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  31. <title>Temperament: Reaction to Change</title>
  32. <link>https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/temperament-reaction-to-change/</link>
  33. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry bedi]]></dc:creator>
  34. <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2022 09:05:23 +0000</pubDate>
  35. <category><![CDATA[Kumeu Childcare]]></category>
  36. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/?p=680</guid>
  37.  
  38. <description><![CDATA[<p>Some children find changes hard, while others will take change in stride. Find parenting tips for your child&#8217;s unique temperament. “Keep it the Same” Children Even though young children are well known for being inflexible about their routines, some children seem to be even more dependent on them. And although few children like to stop &#8230; </p>
  39. <p class="link-more"><a href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/temperament-reaction-to-change/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Temperament: Reaction to Change"</span></a></p>
  40. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/temperament-reaction-to-change/">Temperament: Reaction to Change</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  41. ]]></description>
  42. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  43. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some children find changes hard, while others will take change in stride. Find parenting tips for your child&#8217;s unique temperament.</h2>
  44.  
  45.  
  46.  
  47. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Keep it the Same” Children</h3>
  48.  
  49.  
  50.  
  51. <p>Even though young children are well known for being inflexible about their routines, some children seem to be even more dependent on them. And although few children like to stop an activity they were enjoying, some children have much more difficulty with transitions. “Keep it the Same” children tend to:</p>
  52.  
  53.  
  54.  
  55. <ul><li>react to even the smallest of shifts—a new nipple on the bottle, a new food on their plate, or a slight change in a regular routine;</li><li>thrive on order and predictable routines to feel safe and secure;</li><li>need lots of time and support to get comfortable in new surroundings or with new people, with many “No, No, No&#8217;s” before they adjust; and</li><li>have more tantrums, which can be triggered by either minor changes (a new pair of shoes) or more major (a new babysitter). Tantrums can also unfold during everyday transitions, when children are asked to stop doing something they are happily involved in to begin another activity (going from playtime to lunch).</li></ul>
  56.  
  57.  
  58.  
  59. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Take Change in Stride Children</h3>
  60.  
  61.  
  62.  
  63. <p>Compared to other children, these children:</p>
  64.  
  65.  
  66.  
  67. <ul><li>find new jackets, new friends, new foods, and new babysitters interesting; and</li><li>adapt pretty well pretty much anywhere you take them. These are the babies who can nap in noisy restaurants, nurse wherever you happen to be, and (when older) enjoy looking around, drawing on the paper you tucked in your bag, or joining in the conversation.</li></ul>
  68.  
  69.  
  70.  
  71. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Most Children Fall in the Middle</h3>
  72.  
  73.  
  74.  
  75. <p>They may have an easy time with new foods, but a more difficult time with new places. They may be cautious around unknown adults, but perfectly comfortable with new peers. Given some time to get used to a change or new situation, they feel safe, at ease, and eager to explore.</p>
  76.  
  77.  
  78.  
  79. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-406">Strategies for &#8220;Keep it the Same&#8221; Children</h2>
  80.  
  81.  
  82.  
  83. <p><strong>Use familiar objects</strong>&nbsp;to ease anxiety during transitions. A new doctor will be less scary if your child has her favorite blanket or stuffed animal in hand.</p>
  84.  
  85.  
  86.  
  87. <p><strong>Let your child be part of the transition.</strong>&nbsp;Let him put the ball in the stroller bag when it is time to head home from the park or press the button to turn off the TV.</p>
  88.  
  89.  
  90.  
  91. <p><strong>Ease into new activities.</strong>&nbsp;Talk about new activities first, and arrive early enough to allow your child to get comfortable.</p>
  92.  
  93.  
  94.  
  95. <p><strong>Offer advance notice when an activity is about to end:</strong>&nbsp;“When this book is finished, we’re going home.”</p>
  96.  
  97.  
  98.  
  99. <p><strong>Notice and comment when your child has made a transition:</strong>&nbsp;“You got into the car seat so quickly. That’s great!”</p>
  100.  
  101.  
  102.  
  103. <p><strong>Give your child a sense of control</strong>&nbsp;about how he wants to make transitions. For a toddler, you might say, “Would you like to kick the ball one more time before we leave?”</p>
  104.  
  105.  
  106.  
  107. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-407">Strategies for a Child Who Takes Change in Stride</h2>
  108.  
  109.  
  110.  
  111. <p><strong>Offer your child a variety of experiences.</strong>&nbsp;Try a new park, check out the local pool for water play, visit the library for story hour.</p>
  112.  
  113.  
  114.  
  115. <p><strong>Be sensitive to your child’s signals.</strong>&nbsp;When a child is extremely easygoing, we can sometimes take for granted that any change is okay. Offer her extra support during the times when she is having trouble with a transition.</p>
  116.  
  117.  
  118.  
  119. <p><strong>Let your child know about new situations ahead of time.</strong>&nbsp;For example, tell him before going to a new place or meeting someone new. Children who enjoy new situations also enjoy talking about them and looking forward to them.</p>
  120.  
  121.  
  122.  
  123. <p><strong>Be sure to find some one-on-one quiet time</strong>&nbsp;to enjoy together. No matter how much a child enjoys being out in the world, there’s nothing like snuggling at home with our favorite person and our favorite&nbsp;story.</p>
  124. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/temperament-reaction-to-change/">Temperament: Reaction to Change</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  125. ]]></content:encoded>
  126. </item>
  127. <item>
  128. <title>Temperament: Intensity of Reaction</title>
  129. <link>https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/temperament-intensity-of-reaction/</link>
  130. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry bedi]]></dc:creator>
  131. <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2022 09:01:48 +0000</pubDate>
  132. <category><![CDATA[Kumeu Childcare]]></category>
  133. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/?p=677</guid>
  134.  
