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health for youngsters, babies and adults

Mar 04
Love0
dance for children

Dance is for everyone

By children's health, dance & Art, Exercise, fun for children, Music and singing, Party
by Jess Child
JC Dance

You may be wondering; how can a dance class benefit my child in more ways than just keeping them busy for half an hour? Well, I am here to tell you about the amazing benefits of a dance class – not just for your mini human – but for you too!

Let’s break away from the myth that dance is just for girls and encourage movement exploration for ALL children. Dance is for everyone. If you have a body you can dance. As a preschooler, dance is less about learning particular steps and more about imagination, expression, socialising and aiding development, making it a perfect activity for any child.

Preschool dance benefits your child’s physical development by increasing their ability to perform motor skills. We might stand on one leg pretending to be a flamingo, whilst improving balance, or we could march like an astronaut on the moon or gallop sideways like a crab to enhance coordination. This also builds your child’s knowledge of their bodies, helping them gain control of their extremities and core muscles, ultimately increasing reflexes and reducing the likelihood of any bumps or falls.

Dancing as a toddler promotes the idea of good posture to your child. We like to see who can stand the tallest or who can have the straightest back whilst sitting with their imaginary string connected all the way from the top of their head to the ceiling. This early foundation sets them up for life, keeping force balanced throughout their fast-growing little bodies. The distribution of force on muscles, bones and ligaments that good posture brings, not only reduces risks of injury but also builds confidence and creates more space for the organs, improving breathing and digestion. All of these aspects give your child greater awareness of their bodies in space, helping bodies self-regulate. What’s not to love?

Dance classes will give your child the opportunity to move to many different types of music enhancing their musicality. Using music and stories and linking physical movements to imaginary ideas and finding a teacher who is passionate and encouraging, can help your preschooler to create a magical world and a safe space.

Preschool dance gives them the opportunity to interact with new children, grown-ups and teachers, ultimately helping them improve on social skills. Toddlers will continue to learn how to follow instructions and are able to start understanding taking turns and sharing with other children, they may take turns dancing one at a time, or wait their turn to get their maracas. This means each child has the opportunity to have one to one focus from the teacher, ensuring they all have a moment in the class to feel special and valued as an individual. This opportunity to move their bodies to music, along with a positive learning environment can help children’s confidence skyrocket. In turn it can increase their independence, maybe by tidying up or dancing by themselves. Every child is different but at this age children are sponges for information, taking it all in, in their own way. With the use of repetition in dance classes your child is able to learn new words, new ways of moving and find a passion for something new and exciting.

Now onto you. How can a preschool dance class benefit you? This is time for you to meet other grown-ups with children of the same age, the ability to connect with others going through similar experiences can uplift us, support us and reduce stress. These classes also offer valuable one on one time with your little one without the outside pressures of being a grown-up. Dance classes are a space where you and your mini human can bond and enjoy time together without having to worry about ‘life stuff’.

Time with your preschooler is short and precious, make the most of every second and most of all make time to enjoy it!

Jess Child runs BalletBees – dancing together, growing together. Where every child is welcomed, valued and supported in their movement journey. www.jcdanceclasses.com 07305 228770 info@jcdanceclasses.com @jess_jcdanceyoga

Mar 04
Love0
happy child eating

The importance of early years nutrition in nurseries

By baby health, children's health, Food & Eating
by Ben Murray
Dukes Education Group Ltd

A key factor in healthier living amidst the cost of living crisis

As families across the globe grapple with the rising costs of living, including soaring food prices, the importance of healthy nutrition for young children has never been more crucial. For parents seeking a nursery place for their little ones, it’s easy to focus on factors like location, fees or availability of educational activities. However, one of the most vital components of early childhood development that often goes overlooked is nutrition.

Good nutrition in the early years sets the foundation for lifelong health, cognitive development and emotional wellbeing. This makes it essential for parents to prioritise nurseries that provide high-quality, nutritious meals and snacks for the children in their care. Not only does this support their children’s physical health, but it also lays the groundwork for long-term benefits that extend far beyond the nursery years. In the context of an ongoing cost of living crisis, where every household decision can feel like a balancing act, ensuring that children receive proper nourishment during these formative years is a wise investment.

Early years nutrition – the foundation of health
Nutrition plays an incredibly important role in the development of a child’s brain and body, particularly during the first five years. This is a period of rapid growth, when the brain forms billions of new neural connections that will shape a child’s abilities, learning and behaviour for years to come. Good nutrition can enhance cognitive function, improve memory and increase the ability to focus – skills that will benefit children throughout their academic lives. On the other hand, poor nutrition during this critical window can lead to developmental delays, behavioural issues and long-term health problems.

