More Play Leads To More Learning – Making Christmas Presents Easy

“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 […]

Are children given too many toys at Christmas?

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 […]

The Power of Movement: Inspiring Kids to Get Active and Break Free from Screens

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 […]

The Let Go and Let Grow. A Positive Way to Combat Smartphone Overuse

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, […]

Tips for Parents to Encourage Community Play

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 […]

Hitting the Brakes: Rethinking Being A ‘Parent Taxi’

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 […]

8 Reasons Why Rough & Tumble Play, Roughhousing or Horseplay is Good for Kids.

    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, […]

Sue Atkins: I love outdoor play because…

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, […]

10 simple and easy ways to develop your young child’s play

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 […]

The Importance Of Play

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 […]

The Fun & Importance of Soft Play.

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 […]

Defining the Outdoor Classroom & Why it’s Important, Fun & Educational.

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 […]