Guiding The Young Ones

Author: Georgina Young – Early Years Specialist

  • A Poem for My First Child

    A Poem for My First Child

    Before there was you,

    Life had less stress.

    No constant worries,

    No cleaning your mess.

    Before there was you,

    I could have a lie in.

    Not up at dawn,

    Taking nappies to the bin.

    Before there was you,

    I could shower alone.

    Stay out til late,

    Spend hours on the phone.

    Before there was you,

    I could choose my tv.

    Instead I watch Mr tumble,

    Each day on repeat.

    Before there was you,

    I could get ready at leisure.

    But my love for you now-

    I simply can’t measure.

    My life has changed completely,

    But this much is true.

    I never knew pure love,

    Until I had you.

    Suddenly you’re not a baby,

    And I’m sat asking why.

    And how we take for granted,

    How fast years go by.

    So I will treasure each second,

    Each sweet memory,

    Because always in my heart,

    You’ll be my baby.

    ©️ – Poem by Georgina Young – Guiding The Young Ones

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  • The Essential Sector – a Poem to the DFE

    The Essential Sector – a Poem to the DFE

    They once called us key workers,

    And they said our roles were vital.

    But suddenly our voice doesn’t matter, 

    They were quick to take our title. 

    They say “join teaching early years, 

    It’s a meaningful, rewarding career”.

    But they take away with the other hand, 

    And for the future, we all fear. 

    At the moment early years,  

    Is getting pushed right off the rails.

    Please know our country will crumble,

    If our essential sector fails!

    So what do we do when there’s nothing left,

    So many are running on empty…

    Trying to keep our settings alive, 

    Yet your advertising campaign’s got plenty.

    Retention crisis, settings closing down,

    How will we stop from sinking?!

    Yet they reduce our ways to make ends meet,

    We all scream “what were they thinking”?!

    Changing goalposts, more admin, 

    Yet no increase in pay.

    Soon new-borns will be forced in schools,

    If they keep getting their way. 

    Despite the fact that research shows,

    Through play, young children thrive. 

    Child-led, freedom, love and nature, 

    No – the classroom is the DFE drive. 

    “Self employed, well not anymore”,

    The childminders all cry!

    But no holiday pay, no benefits,

    And no pension, we all sigh. 

    The nurseries need to pay their staff,

    Funding is not enough!

    “We are becoming unsustainable”,

    But the government says it’s ‘tough’. 

    The parents need more childcare, 

    “Our jobs require us in”.

    But settings are all closing down, 

    “No one can fit us in”.

    Every single child needs quality,

    Education, nurture and care.

    But so many practitioners are leaving,

    There will soon be no one there. 

    No, our job is not a 9-5, 

    We work more than a 10hr day.

    We’ve built our provisions with time and love,

    Yet now we have no say.

    Despite love and passion, 

    These choices are stealing that drive, 

    Without change our essential sector,  

    Will never be able to survive. 

    ©️ – Poem by Georgina Young – Guiding The Young Ones

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  • Just a Childminder… 

    Just a Childminder… 

    I wear many hats,

    within my busy day,

    As I help each child,

    Learn through their play. 

    I follow their lead,

    As we go off exploring,

    One thing is for certain,

    Our day’s never boring. 

    I am often a gardener,

    A chef and a baker,

    An artist at work,

    A creative play maker. 

    I am a planner, a preparer,

    For spontaneous days,

    I am a nurse for,

    those accident prone days. 

    I provide opportunities,

    For a role play adventures,

    I pack forest school bags,

    For when we go off and venture. 

    I am a nature lover,

    And encourage outdoor fun,

    I am a story teller,

    But we can’t just read one.

    I change many nappies,

    Do a hundred toilet trips,

    But I am also a pirate,

    That sails on their ships.

    I am a feelings trainer,

    To support big emotions,

    And I’m also a scientist,

    Who helps to make potions. 

    I am a mathematician, 

    A confidant and a friend,

    I scaffold their learning,

    Then with that I extend.

    I prepare for the future,

    And with teaching I’m prudent,

    But they also teach me,

    So furthermore I’m their student. 

    I love and I care for them,

    Right from the start,

    For each special child,

    No, they won’t leave my heart.

    So really I do many jobs,

    And one thing is for sure,

    I’m not “just a childminder”,

    I am so much more…

    ©️ – Poem by Georgina Young – Guiding The Young Ones

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  • What Did They Learn? 

    What Did They Learn? 

