Guiding The Young Ones

Author: Georgina Young – Early Years Specialist

  • 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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  • The First Days: What No One Tells You

    The First Days: What No One Tells You

    You’ve spent months preparing, reading, waiting. Then suddenly, you’re home – with your baby – and everything feels a little surreal. The moment you’ve been anticipating is finally here… but instead of feeling serene or “ready,” you might find yourself staring blankly, baby in arms, wondering: now what?

    No one really tells you just how disorienting those first few days can be.

    The Emotional Avalanche

    The first days are raw. They’re full of contradictions – love so huge it hurts, tears you don’t understand and a fog of exhaustion that makes the smallest things feel impossible. Your hormones are crashing and shifting. Your body is recovering from something monumental. Whether you’ve had a straightforward birth or, like me, needed emergency surgery and intensive postnatal care, your body has been through something big. And your heart is trying to keep up.

    After my youngest was born, I had to be separated from my eldest for a week while I recovered – a week that felt like a lifetime. I was in high dependency care, battling complications and relying on intravenous, topical and oral antibiotics for 12 weeks. It was a frightening time, physically and emotionally. I wasn’t depressed, but I cried – a lot, in fact, if we are being honest, I cried a lot after having my eldest and that was a much smoother journey… Great, heaving sobs that came from somewhere deep inside. My body was healing, my hormones were shifting, and my heart was holding more than it ever had before.

    And that’s the thing: you don’t have to be diagnosed with postnatal depression to struggle…. Sometimes, this time is just hard. That’s okay.

    Sleep Deprivation Is No Joke

    Let’s talk about the tiredness. The kind of tiredness that makes the hours blur, the tears fall faster and the world feel like it’s spinning just a little too fast. The tiredness that makes choosing what to eat feel like a strategic mission and makes you weep because you dropped a spoon.

    When you’re this sleep-deprived, everything feels bigger. Feeding challenges, a crying baby, a messy kitchen – these things can feel overwhelming not because you’re failing, but because you’re utterly depleted.

    Your Body: A New Story

    This part can be really tough, and it isn’t talked about enough. After birth, your body might feel like a stranger’s. It’s sore, tender, changed. Maybe you’re stitched, bandaged, leaking, or scarred. Maybe you’re still in shock. Even without complications, your body has grown and birthed a human – that is enormous!

    There’s sometimes an unnecessary pressure to “bounce back” or be grateful no matter what but it’s okay if you’re grieving the old version of yourself a little. It doesn’t make you any less strong, loving, or grateful.

    It’s Okay to Ask for Help

    You don’t need to do this alone. And even if you can, you shouldn’t have to.

    Help doesn’t always look like someone swooping in and taking over. It can be someone holding the baby while you shower, someone cooking a meal, someone sitting with you and letting you cry. I’ve been so fortunate to have incredible support – my Mum, Grandma, Auntie, and Sister, all stepping in before I even asked… Meals cooked, injections administered, babies rocked, messes cleaned. No task too big, no job too messy.

    Not everyone has a built-in village like that – and even when people do care, they might not know when or how to step in. People worry about interfering. Sometimes, you’ll need to ask. That’s not weakness – that’s wisdom.

    Routines Take Time

    Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, each addition changes the dynamic. Finding a rhythm is hard. It takes time and patience and often a bit of trial and error. Let go of the pressure to “have it all together” by day three. You’re all learning each other, and that’s a process, not a performance.

    You’re Doing Better Than You Think

    If you feel like you’re floundering – you’re not alone. This is a season of wild transformation. You are healing, learning, and loving in ways you never have before.

    There’s no perfect start. No perfect Mum (or Dad). Just you – showing up, loving hard and finding your way.

    And you know what? That’s more than enough.

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  • Building Strong Family Bonds Through Play: Simple, Fun Activities for Early Years

    Building Strong Family Bonds Through Play: Simple, Fun Activities for Early Years

    Spending quality time with your child doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. In fact, some of the best ways to connect with your Young Ones are through simple, creative activities that spark joy, imagination and learning. Here are some fun, early years-friendly ideas that families can enjoy together, fostering stronger bonds, while encouraging growth in essential skills like problem-solving, communication and cooperation.

