You play a big role in helping your child learn to eat! One of the most powerful things you can do is trust them to know when they’re hungry or full.

When adults provide the what, when, and where of meals — and children decide what and how much to eat — it builds confidence and healthy eating habits. 

Explore more tips and tasty recipes in Play School’s Let’s Eat Useful Cook Book. 
 

Cold weather is a fun time to explore the outdoors in a new way. Put on your gumboots and raincoat, look for bugs after the rain, go on a scavenger hunt, or throw rocks in puddles and watch them splash! Children can learn a lot by playing outside in all kinds of weather. Check out Children playing outside in all weathers from the Raising Children Network.

Children usually start learning to use the toilet between the ages of 2 and 3. It can be an exciting time for you and your child, but it might also feel a bit overwhelming. 

Learning to use the toilet can take a few days, weeks, or even months. Try to stay positive and cheer your child on - they’ll get there in the end! How do you know if they’re ready and how can you help them? Read more on Toilet training: when and how to do it from the Raising Children Network. 
 

Risky play is an important part of early childhood development. When children climb, jump, balance or explore new heights, they’re not just playing—they’re building confidence, resilience, and critical thinking skills.

Read about how parents can support young children’s risky play or watch this 'Risk in Play' video from the Raising Children Network. 

Regular health and development checks are a great way to celebrate your child’s progress and support their continued growth. Specialist nurses can offer helpful advice and guidance if any extra support is needed along the way. Starting Kindergarten with strong developmental foundations helps set children up for a healthy and thriving future.

For more information see Accessing Health Services – Information for Families or learn more about Learn the Signs. Act Early.
 

Lunchboxes don’t have to be fancy and include every food group to meet children’s needs. Aim to provide a mix of foods you know your child will eat, along with a new food to try. This could be as simple as a sandwich, yoghurt, fruit and veg sticks and maybe something extra—whatever you have readily available.

Check out more lunchbox ideas.

Join us for an Offline Adventure. A screen-free challenge that’s all about fun, connection, and creativity.

We are inviting families to swap screen time for activities that spark dreaming, connection, and play. Each day, we’ll share a family-friendly activity to try, and we’ll also take on an activity at our service.

Can’t fit it in that day? No worries! Save it for the weekend or whenever works best for you. Let’s make this adventure unforgettable!

Spark your imagination by creating a story with your family. Take turns adding to an imaginary adventure or act out a favourite book.

Conversation starters:

• If your favourite toy could talk, what would it say?
• If you could go on any adventure, where would you go?
• If your pet could talk, what would they say?

On your way out today, don’t forget to pick a question from the hat!

Take it home and ask your family during a meal — breakfast, lunch or dinner. Use this time to connect through conversation. If you can, eat with the children, even if it’s only a small amount. Children learn to feel safe around new foods when they see a trusted person eating that food.

You know that in-between time when you are between one activity and the next? Why not try filling that time with some dancing!

Waiting for dinner? Pop on your favourite tunes and dance about.

Conversation starters:

• How does dancing make you feel?
• Can you dance like an animal? Try a wiggly worm, a kangaroo or a tall giraffe.

Take some time to lie down with your child and guide them through placing their hands on their belly and closing their eyes (you can do the same).

Guide your child to take slow deep breaths. Encourage your child to breathe in the flowers (breathe in through the nose) and blow out the candles (blow out through the mouth). Encourage them to notice how their belly rises and falls, like a balloon inflating and deflating.

Conversation starters:

• What was the best part of your day?
• Can you send a happy thought to someone you love? Who did you choose?

Step outside and find a leaf that is bigger than your hand.

Conversation starters:

• What colour is the leaf?
• Can you find where the leaf came from?
• What sounds can you hear around you?

Instead of switching on the tv or a device, why not set up a pretend restaurant, shop or space station and see where you can go!

Conversation starters:

• What job would you like to try for a day?
• What would you sell in your shop?
• If you could be any animal for a day, which one would you choose?

Create a cosy cubby house using blankets, chairs, and cushions. Have your child add their favourite things to make it special.

Conversation starters:

• Who lives in your dream home?
• What fun rooms or secret hiding spots does it have?
• What stories or adventures happen inside?

Encourage children to pick something special from home—a favourite toy, book, stuffed animal, etc. and talk about why it’s important to them.

Conversation starters:

• What did you choose to share?
• Where did you get it from?
• Why is it special to you?
• How does it make you feel when you play with or look at it?

Family members take turns competing in fun challenges that get your bodies moving and develop fundamental movement skills.

Try out these activities in your family Olympics:

• Backyard running race (or running relay if you have 4 or more family members)
• Basketball dribble – who can dribble a ball the longest?
• Equestrian – set up a scarf or skipping rope on the ground. Whoever does the biggest leap wins.
• Sock toss- set up an empty washing basket in the middle of the yard. Each participant takes turns to try and get a ball of socks into the basket.