  135. <description><![CDATA[<p>Discover parenting strategies that match a child&#8217;s temperament, whether they are a &#8220;low reactor,&#8221; or a &#8220;BIG reactor.&#8221; Low Reactors&#160;are children who seem less demanding than others. Low Reactors tend to: be quiet and rarely fuss; sleep more than average; show their emotions with only slight changes in facial expression, tone of voice, or body &#8230; </p>
  136. <p class="link-more"><a href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/temperament-intensity-of-reaction/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Temperament: Intensity of Reaction"</span></a></p>
  137. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/temperament-intensity-of-reaction/">Temperament: Intensity of Reaction</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  138. ]]></description>
  139. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  140. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Discover parenting strategies that match a child&#8217;s temperament, whether they are a &#8220;low reactor,&#8221; or a &#8220;BIG reactor.&#8221;</h2>
  141.  
  142.  
  143.  
  144. <p><strong>Low Reactors</strong>&nbsp;are children who seem less demanding than others. Low Reactors tend to:</p>
  145.  
  146.  
  147.  
  148. <ul><li>be quiet and rarely fuss;</li><li>sleep more than average;</li><li>show their emotions with only slight changes in facial expression, tone of voice, or body posture; and</li><li>tolerate a lot of stimulation.</li></ul>
  149.  
  150.  
  151.  
  152. <p>The fact that these children are less demanding, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that they require less effort on the part of parents. On the contrary, you may have to work harder to attract and hold their attention.</p>
  153.  
  154.  
  155.  
  156. <p>At the other end of the spectrum are&nbsp;<strong>Big Reactors</strong>&nbsp;who tell the world how they feel in a voice that’s loud and clear. Big Reactors tend to:</p>
  157.  
  158.  
  159.  
  160. <ul><li>express their feelings with great intensity (for example, showing supreme happiness by squealing with delight and maybe expressing anger by shouting, throwing things, hitting, and biting); and</li><li>react to physical stimulation intensely (for example, perhaps being unable to tolerate itchy tag on a T-shirt, the wrinkle in a sock, or an unpleasant smell).</li></ul>
  161.  
  162.  
  163.  
  164. <p>For many children, intensity isn’t an issue at all. Their reactions fall somewhere between Low and Big Reactors, and they tend to take things in stride. Their moods are fairly even. They smile when they’re happy and complain, in a reasonable way, when they’re not.</p>
  165.  
  166.  
  167.  
  168. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-28">Thinking About Your Child</h2>
  169.  
  170.  
  171.  
  172. <ul><li>How does my child react to sensory stimulation (sights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes)?</li><li>How much stimulation can my child handle? Does he react to the slightest bit of stimulation, does it take a lot to get him to respond, or are his reactions somewhere in between?</li><li>Does my child express her feelings with high, moderate, or low intensity?</li><li>How often do I find myself helping my child calm down?</li><li>Is he a cuddly child or does he prefer protecting his physical space? What kinds of touch does he prefer or dislike? Does he react positively or negatively to specific clothing materials/fabrics, clothing tags, wrinkles in his socks?</li><li>Is he a picky eater or will he eat anything? Will he only eat foods with certain textures or tastes? Does he seem sensitive to certain odors?</li><li>What kinds of sounds does your child like? Is there particular music or tone of voice he prefers? Does he get easily distracted by, and perhaps startle or cry at sudden noises? Does he respond when you talk with him by making eye contact and vocalizing back?</li><li>What does your child like to look at? Does he enjoy looking at lights, or do bright lights seem to upset him? Does he make eye contact when you are playing together?</li></ul>
  173.  
  174.  
  175.  
  176. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-29">Parenting Strategies for Low Reactors</h2>
  177.  
  178.  
  179.  
  180. <ul><li>Tune things up to attract her attention. Watch your child’s reactions to make sure she in engaged but not overexcited. Choose music with a dynamic beat. Engage your child in safe, rough-and-tumble play. Use a dramatic voice while reading. Be silly and creative.</li><li>Tune things up to attract her attention. Watch your child’s reactions to make sure she in engaged but not overexcited. Choose music with a dynamic beat. Engage your child in safe, rough-and-tumble play. Use a dramatic voice while reading. Be silly and creative.</li><li>Create interactive games. Try activities that involve taking turns so your child remains engaged, such as rolling a ball or passing a rattle back-and-forth.</li><li>Get her body moving. Low-intensity children may be more responsive if they’re physically engaged.</li><li>Tune things up to attract her attention. Watch your child’s reactions to make sure she in engaged but not overexcited. Choose music with a dynamic beat. Engage your child in safe, rough-and-tumble play. Use a dramatic voice while reading. Be silly and creative.</li><li>Create interactive games. Try activities that involve taking turns so your child remains engaged, such as rolling a ball or passing a rattle back-and-forth.</li><li>Get her body moving. Low-intensity children may be more responsive if they’re physically engaged.</li><li>Find out what interests him. If your child sings, join in for a duet. If he dances, become his partner. Find out what interests him. If your child sings, join in for a duet. If he dances, become his partner. Create interactive games. Try activities that involve taking turns so your child remains engaged, such as rolling a ball or passing a rattle back-and-forth.</li><li>Get her body moving. Low-intensity children may be more responsive if they’re physically engaged.</li><li>Find out what interests him. If your child sings, join in for a duet. If he dances, become his partner.</li></ul>
  181.  
  182.  
  183.  
  184. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-30">Parenting Strategies for Big Reactors</h2>
  185.  
  186.  
  187.  