    1. Bake Together: Gruffalo Crumble

    What better way to bond than by baking together? Making a delicious treat is a great way to spend time together, practice following instructions, and introduce early math skills like counting and measuring. If you’re familiar with The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, why not make a Gruffalo Crumble? It’s easy to prepare and provides a fun, themed way to introduce your child to the joys of baking. Have your little one help you measure out ingredients, mix, and maybe even make some “Gruffalo footprints” in the flour!

    Tip: Let them help wherever possible with tasks like stirring, pouring and sprinkling toppings and encourage them to talk about the colours and textures of the ingredients. If you don’t have the book, you could always tell the story of The Gruffalo while baking or make up your own stories and recipes!

    2. Playdough Fun: Creative and Sensory Play

    Playdough is a fantastic tool for creative play, fine motor development, and sensory exploration. You can buy it or make your own at home with basic ingredients like flour, salt, oil and water (I also recommend cream of tartar if you have some, although it’s not essential). Either way, it’s a hit! Children can roll, squish, cut and mould playdough into shapes, animals, or anything their imagination dreams up. It’s also a great opportunity to practice colour recognition, counting and even simple math as they divide the dough into pieces or build different shapes.

    Tip: Use cookie cutters or your own homemade stamps to create themed shapes, like animals or letters. You can also introduce more sensory elements by adding dried petals, child safe essential oils or food essence, herbs or spices to your playdough.

    3. Woodland Walks: A Story Adventure

    Going on a walk in nature is not only great for physical health, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to use your imagination. If you’re near a wooded area or park, take a walk inspired by a story like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. Have your child pretend to be a bear, explore different “landscapes” like rivers, tall grass, or mud and use their senses to “find” the bear. You could even create a fun scavenger hunt where you both look for animal tracks, leaves or flowers along the way.

    Tip: Collect leaves, sticks, and stones during your walk to create a woodland collage or nature-inspired art project at home!

    4. Imaginative Play: Hairdressers and Other Adventures

    Children love to engage in imaginative play, and it’s one of the best ways for them to learn social skills, practice empathy, and develop their creativity. Set up a “Hairdresser’s Salon” at home where they can give you or their toys a pretend hairstyle. You can also try out other role-playing games, like playing “doctor,” “chef,” or even “shopkeeper” with simple props you already have at home.

    Tip: Set up a little “waiting area” with toy magazines or a pretend cash register, and encourage your child to “act out” customer service scenarios. This helps with communication skills and empathy as they learn to take care of others.

    5. Ready, Steady, Cook! (Early Years Style)

    I am showing my age now but do you remember the TV show Ready Steady Cook? Well, you can bring this concept to life in your kitchen! Get your child involved in helping you cook simple meals. Let them choose some ingredients and create their own “cooking challenge,” mixing flavours, and experimenting with different food textures and colours. You could even make it a themed activity—perhaps a “rainbow salad” or a “fruit salad challenge”. OR use is as a base for imaginative play magic and create your own meals at the play kitchen or mud kitchen.

    Tip: Encourage your child to taste-test different ingredients and describe their flavours. If you are engaging in imaginative play but don’t have a pretend play kitchen, use household objects like pots and pans and you can incorporate natural objects like sticks and pinecones.

    6. Create Your Own Show: Sing, Dance and Perform

    Does your child love to sing and dance? Creating a family performance is a fantastic way to let out energy and share some fun. Put on a talent show where everyone can perform, sing a favourite song or even do a dance routine. Use props (like scarves, hats, or toy instruments) to make the performance more exciting, or put on a play together using costumes and simple backdrops like a sheet.

    Tip: Record the performance so you can watch it together later or send a video to grandparents and friends to share the fun!

    7. Recreate Stories: Bring Books to Life

    Story time is a cherished part of childhood, and you can take it a step further by acting out the stories you read. Whether it’s The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, or any familiar or favourite tale- use props like hats, stuffed animals and costumes to bring characters to life. You can even make your own props – craft a wolf mask or some simple animal ears to wear while you play.