For young children, a balanced diet is especially crucial. The right mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals helps fuel their growing bodies and minds. Studies have shown that poor early nutrition can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions later in life. Additionally, a lack of certain key nutrients – such as iron, calcium or omega-3 fatty acids – can affect everything from the immune system to bone health, all of which are essential for a child’s development.

Nurseries as gatekeepers to healthy eating
For many families, nurseries are the primary place where children receive most of their meals. In fact, nurseries provide a valuable opportunity to expose children to healthy food choices early in life. However, not all nurseries are created equal when it comes to food offerings, and with the pressure of a cost of living crisis weighing heavily on many households, the need for nurseries to prioritise nutrition has never been more urgent.

Parents may not always have the time or resources to prepare fresh, balanced meals at home every day, especially when juggling work, household duties and other responsibilities. When looking for a nursery, it’s essential for parents to ask about the food provided, how it is prepared and whether it meets recommended guidelines for nutrition. High-quality nurseries should adhere to nutritional standards that promote children’s health and wellbeing and many will have policies in place to ensure that meals are balanced, varied and age-appropriate.

In fact, several organisations, including the NHS and Public Health England, have established guidelines for nursery meal planning, outlining appropriate portion sizes, the inclusion of food groups and the importance of variety. A nursery committed to early years nutrition should be transparent about how it meets these standards. This means offering fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy options while limiting processed foods, sugary snacks and foods high in salt and unhealthy fats.

Nutritious food and cost efficiency
Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, many families are looking for ways to reduce household expenditures without compromising the health of their children. The food provided by nurseries can be a hidden blessing in this regard. By offering nutritious meals on-site, nurseries can relieve the financial burden of having to provide and prepare healthy food every day. This is particularly important for parents who may be struggling to afford fresh produce, lean proteins or other staples of a balanced diet.

In many cases, nurseries that prioritise nutrition are able to source food in bulk, which can bring down the cost of meals. Additionally, well-run nurseries may even work with local food cooperatives or farms to secure fresh, seasonal produce at reduced prices. The result is that children can receive nourishing, locally sourced meals at a fraction of what parents might spend if they were preparing the same meals at home.

Moreover, good nutrition is often linked with fewer health issues. Children who eat balanced meals are less likely to miss time from nursery due to illness, which can further reduce the financial strain on families. Investing in high-quality early years nutrition may seem like a luxury, but it can actually save money in the long run by promoting better health outcomes and reducing the need for sick days or medical appointments.

Social and emotional benefits of nutritious meals
Nutrition also plays a significant role in a child’s social and emotional development. Children who eat well are more likely to have stable moods and energy levels throughout the day, which is vital for learning, play and interaction with peers. A balanced diet can help stabilise blood sugar levels, prevent mood swings and enhance emotional regulation.

For children in nursery settings, sharing mealtimes with peers is also a valuable opportunity to learn social skills. Nurseries that provide nutritious meals often foster a positive eating environment where children learn to enjoy a variety of foods, develop good table manners and experience the joy of eating together. This experience can create lasting memories and encourage lifelong healthy eating habits.

A wise investment for the future
As parents seek the best nursery options for their children, the importance of early years nutrition cannot be overstated. In a world where economic pressures are rising and every household decision carries weight, ensuring that children receive nourishing, balanced meals is a crucial step toward fostering healthier, happier lives. Nurseries that prioritise good nutrition not only promote physical health and cognitive development but also provide emotional and social benefits that will serve children well into adulthood.

By taking the time to evaluate the quality of food offered by nurseries and asking the right questions, parents can make an informed decision that ensures their child’s nutritional needs are met. In the context of the ongoing cost of living crisis, choosing a nursery that provides nutritious, cost-effective meals could be one of the most impactful decisions a parent makes for their child’s future. Ultimately, investing in early years nutrition is an investment in a child’s long-term health, development and happiness.

Dukes Education Group run both Hove Village and Reflections Nursery and Forest School in Sussex. To discuss opportunities at Hove Village please call 01273 037449 or visit www.hovevillage.com To discuss opportunities at Reflections Nursery please call 01903 251518 or visit www.reflectionsnurseries.co.uk

Dukes Education Group run both Riverside Nursery Schools and The Kindergartens in Surrey/London. To discuss opportunities at Riverside Nursery Schools please call 020 3475 0455 or visit www.riversidenurseryschools.com To discuss opportunities at The Kindergartens please call 020 7326 8765 or visit www.thekindergartens.com

Mar 02
Love0
co-parenting

Putting children first

By family, Legal, Mental health
by Julian Hunt
Partner at Dean Wilson and Head of the Family Department

A guide to mindful co-parenting after separation

When marriages and partnerships end, it’s easy to get caught up in the storm of emotions and conflicts that inevitably arise. Yet amidst the troubles, there’s a group whose needs often risk being overlooked – the children. While separation is challenging for adults, its impact on children can be profound and long-lasting, potentially affecting their mental health and future relationships.

