A prediction machine – your toddler’s brain (and yours)
We often think we see something first, then our brain reacts to what happens around us, but neuroscientists suggest this isn’t quite how it works. Our brains are active all the time and constantly predicting what could happen next.[1]
Our brain could be described as, ‘a prediction machine.’[2]
It’s mine! How understanding ownership might help your toddler to share (one day...)
Have you found yourself saying, “You have to share” to your toddler yet? If not, it might happen soon. Sharing is really complicated and involves some difficult skills, which your toddler probably hasn’t mastered yet. One of those skills is understanding ownership – so the “It’s mine,” phase of development might just be a step towards sharing.
Why does sharing matter to us?
Schemas and schematic play – how your toddler makes sense of the world
Your toddler’s movement helps them learn about the world – so how does moving around link to your toddler’s schemas (and what even is a schema)?
You might have heard people talking about schemas or schematic play and maybe even heard things about a particular schema – trajectory, enclosure, rotation and others.
Handwashing facts – why you'll think twice about a 'quick rinse' from now on!
As parents and carers, we're forever telling our children to make sure they've washed their hands properly. We have delved deep into the subject of handwashing to find some interesting facts for you and remind ourselves why a quick rinse just won't wash it!
- Handwashing practices began in medical institutions in the mid 1800s. Before then, doctors and medics would wash their hands with soap and water but not use any form of antiseptic. Many patients became seriously ill due to doctors having contaminated hands.[1] Today, handwashing practice is well established, saving the lives of many.
- According to Tri Living Well, the number of germs on your fingertips doubles after you use the toilet.[2]
- Florence Nightingale championed hand washing in army hospitals during the Crimean war.
- Remote controls, handbags and purses carry many more germs than you would like to imagine.
- October 15th is Global Handwashing Day. The first one was held in 2008. It was launched to help send the message that hand washing should be a simple practice and will make a difference and save lives.
- Drying hands is as important as washing hands. Bacteria that haven't been completely removed by washing could be kept on wet hands in a physiological state that makes them more able to thrive in a new environment.[3]
- According to Unicef, 40 per cent of the world’s population do not have a handwashing facility with water and soap at home.
- Washing your hands thoroughly can prevent the spread of some germs, helping to stop children from missing nursery and school.
References:
Have you ever wondered why your toddler spins and makes themselves dizzy?
Toddlers love to move and soon after taking their first steps they often seem determined to unsteady themselves again. They will seek out opportunities to make themselves dizzy by spinning or tipping upside down, or to challenge their balance with swinging or rocking.
Sensory systems
Shyness – it's part of all of us
If you remember moments of shyness as a child, it might be important to you that your child is confident in a wide range of situations, and you might worry if they seem to hesitate when somewhere new. Some researchers suggest shyness can be linked to temperament, which means some people might be more likely to be shy than others – but this doesn’t mean this is never going to change and how you respond when your child feels shy can help them thrive.[1]
Feeling shy is natural and it happens to us all – even famous performers and celebrities have moments when they feel shy.
Turn your self-criticism into compassion
When parenting, things can quickly become overwhelming. The stress that comes with raising young children, combined with wider aspects of everyday life can, at times, throw you into a negative headspace. Pausing and recognising when you’re being overly critical of yourself can help. If it’s been a hard day, we urge you to remember:
Five top tips for travelling downstairs safely
When your toddler is attempting to travel down the stairs, it’s a super challenge as they’re managing balance and coordination, as well as navigating the steps. Here are five tips for helping your toddler travel downstairs as safely as possible:
1) It may sound simple but go one step at a time.
What the ‘give them your stuff’ TikTok trend showed us about toddlers' learning
Did you see the TikTok trend where parents gave their toddlers stuff to see what they did with it? We saw toddlers running lipstick around their lips, rolling deodorant under their armpits and having a go at getting AirPods in their ears. This trend highlighted that as parents we don’t get much personal space! But it also clearly showed us toddlers' 'social learning' in action.
Social learning theory
Verbal routines are fantastic for boosting communication skills... but what are verbal routines?
Verbal routines (when the same words are used during activities or daily routines) are great for supporting your baby to join in with parts of the day. They help promote the development of language by offering actions and words that relate to specific activities.
When can they be used?