  188. <ul><li>Tune things down. Music and lighting should be soft. Clothing should also be soft. And play should be fun, but not overstimulating.</li><li>Offer physical comfort when your child is distressed. Hold her close, massage her back, rock her.</li><li>Show that you understand him by validating his feelings. For example, use expressions such as I know it’s hard for you to be in crowded, noisy places. Or, I know your feelings get so-o-o hurt.</li><li>Tune things down. Music and lighting should be soft. Clothing should also be soft. And play should be fun, but not overstimulating.</li><li>Offer physical comfort when your child is distressed. Hold her close, massage her back, rock her.</li><li>Show that you understand him by validating his feelings. For example, use expressions such as I know it’s hard for you to be in crowded, noisy places. Or, I know your feelings get so-o-o hurt.</li><li>Help your child problem-solve. Say: Tyler’s birthday is probably going to be very noisy and crowded today. What can we do to make it more comfortable for you?</li><li>Don’t punish your child for who she is. Your child is not overreacting. Holding her close and validating her feelings can help your child calm down and feel safe and secure. When you have strong reactions, it is tough to learn how to manage them. But with your support, your child will learn good coping skills.</li><li>Help your child problem-solve. Say: Tyler’s birthday is probably going to be very noisy and crowded today. What can we do to make it more comfortable for you?</li><li>Don’t punish your child for who she is. Your child is not overreacting. Holding her close and validating her feelings can help your child calm down and feel safe and secure. When you have strong reactions, it is tough to learn how to manage them. But with your support, your child will learn good coping skills.</li></ul>
  189. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/temperament-intensity-of-reaction/">Temperament: Intensity of Reaction</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  190. ]]></content:encoded>
  191. </item>
  192. <item>
  193. <title>Tips on Temperament</title>
  194. <link>https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/tips-on-temperament/</link>
  195. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry bedi]]></dc:creator>
  196. <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2022 08:53:35 +0000</pubDate>
  197. <category><![CDATA[Kumeu Childcare]]></category>
  198. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/?p=672</guid>
  199.  
  200. <description><![CDATA[<p>Every child is born with his own individual way of approaching the world—a temperament. Here&#8217;s how you can tune in to your child&#8217;s temperament to anticipate how they will react in certain situations. Generally, there are five characteristics that describe an individual’s temperament: Emotional intensity Activity level Frustration tolerance Reaction to new people Reaction to &#8230; </p>
  201. <p class="link-more"><a href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/tips-on-temperament/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Tips on Temperament"</span></a></p>
  202. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/tips-on-temperament/">Tips on Temperament</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  203. ]]></description>
  204. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  205. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Every child is born with his own individual way of approaching the world—a temperament. Here&#8217;s how you can tune in to your child&#8217;s temperament to anticipate how they will react in certain situations. </h2>
  206.  
  207.  
  208.  
  209. <p>Generally, there are five characteristics that describe an individual’s temperament:</p>
  210.  
  211.  
  212.  
  213. <ul><li>Emotional intensity</li><li>Activity level</li><li>Frustration tolerance</li><li>Reaction to new people</li><li>Reaction to change</li></ul>
  214.  
  215.  
  216.  
  217. <p>Temperament is not something your child chooses, nor is it something that you created. A child’s temperament shapes the way he experiences the world. A child who is cautious and needs time to feel comfortable in new situations and a child who jumps right in are likely to have very different experiences going to a classmate’s birthday party. A child who can handle a lot of sensory stimulation will experience a trip to the supermarket differently from a child who has a low threshold for a lot of surrounding noise and action.</p>
  218.  
  219.  
  220.  
  221. <p>Understanding your child’s temperament helps you be a better parent. Recognizing patterns in your child’s behavior that are influenced by temperament can help you anticipate your child’s responses to certain situations. If you know that your child has a hard time making transitions, you can guess that pick-up time at child care might be challenging. You could share this observation with your child’s teacher and talk about how you can work together to make the end of the day easier. For example, the teacher can give your child a reminder that it will soon be time to go home. You might also choose to spend a few minutes helping your child finish what she is doing, rather than move her into the car right away.</p>
  222.  
  223.  
  224.  
  225. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-188">Your Child Can Adapt</h2>
  226.  
  227.  
  228.  
  229. <p>A child’s behavior and approach to the world are shaped by his experiences and especially by his interactions with you. For example, children who are temperamentally shy can become more outgoing and comfortable in new situations when their parents help them sensitively and slowly adapt to new experiences.</p>
  230.  
  231.  
  232.  
  233. <p>Also, no matter how consistent a child’s patterns may appear to be, sometimes children can—and will—catch you off guard by acting in ways that you do not expect. A child who is usually wary of strangers might fall madly in love with her new teacher. The fact that your child can surprise you is one of the most exciting and even delightful rewards of parenthood.</p>
  234.  
  235.  
  236.  
  237. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-189">Culture Matters</h2>
  238.  
  239.  
  240.  
  241. <p>Different cultures place different values on behavioral styles. For example, some cultures value children who are quiet and obedient. Others value feisty, assertive kids. One dad, who lives in the inner city, expressed worry that his son was too laid back and not assertive or tough enough. He was afraid that his child would get bullied and taken advantage of by others. What qualities do you value and desire for your child? How might your cultural values influence the way you see your child’s behavior?</p>
  242.  
  243.  
  244.  
  245. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-190">There is No Right or Wrong Temperament</h2>
  246.  
  247.  
  248.  
  249. <p>It’s very important for children to be accepted for who they are. It is true, though, that some temperaments are easier to handle than others. A parent with an intense, reactive child or a child who is very shy and slow-to-warm-up will tell you that parenting these children can be a challenge at times. Stefanie, the mother of 2-year-old Danielle, described how she had moved to a new neighborhood and was desperate to meet some other moms. Finally, one day, a mom walked by with her very happy toddler who eagerly sought out Danielle and even offered to share her snack. Danielle, a slow-to-warm-up and intense child, pushed the bag away and then threw a huge tantrum when Stefanie tried to encourage her to play nicely. Stefanie later told her husband that Danielle was going to ruin her social life. (She also describes Danielle as incredibly creative, smart, and passionate.)</p>
  250.  
  251.  
  252.  
  253. <p>Most parents prefer some of their child’s temperamental characteristics to others. Frank is shy and slow-to-warm-up. Frank’s father sometimes feels his patience dwindling and wishes that his son Frank was the kind of kid who would just get on with it rather than take so long to settle in. The mother of very feisty Carlos sometimes wishes for a disappearing pill, like the day Carlos’ exuberant hug knocked over a friend who hit his head on a chair as he fell down.</p>
  254.  
  255.  
  256.  
  257. <p>Parents struggle with these kinds of feelings for a range of reasons. Your child’s behavior may remind you of parts of yourself that you don’t like so much and want to change—like being easily hurt by someone’s unkindness. Conversely, you may feel discomfort with ways in which your child is very different from you—such as her ease and comfort in new situations when you like to take things slow. It is quite normal that you will like and feel more comfortable with some aspects of your child’s temperament more than with others.</p>
  258.  