Studies have shown that it’s not the separation itself that most damages children, but rather how parents handle it. This brings us to a crucial question: How can separating parents ensure their children’s wellbeing remains at the forefront?

Building a foundation of respect
The foundation of successful co-parenting lies in maintaining respectful communication between parents. This might seem like a tough challenge when emotions are running high, but it’s essential to remember that every hostile exchange or negative comment can leave lasting impressions on children. Even when parents think their children aren’t listening, young ones often pick up on tensions through overheard conversations or social media posts.

Love without limits
One of the most significant challenges for separating parents is accepting that their child can maintain loving relationships with both parents and their new partners. Children have a remarkable capacity for love, and forcing them to choose sides or feel guilty about spending time with the other parent can create emotional wounds that take years to heal.

Flexibility emerges as another crucial element in successful co-parenting. Life doesn’t stand still after separation, and neither should parenting arrangements. Children’s needs and wishes evolve as they grow, and parents must be prepared to adapt their arrangements accordingly. This might mean being understanding when a teenager prefers spending time with friends over parent time or being willing to adjust usual arrangements to accommodate special occasions.

Keeping children out of adult matters
A common downfall in post-separation parenting is using children as messengers or confidants. While it might seem convenient to relay messages through children or seek their emotional support, this places an unfair burden on young shoulders. Children shouldn’t be drawn into adult discussions about financial matters or be asked to keep secrets from either parent. They certainly shouldn’t be pressured to lie to professionals or family members about their situations or feelings.

Creating two welcoming homes
The question of possessiveness often arises in separated families – whether over the children themselves or their belongings. A healthy approach involves making it easy for children to move between homes with their necessary items, rather than creating artificial boundaries that make them feel like visitors in either home. This extends to maintaining connections with extended family members who play important roles in children’s lives.

Special occasions and holidays present unique challenges for separated families. These moments hold significance for both parents and children. Rather than viewing these occasions as potential difficulties, parents should approach them as opportunities to demonstrate mature co-parenting. This might mean sharing celebration times or alternating years for certain events.

Individual needs, individual solutions
It’s worth noting that siblings might have different preferences for spending time with each parent, and that’s OK. Each child’s relationship with their parents is unique, and forcing identical arrangements on all siblings might not serve their individual needs. Parents should be prepared to accommodate these differences while ensuring all their children feel equally valued and loved.

Progress over perfection
Co-parenting isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Neither parent will get everything right all the time, and expecting perfection from either yourself or your ex-partner sets an impossible standard. What matters most is maintaining a consistent focus on your children’s wellbeing, even when faced with disagreements or challenges.

Getting professional support
For parents struggling with these transitions, professional support can be invaluable. Family mediators, family consultants and legal professionals who specialise in family law can help navigate complex situations while keeping children’s interests paramount. These experts can assist in creating sustainable parenting plans that protect children’s wellbeing while respecting both parents’ rights and responsibilities.

Looking to the future
As our understanding of children’s needs in separated families continues to evolve, one truth remains constant: children benefit most when their parents can set aside their differences to focus on co-parenting effectively. This doesn’t mean pretending past conflicts don’t exist or forcing fake relationships. Rather, it means developing a new kind of relationship – one based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to raising healthy, well-adjusted children.

The journey of separation is rarely easy, but by keeping children’s needs at the centre of all decisions, parents can help their children navigate this significant life change with resilience and security. After all, while partnerships may end, parenting is a lifelong commitment that deserves our very best efforts.

Dean Wilson LLP’s reputation has been built upon our ability to deliver and exceed our clients’ expectations. For over 100 years our success has been founded upon our client focused approach, backed by the knowledge and expertise of our lawyers. www.deanwilson.co.uk

 

Mar 01
Love0
creative learning

Nurturing creative learning

By children's health, Early Years, Education, family, Forest School, Playing, Relationships
by Sharon Mee
Artpod Brighton

Creativity is the spark that fuels curiosity, innovation, and self-expression. For children and young people, engaging in creative learning is more than just an enjoyable pastime – it’s a powerful way to develop essential skills, build confidence and navigate the world. We’re passionate about making creative opportunities accessible to everyone, empowering children and families to unlock their potential through the arts.

What is creative learning and why does it matter?
Creative learning is about fostering a child’s imagination and encouraging them to think critically, solve problems and express themselves in unique ways. Unlike traditional rote learning, which often focuses on memorising and repetition, creative learning emphasises exploration, experimentation and personal growth.