    Tip: After reading, ask your child to tell the story in their own words and encourage them to add their own twists to the plot. This sparks creativity and storytelling skills!

    These simple, early years-friendly activities are a great way for families to spend quality time together, support learning through play, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re baking together, exploring nature, or putting on a performance, the possibilities for bonding through play are endless. The most important thing is that your child feels loved, engaged and supported in their growth and development.

    For more fun and simple ideas, keep checking out our other blog posts in the Families section. Guiding The Young Ones is here to help you make the most of every moment with your little ones!

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  • Top Tips for Supporting Emotional Regulation

    Top Tips for Supporting Emotional Regulation

    1. Name Your Feelings
      Help children identify and express their emotions by using mirrors to explore facial expressions and discussing what different feelings look like. This builds emotional intelligence and awareness.
    2. Separate “I Am” from “I Feel”
      Encourage children to say “I feel angry” instead of “I am angry,” reminding them that emotions are temporary and don’t define who they are.
    3. Use Makaton
      Makaton sign language helps children express emotions. Even for those who usually have a good vocabulary, in moments of emotional distress and dysregulation, children can struggle to express themselves. This supports both emotional and verbal communication, when children don’t have or cant find the words.
    4. Read Books About Emotions
      Explore stories like The Colour Monster and The Lion Inside, using story props and puppets to dive deeper into characters’ feelings and situations.
    5. Calm Down Bottles & Basket
      Provide sensory bottles or a calming basket with emotion books, fidget toys, and other calming resources to help children de-escalate when feeling overwhelmed.
    6. Practice Dragon Breaths
      Teach mindful breathing with fun techniques like “Dragon Breaths” (deep breaths) or “Smell the Flowers, Blow Out the Candles” to calm the body and mind.
    7. Mindful Body Scan
      Encourage children to relax by tensing and releasing different body parts, helping them become more aware of their body and emotions.
    8. Daily Yoga
      Incorporate simple yoga poses to release pent-up emotions, reduce stress and boost emotional resilience.
    9. Music & Movement
      Use songs and physical activities (like jumping or running) to help children release energy and regulate their emotions in a fun, active way.
    10. Cooperative Games
      Promote self-regulation through games that encourage patience, turn-taking and impulse control – great for developing social-emotional skills.
    11. Sensory Play
      Offer a variety of sensory activities, from messy play to sensory tents, to help children connect with their bodies and explore emotions through their senses.
    12. Imaginative Play
      Encourage pretend play, allowing children to act out real-life scenarios and explore different emotions, which helps build empathy and emotional understanding.
    13. Singing
      Use songs to help children express and regulate their emotions. (Bonus – Singing also supports language development and memory).
    14. The Power of Play
      All types of play – whether physical, imaginative, or symbolic – are essential in building early self-regulation skills and supporting expression. Through play, children practice planning, problem-solving and emotional control.

    Supporting emotional regulation in children is a continuous, nurturing process that builds over time. By offering simple, effective strategies like these, we can help children develop the tools they need to understand and manage their feelings in healthy ways. Whether it’s through play, breathing exercises, or expressive activities, every moment is an opportunity to guide them towards emotional resilience.

    For more tips and ideas on fostering emotional growth, be sure to keep an eye on our other resources in the Top Tips category. Together, we can help our little ones grow into confident, self-aware individuals.

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  • Let’s Talk about – Self regulation and emotional resilience 

    Let’s Talk about – Self regulation and emotional resilience 

    Supporting Young Children in Developing Emotional Regulation

    Emotional regulation isn’t a skill we’re born with—it’s something we learn over time. In the early years, children’s moods can swing and change massively. Because of this, helping each child learn to self-regulate across a wide range of emotions is one of our most important responsibilities as educators, caregivers or parents.

    The foundations of emotional and cognitive self-regulation are deeply interconnected in the early years and both are essential for behavioural regulation. For young children, this learning process begins with co-regulation—a supportive partnership between child and adult that has both emotional and cognitive aspects.

    Emotionally, co-regulation involves adults modelling calming strategies, naming and talking about feelings and introducing ways to manage them. This helps children begin to recognise their own emotional states and builds their understanding of how to reduce or cope with intense emotions.