  259.  
  260.  
  261. <p>Siblings can be (and often are) temperamentally very different. One mother told us, “In our house, we have two kids, and we parent them in two different ways.” If you have more than one child, how are they alike? How are they different? How do you adapt your parenting style to meet each of their needs?</p>
  262.  
  263.  
  264.  
  265. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="chapter-191">Be Your Child&#8217;s Champion</h2>
  266.  
  267.  
  268.  
  269. <p>Have you ever found yourself feeling isolated from or misunderstood—even put down—by family, friends, and neighbors who disapprove of or judge your child? You are not alone. It can be empowering to see these situations as opportunities to educate others about your child. For example, a father explains to his aunt, who is not getting the warm reaction she wants from her niece, “Sophie, like a lot of other kids, needs time to adjust to new people.” Dad then hands her Sophie’s favorite book, helping his aunt learn to approach Sophie slowly.</p>
  270.  
  271.  
  272.  
  273. <p>You can also help others see your child’s behavior from a different perspective. Here’s how a mom describes her daughter, Tess, to a neighbor who is critical of Tess’s feisty nature. “Tess knows who she is and what she wants. She is loving and she is fierce. She puts her whole heart into everything.”</p>
  274.  
  275.  
  276.  
  277. <p>Remember, the goal isn’t to change your child’s temperament, but to help him or her make the most of her unique temperament—both its strengths and the areas where she may need more support. By watching and learning from your child, you can begin to slowly and sensitively help your child adapt, to expand his world, and to feel more confident about his place in it.</p>
  278. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/tips-on-temperament/">Tips on Temperament</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  279. ]]></content:encoded>
  280. </item>
  281. <item>
  282. <title>HOW TO START SOLIDS AND INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO FINGER FOODS SAFELY</title>
  283. <link>https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/how-to-start-solids-and-introduce-your-child-to-finger-foods-safely/</link>
  284. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry bedi]]></dc:creator>
  285. <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2022 07:44:18 +0000</pubDate>
  286. <category><![CDATA[Kumeu Childcare]]></category>
  287. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/?p=656</guid>
  288.  
  289. <description><![CDATA[<p>Starting solids is a milestone that provides huge opportunities for your child. It’s not only about nourishment, creating healthy eating habits or trying a range of tastes and textures, learning to eat provides crucial building blocks for future development such as learning to chew, to speak, non-verbal communication cues and hand-eye coordination. But tackling anything &#8230; </p>
  290. <p class="link-more"><a href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/how-to-start-solids-and-introduce-your-child-to-finger-foods-safely/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "HOW TO START SOLIDS AND INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO FINGER FOODS SAFELY"</span></a></p>
  291. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/how-to-start-solids-and-introduce-your-child-to-finger-foods-safely/">HOW TO START SOLIDS AND INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO FINGER FOODS SAFELY</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  292. ]]></description>
  293. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  294. <p>Starting solids is a milestone that provides huge opportunities for your child. It’s not only about nourishment, creating healthy eating habits or trying a range of tastes and textures, learning to eat provides crucial building blocks for future development such as learning to chew, to speak, non-verbal communication cues and hand-eye coordination.</p>
  295.  
  296.  
  297.  
  298. <p>But tackling anything new (when you’re often not getting a full night’s sleep) is overwhelming for most of us. All that mess, hours stuck in the kitchen preparing food, fussy eaters, or worrying what to do if your baby chokes? We’re passionate about great nutrition, healthy whole foods and empowering parents – below we discuss some points to consider when starting solids with your child.</p>
  299.  
  300.  
  301.  
  302. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is your baby ready to start eating?</strong></h2>
  303.  
  304.  
  305.  
  306. <p>You might have heard some of the myths around readiness to start solids: your baby is waking in the night so they must be hungry; your baby is small for their age so they need to start solids earlier or they’re watching you eat so they must be hungry.</p>
  307.  
  308.  
  309.  
  310. <p>Both the World Health Organisation and Plunket agree that six months is a good age to introduce your baby to food. This ties in nicely with the maturation of your child’s immune and digestive systems and their increasing energy needs as they start to roll or crawl.</p>
  311.  
  312.  
  313.  
  314. <p>So how do you tell if your six month old is food-ready? Are they reaching for things, gnawing on toys or making chewing movements? The biggest tell-tale sign is if they’re strong enough to sit up and move food to their mouths – for once a clear sign!</p>
  315.  
  316.  
  317.  
  318. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How do I start my baby on solids and what about finger foods?</strong></h2>
  319.  
  320.  
  321.  
  322. <p>Plunket recommends that from six months, you puree your baby’s first foods by boiling/steaming food then mashing/blending until smooth and spoon-feeding your baby. From eight months, Plunket’s advice is to give your baby solids before their milk feed – remembering that cows or plant milks shouldn’t be introduced until your baby is one. This is also a great time to introduce finger foods to your baby. Finger foods are more challenging foods prepared into shapes your child can safely manage by themselves.</p>
  323.  
  324.  
  325.  
  326. <p><em>Finger food ideas</em></p>
  327.  
  328.  
  329.  
  330. <ul><li>Healthy whole foods such as steamed green beans, baby corn, florets of broccoli and cauliflower</li><li>Steamed, roasted or stir-fried sticks of carrot, potato, eggplant, sweet potato, parsnip, pumpkin, zucchini</li><li>Slices of avocado</li><li>Sticks of firm cheese</li><li>Breadsticks</li><li>Chicken (warm or cold), cut into either a strip or a leg bone</li><li>Thin strips of beef, lamb or pork</li><li>Fruit – pear, apple, banana, nectarine, mango in sticks or grated</li><li>Rice or corn cakes</li><li>Hummus</li><li>Homemade meatballs or falafels</li><li>Lentil patties</li><li>Rice balls (made with sushi rice)</li><li>Pasta twists are easy to grip, offer without sauce at first.</li></ul>
  331.  
  332.  
  333.  
  334. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What kind of feeding equipment do I need at home?</strong></h2>
  335.  