    You know you love your children 

    And want them to have fun and play, 

    But in your thoughts you’re wondering 

    What they have learnt today?

    They said they found a butterfly 

    And it flew up to the sky,

    But they gained a curiosity 

    And got them asking why? 

    They said they drew a picture 

    You saw some scribbles on a page,

    But they were developing their muscles 

    For that later writing stage. 

    They said they climbed a tricky tree 

    Though they then got a high five,

    But they really learnt to keep going 

    And continue giving it a try. 

    They said they played dressing up 

    And became a dragon big and red,

    But they were building imagination 

    And creativity in their head. 

    They said they played hide and seek

    And it was so much fun to play,

    But it taught them many social skills 

    And they made a friend today. 

    They said they read a story

    And it had a funny rhyme, 

    But they gained a special love for books 

    To last ‘til the end of time. 

    So when you’re worried they’re just playing 

    And they might fall way behind,

    Know they’re busy learning oh so much 

    In their body, soul and mind. 

    ©️ – Poem by Georgina Young – Guiding The Young Ones

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  • Whatever The Weather 

    Whatever The Weather 

    Playing outside, 

    In snow, rain or sun.

    Whatever the weather,

    We have lots of fun. 

    Chasing the leaves, 

    And searching for bugs.

    Exciting natures walks,

    And happiness hugs. 

    Splashing in puddles, 

    Dancing in the rain.

    Rolling down big hills, 

    We don’t care about stains. 

    Because wherever we go,

    And whatever we do.

    We do so much learning, 

    We’re taught something new.

    So when we take home,

    Clothes to be washed and hung.

    Know we’ve enjoyed every second, 

    Of just being young. 

    🍁 🦋 🌱 🌧️ ☀️ ❤️

    ©️ – Poem by Georgina Young – Guiding The Young Ones Ones

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  • Autumn Hygge 

    Autumn Hygge 

    Cosy evenings are coming,

    Mornings start feeling cool,

    The children are returning,

    All back to their school. 

    The seasons are changing,

    A chill starts in the air,

    Rain drops start falling,

    And wetting our hair.

    The trees change their colours,

    Leaves tumble to the floor, 

    We start closing the windows,

    And shutting the door. 

    The heating flicks on,

    Dark nights drawing in,

    Lamps and fluffy blankets,

    Let the Hygge feeling in.

    Because it’s life’s simple pleasures, 

    It’s those moments in time, 

    Were we feel oh so grateful, 

    And our souls feel sublime. 

    So light up those candles,

    Grab a hot cuppa tea,

    Bake a warm apple pie,

    (Then please share it with me).

    Slow down, enjoy presence,

    And snuggle together,

    Spend time with your loved ones,

    Make memories that last forever. 

    ©️ – Poem by Georgina Young – Guiding The Young Ones

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  • Easy Ideas for Supporting Babies’ Development

    Easy Ideas for Supporting Babies’ Development

    Simple Play for Big Development

    Looking for easy, engaging ideas to support your baby’s development? These sensory-rich, baby-safe activities don’t require fancy equipment – just a bit of imagination and they’re all perfect for bonding and learning through play. Each one also supports key areas of your baby’s early development.

    1. Sensory Bottles

    Fill clear plastic bottles with materials like coloured water and oil, rice and beads or natural treasures. Make sure lids are tightly sealed.

    🧠 Supports:

    • Sensory development (visual and auditory stimulation)
    • Physical development (grasping, shaking, tummy time interaction)
    • Cognitive development (tracking, cause and effect)

    2. Tummy Time Treasure Mat

    Place safe textured items (like ribbons, foil (foil blankets from first aid kits work great), soft fabric etc) under a clear mat or a taped-down zip-lock bag for babies to look at and reach for during tummy time.

    🧠 Supports:

    • Physical development (neck and upper body strength)
    • Sensory development (touch, sight)
    • Personal, social & emotional (encouragement and praise during play)

    3. Bubble Fun

    Blow bubbles while your baby watches and reaches for them. Try singing while they float down for added fun!

    🧠 Supports:

    • Communication & language (listening and responding to singing or speech)
    • Physical development (hand-eye coordination, tracking movement)
    • Cognitive development (understanding movement and patterns)

    4. High-Contrast Picture Time

    Show black and white or high-contrast images in books or homemade cards. Let babies look, reach and react.

    🧠 Supports:

    • Visual development (tracking, contrast recognition)
    • Cognitive development (memory, attention span)
    • Communication & language (early sound play as you describe what they see)

    5. Sing & Sign Sessions

    Use simple songs and nursery rhymes alongside Makaton or hand gestures to support communication from an early age.