    Cognitively, adults can scaffold self-regulation by talking with children about their thinking and learning – helping them pause, reflect and become aware of their thought processes. This early support helps build skills like impulse control, attention, and flexible thinking. It’s also important that adults can model their own thinking processes such as; “I feel sad because” and then what they can do to help themselves “I am going to go for a run because that helps me feel better”, allowing children opportunities to see positive reactions to negative feelings.

    When emotions run very high, they can interfere with a child’s ability to use these cognitive tools. A child overwhelmed by strong feelings may struggle to focus, regulate impulses or think clearly. This is because heightened emotional arousal can overpower the brain’s capacity for logical thought and problem-solving. In these moments, emotional co-regulation must come first – supporting the child in calming down – before they’re ready to reflect or respond thoughtfully to a situation.

    Key Strategies for Co-Regulation

    Researchers have identified three foundational strategies that support effective co-regulation in early childhood. These approaches work together to create the conditions in which children can begin developing their own self-regulation skills.

    1. Positive Relationships
    At the heart of co-regulation is a warm, responsive relationship. When children feel respected, comforted and supported – especially during times of stress – they are more likely to feel safe and understood. Knowing that a trusted adult is consistently there for them builds the emotional security needed to begin regulating their feelings and behaviours.

    2. Enabling Environments
    Children thrive in environments that feel both physically and emotionally safe. A predictable, well-structured space helps reduce unnecessary stress and provides the consistency that young children need. These environments offer space to explore, take risks and try out self-regulation strategies without fear of harsh consequences or confusion.

    3. Learning and Development
    Self-regulation can be taught and strengthened over time. Adults play a key role by modelling calm behaviour, suggesting practical strategies and offering children regular opportunities to practice these skills. Through gentle guidance and scaffolding, children gradually become more confident and capable in managing their emotions, attention and behaviours.

    In Summary

    Supporting emotional regulation in young children is not only about responding to moments of emotional intensity, but also about laying a strong foundation through relationships, environments and daily learning experiences. With consistent, compassionate support, children begin to build the lifelong skills they need to understand, express, and manage their emotions in positive and healthy ways.

    If you’re looking for practical ideas to get started, be sure to check out our Top Tips category – where I have shared simple, effective ways to support emotional regulation every day.

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  • Top Tips for Creating a Welcoming Space – Without Buying Anything New

    Top Tips for Creating a Welcoming Space – Without Buying Anything New

    Because warmth doesn’t come from what’s in the room. It comes from how the room feels.

    You don’t need fancy furniture, expensive resources or themed displays to create a beautiful space. Here are a few simple ways to bring warmth and welcome into your setting or home – using what you already have:

    1. Light matters – A lot!
    Use soft lighting when possible – lamps, fairy lights, or just opening blinds can shift the mood instantly.

    2. Rearranging = refreshing.
    Try moving a bookshelf or rug to create a new flow. A cosy nook in an unexpected corner can invite curiosity and calm.

    3. Less really can be more.
    Too many colours or excessive toys can feel overwhelming. Rotate materials or group similar resources for more meaningful engagement.

    4. Add ‘real’ objects.
    A small plant, a mirror at child height to add a new dimension and/or natural materials instead of plastic can add a grounded, warm feel.

    5. Soft materials.

    Try looking at your space and the textures within it. Having different materials readily available, such as warm and snuggly blankets can instantly bring an element of cosiness.

    6. Your presence is the most welcoming part.
    Warm eye contact, knowing your Young Ones and their interests and gentle interactions matter more than anything else.

    A welcoming space isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating a feeling… And you already carry that.

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  • Top Tips for Using Everyday Language to Build Resilience

    Top Tips for Using Everyday Language to Build Resilience

    Small words. Big impact.

    In early years, the way we speak to children shapes how they speak to themselves. Resilience doesn’t come from perfection – it grows from trying, failing, feeling and trying again… with adult-led support.

    Here are a few everyday phrases that plant those seeds:

    1. “I can see you’re finding this tricky – and that’s okay.”
    This validates their experience while keeping the door open for growth.

