The key to saying no, is not actually using the word no. Psychologists have said that when young children hear the word no too many times, it can cause lasting emotional distress and resentment. Another…

What is Independence? Independence is defined as freedom from the control, influence, support and aid of others. This is something that we all strive for, having the independence to live our lives free from being…

The importance of developing your child’s emotional intelligence is undisputed.  Their ability to sense their own emotions, recognise other people’s emotions and respond appropriately is what will mold them into well-rounded adults. In fact, research carried…

In recent years, a spotlight has been shone on the pressures of parenthood. The demands on parents to do a multitude of things to ensure your child is raised correctly can be a daunting task.…

Hein-Chris was born early in January 2013 and quickly exhibited signs of being different – more sensitive, more unsettled, generally more unhappy – than his peers. He would cry for hours on end, have a…

The world we live in is fast-paced and unpredictable. We are exposed to constant changes, unmet expectations, challenging situations and unexpected bumps in the road. Our personality has a large role to play in the way…

In the Toptots classes, a question that frequently arises is that of how to stop young children from hitting either their moms or their peers. This is often an embarrassing scenario for mothers and they…

We know that having a routine is important for children in their early developmental years, but let’s unpack why it is so beneficial to their overall level of well-being. Young children do not have a concept…

Put more than one toddler in a room with toys and it’s a recipe for disaster. We want our toddlers to play together but often it causes more friction between you and your friend than it…

The transition from the womb to the world is a challenging one for your baby. Leaving the consistency and comfort of the womb for the ever-changing, highly-stimulating world can be a big adjustment. By creating an…

Play time is so important for our children as a foundation for learning. Here are some tips to encourage meaningful and purposeful play, to maximise your child’s learning opportunities through play:   Let your child have…

Parent often have concerns about their toddlers socialising or rather not socialising with other toddlers.  Most concerns come from parents with toddlers between 18 months and three years of age. Is it normal for them…

We have all seen children having tantrums at some stage. If you have a toddler you sympathise with the parents. If you don’t you shake your head and quietly think ‘mine would NEVER do that’.…

  When you return home with the new baby, present her with a gift from her new sibling. A doll and accessories is always a good idea. Your toddler will play up and demand your…

Just because a purple dinosaur says so doesn’t mean it’s going to happen no matter how many times we repeat this. Sharing is just not in their vocabulary when they are 2 years old. To…

Nasty or Unusual Habits and Behaviour Even the nicest toddlers can develop some nasty habits, so don’t be unduly worried if your little one picks up the odd habit. Most of these should be a…

When a child cries it is not only heart wrenching but can be agonising to the very sensitive eardrum, especially if you have no idea why your toddler is crying and you can’t get her…

Recently it dawned on me that 20 years ago when my daughter was born there was no cell phone, hands free, voice mail, BBM, IPad –   you get the picture? Has this changed the…