“Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.” ~ American Academy of Paediatrics It’s coming up to Christmas and you’re probably wondering what toys to buy for your kids. I think it’s helpful to remember that more play leads to more learning and that […]
Creating a Culture of Play: How Schools Can Champion Free Play and Support Parents at Home If you regularly read my blogs and articles you already know that I was a Deputy Head and Class Teacher for over 22 years and that’s why I’m so intersted in home and school working together. In an era […]
The Power of Movement: Inspiring Kids to Get Active and Break Free from Screens In a world where children are more drawn to screens than ever, parents are searching for innovative ways to promote healthier, more active lifestyles for their kids. The allure of smartphones and devices is hard to resist, often leading to hours […]
I write a lot about smartphones & my new podcast Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends is all about conversations around handling tech and family life & is available on all podcast platforms. Jonathan Haidt’s book ‘The Anxious Generation’ talks a lot about how life completely changed for kids around 2010 from […]
Grandparents are wonderful aren’t they? But what do you do when they over indulge your kids with technology & allow them to spend too long on their devices? Here’s a few ideas to help. When approaching the issue of excessive screen time with grandparents, it’s essential to foster open communication in a non-confrontational manner. […]
My 3 year old son has become obsessed with ‘Bad Guys.’ Should I be worried? Rosie Dutton Boys and Baddies! It’s common for young children to show interest in “bad guys” as part of imaginative play. Children often explore concepts of good and bad through imaginative play & it’s typical for them to be fascinated […]
Outdoor play, climbing trees and riding bikes I used to love taking my kids to the park when they were young and watching them run off to chase our dogs, jump, hide, shout, whistle, climb and explore the natural world. Wrapped up warm with jumpers and wellies they always arrived back home with rosy cheeks, […]
A new wave of the virus has thrown families, schools, teachers and parents into chaos as one minute schools are staying open, then London schools are not, then maybe the whole of the UK schools will be closed. Uncertain and chaotic times. Here is some excellent advice from www.mhinnovation.net A global community of mental […]
Sharing I have been trying to get my toddler to share his toys. Now, when he sees another child he will automatically handover to that child the toy he is playing with even if the other child has not asked for it /is not interested. I am not sure this is good either as I don’t want […]
The importance of play in your children’s development There’s a great deal happening during playtime. Little ones are lifting, dropping, looking, pouring, bouncing, hiding, building, knocking down, discovering, exploring, and gaining dexterity and kinaesthetic experiences. They are learning key scientific concepts, such as what sinks and floats; mathematical concepts, including how to balance blocks to […]
Like many parents, you may be torn between allowing your kids to play with the toy guns they’re clearly drawn to, and fearing it’ll turn them into violent psychopaths. Why do kids—and boys, especially—gravitate towards guns? Studies show that boys and girls have different styles of play, especially between the ages of three […]
Eres un adulto, así que a veces puede ser difícil entrar en la mente de un niño y recordar cómo jugar. Aquí hay algunas sugerencias para divertirte con tus hijos. Read more here Para pasar un buen rato con tus hijos, no necesitas pagar mucho para salir o comprar el juguete más nuevo. Algunas de las actividades […]
Messy play is an important part of developing your little one’s creativity. But how do you help them to understand when and where it’s an appropriate time to play? ? Here’s a sneak peak of TV star, and mum to two boys, Helen Skelton, talking to parenting expert Sue Atkins, social media influencer Kate Murnane […]
? Little ones learn so many lessons through imaginative play, from sharing and co-operation to important language skills. What creative games do you like to play together? ? For more tips on how to play imaginatively with your little one, watch the full video of TV star, and mum to two boys, Helen Skelton, […]
Play is so important in your child’s development here are some of my top tips