    2. “Let’s try together first.”
    Support before independence shows we’re on their team.

    3. “You don’t have to get it right the first time.”
    Normalise struggle – it’s where the learning lives (where possible, be relatable e.g. “I couldn’t do my zip at first either”

    4. “I saw how hard you tried” – not just focusing on the outcome.
    Praising effort teaches children to value the process, not just the product, as well as building confidence and motivation.

    5. “You’re safe. I’m here.”
    Because when big feelings come, safety is the first step.

    It’s not about getting it perfect – none of us are! However, it’s about being intentional, consistent and kind because Young Ones deserve the patience, care and respect that helps them feel seen and safe every day.

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  • Top Tips for Calming those chaotic moments

    Top Tips for Calming those chaotic moments

    Because sometimes, we all need a little more exhale than hustle.

    Whether it’s the buzz of a full moon, a sugar-fuelled celebration or just one of those mornings – it’s okay, we are only human. the beauty of early years is in the messiness of it all. However, there are simple and gentle ways you can bring calm, connection and focus back into your space.

    Here are a few tips to help you reset, even on the busiest of days:

    1. Lower your voice (and your body)
    Children often mirror our energy. Speaking softly and crouching to their level can instantly shift the dynamic and draw their attention without demanding it.

    2. Use a predictable phrase or sound
    A gentle bell, a familiar rhyme or a calming phrase like “Let’s take our deep breaths” can become a signal for settling. Keep it consistent and calm – not sharp or rushed.

    3. Try a ‘still moment’ together
    Invite everyone to freeze for five seconds. Then breathe in… and out… together (Dragon breaths are our personal favourite). It’s a tiny reset button that works surprisingly well.

    4. Create a cosy corner/space (and make it okay to use)
    A soft, safe space with books, cushions and sensory objects gives Young Ones somewhere to regulate. Frame it positively: “This is a space to help your body feel calm” and calm baskets are also a wonderful way to support regulation and moments of calm. However, ensure to make time to use and utilise the space regularly, not only during times of emotional dysregulation.

    5. Go outdoors in nature

    It’s amazing how much going outdoors can help in those busy moments! Nature has countless benefits for physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as offering moments of calm and connection. It also allows Young Ones more space and freedom to let out bursts of energy and more freedom to move and express themselves. So whether you go out in the garden/play space, go on a woodland walk or go to the park – you are bound to see positives!

    6. Don’t forget your calm
    Take three slow breaths for you before stepping into a challenging and/or noisy moment. Your steadiness is one of the most powerful tools in the room.

    Some days will still be wild and chaotic – and that’s okay, but a few calm cues, used consistently and kindly, can make all the difference. So here’s to all the wonderful grown ups out there, braving the wild days with heart and patience. You’re doing amazing – even on the busiest and loudest days. Keep going and remember: the calm moments you create today, will grow into something meaningful tomorrow.

    Because sometimes, we all need a little more exhale than hustle.

    Whether it’s the buzz of a full moon, a sugar-fuelled celebration or just one of those mornings – it’s okay, we are only human. the beauty of early years is in the messiness of it all. However, there are simple and gentle ways you can bring calm, connection and focus back into your space.

    Here are a few tips to help you reset, even on the busiest of days:

    1. Lower your voice (and your body)
    Children often mirror our energy. Speaking softly and crouching to their level can instantly shift the dynamic and draw their attention without demanding it.

    2. Use a predictable phrase or sound
    A gentle bell, a familiar rhyme or a calming phrase like “Let’s take our deep breaths” can become a signal for settling. Keep it consistent and calm – not sharp or rushed.

    3. Try a ‘still moment’ together
    Invite everyone to freeze for five seconds. Then breathe in… and out… together (Dragon breaths are our personal favourite). It’s a tiny reset button that works surprisingly well.

    4. Create a cosy corner/space (and make it okay to use)
    A soft, safe space with books, cushions and sensory objects gives Young Ones somewhere to regulate. Frame it positively: “This is a space to help your body feel calm” and calm baskets are also a wonderful way to support regulation and moments of calm. However, ensure to make time to use and utilise the space regularly, not only during times of emotional dysregulation.