  336.  
  337.  
  338. <p>No matter which method you choose, starting solids can get messy. Embrace the chaos with these essentials:</p>
  339.  
  340.  
  341.  
  342. <p><em>Somewhere to sit</em></p>
  343.  
  344.  
  345.  
  346. <p>A portable lobster-style seat means your child can get amongst the action at your breakfast bar, dining table or a friend’s place. Some families opt to have a lobster-style seat at their bench and a high chair at their dining table.</p>
  347.  
  348.  
  349.  
  350. <p><em>Protect your floor</em></p>
  351.  
  352.  
  353.  
  354. <p>Ditch the expensive plastic drop sheet and grab an old towel or two to place under your baby’s high chair to catch dropped food. Shake it out after meals on the lawn (the birds will love you) or into the bin. Once it’s really yuck, simply chuck it in the wash.</p>
  355.  
  356.  
  357.  
  358. <p><em>Bibs</em></p>
  359.  
  360.  
  361.  
  362. <p>Protect your baby’s clothes with bibs like these with little catchers at the bottom. These apron style bibs are handy for messy yoghurt or porridge sessions.</p>
  363.  
  364.  
  365.  
  366. <p><em>Extras</em></p>
  367.  
  368.  
  369.  
  370. <p>Don’t waste money on special crockery or bizarre food tools. When your child is first starting, use their high chair tray and let them work with their fingers. If you’re feeding purees then you’ll need a couple of spoons that your baby can easily suck food from.</p>
  371.  
  372.  
  373.  
  374. <p>Once you’ve got everything you need, choose one meal time to eat&nbsp;<em>with</em>&nbsp;your baby, making sure they are well-supported in their chair by using a rolled up towel as a prop if needed. Up until eight months old, babies should continue to have their milk feed before solids.</p>
  375.  
  376.  
  377.  
  378. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Gagging, choking and keeping safe</strong></h2>
  379.  
  380.  
  381.  
  382. <p>Many parents confuse gagging with choking – the two reactions are related but not the same. A baby’s gag reflex is much further forward in their mouths than ours, meaning they will gag more easily – nature’s way of keeping them safe. Most, if not all, babies will gag while eating but continue on unphased once the food has cleared.</p>
  383.  
  384.  
  385.  
  386. <p>If you notice your baby is gagging, remain calm and let them clear the food themselves. If they’re having trouble you can calmly intervene. Some believe that babies who have had the chance to feed themselves learn more quickly (through their gag reflex) how to manage their food.</p>
  387.  
  388.  
  389.  
  390. <p><strong>To put your mind at ease, take a first aid course </strong>and learn what to do if your baby (or anyone else) chokes. Plunket has some guidelines to prevent choking but it’s always prudent to have your child seated, well-supported and working with food that’s cut into shapes they can manage.</p>
  391.  
  392.  
  393.  
  394. <p>Avoid nuts (whole or large pieces) until your child is three years old. Remove the stones from fruits such as cherries and cut them in half (same with small fruits such as cherry tomatoes and grapes). Take care with any meal that has hard pieces in it and meats such as fish (bones).</p>
  395.  
  396.  
  397.  
  398. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Feeling frustrated?</strong></h2>
  399.  
  400.  
  401.  
  402. <p>It’s easy to let other people’s opinions or comments affect your confidence when your baby’s going through any milestone. Do your research and follow your gut – you know your child best.</p>
  403.  
  404.  
  405.  
  406. <p>Equally it’s easy to feel frustrated with your child at meal times. Is your baby throwing everything on the floor or refusing food altogether? We’ve all been there! The calmer and less unphased you remain during these times, the more likely this phase will pass.</p>
  407.  
  408.  
  409.  
  410. <p><strong>Child-friendly family recipes</strong>We’ve selected a couple of our favourite recipes for you to try:<strong>Chicken Pasta Bake Family Friendly Loaded with Vegetables </strong>and <strong>Zucchini Banana Bread </strong>from<strong> mykidslickthebowl.com.</strong></p>
  411.  
  412.  
  413.  
  414. <p>At Kumeu Childcare, we know healthy whole foods and a full belly contributes to your child’s growth, development and contentment. </p>
  415.  
  416.  
  417.  
  418. <p>Like to find out more about how things work at Kumeu Childcare? Our website is a great place to start. You can:</p>
  419.  
  420.  
  421.  
  422. <p>Find the<strong> centre </strong>nearest you</p>
  423.  
  424.  
  425.  
  426. <p>• Contact us to organise a visit<br>• Discover our curriculum, vision and foundation principles<br>• For regular updates like us on Facebook and Instagram.</p>
  427. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/how-to-start-solids-and-introduce-your-child-to-finger-foods-safely/">HOW TO START SOLIDS AND INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO FINGER FOODS SAFELY</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  428. ]]></content:encoded>
  429. </item>
  430. <item>
  431. <title>HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD SETTLE INTO CHILDCARE? ‍</title>
  432. <link>https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/how-can-i-help-my-child-settle-into-childcare-%e2%80%8d/</link>
  433. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry bedi]]></dc:creator>
  434. <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2022 07:41:38 +0000</pubDate>
  435. <category><![CDATA[Kumeu Childcare]]></category>
  436. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/?p=653</guid>
  437.  
  438. <description><![CDATA[<p>Starting your baby or toddler at a childcare centre could be one of the most challenging transitions you’ve had to face since becoming a parent. How will they cope? How will you cope? How do you answer all their questions? What if they cry when you leave them? We know it can be tough, from &#8230; </p>
  439. <p class="link-more"><a href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/how-can-i-help-my-child-settle-into-childcare-%e2%80%8d/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD SETTLE INTO CHILDCARE? ‍"</span></a></p>
  440. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/how-can-i-help-my-child-settle-into-childcare-%e2%80%8d/">HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD SETTLE INTO CHILDCARE? ‍</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  441. ]]></description>
  442. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  443. <p>Starting your baby or toddler at a childcare centre could be one of the most challenging transitions you’ve had to face since becoming a parent. How will they cope? How will you cope? How do you answer all their questions? What if they cry when you leave them?</p>
  444.  