The benefits are wide-ranging:
• Boosted emotional wellbeing: Creative activities provide an outlet for children to process emotions and reduce stress.
• Enhanced problem-solving skills: By thinking outside the box, children learn to approach challenges with confidence and flexibility.
• Improved social connections: Collaborative projects foster teamwork, empathy and communication skills.
• Celebration of individual strengths: Creative learning recognises and nurtures each child’s unique talents and abilities, especially for neurodiverse learners.

For neurodiverse children, creativity can be transformative. It provides a way to express feelings and ideas that may be hard to verbalise, and it allows them to develop skills at their own pace in a supportive, flexible environment.

How parents can foster creative learning at home
Creative learning doesn’t have to be confined to schools or workshops. With a bit of imagination, parents can create a home environment where creativity flourishes.

Here are some tips to get started:
1. Provide open-ended materials
Stock up on versatile materials like paper, paints, cardboard, glue or even household items like pasta and fabric scraps. Open-ended resources encourage children to invent, design and build without strict instructions.
2. Encourage curiosity and questions
Instead of giving answers right away, ask them questions like, “What do you think would happen if…?” or “How might you solve this?” to inspire creative thinking and problem-solving.
3. Dedicate time for play
Unstructured play is a cornerstone of creativity. Set aside time where children can explore their interests, experiment and let their imaginations run wild.
4. Incorporate creativity into everyday activities
Turn daily routines into creative opportunities – designing patterns while setting the table, inventing bedtime stories together or cooking meals as a collaborative ‘art project’.
5. Celebrate effort, not perfection
Encourage children to take risks and try new things, emphasising that mistakes are part of the learning process. Celebrate the effort they put into their creations rather than focusing on the outcome.
6. Explore the arts together
Visit museums, attend performances or explore virtual art galleries. Experiencing creativity as a family can inspire children to pursue their own artistic interests.
7. Join workshops and community events
Look for local workshops or online classes to expand your child’s creative horizons.

Creative learning is a gift for life
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, creative learning is more important than ever. It gives children a sense of agency, helping them navigate challenges and find joy in self-expression. Whether at home or in one of our workshops, nurturing creativity is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Explore a world of imagination with Artpod. Visit Artpod’s website to discover workshops, events and resources that bring creative learning to life for your family. Together, we can inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers and dreamers. www.artpodbtn.com

Jan 28
Love0
world

How to teach your children about the world around them – even when it’s doing its worst

By Early Years, environment, Forest School, Mental health, Relationships, Wellbeing
by Katie Harrison
Founder of Picture News

As our children grow, they become more aware of the world around them. Some events are sensitive and divisive, with global news often being unavoidable – including for children. Stories can be encountered online, on newspaper front pages, or via chatter in the playground. But what if the news didn’t have to be something to try to shield children from? As parents and carers, we can responsibly share current affairs with children, to equip them with tools to develop and learn from the world around them.

Make news discussions age-appropriate
Consider children’s age and developmental stage when planning your news discussions. You may wish to use visual content, including images and videos, but remember to vet these before sharing with children. For younger children, simplifying news events into relatable concepts, like being kind or unkind, fair or unfair can be effective. For older children, divulging more information can be appropriate. Reactions and understanding of news stories will differ for all children, but be confident that you know them best as you gauge how much information to share. News conversations can work well in the morning, to give children plenty of time to digest what’s happened, then reflect and share any questions or worries with you during the day.

Consider your role and influence
Be sure to observe and regulate your own reactions, language and behaviour when discussing news with children. As parents, we know children can be impressionable, and therefore may detect and emulate any fear or hatred they observe around them. We can responsibly ensure children mirror positive behaviour when discussing current topics. Try to maintain a healthy environment that is considerate and respectful. Think carefully about the language you use and try to stick to the facts. Be clear if parts of the discussion are your own thoughts, and be honest with children if you are unsure on a response to a question – you don’t have to know all of the answers! Instead, navigate the news together as events occur.

Help children work through their emotional responses
News stories can prompt emotional reactions for all of us. Some stories can dominate headlines and social media feeds or directly affect children, so it’s important to let them have emotional outlets in response. Children may bottle up how they’re feeling about events unfolding in the world, so making time to talk in a safe, familiar space can be of benefit. Give children a variety of tools to communicate how they feel; they might prefer to talk, write, or use creative approaches. You could use visual aids, discussions, post-it notes, emotion cards, smiley faces or art. Exploring how a news story makes your children feel can be a genuine opportunity to explore their understanding of emotions – what it means to feel an emotion, how emotions can change over time and how they manifest differently for everyone.