    🧠 Supports:

    • Communication & language (early vocabulary, non-verbal communication)
    • Personal, social & emotional (bonding, responsive interaction)
    • Expressive arts & design (music and rhythm appreciation)

    6. Treasure Baskets (Supervised)

    Offer a shallow basket with safe household objects of different materials (e.g. wooden spoon, sponge, ribbon, silicone whisk) for your baby to explore.

    🧠 Supports:

    • Sensory development (texture, shape, and sound exploration)
    • Physical development (reaching, grasping, fine motor skills)
    • Cognitive development (exploring through trial and error)

    7. Peek-a-Boo Play

    Play peek-a-boo using your hands, a scarf, or a soft book—babies love the surprise and repetition!

    🧠 Supports:

    • Cognitive development (object permanence)
    • Personal, social & emotional (bonding, emotional responses)
    • Communication & language (responsive interactions, anticipation)

    Remember: Simple, responsive play is powerful. These moments of connection support not just your baby’s development, but your relationship too.

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  • Family Fun Ideas – Easy Activities for All Ages

    Family Fun Ideas – Easy Activities for All Ages

    Looking for some simple but engaging activities to enjoy as a family? Whether you’re stuck indoors, planning a cosy weekend or just want to spend quality time together, these ideas are perfect for all ages – from babies to older children. Most require minimal setup, and lots use things you probably already have at home. Let the fun begin!

    Gloop

    A messy one – but oh so fun! Simply mix cornflour and water until you reach your desired consistency. Gloop is fascinating for children to explore as it acts like both a liquid and a solid. Add a few drops of food colouring or a splash of scent to make it even more exciting. It’s also taste-safe, making it great for babies as well as older kids.

    Playdough

    Playdough is a classic favourite for a reason – children of all ages love it! If you don’t have any to hand, there are lots of easy homemade recipes online. Older children might enjoy making salt dough to create keepsakes or decorations that you can treasure forever.

    Craft Time

    Break out the paint, crayons or glue sticks! Whether your child paints a masterpiece or gets stuck into some junk modelling using recycling materials, crafts are brilliant for creativity and self-expression. Try giving a theme to spark ideas – Dino land, under the sea or superheroes, for example. You can even get inventive and make mud paint outdoors or paint made from spices.

    Sharing Stories

    Snuggle up with your favourite books or make up your own amazing tales together. Older children can try writing and illustrating their own stories, while younger ones can tell stories using drawings. Create story baskets or bags with props or bring stories to life using puppets and toys.

    Imaginative Play

    Set up a little scene using favourite toys – anything from a princess tea party to a doctor’s surgery or a teddy bear café! Role-play is a wonderful way to encourage creativity, social skills and independent play. The Young Ones often runs a busy paediatric clinic in our living room and my daughter loves playing hairdressers!

    Build a Den (inside or outdoors)

    Grab blankets, cushions, and chairs to build the ultimate indoor den. Dens are quick to make and provide the perfect cosy space for imaginative play, reading or just cuddling up – especially lovely if someone’s feeling under the weather.

    Water Play

    Fill a washing-up bowl or large tub with warm water and let the fun begin! Add spoons, jugs, toy animals or even baby dolls for washing. Great for garden/outdoor play or even indoors – though just be sure to pop down some towels underneath – it can get splashy! Water play is brilliant for toddlers and older kids alike.

    Shaving Foam Fun

    A brilliant sensory experience – just squirt some shaving foam or mouldable soap foam onto a tray or table and let them dive in with their hands. You can add colours or use it to practise mark-making with fingers or tools. You can also mix shaving foam with sand, to make the ultimate “cement” and add blocks – perfect for any budding construction workers

    Bring the Slide Inside

    If you have a small indoor/outdoor slide or tunnel, bring it inside for a change of scenery. It can feel like a whole new adventure and is great for toddlers on rainy days, if you don’t feel like venturing out. Just give it a good clean and make sure there’s a safe space around it.

    Fresh Air Adventures

    Head outside into the garden or local green space for some fresh air. Set up a mini obstacle course using cones, ball or whatever you have to hand. You could also go on a nature hunt, collect natural objects, or follow a colour checklist to spot things around you. If you’re local, we have the amazing countryside, Carlton towers and other lovely spots like Barlow Common or Brayton Barf are perfect!

