If you’ve spent any time reading about child development or browsing Montessori-inspired toy shops, you’ve probably come across the term “open-ended play.” It sounds lovely, but what does it actually...
Easter is a wonderful time to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy creative play with your children. If you’re looking for Easter crafts for kids, combining simple making activities...
Starting nursery, preschool, or reception is a big step—sometimes more for parents than children! Even confident toddlers can find drop-offs, new routines, unfamiliar adults, and a room full of other...
Lisa McKie is an Early Years specialist who has been running Sunflowers Preschool Playgroup, a setting in Gloucestershire for children aged 1.5 to 5 years, for 20 years. Here, Lisa...
Once the excitement and chaos of Christmas has passed, many parents feel the same quiet longing: for peace, routine and a little more order at home. Even the idea of...
Choosing toys for young children can quickly feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s easy to end up with shelves full of toys that aren’t quite right. So often,...
It’s normal for homes where young children live to feel busy and noisy – but sometimes, it just gets too much, and many parents find themselves craving a calmer rhythm...
Some toys invite children to follow instructions. Others invite them to imagine whole worlds. The Little Garden Designer is firmly in the second camp. Inspired by all sorts of gardens,...
Taking children outdoors can be so impactful it almost feels like magic. Whether they (or you!) are feeling grumpy, frustrated, over-excited or exhausted, a breath of fresh air can quickly...
Christmas is a season filled with joy, color, and creativity. As we prepare our homes for the festive season, involving children in the process not only sparks their imagination but...
As the holiday season approaches, one thing that often gets overlooked is the environmental impact of gift wrapping. Every year, countless rolls of plastic wrapping paper end up in landfills,...
We’re also striving for a more ethical Christmas, and this year we’ve been making our own decorations, including these simple handmade pieces. These “natural” decorations have been created from items...