Support children to develop empathy
Current affairs contain a spectrum of opinions and experiences, which help children learn that we all hold different perspectives to be respected. This can support children in forging connections between themselves and others; by exploring other people’s experiences depicted in the news, children can build empathy, consider others, and practise relating to people. Such an awareness is a useful tool to help children become well-rounded, thoughtful citizens, who care about others.

Look for the positives together
Nestled within sensitive topics tend to be positive stories that follow. During times of hardship reflected in the news, we can often find examples of communities pulling together in response, which ultimately show our children lessons of morality, citizenship, and unity. So if you’re unsure how to approach a sensitive news topic with children, try sharing stories about more uplifting, responsive events that emerge. This helps you address heavier issues through an accessible, less unsettling lens. There are many positive acts that follow turbulent events we can share with children.

Inspire children to use their voice
Headlines are full of people using their voice to make a change – and children can do the same. Take the time to empower children to know that an awareness of what’s happening in the world can help them speak up as active citizens. The news is happening now, and with your support and guidance, children can act on their ideas and opinions. Whether it’s helping their community or writing letters, children can be encouraged to believe in their own ability to create positive change locally, nationally, or even globally.

There are many important lessons within news events that can help children grow and develop. Sharing the news with the younger generation comes with responsibility, but with the right tools and guidance, children can learn valuable lessons of citizenship, empathy and morality, whilst discovering the world they live in.

Katie Harrison is a former teacher and founder of Picture News, a supplier of teacher resources for creating engaging and exciting lessons about current affairs so children can learn about the world around them. For further information please visit www.picture-news.co.uk

 

Jan 27
Love0
shouting around children

The last shout

By Childcare and Nannying, family, Relationships, Wellbeing
by Paul Dix
specialist in children’s behaviour

How to parent without shouting and why it’s the one tip a parenting expert says will transform your children’s behaviour.

Amongst the chaos of everyday parenting shouting feels like a natural byproduct. It is often the shortcut to calling your children to dinner/chastising them for rudeness/stopping them murdering themselves. It feels intuitive, like the right thing to do, but if you want to revolutionise the way you manage your child’s behaviour the answer is counterintuitive.

A casual shout for attention from a distance can often be the spark for confrontation, “Sam, SAM, SAAAAAAAM”, “WHAT!, why are you shouting at me flipping heck” “How dare you! Did you just swear at me….” This is intensified in the mornings as we try to raise teenagers deep in sleep by repeatedly shouting them out of bed. It needs some patience and resolve from you as a parent but the first step to change is to stop the casual shouting. Get up and speak to each other, ring a bell for dinner, agree a routine for the morning that is calm and doesn’t involve screaming. The first change, annoyingly, has to come from you. Refuse to shout, lower the volume in your home, change the intensity of your demands.

Now address the way you deal with poor behaviour. Shouting as a punishment is not effective. It underlines the “NO”, but sends all sorts of messages that you don’t want your child to receive. A shouty adult is unpredictable, seemingly angry and the worst model for emotional control. Children see, children do. If you want your child to be emotionally regulated, you need to be too. It takes a little practise but it is possible to pause, step back and see your child’s behaviour for what it really is and not as a personal attack. I know that we are all emotionally invested but emotion is not a good teacher. When it comes to behaviour your child needs a calm, rational, regulated adult. It won’t take them long to learn.

Often a child learns to change their behaviour just so that the adult doesn’t shout. The game becomes how to be more sneaky more secretively. You can get away with anything until you provoke the bear. The focus is immediately on your behaviour and not theirs. The culture in your home changes. Children behaving one way when you are there and another when the bear is asleep/out/hungover. You want your child to behave brilliantly when you are not there. They need to be able to regulate without you. Shouty parents might get their temporary needs met but they don’t meet the needs of their child. Teaching behaviour can’t be an improvisation. It needs a plan.

Having rules and holding to the boundaries is essential. You can help your child to learn those boundaries and stay within them without roaring. Instead try establishing three simple rules. Try ‘Kind, Caring, Co-operative’, or ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’ and refer to them each time you want to correct behaviour. Use these three pegs to focus yourself and your child. “It isn’t respectful to call your Granny, ‘bruv’, ‘Remember our safe rule when we cross the road”, “I need you to be co-operative, it is an important rule, put the cake down and cut a slice”. Make sure that each time you use one of the rules you back it up with “this is how we do it here”. Your home, your rules, your culture.

