Today Date Triggered Content

The book Flow: The Psychology of Happiness by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was published in 2002.^[1] Since its publication finding ways to achieve flow has been the focus of research in everything from sport to workplace performance, and recently in parenting.  

Flow is achieved when you’re fully involved in what you’re doing, to the point where you don’t notice time passing. Activities where you experience flow feel good!  

It can be easy to forget to walk – not as in not knowing how, but that when life is busy sometimes it’s just easier to jump in the car or on a bus to get from A to B. We know walking with a toddler or young child can make getting where you need to be slower, but if you have a bit more time why not try some of these ideas to get everyone walking. 

Giving your child the chance to walk when you’re going out, rather than going in a buggy or in the car, helps to build their strength and stamina, supports a healthy heart and creates good habits for the future.  

This week is zero waste week – a week focused on encouraging everyone to reduce the waste that ends up in landfill. While actually achieving zero waste might feel unrealistic, if you’ve looked round your home and wondered how you already have so many toys (lots that aren’t played with anymore), you might be ready for some zero waste play ideas.  

As always, if you’re going to give your child anything to play with that isn’t a toy check it is safe for them and their current skills and be there to supervise their play.  

World Photo Day takes place on 19th August every year, and is a day devoted to celebrating the history of photography. This year’s theme is ‘Understanding clouds’ and we thought it could be perfect inspiration for a weekend of fun and learning!  

A blanket under the dining table, a sheet over the washing line, or simply a box big enough to sit inside becomes magical when you make this your den. Just having their morning snack in it might be something your child remembers for years – we've got some ideas to get you started.  

Younger and older children playing together 

If you have both younger and older children, having their own separate den or cosy corner might be best.  

If your usual groups are taking their summer break, or you’re taking some annual leave, you might have a bit more time to play. Your activity page is a great place to start, check it for ideas which will be linked to the skills your child is working on now. If you’re looking for inspiration for a rainy day indoors – play dough and sensory games could be just the thing.  

Play dough is great for building strength in hands and fingers, and for older children can be a fantastic way to get creative.

We love a kitchen disco, and we think dancing and enjoying music can be part of everyday life – but if you fancy a bit of time focusing on tunes we’ve got some ideas for you.  

Keeping your child’s skills journey up-to-date makes sure the information and ideas you get are just right for your child – so, we’ve got some tips to help. 

When you look at webpages with lists of milestones or see a book that tells you what your child will be doing each month, it can seem like these are the same for every child. We know this simply isn’t the case.

Child development is complex and linked to individual characteristics as well as experiences and your app will help you understand, support and celebrate your child’s unique development. 

We often say our activities use things you have in your kitchen cupboard (or just outside the front door), but we’ve been asked, “What do you actually think is in my kitchen cupboard?” So, we thought it might be useful to make a list of some of the things we try to keep on hand – a bit like the store cupboard essentials you’d have in a recipe book... this is your store cupboard for play this summer.  

If you have anything you’d add to the list, share your ideas in our Facebook community.  

Your child’s senses are stimulated by everyday life, whether that’s feeling rain on their cheek, recognising the smell of their favourite meal, or simply watching light shining through a curtain. The activities at sensory groups often focus on a specific sense or two and give you time playing together, so our ideas will help you do this at home when classes are closed for summer!   

See if any of your friends from your group want to join you for some summer play – you could take it in turns to suggest an idea, and make sure you include time to catch up too!