    Puzzles & Board Games

    A great option for quiet bonding time. Pull out any old puzzles or board games, or make your own games up! Try charades, Simon Says, or even a family quiz night. These are perfect for rainy afternoons or winding down before bed.

    Baby Sensory Bottles

    Fill clear plastic bottles with different materials – like coloured water with oil, rice and beads or pom-poms and beads. They are great for natural treasures too, such as acorns and seeds. Secure the lids tightly (hot glue works well) and let babies shake, roll and explore. These are great for visual and auditory stimulation!

    Tummy Time Treasure Mat

    Pop textured items like fabric scraps, ribbons or small sealed sensory bags under a clear plastic mat or zip-lock bag taped to the floor. It adds interest during tummy time and encourages babies to reach and explore.

    Science Fun

    A simple handwashing experiment can double as a lesson in germs! Fill a bowl with water and grind in some pepper—this represents the “germs.” Have your child dip a clean finger in (the pepper sticks), then dip again after coating their finger in soap… watch the pepper scatter!

    Cooking & Baking

    Get little hands involved in the kitchen. From helping with dinner to baking sweet treats, children love being part of the process. It also teaches valuable life skills. Let older kids plan a meal or decorate their own cupcakes – it’s a great mix of fun and learning!

    Music & Movement

    Turn up the music and have a living room disco! Dancing is fantastic for both physical and emotional wellbeing. You could also try simple yoga stretches or movement games like “copy me” to get everyone involved and active.

    Bubble Fun

    All babies and young children love bubbles! Blow bubbles and watch them float down – great for tracking, visual stimulation and a bit of giggly fun. Try singing a little rhyme as the bubbles float to make it even more engaging for babies or challenge children to blow and catch their own bubbles.

    Movie Nights

    We love a good family movie night! Let the kids choose the film, make some popcorn, and cosy up with blankets. You can even theme the night with snacks or dress-ups—whatever makes it feel special.

    Final Thoughts

    Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and a few household items, you can create lasting memories and give your children rich experiences that support their development and bring you closer together.

    Got a favourite activity we missed? Share it with us in the comments or on social media – we’d love to see your ideas and creations! 💬

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  • Play Is Not Just Playing

    Play Is Not Just Playing

    “Just playing.”
    It’s a phrase that’s said without meaning to dismiss, but it does… Because when we say a child is just playing, we’re overlooking the fact that play is actually their most important form of learning.

    As adults, we often associate learning with sitting still, listening, or holding a pencil. But for young children – especially toddlers and pre-schoolers – play is how they explore, express, imagine, question and problem-solve. It’s how they figure out the world and their place in it. Those who already know me, know that I am a massive advocate for learning through play and the endless proven benefits it provides. Hopefully you will be too, by the end of this piece…

    The Magic of Open-Ended Play

    Building blocks. Mud kitchens. Dressing up. Dancing around the kitchen in a superhero cape. It may sometimes look like chaos – but to your child, it’s a world of possibility.

    Open-ended play (where there’s no fixed outcome or “right” answer) encourages creativity, independence and deep thinking. There are no instructions to follow – just imagination to lead.

    When a child builds a tower, they’re not only playing – they’re learning balance, spatial awareness, and perseverance when it falls.
    When they make you “dinner” from leaves and mud in the garden, they’re developing social skills, sequencing and role play.
    When they paint with their hands or squish playdough, they’re strengthening fine motor skills and processing sensory input.

    You Don’t Need Fancy Toys or Perfect Pinterest Setups

    We live in a world of curated crafts and colour-coordinated toy rooms, but let’s get this straight: you do not need to be a play expert or have a Montessori-certified space to support your child’s development.

    Some of the best play happens with the simplest things:

    • Pots and pans and a wooden spoon
    • A cardboard box (a spaceship! a shop! a den! The possibilities are endless!)
    • Scarves to twirl, animals to line up, pegs to sort
    • A puddle and some wellies

    You don’t need more stuff – you just need space for imagination.

    “But I’m Not Good at Playing…”

    You don’t have to be!
    You don’t need to be on the floor all day long pretending to be a dinosaur or customer at the café. Your role is to offer the environment, encourage curiosity, and sometimes join in—but it’s okay to step back too. Independent play is healthy and important.

    One powerful way to connect is by noticing what your child’s doing and commenting, not directing.

    “Wow, you used all the blue blocks!”
    “I can see you’re working so carefully on that tower.”
    “That dragon looks fierce!”

    This shows them you value their play – and their thinking.