Now start noticing the good stuff about your child in amongst the chaos. Encourage the idea that they can behave brilliantly. You get more of the behaviour that you notice most. Notice the behaviours that you want to encourage and link them to the rules, “Thank you for doing that without being asked, I keep noticing how kind you are” or “I noticed you were ready on time this morning. Love that.” Aim for just three moments of positive noticing a day, even on the bad days. Your child is more than their current behaviour and they need to know that you know that. The more you positively notice the harder it is for negative labels to form. Despite lapses in behaviour your child spends most of their time behaving impeccably. Notice it, build on it, encourage your child to have the most positive labels.

The route to improving your child’s behaviour and your relationship has its foundations in calm, positive interactions focused around three simple rules as mentioned earlier. It is counterintuitive but it works. In the meantime, save your shouting for inanimate objects. Strangely it makes much more sense.

Paul Dix is a specialist in children’s behaviour and the author of When the Parents Change, Everything Changes: Seismic Shifts in Children’s Behaviour

 

 
Jan 27
Love0
bored child

“… But I’m soooooo bored.” Should boredom be part of your child’s daily routine?

By Education, family, fun for children, Mental health, play, Playing, Relationships, Wellbeing
by Laura Tristram
www.lumii.me

In today’s fast-paced society, boredom is typically viewed as something negative to be avoided. However, new research from the Child Mind Institute suggests that allowing children to experience boredom can actually be beneficial for both them and their parents.

Why is boredom seen negatively?
Parents, influenced by societal narratives, often perceive boredom as an unproductive and negative state. Being busy is often equated with success, leading to the belief that boredom signifies laziness. However, it’s time to rethink this notion, as boredom can play a significant role in children’s development and mental health. When children are bored, they are prompted to use their imagination and creativity to entertain themselves. This self-directed play fosters curiosity, helps them discover their interests, and enhances their innovative thinking. Research shows that engaging in monotonous tasks can boost creativity when later performing creative activities.

Overcoming challenges
Boredom teaches children resilience by encouraging them to persevere through challenges rather than becoming discouraged. This ability to persist is crucial for facing future obstacles and cultivating a proactive mindset. Dealing with the ‘problem’ of boredom enhances their problem-solving skills and self-reliance, fostering a sense of initiative and independence.

Social skills
Unstructured playtime allows children to interact with peers, developing essential social skills like negotiation, collaboration and communication. These skills are vital for forming relationships and working well with others. Successfully finding ways to entertain themselves boosts children’s confidence, helping them take risks and explore new things, thereby strengthening their self-esteem.

Positive wellbeing
Allowing children time to simply ‘be’ can significantly improve their mental health by reducing anxiety and stress. It gives them the opportunity to process their thoughts and emotions. Unstructured time helps children engage with their surroundings, often resulting in cherished memories and a happier childhood. Despite initial resistance, periods of boredom can lead to a more fulfilling and creative life.

Four easy ways to introduce more boredom
Parents can create opportunities for boredom by resisting the urge to overschedule their children. Here are four tips to help incorporate boredom into a child’s routine:
1. Set aside one day a week without structured activities
Encourage children to create their own activities on this ‘activity detox’ day, helping them explore their interests and creativity.
2. Provide simple toys
Offer materials like blocks, art supplies and household items to inspire creativity and free play.
3. Reduce screen time and encourage outdoor exploration
Take your child to open spaces and allow them to explore independently, fostering a sense of independence and creativity. Limit the use of electronic devices and encourage imaginative play instead.
4. Be a role model
Show how to embrace boredom by engaging in creative activities yourself and limiting your own screen time.

Experiencing boredom helps children develop crucial life skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for their future success and wellbeing. Boredom also helps children build tolerance for less enjoyable experiences and encourages mindfulness, self-reflection and interpersonal communication skills.

It’s a valuable lesson for all: alongside your to-do list, create a ‘let’s be’ list. Make time to be mindfully present with those around you.

Amidst the rushing around, take a moment to walk and clear your head. These idle moments without a to-do list are important for mental clarity and happiness.

For both you and your child, embracing boredom can enhance resilience, creativity and productivity. Could embracing boredom be the antidote to burnout? By incorporating boredom into daily routines, you can help your child develop a happier, more balanced childhood.

So, the next time your child complains of being bored, resist the urge to immediately organise something for them. Instead, embrace the opportunity to foster their creativity, growth and wellbeing.

Laura Tristram is a teacher, mum and mental health and wellbeing lead. For more information please visit www.lumii.me

Nov 08
Love0
fat child with lolly

Protecting our children from obesity

By children's health, Food & Eating, fun for children

There’s plenty parents can do to encourage children to enjoy eating a balanced diet filled with healthy foods. Here, children’s cookery book author and Cook School co-founder Amanda Grant shares her top tips for getting children into the kitchen and making healthy eating fun.