  445.  
  446.  
  447. <p>We know it can be tough, from choosing the right childcare centre to drop-off anxiety. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips to help you (and your child) get through this often-emotional turning point. </p>
  448.  
  449.  
  450.  
  451. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What to do before your child starts</strong></h2>
  452.  
  453.  
  454.  
  455. <p>You’ve invested a lot of time selecting an early childcare centre for your child. Other than labelling your child’s clothes and completing the paperwork, you can get set for their first official day with these ready-prep tips.</p>
  456.  
  457.  
  458.  
  459. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tell your child why</strong></h2>
  460.  
  461.  
  462.  
  463. <p>Many parents feel guilty about enrolling them into daycare, naturally shying away from a tricky conversation. But, starting back at work, needing some time to yourself or knowing that your baby or child is ready are all legitimate reasons for getting started. That’s why it’s important to talk to your child about the transition openly and honestly – no matter how old they are. It’s normal for children to worry about big changes so acknowledging up front that it might take them some time to settle in will help reassure them.</p>
  464.  
  465.  
  466.  
  467. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Visit as much as you like</strong></h2>
  468.  
  469.  
  470.  
  471. <p>All great child care centres will welcome as many visits as you need. This early experience is crucial and can’t be rushed. Get to know the spaces, the teachers and even the other children. Become part of the furniture if need be, so you and your child feel really comfortable. During this time, share as much information with your child’s teacher as possible, to foster their relationship early on.</p>
  472.  
  473.  
  474.  
  475. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What to expect on their first day and beyond</strong></h2>
  476.  
  477.  
  478.  
  479. <p>It’s time to mentally prepare yourself – it’s not easy to predict how long it will take for your child to settle into care. For some it’s quick and easy, for others it’s a slower burn until one day they surprise you by running off to play, with barely a “bye Mum!”. While your child’s settling in, try and keep life low key. Any big changes at home, such as the arrival of a new sibling or moving house, can really rock their world. As we all know, life doesn’t always pan out the way we need it to, so if your family is undergoing some changes, let your teacher know and they’ll be able to more acutely support your little one.</p>
  480.  
  481.  
  482.  
  483. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Plan your goodbye</strong></h2>
  484.  
  485.  
  486.  
  487. <p>Before their first day, give some thought to how you will farewell your child. Some parents like to read a story together before they leave or take their child over to their teacher as they head off. Once you have a plan, remember to share this with your child and their teacher in advance.</p>
  488.  
  489.  
  490.  
  491. <p>Don’t skip saying goodbye because you think your child looks settled, always follow your routine and let your child know when you’ll collect them again.</p>
  492.  
  493.  
  494.  
  495. <p>Expect tears at drop off</p>
  496.  
  497.  
  498.  
  499. <p>When children are settling in they’ll go through a range of emotions, not all of them pretty. This is the toughest part, leaving your child when they’re upset feels counter-intuitive. Remain as calm and collected as you can, acknowledge their feelings, explain what you’ll be doing while they’re in care and remind them when you’ll be back. Don’t linger around or drag things out, it’ll only increase anxiety.</p>
  500.  
  501.  
  502.  
  503. <p>These times, although really hard for both of you, will provide an opportunity for your child and their teacher to deepen their relationship. The National Research Council and Institute of Medicine (2006) notes that if a child develops a strong and sustaining attachment to an adult, they are less nervous, less fearful, have a greater self-efficacy, and are more competent.</p>
  504.  
  505.  
  506.  
  507. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Managing your own emotions</strong></h2>
  508.  
  509.  
  510.  
  511. <p>Keeping cool, calm and confident at drop off will signal to your child that all is ok. You might not feel a box of birds on the inside but it won’t be the first or last time as a parent you’ll have to put on your acting pants! It’s normal to feel a range of emotions when your child starts in a childcare centre. Guilt, fear, anxiety and grief are all to be expected, after all it might be the first time you’ve been away from your child since they were born. If you’re feeling concerned, call your childcare centre to check how your child settled after you left – keeping those lines of communication open will help all of you adjust.</p>
  512.  
  513.  
  514.  
  515. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bring a treasure from home</strong></h2>
  516.  
  517.  
  518.  
  519. <p>If you think it will help, encourage your child to bring a transitional object (such as a favourite toy, a small photo album) to the centre. Having something familiar from their home environment will provide comfort and gives teachers another way to connect with your child.</p>
  520.  
  521.  
  522.  
  523. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Be ready to hear your child’s thoughts</strong></h2>
  524.  
  525.  
  526.  
  527. <p>Set aside some time after each pick up to reconnect with your child. Use this opportunity to ask open-ended questions about their day. If your child isn’t forth-coming, be patient, they will give you insights into how they’re doing but it might not be on your timetable. Sometimes talking about your day or running through the family’s highs and lows at dinner can start the ball rolling.</p>
  528.  
  529.  
  530.  
  531. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Keep in touch with your teacher</strong></h2>
  532.  
  533.  
  534.  
  535. <p>Chatting with your child and their teacher individually as well as together will help while you’re settling. The more your child’s teacher is aware of, the more they can tailor their support to your family. Face-to-face is always the best means of communication but most centres are also happy to chat via email and text.</p>
  536.  
  537.  
  538.  
  539. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Help! My child was settled and now they’re suddenly miserable at drop off.</strong></h2>
  540.  
  541.  
  542.  
  543. <p>You thought you were through the worst, when all of a sudden your darling is begging you not to leave? It might be that there’s been a change at home or the reality of their new routine has hit home. We understand how distressing this is for parents. It’s really normal and lots of children go through an unsettled period.</p>
  544.  
  545.  
  546.  
  547. <p>This is a good time to reconnect with your early childcare centre. Getting along to any centre events or organising playdates will strengthen your child’s connections with other children and their new environment. Chat to your teacher about life at home, any changes that might have affected your child and ask them for more support during drop off. Finding ways that your child’s teacher can more deeply connect with your child will also ease their discomfort.</p>
  548.  
  549.  
  550.  
  551. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>You can do it!</strong></h2>
  552.  
  553.  
