Child development
Socio-Emotional Development in Early Childhood
‘Socio’ refers to social development. This includes relating to others and their environment, learning to adhere to social norms and even interpreting gestures and body language. ‘Emotional’ involves our children’s emotional development which is made up of awareness, expression, and [...]
The First 1000 Days of Life
The first 1000 days of life truly do matter and here's why... Science tells us that the first 1000 days of a child’s life sets the foundation for future years. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University’s [...]
Language Development in Early Childhood
Language is more than just verbal communication. It is also the ability to express ourselves, to respond and understand when someone is trying to communicate with us. Language development is a crucial part of the child’s overall development. It supports [...]
Fine Motor Development in Early Childhood
Fine motor development includes the development of the small muscles of the body, namely the tiny muscles of hands, feet, eyes and mouth. While the gross motor muscles are required mostly for endurance, strength and whole-body movement, fine motor muscles [...]
Gross Motor Development in Early Childhood
Gross Motor Development refers to the development of the large muscle groups of the body (legs, arms and torso) which are responsible for whole body movement. This includes everyday movements such as sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running and jumping as [...]
Sensory Development in Early Childhood
What is sensory development? Sensory development is the development of the senses. What are the senses? We have 8 senses that we use to process sensory information. There are 5 external senses that are well-known to all. These include the [...]
Discipline with little ones
Discipline with little ones As an Occupational Therapist and a mum of several children I have learned some useful pointers for discipline: Toddlers enter a developmental phase where they start to experience a desire for autonomy and mastery. It [...]
Attachment and Separation Anxiety
Attachment and separation anxiety So many parents understandably get worried when their child cries, throws a temper tantrum or becomes clingy when they say goodbye to them. This response from your little one can be heart breaking but it [...]
The importance of fine motor development
The importance of fine motor development Increasingly, school aged children are entering the education system with poor fine motor skills. Skills such as colouring in, cutting and writing which are essential in meeting the demands [...]
Why “Mess is best”
Why “Mess is best” Babies and toddlers make sense of their world with the information they receive through their five senses. They understand things by what they see, hear, smell, taste and touch which is why sensory play [...]
Fine Motor Development
Fine motor development Learning to write, cut and dress oneself are major milestones in a child’s life, but how do those little fingers go from involuntarily grasping something as a baby, to skillfully performing these [...]
Cultivating Creativity
Cultivating Creativity Humans are creative by nature. Unlike any other creature on this earth, we are wired to be creative. In a world that is rapidly changing, by the time today’s toddlers join the work force, creativity will be [...]