As a children’s food writer, mum and step mum, I know first-hand how hard it can be to get children to eat healthily. Asking them to step out of their comfort zone and try new foods can be really challenging, and even if you succeed, their likes and dislikes seem to change day-to-day – sometimes minute-to-minute!

Teaching children about healthy eating and how to make balanced meals that include a variety of fruit and vegetables is the best way to protect their future health.

At Cook School, we work with schools across the UK, through in-person and digital courses, helping children to understand food and teaching them how to make simple, healthy vegetarian meals for themselves and their families.

It’s a project we’re really passionate about. With a better understanding of where food comes from and how to prepare and eat it, children feel more confident helping out at home, and are happier to eat healthier dishes at mealtimes, too.

Luckily, I’ve got a few tricks you can use that will encourage children of all ages to enjoy a better diet and help you out in the kitchen.

1. Help them to understand food
Offering children a ‘behind the scenes’ look at food helps them to understand it better, and encourages them to make different, and hopefully healthier, choices. This could mean anything from visiting at a friend’s allotment or going to a pick-your-own, to simply letting them help you with the weekly food shop.

Even if they turn their nose up at most fruit and vegetables, take them along to your local supermarket and give them time to get familiar with the fruit and vegetable aisles. Ask what they’d like to buy to help them feel more confident about trying new things, and to give them some control over what they’re eating.

You could also make a game of looking for unusual items they’ve never seen or heard of before, or talk about what’s in season right now.

2. Enjoy the benefits of all types of vegetable
The price of fresh fruit and vegetables has sky-rocketed lately – but canned and frozen vegetables are cheaper and more convenient than fresh, and still packed with nutrients. Ask children to help you choose the ones they like the look of, to help you use vegetables to make your meals healthier and more filling. For example, you could stir some frozen spinach into an omelette, throw mixed peas and carrots into pasta water whilst cooking, or top ice cream with frozen berries.

Asking them for their own ideas will really boost their enthusiasm, and if you introduce new foods alongside ones they already know and love, it will encourage them to explore new flavours. Try to serve a portion of vegetables with every dinner, too, as the more familiar a vegetable becomes, the more likely children are to eat it.

3. Ask them to help you in the kitchen
Getting children involved in the kitchen can help keep them occupied, give you valuable time together and help generate a life-long interest in food. Children are much more likely to try new foods they’ve helped to make, while sampling new foods in the kitchen adds less pressure than trying them at the dinner table.

At Cook School, children learn how to prepare food independently, with very little help from an adult. Over 90% of all children who take part in our classes go on to cook what they’ve learnt at home, which is a great first step towards teaching them how to make the right choices for their growing bodies.

4. Teach them the basics
To start with, keep things simple – dishes that don’t require cooking, such as overnight oats or simple toast toppings are ideal practice dishes for younger or less-confident children. They can help you prepare them by taking on tasks like peeling, stirring and grating.

Even making a basic snack can help them learn new skills, boost their confidence and get them used to eating new nutritious foods – think apple slices with peanut butter, hummus and vegetables or crackers with cheese.

Older children who are more confident can be taught how to use knives safely to chop and slice vegetables, and to cook quick, easy dinners – like a basic pasta dish, leftover veg-topped pizza or a tomato rice bowl. You don’t need loads of fancy equipment, either – just the basics will do to start with.

5. Keep up the conversation
Allowing children to help you with shopping and cooking is a great way to start conversations about where our food comes from, what makes a healthy meal and how to reduce food waste.

Using up your leftovers is an eco-friendly money saver, so ask them for their ideas on what to do with anything you don’t use right away – for example, leftover bolognese makes a great topping for baked potatoes. This will not only teach them about the importance of not wasting food, but give you some great ideas for your next healthy meal.

Cook School is a not-for-profit organisation that teaches children across the UK how to prepare simple, healthy meat-free meals for themselves and their families. To date, over 200,000 children have cooked with us and been provided with vital information and access to affordable, healthy recipes.

If you’d like Cook School at your school, find out more at www.cookschool.club

 

Nov 07
Love0
holistic education

A holistic approach to education

By Education, Girls school, Relationships, Wellbeing
by Rebecca Mudde
Prep School Head of Academic Mentoring and Thinking Skills at St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley

In the world of education, the wellbeing of students is like the compass guiding their journey – a fundamental aspect that shapes not just academic success but the overall experience of learning and growing. Schools are not just places of learning; they are the foundation for building well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of life. Academic success should not come at the expense of a student’s overall wellbeing.

Schools are where children learn to socialise, make friends and deal with all the ups and downs of life. By focusing on their wellbeing, we are helping them build social skills, empathy and resilience. The result? Children who are not just academically able but also emotionally intelligent and ready to face the complexities of the real world.