  554.  
  555. <p>We know it can be overwhelming, settling (or resettling) your child into an early childcare centre. We hope that by using the techniques above and regularly talking to your child’s dedicated teacher, your little one will be thriving in no time.</p>
  556.  
  557.  
  558.  
  559. <p>Like to find out more about how things work at Kumeu Childcare? Our website is a great place to start. You can:</p>
  560.  
  561.  
  562.  
  563. <p>· Find the centre nearest you</p>
  564.  
  565.  
  566.  
  567. <p>· Contact us to organise a visit</p>
  568.  
  569.  
  570.  
  571. <p>· Discover our curriculum, vision and foundation principles</p>
  572.  
  573.  
  574.  
  575. <p>· Read more about our sustainable practices.</p>
  576.  
  577.  
  578.  
  579. <p>We love what we do, and we look forward to welcoming you into our community!</p>
  580. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/how-can-i-help-my-child-settle-into-childcare-%e2%80%8d/">HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD SETTLE INTO CHILDCARE? ‍</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  581. ]]></content:encoded>
  582. </item>
  583. <item>
  584. <title>WHAT’S IN YOUR CUPBOARD?</title>
  585. <link>https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/whats-in-your-cupboard/</link>
  586. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry bedi]]></dc:creator>
  587. <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2022 06:19:09 +0000</pubDate>
  588. <category><![CDATA[Kumeu Childcare]]></category>
  589. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/?p=641</guid>
  590.  
  591. <description><![CDATA[<p>Turning everyday, household items into rich learning resources for children I don’t know about you, but I’m a hoarder of kitchen equipment! I love to cook and as a result, my cupboards are bursting with items I’ve collected over the years. Have you ever considered that your kitchen might hold resources children can interact and &#8230; </p>
  592. <p class="link-more"><a href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/whats-in-your-cupboard/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "WHAT’S IN YOUR CUPBOARD?"</span></a></p>
  593. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/whats-in-your-cupboard/">WHAT’S IN YOUR CUPBOARD?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
  594. ]]></description>
  595. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  596. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Turning everyday, household items into rich learning resources for children</strong> </h2>
  597.  
  598.  
  599.  
  600. <p>I don’t know about you, but I’m a hoarder of kitchen equipment! I love to cook and as a result, my cupboards are bursting with items I’ve collected over the years. Have you ever considered that your kitchen might hold resources children can interact and play with?</p>
  601.  
  602.  
  603.  
  604. <p>Whilst in the kitchen, my grandchildren will often clamber through my drawers with pure fascination, reminding me that the best learning resources are not always found in a catalogue or exclusively sold for children. The most important thing is for children to be subjected to a variety of experiences and resources in a positive and fun way.</p>
  605.  
  606.  
  607.  
  608. <p>Learning through play is crucial for children in their early years. Exposure to their surrounding world through exploration, time tinkering and imagining, supports the development of social and communication skills, mathematical and scientific concepts, early literacy, and much more. Interacting with real-life objects during play allows children to absorb and re-enact their everyday experiences, which validates their independence.</p>
  609.  
  610.  
  611.  
  612. <p>Whilst household items aren’t limited to dramatic or role play, this is a popular zone in early years settings, and it doesn’t take much to create the physiological sense of awe and thrill using nothing but the items in your cupboard. When resourced well it offers a rich and attractive proposition for cooperative and individual play unencumbered by adults. It is important that this is a safe space for children to immerse themselves in child-led role play, without too much interference from adults, where they are free to let their imagination run wild.&nbsp;</p>
  613.  
  614.  
  615.  
  616. <p>So, let’s unpack your household cupboards and explore some of the experiences you could offer.</p>
  617.  
  618.  
  619.  
  620. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle</strong></h2>
  621.  
  622.  
  623.  
  624. <p>Hold on to your used packaging! Dedicate space in your kitchen to packaging that will provide familiarity to children in their play. This is also an opportunity to lean on your community to source a diverse range of products in a variety of languages.</p>
  625.  
  626.  
  627.  
  628. <p>This is not limited to kitchen packaging, the bathroom is full of interesting objects children will love to explore, to mimic their daily routines.</p>
  629.  
  630.  
  631.  
  632. <p><em>Packaging examples include herb and spice containers, food boxes and bags (stuff them with newspaper or recycled packaging to keep them looking full), jars, bags, dish liquid, soap, shampoo bottles, face creams, perfume bottles, etc.</em>  </p>
  633.  
  634.  
  635.  
  636. <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/playing-kitchen-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-645" srcset="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/playing-kitchen-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/playing-kitchen-300x225.jpg 300w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/playing-kitchen-768x576.jpg 768w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/playing-kitchen.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /><figcaption><em>Recycled packaging is a perfect opportunity for children to develop their language skills and learn through role-play.</em>  </figcaption></figure></div>
  637.  
  638.  
  639.  
  640. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2. Utilise every day tools and utensils</strong></h2>
  641.  
  642.  
  643.  
  644. <p>Children grow faster and learn quicker during the first six years than at any other time in their life. During these formative years, children are building their knowledge and understanding of the world through their experiences. When we get a bowl and whisk out to bake a cake children are observing and building a knowledge base of the world around them and their sense of place within it. Incorporating everyday utensils provides children opportunities to practice these observations in a hands-on approach through child-initiated play.</p>
  645.  
  646.  
  647.  
  648. <p>I always recommend collecting adult-sized utensils and equipment. They are familiar, durable, allow for larger motions, and are much more fun and interesting. In addition, they tend to be easier to tidy up, and pieces don’t get lost. Consider the texture and material of these objects. For example, a stainless steel bowl and a variety of spoons can offer exploration of sound and rhythm.&nbsp;</p>
  649.  
  650.  
  651.  
  652. <p>When observing children in this type of play, they will use their communication skills to mimic adults. Experiences observed at home will be imitated and re-enacted through experimental learning. Children will stack, stir, mix, fill, bang, tip, and empty. They pour, shake, roll, mix, pour, and fold.</p>
  653.  
  654.  
  655.  
  656. <p><em>Examples of everyday tools and utensils include:</em></p>
  657.  
