practice Fine Motor Skills Through Play Fine…

The emotional growth of a child is as important as its physical or academic development. Children who feel understood and emotionally safe are more able to build relationships, solve problems and explore the world confidently. Here are 10 practical tips for supporting young children’s mental health. 1. Recognize Their Feelings Don’t ignore the emotions of children who are upset. Validate the feelings of children. Try saying, “I see you are feeling sad. It’s ok to feel this way.” “You’re frustrated – that was hard.” It helps children identify and manage their emotions. 2. Offer Physical Comfort Hugs, soft touches and sitting close can reassure and create a feeling of…

Caring for young children can be rewarding but also challenging. If you are a parent, a babysitter, or work with young children, the right strategies can help them feel secure and confident and grow emotionally and physically. These 10 tips from experts will help support the healthy development of toddlers and preschoolers. 1. Create Consistent Routine The structure is important for children. Children thrive on structure. Tip: Try to keep the schedule of meals, naps, playtimes, and bedtimes as consistent as you can, even on weekends. 2. Open-ended Play Allow children to explore their imaginations without imposing strict rules or outcomes. Open-ended games encourage creativity, independence,…

What is Positive Discipline? Positive discipline is an approach that guides children’s behaviour gently and respectfully without the use of punishment, fear, or harsh consequences. It is about teaching kids how to make good decisions, not just forcing them to obey. This method encourages: Self-control You can also Contact Us Empathy Problem-solving Skills “Discipline does not mean control.” “It’s all about growth, connection, and teaching.” Why Positive Discipline Works Children are still learning to express themselves, manage their emotions, and follow rules. They don’t misbehave because they are bad. They act out when tired, overwhelmed, or uncertain of expectations. Positive discipline is important because: Building…

What is Sensory Play? Sensory play is any activity that helps a child explore the world by using their senses. Play with playdough or sand. Finger paint. Sort colourful beads. While sensory activities may seem like “just playing,” they are actually building important brain connections that support learning, behavior, and development. Sensory play is important. Children learn best by doing, especially when they are exposed to textures, colours, sounds, and movement. Sensory play helps develop: Fine motor skills (grasping, pinching, scooping) Cognitive growth (sorting, comparing, cause-and-effect) Language Skills (describing textures, sensations and feelings) Emotional Regulation (calming down, focusing on the task at hand, and coping with…

What is separation anxiety? Separation anxiety occurs when a child experiences distress after being separated from their parent or caregiver. It usually begins between 6-9 months and can continue — on and off — throughout the preschool years. This can be seen in childcare settings as crying when parents drop off, clinging on to parents, or refusing participation. What Happens? When separated, especially in a new place, their fear is real: em data-end=”792″ data-start=”768″>Will they come back?”/em> or em data-end=”820″ datastart=”796″,>Will I be okay here?/em> Children are afraid when separated from their primary caregivers, especially if they’re in a foreign place. This reaction indicates that a…

How to Help Young Children Develop Social Skills and Friendships Why friendships matter in early childhood Early friendships are not just cute; they are powerful growth tools. Children who learn to get along well with others develop empathy, communication, emotional control, and conflict management. Even toddlers and preschoolers can make real connections with others that will influence their perceptions of themselves. What early friendships look like Toddlers: Play parallel to each other Take an interest in other people’s activities You may copy, hug or be upset when someone leaves You don’t understand how to share or take turns yet Preschoolers (3 to 5 years…

Why Early Independence is Important Encourage your child to be independent. This will build self-confidence and decision-making skills. When caregivers encourage children to be autonomous in a safe and age-appropriate manner, they are laying the foundations for resilience , responsibility , and problem-solving—skills that children will take with them into school and their lives. How Independence Looks by Age Toddlers (3 to 3 years old) Feeding with their fingers or other utensils Try to dress or undress Saying “no” to express a choice Cleaning up toys Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) Selecting clothes Use the toilet independently Food or drink serving Two-step directions Try new…

Why Language Skills Are Important Language is not just talking. It’s also how children learn, communicate, and connect. Early language development will be the foundation for reading, writing, and social communication in the future. Children who are exposed to a rich and responsive language environment in the child care center are more likely to develop a better vocabulary , stronger social interaction skills, and higher academic achievement in later life. How children learn to talk Children learn to speak by seeing, hearing, and using. Every stage of development, from babbling infants to chatty pre-schoolers, is built on real-life conversation, songs, stories and play. Key Milestones 12 Months–…