    Play Builds Brains and Confidence

    Through play, children:

    • Build emotional resilience (taking turns, trying again, expressing feelings)
    • Develop language (narrating, naming, story-making)
    • Strengthen their bodies (running, climbing, balancing)
    • Learn how to be with others (cooperation, empathy, self-resilience, self-confidence and self-control)

    We don’t need to rush them to academics and formal classroom education. All of that learning? It’s already happening – in the block corner, at the water tray, in the back garden.

    Let Them Lead

    One of the greatest gifts we can give children is time to explore their interests, even if it means getting a little messy or noisy. Let them follow their curiosity. Ask open-ended questions. Offer time and space, not pressure.

    When we protect play, we protect joy and joy is where real learning begins.

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  • Feeding Your Baby – Breast, Bottle & Beyond

    Feeding Your Baby – Breast, Bottle & Beyond

    One of the first questions new parents get asked is: “How’s the feeding going?”
    But the real answer?
    It’s often a lot more complicated than people expect – and it’s not talked about enough!

    The Early Days: Feeding Isn’t Always Straightforward

    Whether you planned to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or weren’t sure yet, it’s important to know this: feeding isn’t always easy. There’s a lot of pressure to “get it right” straight away, but the truth is – many families face challenges, and often in silence.

    When my eldest was born, I struggled. She wouldn’t latch, and I wasn’t given the support I needed. I ended up expressing for six months, and honestly? It was hard. Exhausting. Isolating. Relentless. But I did it because I was doing my best – and so are you.

    There are so many reasons breastfeeding might not go to plan – tongue tie, low milk supply, oversupply, pain, infection, lack of support, exhaustion, or simply because it doesn’t feel right for you.

    And if you choose formula, or decide to switch to it later? There is no shame. Fed is best. Your baby needs nourishment, but you need to be well too – physically and mentally.

    You’re not failing. You’re making the best choices with the information and support you have.

    When Something Feels “Off”

    Sometimes, feeding issues aren’t about the method – they’re about how your baby responds. Colic, reflux, allergies, dairy intolerance – all of these can turn feeding into a battle and make parents feel lost, dismissed or even doubted.

    It’s heart-breaking when your baby is uncomfortable and this can be made even worse when your concerns are brushed aside.

    But trust your instincts. You know your baby best. If you feel something isn’t right – keep pushing. Ask questions. Ask again. You deserve to be heard and your baby deserves to be comfortable.

    It’s okay to advocate for more help, seek a second opinion or ask for referrals to specialists like lactation consultants, dietitians, or paediatricians. If you’re struggling, which so many do when their child is not feeling well – remember, there is no shame in asking for help. Sometimes it can be hard to advocate for yourself and your child, especially when you’re sleep deprived – please know you can always reach out to family, friends or even ask for a chaperone when attending medical appointments.

    Looking After You Too

    Feeding, no matter how you do it, is a full-time job in those early months. It’s not just physical – it’s emotional. If feeding is taking a toll on your wellbeing, it’s okay to reassess. Changing your approach doesn’t mean giving up; it means tuning in to what works best for you and your baby.

    Your wellbeing matters. It always has.

    Solid Starts: It’s Not a Race

    Eventually, your baby will show signs of being ready for solid food – usually around six months. This part can feel exciting, but also overwhelming.

    There’s no one-size-fits-all here, either.

    Some families choose purees. Some go for baby-led weaning (BLW), where babies explore soft, safe finger foods from the start. Some do a mixture of both. I know for many, BLW can feel scary at first – especially with the fear of choking. But learning the difference between gagging and choking is key.

    A helpful rhyme to remember is:
    “Loud and red, let them go ahead. Quiet and blue, they need help from you.”

    For added reassurance, many families now choose to have a LifeVac at home – a non-invasive, emergency choking aid, that has already saved the lives of nearly 4000 people. Thanks to the incredible work of the Oliver Steeper Foundation, awareness of choking safety is growing and tools like LifeVac can offer peace of mind. They’re not a replacement for first aid, but a backup when it’s most needed.

    You’re Doing Great

    Feeding isn’t always the picture-perfect moment we imagine. Sometimes it’s messy, emotional, exhausting, it can even be distressing. But it’s also loving. It’s showing up, hour after hour. It’s learning, adjusting and caring with your whole heart.

    Whatever feeding looks like for you – bottles, breast, both, purees, BLW, allergies, routines or chaos – please know this:

    You are doing an amazing job!

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