“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 […]
My lovely Mum got cross many years ago with my young kids as they unwrapped ANOTHER lovely present without making a fuss of gratitude, as they had become blasé about all the gifts they had been blessed to receive. Yet it seems we are still keen to give in and indulge our children’s wants – the Toy […]
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 […]
Free Play and Incremental Independence In today’s world, children are more connected to screens than ever. Smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices have become central to their lives, often replacing physical play and face-to-face socialisation. This rise in device dependence has left parents concerned about the long-term impact on kids’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Fortunately, […]
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 […]
From Screens to Streets: Unplugging and Unleashing Independence Stepping back from the role of always being a parent taxi and gradually allowing kids more independence to play out, walk to school, and bike to local shops requires a thoughtful approach that balances safety, communication, and gradual autonomy. But it’s an important part of getting them […]
‘Play with me!’ You may be a parent who loves to play with your kids, or you may be a parent who dreads hearing this refrain and then you suffer pangs of guilt for the rest of the day! Play is all about having fun! Any activity organised or unstructured that your child finds […]
I was sent in this question for my ‘Don’t Stew- Ask Sue’ feature on The Sue Atkins Parenting Show podcast. My husband plays very rough with my 3-year-old daughter, but when they play, my husband hangs her upside down by the ankles at some point surprising her, for example, they are playing wrestling, […]
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, […]
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 […]
Play is in danger of becoming a lost ‘art’ for families across the UK, as 21% of time-starved parents admit that they have forgotten how to play and struggle to engage their children in creative and imaginative activities that will help their development according to a new report. Lots of research has shown that brain […]
Keeping children entertained indoors all day can often be a bit of a challenge ? Parenting expert Sue Atkins explains to Billie and Greg why it’s a good idea to stay active #DisneyJuniorUK Instagram Check out my Instagram feed at @SueAtkins18 as I put up lots of super simple ways to keep the kids busy, engaged […]
Whilst your school-aged children are back into their new term routines, it’s time to focus on your toddlers & pre-schoolers. If you don’t want to do a big family day out and are looking to save some pennies this time of year, play centres are the best place to start. I have spent many happy […]
First Discoverers and Wesco are delighted to announce the launch of their new free childcare ebook, ‘Defining The Outdoor Classroom’. The latest in a succession of highly popular ebooks, this amazing resource is a comprehensive guide to every aspect of outdoor learning and play in Early Years. The ebook covers everything from risky play to […]