  658.  
  659.  
  660. <ul><li><em>Kitchen tools – colander, sieves, rolling pin, small pots and pans, teapot, coffeepot, cookie cutters, timers, mortar and pestle, whisks, and spoons, cake and muffin tins, small loaf tins, pie moulds, sponges, dishcloths, tea towels, pot holders, etc.</em></li><li><em>Appliances with their cords removed – hand mixers, egg beaters, kitchen scales, clocks, telephones, hair rollers, brushes, hairdryers, straighteners, etc.</em></li><li><em>Office equipment – envelopes, stamps, seals, stickers, junk mail, keyboards, computer mouse, etc.</em></li><li><em>Gardening equipment, toolbox and tools, picnic baskets, etc.</em></li></ul>
  661.  
  662.  
  663.  
  664. <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="769" src="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-resource-1024x769.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-646" srcset="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-resource-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-resource-300x225.jpg 300w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-resource-768x577.jpg 768w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-resource.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /><figcaption><em>Kitchen utensils and equipment promotes an opportunity for children to understand the world around them through explorative play based learning.</em><br></figcaption></figure></div>
  665.  
  666.  
  667.  
  668. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Objects promoting and independence</h2>
  669.  
  670.  
  671.  
  672. <p>There are many objects we interact with daily to take care of ourselves. Allowing children to use these objects during play to practise their self-help skills builds independence.</p>
  673.  
  674.  
  675.  
  676. <p>Trying on clothes, shoes, hats, and accessories, children will converse, enjoy, and IMAGINE all possibilities through their play.</p>
  677.  
  678.  
  679.  
  680. <p><em>Examples of personal care items include:</em></p>
  681.  
  682.  
  683.  
  684. <ul><li><em>Dress-up clothes – a variety of fabrics that promote the cultural diversity of the community that can be layered in open-ended play, jewellery, purses and handbags, shoes, hats, belts, head wraps, scarves, hand-held mirrors, etc.</em></li><li><em>Suitcases and travel bags may feature in a dramatic play area where the community travels a lot or leading up to a holiday period.</em></li><li><em>Bathroom tools – makeup and hair brushes, hairdryers, curling tongs, straighteners with the cords removed, etc.</em></li><li><em>Linen – pillowcases, blankets, sheets, bibs, blankets, quilts, pillows, beach towels, sleeping bags, etc.</em></li><li><em>Laundry equipment – brush and shovels, brooms, etc.</em></li></ul>
  685.  
  686.  
  687.  
  688. <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="684" src="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-develop-play-items-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-647" srcset="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-develop-play-items-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-develop-play-items-300x200.jpg 300w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-develop-play-items-768x513.jpg 768w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-develop-play-items.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /><figcaption><em>Household objects promote independence through play at The Nest, New Zealand.</em></figcaption></figure></div>
  689.  
  690.  
  691.  
  692. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Real-world objects and aesthetic decor</h2>
  693.  
  694.  
  695.  
  696. <p>Empower and trust children to take care of real-world objects. Setting the table with care using a tea set and a small vase of hand-picked flowers communicates to children that we value their independence. Accidents will happen when first introducing these delicate and special resources. Offer items gradually and model how they are to be used to teach children the responsibility of caring for our resources and the environment. Eventually, you can step back completely and trust that they are capable.</p>
  697.  
  698.  
  699.  
  700. <p>A welcoming space is generally a space that feels familiar and warm. Layering the environment with meaningful objects that provide familiarity for children can be as simple as laying out a tablecloth and recycling a jar to fill with flowers, collecting a range of objects from your garden to create a centrepiece, or filling a pot with fresh herbs for children to care for, pick, and smell. It could be swapping the photographs inside the frames, or filling them with art.</p>
  701.  
  702.  
  703.  
  704. <p><em>Depending on what children are familiar with and the context of your space, real-world and aesthetic decor may include vases, hammocks, indigenous art, woven mats or quilts, ski equipment, etc.</em></p>
  705.  
  706.  
  707.  
  708. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="765" src="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-home-items-1024x765.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-648" srcset="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-home-items-1024x765.jpg 1024w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-home-items-300x224.jpg 300w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-home-items-768x573.jpg 768w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-home-items.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /><figcaption><em>The sign-in space at The Nest is decorated to celebrate different themes. This theme communicates love using a blend of objects found, foraged, and collected.</em><br></figcaption></figure>
  709.  
  710.  
  711.  
  712. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Props promoting roles within the community</h2>
  713.  
  714.  
  715.  
  716. <p>Children are connected to the wider community through experiences in their everyday lives beyond the home and early childhood environment, such as grocery shopping, taking pets to the vet, filling up a car with petrol, or going to the doctor’s. Noticing, recognising, and responding to these interests is a key opportunity for setting the scene for role play. During these experiences children will play and work together, expressing their fears and feelings, communicating roles responding to one another’s needs and requests.</p>
  717.  
  718.  
  719.  
  720. <p><em>By drawing on resources we have readily available around the home we can create prop boxes that open learning opportunities such as old loyalty cards, business cards, reference photos and books, cookbooks, picture books, framed pictures of familiar places and people, first aid boxes including plasters, bandages, thermometers, etc.</em></p>
  721.  
  722.  
  723.  
  724. <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="767" src="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-nail-1024x767.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-649" srcset="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-nail-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-nail-300x225.jpg 300w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-nail-768x575.jpg 768w, https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/child-nail.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /><figcaption><em>Nail Salon at Katie’s Daycare utilises household packaging and objects to create a nail salon responding to children’s interests in following their parent’s careers.</em></figcaption></figure></div>
  725.  
  726.  
  727.  
  728. <p>Follow Enspirement for ideas on how to incorporate your everyday home equipment into opportunities for learning through play. Build your Lookbooks with friends and colleagues, and share your ideas with us to inspire a global community.</p>
  729. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz/whats-in-your-cupboard/">WHAT’S IN YOUR CUPBOARD?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://kumeuchildcare.co.nz">Early Learning Centre Kumeu | Childcare At Kumeu - Kumeu Childcare</a>.</p>
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