By prioritising wellbeing, we are not just helping the students feel good about themselves; we are boosting their brainpower. A healthy mind does not memorise facts; it thinks creatively, critically and stays engaged in the learning process. In providing a positive school environment, we are not only improving outcomes but also instilling a genuine love for learning, making education a lifelong adventure.

Academic success is intrinsically linked to mental and emotional health, and as such it is important to implement innovative programmes to support the balance. Having a dedicated wellbeing space where students can visit and take time out of their day to relax and reflect is a beneficial resource.

A key too, in any school, is the pastoral team who play a pivotal role in shaping a school’s culture. Pastoral teams are not just mentors; they are champions of mental health, promoting positive wellbeing practices among not only the students but staff as well. Through workshops and awareness campaigns, the pastoral team can contribute to the creation of a supportive community where both students and staff feel valued.

By implementing programmes that address mental health openly, we are not just tackling stigma; we are providing a safety net for students to talk about their worries. We provide them with the support they need to help prevent bigger issues developing down the road by equipping them with the tools to cope with life’s challenges.

By placing happiness and mental health on the priority list, we are not just nurturing minds; we are setting the stage for futures filled with promise and balance. Happy minds lead to bright futures.

St Catherine’s Prep School extends a warm welcome to parents who would like to visit the school. Visit www.stcatherines.info to find out more about upcoming open mornings and arranging a visit.

Nov 06
Love0
performing

Unleashing potential – The transformative power of performing arts classes for children

By dance & Art, Exercise, fun for children, Music and singing, Playing, Theatre, Wellbeing
by The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA)

In an era where academic achievement often takes precedence over creative pursuits, the intrinsic value of performing arts in fostering holistic development in children is frequently overlooked. Performing arts classes – encompassing drama, dance, filmmaking and more – offer far more than an outlet for creativity. They are powerful tools that help children develop self-belief, resilience and a deeper understanding of their true selves.

 

Building self-belief
One of the most profound impacts of performing arts education is the enhancement of self-belief. In a performing arts class, children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, take risks and express themselves. This process is transformative, particularly for those who may struggle with self-confidence. Performing in front of peers, teachers and audiences requires a significant amount of courage. Each successful performance, no matter how small, reinforces a child’s belief in their abilities.

Children who participate in performing arts classes learn to trust in their capabilities, both individually and as part of a group. This self-belief often transcends the arts, spilling over into other areas of their lives. They become more willing to take on challenges, speak up in class and engage with their community, buoyed by the confidence gained through their artistic endeavours.

Cultivating resilience
Resilience, the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, is another crucial trait that performing arts classes help cultivate. The path to a polished performance is rarely smooth. It involves learning new skills, overcoming mistakes and handling constructive criticism – all of which are essential components of resilience.

For instance, a young actor might struggle to remember lines or grapple with stage fright. Through persistent practise and guidance, they learn to manage these challenges, gaining a sense of perseverance and tenacity. This resilience is not confined to the stage; children apply these coping mechanisms to academic pressures, social dynamics and personal setbacks. They learn that failure is not a dead-end but a stepping-stone to growth and improvement.

Discovering their true selves
Performing arts provide a unique platform for self-exploration and expression. Children often grapple with questions about their identity and place in the world. Engaging in the performing arts allows them to explore different facets of their personality in a safe and supportive environment.

Through role-play and character exploration, children can experiment with various aspects of themselves. A shy child might find confidence playing a bold character, or a typically reserved student might discover a passion for expressive movement through dance. These experiences enable children to uncover interests and talents they may not have recognised otherwise.

Moreover, the collaborative nature of the performing arts fosters a sense of belonging and community. Working together to create a performance teaches children about empathy, cooperation and the value of diverse perspectives. This sense of connection and mutual respect is integral to understanding and appreciating their own and others’ identities.

In a world that often prioritises measurable academic success over personal development, performing arts classes offer an invaluable counterbalance. They are not merely extracurricular activities but essential components of a well-rounded education. By helping children develop self-belief, resilience and a deeper understanding of their true selves, performing arts classes lay the foundation for confident, adaptable and empathetic adults.

The stage, the studio, and the rehearsal room are more than spaces for artistic expression; they are crucibles for character development and self-discovery, shaping children into the best versions of themselves.

PQA runs weekend performing arts academies across the UK. Young people (aged 6-18) spend 3 hours experiencing classes in comedy, drama, musical theatre and filmmaking. Children aged 4 and 5 explore the performing arts with their early years classes, Poppets. Try a full session for free at your local academy. www.pqacademy.com

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