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Five Tips for Parents to Support Their Child’s Development at Home

Feb 09, 2023

Your once tiny bundle of joy is growing at the speed of a wild Mustang, and sooner than you realise, they are up on their two feet exploring every nook and cranny of the house. Does this strike a chord? Well, buckle up, buttercup. It is time to shift gears and help them get the wings they need to soar high and wide. 

Play With Your Child

We know it is hard, but magical things happen when you get to their level and start playing with them. Amongst all the fun and laughter, they strengthen their socio-emotional skills, learn about turn-taking, and start building better relationships. 

“Through play, children can learn social interaction & build skills & interests to draw upon in the years to come.” - Wang, S. (2012)


Now, what is not to love? You can start by sampling a few toys, playing pretend games such as acting as a bus driver, dressing up a teddy bear and turning pretty much anything into a game.

Encourage Imagination and Creativity

Aha! We know what you are thinking. Imagination? What has that got to do with supporting my child? If this is your reaction, do not worry, you are not alone. But here is the deal – creativity is not just about painting and drawing. It is about problem-solving and thinking differently. Every once in a while, come up with fun challenges to help them think outside the box, like presenting them with a blank canvas or the empty corrugated delivery boxes and allowing their imaginations to run wild. You may be surprised by what your child will create!

Read to Your Child

Reading to your child, even when they cannot read themselves, helps them to develop a strong understanding of how the world works and encourages a love for literacy and analytical skills. It also gives them a leg up in life by introducing them to concepts, language, and stories they would not necessarily encounter elsewhere. So yes, grab a book and snuggle up. With that said, picture books bring more than just entertainment because of their colourful images and sometimes, funny rhymes. Images and colours trigger visual stimulation, and funny rhymes enhance language stimulation.

Give Your Child Responsibilities

We got to be realistic here. We are not talking about the heavy household chores. We suggest age-appropriate activities like picking up their toys after playing and placing their cutlery inside the washing basin. This practice helps to mould them to be responsible and independent.

Limit Screen Time

We know it is hard, but having too much screen time can damage your child's physical and mental health. Too much exposure to screens affects their concentration span, sleep patterns, learning, and overall well-being. That is why it is essential to set a routine for them and limit their time on their screens. Instead, focus on fun and engaging activities, like playing with clay or baking cookies. 


Phew! No doubt, parenting is a full-time job, but getting involved in your child's development journey can be rewarding and enjoyable. We hope these ideas are helpful for you and help your child explore the world and make strides in life. Remember that each child is unique and grows at a different pace, so select activities that work well with your child. Cheers!

References

Is It Reasonable To Allow Your Child To Have A Gadget While Feeding?

By Jening Chng • 06 Mar, 2023
"It is dinner time! Please put down the phone," said every parent in the 21st century. Unfortunately, those words resonate with so many of us who are just trying to get our children to put down their phones or tablets and at least pick up a fork. The million-dollar question is, "How bad can it be to allow your child to have a gadget while feeding?"

Meltdown Management 101

09 Feb, 2023
Do you have a son who yells in agony when you mention that it is time for bed? Does your daughter go into crisis mode when you tell her she cannot get the candies at the supermarket? If this sounds all too familiar, then congratulations! You are in an exclusive club called “Every Parent Ever.” Welcome. One of the best things to understand about little ones entering meltdown mode is that it is entirely normal. Since these children have not yet developed the needed coping behaviour to handle their emotional state, the result is sometimes a good old-fashioned tantrum. Any parents out there who are beating themselves up over their toddler’s behaviour can officially cut themselves some slack. So parents, please do yourself this favour. Understanding that this is normal behaviour is great, but do you know what to do with them? Read on.
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