Education & play

Education & play

Advertisement

CONFUSED TODDLER

Decoding baby babble

I clearly remember the joy of watching my children learn to speak, and sharing conversations that to an outsider would have been ridiculous.

Free play vs lessons

My bewildered toddler couldn't work out the point of his music class last week, and frankly neither could I.

Toddler's art sells for $14,000

His work is described as art in its purest form, untouched by life's pollutants and representative of what is important and beautiful.

Toddler words I'll miss

For a short time, kids speak a language that only their parents can understand. What are the words you miss most from the toddler years?

Choosing a daycare

When it comes to choosing a daycare for your child, what are your priorities? Is it outdoor space, the staff, or just the feeling you get when you look around?

Advertisement

We're talking about...

what's in this section?

Angry Birds/Dora the Explorer

Games as teachers

Guilty of letting an electronic screen babysit your children?

Tablets

Do toddlers need tablets?

What's more appealing to a child than blinking lights, fun sounds and touch screens?

birthday party

What I learnt at a toddler's party

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my friends' son's third birthday party. It was a delightful occasion. And for me, a learning occasion. I hereby pass my learnings on to you.

father Christmas

Coming clean about Santa

Do you have any qualms about letting your kids believe in Father Christmas?

Kung Fu Baby

Dragon baby

Video: Watch an epic battle between toddler Romeo Elvis Bulte Boivin and his stuffed toy dragon, in YouTube's latest cute baby sensation.

toddler playing

Play and learn

Playing is how children learn best. Whether it's peek-a-boo, pretend phone or full-on imaginative hut building, it's all helping brain pathways develop and grow stronger.

tv

TV bad for under-threes

Children under three should be kept away from television altogether, experts claim.

Disco

Groove through witching hour

Music can help sweep away the afternoon blahs, says Amity Dry. Your kids love having your attention, and love seeing Mummy or Daddy be silly.

Dad reading book to his daughter

Bonding through bedtime stories

Bedtime tales, however fanciful, are good for bonding as well as kids' brains.

FACING CUTS: Bev Mead of  Aro Valley Preschool, which might lose a teacher  because of  its falling roll.

Welly childcare centres struggle

Community childcare centres are facing plummeting rolls as they compete with corporate chains.

May Corsby

Playdough use offends some

The days of macaroni necklaces are a thing of the past - and playdough may be the next to go.

iPad

Technology as a training tool

Have you heard about the latest trend in toilet training? Letting kids use the iPad while on the potty.

Books

Make reading fun

A panel of experts give their tips on how to make reading a fun activity for all the family.

abc

The right reading path

Introducing early reading skills at home is vital in getting your child interested in books.

Toddler

Imaginery friends not a worry

Researchers say unseen playmates are really teaching infants the art of communication.

Rain

Rainy day box

Create a rainy day box to keep your children entertained when they're bored or the weather's bad.

Child with paint all over hands

Finger paint

Here are some fun 'edible' finger paint recipies, made with ingredients that are likely to be lurking in your pantry.

swings

Playground ettiquette

If you have suffered the ignominy of having your toddler melt down in the middle of a play group, do not despair: this behaviour is normal.

Shush, folks, we're trying to read

ANNA PATTY - Essential Baby
Children with language difficulties could make big improvements if their parents changed how they read to them, study finds.

Your toddler’s turning two

ELISSA BAXTER - Essential Baby
This year you might want to give your toddler a real birthday party, but be realistic. The biggest trap birthday parents can fall into is expecting too much.

Join our Mums' Hub community!

Get exclusive access to:
  • Discussions on our forums
  • Comments on our stories
  • Newsletter guides to pregnancy, babies and toddlers
  • A personal profile and the chance to connect with other mums
  • Newsletter updates from the Essential Mums team
  • Competitions and the chance to win great prizes.
sign up now!