Blog
From Chaos to Calm: Creating Space for Mindfulness
Learn why mindfulness matters for kids. Right now, everything happening outside your home can be overwhelming for everyone in your family. When you need to destress, you might go for a run, call a friend to vent, or just take some alone time. Children need to decompress too, but they don’t always have the skills (yet) to regulate their emotions. When kids can practice mindfulness (noticing feelings, naming emotions, or asking for help with coping skills), they’re strengthening a critical part of their brain that links directly to improved...
read moreHappy Bonding at the Dinner Table
While it’s unlikely you need family mealtime chit-chat tips (especially if you have a chatterbox on your hands), the evening meal is still a great time to practice being present with each other. After all, in our modern world of iPhones and iPads, life is chock full of distractions—like really full—and unplugging from the gadgets for dinner is the perfect way to focus on what’s really important. Family mealtime need not be an everyday occurrence—life is busy—but when you can make it happen, make the most of it! 1. Bond by telling...
read morePositive Parenting: Alternatives to “No”
When it comes to parenting young children, it can be easy to fall into the habit of using the words “no” and “don’t” on repeat. Children, after all, do a lot of things we don’t want them to do—drawing on walls, for instance, or going for a ride on the family dog. Using “no” as the sole approach to communicating boundaries and limits can lead to frustration for all. Hearing a regular chorus of “no” and “don’t” can leave children feeling frustrated with themselves and the adult who is trying to manage their behaviour. However, sometimes parents...
read moreA guide to disciplining your kid
“Discipline is about guiding and teaching our children — it’s not about punishment or anger,” says Scott Wooding, a child psychologist in Calgary and author of The Parenting Crisis. “It’s simply a way of helping kids learn right from wrong, and keeping them safe.” Here are some strategies to keep your kids on track. How to discipline your toddler Where they’re at: Your little guy isn’t whining, fussing or having temper tantrums to manipulate you or make you angry, says Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Discipline...
read moreEaster chocolate cornflake nests recipe
Skill: Easy Cost: Cheap Prep: 50 mins Make: 12 Eater is coming so close! These little nests make great gifts for the children’s teachers and are perfect for kids’ parties at any time of the year- just decorated with sugar sprinkles, or even mini eggs during Easter season. You can also press the mixture into one large round tin and then top with marshmallows and a few candles for a bigger birthday cake. This is one recipe that you can happily let the children make by themselves – but be prepared for lots of messy hands and faces! Perfect for...
read moreChild Care Subsidy Changes in July 2018
8 min read From 1 July 2018, The Government Child Care Subsidy makes early learning more affordable for many Australians. The below guide is provided to help break down the benefits for you and your family. There are three means tests that will be applied to assess your eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy: 1. Combined family income The table below shows the percentage of child care fees the Government will contribute based on a family’s combined gross income: Combined annual family income^ Subsidy rate Up to $66,958 85% Over...
read more5 Children’s Books Starring: BUNNIES!
Easter is just around the corner! In honour of the season, we’ve put together a book list featuring the main stars: bunnies! Curl up with your little one outside in the sunshine and explore these hoppin’ good reads. 1- Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt Age group: Infants (0–1 year) Pat the Bunny is one of the first touch-and-feel board books ever created for infants, and April is the perfect time to explore this classic baby book featuring a bunny friend! 2– Are You My Cuddle Bunny? By Sandra Magsamen Illustrator Sandra...
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Happy New Year 2020
Happy new year from Kidscape Team! Wishing everyone a super productive & safe new year 2020. #Happy #Preschool #KidscapeAlbury #KidscapeBallarat...
read moreMusic help babies develop cognitive skills
Engaging musical experiences can help babies develop cognitive skills. A new study by scientists at the University of Washington’s Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) shows that a series of play sessions with music improved 9-month-old babies’ brain processing of both music and new speech sounds. At Kidscape, our music programme is designed to complement the preschool and kinder school readiness program with the objective to boost brain development. Source: University of Washington Credit: ©...
read moreYoga helps kids
It’s hard to be a kid today. Children deal with many distractions, temptations, overstimulation and peer pressure. Kidscape promotes daily Yoga & Mediation which help kids to: Develop body awareness Learn how to use their bodies in a healthy way Manage stress through breathing, awareness, meditation and healthy movement Build concentration Increase their confidence and positive self-image Feel part of a healthy, non-competitive group Have an alternative to tuning out through constant attachment to electronic...
read moreState of The Art New Centre Opening Soon – Ballarat Childcare!
Ballarat Childcare New Centre Opening Soon! Welcome to Kidscape Early Learning Centre Ballarat. Our experts designed classrooms — and every activity and lesson — to help prepare your child for success in school and beyond. With designated learning centres such as Music & Well Being Practices; Books Reading sessions in every classroom and State of The Art playgrounds, children have the opportunity for rich social play and child-initiated discovery. Join the waitlist! Discover why we’re families first choice in early learning in Ballarat,...
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