    5. Go outdoors in nature

    It’s amazing how much going outdoors can help in those busy moments! Nature has countless benefits for physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as offering moments of calm and connection. It also allows Young Ones more space and freedom to let out bursts of energy and more freedom to move and express themselves. So whether you go out in the garden/play space, go on a woodland walk or go to the park – you are bound to see positives!

    6. Don’t forget your calm
    Take three slow breaths for you before stepping into a challenging and/or noisy moment. Your steadiness is one of the most powerful tools in the room.

    Some days will still be wild and chaotic – and that’s okay, but a few calm cues, used consistently and kindly, can make all the difference. So here’s to all the wonderful grown ups out there, braving the wild days with heart and patience. You’re doing amazing – even on the busiest and loudest days. Keep going and remember: the calm moments you create today, will grow into something meaningful tomorrow.

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  • Let’s talk about – The benefits of learning through nature in Early Years

    Let’s talk about – The benefits of learning through nature in Early Years

    All children are born with a natural fascination for the world around them. Our role, as early years practitioners, educators and even parents and family units, is to spark and nurture that curiosity, guiding them to explore and learn more about nature. With the Department for Education and the UK government pushing for more conscious sustainability practices, and as the early years sector sees a greater emphasis on nature-based play, it’s vital that practitioners and entire settings understand both the reasoning behind this movement and, most importantly, the incredible benefits nature-based learning has on young children.

    It’s proven that nature plays a crucial role in early years development, with countless benefits for every child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. In fact, it’s becoming widely recognised that children should be spending at least three hours of outdoor free play each day. Yet, a recent study revealed that most children spend only around 4-7 minutes outdoors each day! This statistic is alarming, but we have the power to change this and provide young children with the opportunities they need to thrive! All children, regardless of the setting, benefit from being immersed in nature – both through outdoor play and by bringing elements of nature into the indoor environment.

    The Benefits of Nature-Based Learning

    Nature-based learning supports children’s development in a meaningful and holistic way. By allowing children to engage in free play, investigate and connect with the natural world, they’re given opportunities to develop a sense of awe and wonder, spark curiosity and build a lasting appreciation for the environment. Nature is a rich sensory playground that stimulates vocabulary development, language skills and cognitive growth. At the same time, it helps children develop self-awareness, confidence and independence – all while reducing stress and anxiety in both children and adults… This means that nature play benefits not only the children but also the educators and caregivers who engage in it.

    Learning through nature can take place both outdoors and indoors. By incorporating natural resources, loose parts and nature-inspired materials into the learning environment, we encourage children to connect with the world around them. One of my favourite indoor activities with the children is exploring mini-beasts and animal lifecycles. We can create transient art using loose parts, make bugs out of playdough and research various types of insects. These activities can easily be extended and explored outdoors – whether it’s going on a mini-beast hunt with magnifying glasses or visiting a pond to observe frog lifecycles firsthand. The possibilities for nature-inspired learning are endless!

    Physical, Emotional, and Social Benefits

    Being outdoors also provides children with more opportunities to explore physical experiences, engage in gross motor activities and take part in ‘risky play’. These experiences help foster overall development, promote healthy lifestyles and even boost immune systems. There are so many ways to take learning outdoors and integrate nature into the pedagogies and curriculums of early years settings. Nature play can be introduced from the very beginning and doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple activities like creating nature treasure baskets filled with natural resources, hanging natural objects for visual stimuli or simply taking babies and young children outdoors to feel the grass beneath their toes all help to engage them with the natural world.

    Introducing nature play from a young age lays the foundation for positive environmental awareness and stewardship. It nurtures a love for nature that will help children develop a sense of responsibility for the planet and future sustainability.

    A Call to Action

    So, whether you’re taking babies outdoors to experience the grass between their toes or going on a mini-beast adventures with older children, every moment spent in nature is an opportunity for growth. Let’s embrace the beauty and potential of nature-based learning to nurture the next generation of explorers, stewards and environmental advocates.

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