Hold My Hand has published a new free guide, Supporting Teen Identity Development: A Guide for Adults. Written in plain language, it helps parents, caregivers, teachers and mentors have insight into what teenagers are going through and how to support them through these years. The guide covers areas of adolescent development, from brain development and […]
Free guide helps adults support teens as they grow Read More »
May is Better Speech & Language Month: an opportunity to bring more visibility to the communication challenges that don’t always get talked about. Word-finding difficulty is one of these. We’ve all experienced searching for a word mid-conversation and finding ourselves at a complete loss. “Pass me that black thing, with all the buttons on it,
At a loss for words? Exploring word-finding difficulties, and how to help Read More »
Every child deserves the chance to thrive, yet misconceptions about Down syndrome can leave families feeling unsure about how best to care for them. While Down syndrome may bring unique considerations, the essentials of love, stimulation, safety and bonding remain the same – and recognising this can make a meaningful difference in a child’s early
More alike than different: Developmental care for children with Down syndrome Read More »
Messy play is more than just chaotic fun; it’s a gateway to creative exploration, sensory stimulation and developmental growth for toddlers. Dibber International Preschools champions the power of play, including the wonderfully messy kind, to nurture holistic development in young children. “Messy play is about more than making a mess; it’s about giving children the
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In recent years, the approach to determining school readiness has undergone significant changes. Traditionally, school readiness assessments in Grade 0 focused heavily on evaluating whether children met specific academic and developmental benchmarks. However, this method often overlooked the individual growth and unique strengths of each child. Today, there is a shift toward a more holistic
Is your child ready for big school? Read More »
When you first introduce solids to your baby, it’s usually easy to keep things clean because they aren’t very mobile yet. However, as the months go by, they will start swiping the spoon and blowing raspberries into their food, which can quickly become a mess for everyone! I understand that this can be overwhelming, and
How letting your baby get messy with food boosts development Read More »
Jen Spiro, an occupational therapist and co-founder of the nurtureOne™ nesting cushion, used to work in a practice that saw numerous young children for therapy. They presented with not only developmental delays but also sensory issues, requiring occupational therapy intervention. On further investigation, often identified during the history taking, the parents would inform Jen that
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On International Children’s Day, 1 June, Dibber International Preschools emphasises the importance of pretend play in childhood development. Ursula Assis, country director, urges parents and educators not to overlook the power of play amid the pursuit of academic achievements. “While the focus on achieving specific learning outcomes is important, it’s equally crucial to recognise the role of imaginative play in a child’s holistic
The power of play is real Read More »
You’re probably dreaming about not having to change another nappy ever again. You’ve probably also heard all sorts of advice about potty training – whether you wanted it or not. Truthfully, potty training is a process and does require some planning, so you’re in the right place. But what’s the first step? What do you
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In a world with bright screens and busy schedules, the importance of imaginative play often gets overlooked. Yet, it’s through play that children explore, create, develop and express themselves in ways that shape their understanding of the world. This is why imaginative play and self-expression is so significant: Cognitive developmentImaginative play is not just entertainment;
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