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How to Nurture Independence in Under-5s (& Why)

How to Nurture Independence in Under-5s (& Why)

A father teaching his son to feed himself.It’s easier and often quicker for adults to take the lead in getting toddlers and under-five children dressed, fed, washed and suchlike. However, at some point, our little ones have to become confident and self-sufficient at doing these – and many other things – themselves. After all, they won’t have Mum or Dad around when they’re starting at school. So, today, we look at the ways we can help children under five help themselves and become more independent, including in their learning. First, though, let’s look at the many benefits of encouraging their independence.

The Benefits of Independence to Under-Fives

The benefits of young children learning to become more independent include a whole host of both short- and long-term examples. As well as helping to equip under-fives with many of the tools required for a seamless transition to school, the benefits include:

  • Learning to be more independent can positively impact children's brain development, help them to develop important life skills and lead to higher grades at school.Increased self-esteem: Children feel a sense of accomplishment when they are able to do things on their own. This can give a healthy boost to their self-esteem.
  • A greater sense of autonomy: Children who are able to do things independently feel more in control of their own lives and have a stronger sense of autonomy.
  • Improved social skills: Children who are able to do things independently are often more confident in social situations. This can often can lead to improved social skills.
  • Improved relationships with peers: Children who are able to interact with others independently are more likely to form positive relationships with their peers, often leading to a better overall school experience.
  • Improved communication skills: Children who are able to express their thoughts and feelings independently may learn to communicate more readily with others.
  • Enhanced creativity: As children learn to play independently, they have more opportunities to explore and discover on their own. In turn, this can often foster opportunities for greater creativity and self-expression.
  • Toilet training is essential before starting school.Better self-management skills: Children who are used to taking care of themselves and making their own decisions are better able to manage their own learning and behaviour. This is important, particularly once they move on to a school setting. Studies published in the Journal of Educational Psychology have highlighted better grades and higher levels of achievement in this regard.
  • Greater confidence: Children who are independent and confident in their abilities are more likely to feel comfortable participating in class and asking for help when they need it. This is incredibly important.
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills: Children who are independent and able to think for themselves are better able to tackle new challenges and problem-solve, for example when faced with obstacles or problems.
  • Improved ability to handle stress: Children who are independent and able to take care of themselves are better able to handle stress and cope with challenges.
  • Children who are able to interact with others independently are more likely to form positive relationships, often leading to a better overall school experience.A greater sense of responsibility: Children who are able to do things independently may more easily learn to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions. Learning from one’s own mistakes is also one of life’s most important lessons.
  • Enhanced self-regulation skills: Children who are able to regulate their own behaviour and emotions are better able to focus and therefore to learn.
  • Improved physical coordination: Children who practise doing things independently, such as dressing themselves or tying their shoe laces, will naturally improve physical coordination and motor skills.
  • Enhanced cognitive skills: Exploring and discovering independently can help children develop cognitive skills including enhanced memory and concentration.
  • Enhanced emotional intelligence: Children who are able to express their feelings and emotions independently are more likely to develop skills associated with emotional intelligence.

Studies have shown that learning to be more independent can positively impact children’s brain development, help them to develop important life skills and even lead to them achieving higher grades at school.

How to Help Under-Fives be More Independent

Now we’ve looked at the benefits, here are our top suggestions for how to help children become more independent:

  • A mother helps their child learn to feed themselves.Encourage self-care skills: Help children learn how to dress themselves, brush their own teeth, and wash their own hands. These tasks may take longer at first, but children will feel proud when they learn to do them independently. (Look out for more detailed posts about some of these tasks on the blog).
  • Encourage exploration: Create a safe environment where children can explore and make their own discoveries. This helps them learn to problem-solve, assess risk and make decisions.
  • Encourage independence during play: Children learn best through play, so give them the opportunity to play independently. This helps them to learn, develop their own interests and gather new skills in their own, natural way.
  • Encourage children to express their feelings: Teach children how to express their thoughts and feelings in appropriate ways. This is healthy and also helps them feel confident and independent.
  • Teach children to brush their own teeth.Provide opportunities for children to make their own decisions: Give children small choices and let them choose what they want to do. This helps them feel a sense of control, encourages independence and builds confidence. A good example is allowing them to choose what they want to wear.
  • Encourage children to try new things: Encouraging children to (safely) try new activities and challenge themselves helps them to discover new passions and perhaps new hobbies. While doing so, it will build confidence and independence.
  • Encourage children to take on small responsibilities: Give children small tasks to complete, such as setting the table or helping to clear up after a meal. This helps them feel a sense of responsibility and independence.
  • Encourage children to problem-solve: When children encounter challenges, encourage them to think through the problem and find a solution on their own. This helps them develop independence and problem-solving skills.
  • Be patient and supportive: Encourage children’s independence at a pace that is comfortable for them. Be patient and offer support and encouragement as they learn to do things on their own.
  • An under-five girl learns to wash her own hands.Set realistic expectations: Children are still developing their skills and abilities, so be realistic about what they can do independently.
  • Provide a safe environment: Children need to feel safe in order to explore and try new things independently. Create a safe environment where children can take small risks, make mistakes and learn from them.
  • Encourage children to ask for help: Encourage children to ask for help when it’s needed, but also encourage them to try to solve problems on their own first.
  • Encourage children to be self-sufficient: Encourage children to do things on their own, such as packing their own lunch or getting dressed without assistance. This helps them feel more self-sufficient and independent.
  • Encourage children to express their opinions: Help children feel confident in expressing their opinions and ideas. Encourage them to speak up and share their thoughts.
  • Encourage children to set goals: Encourage children to set goals for themselves, which they can work towards achieving. This helps them develop independence and a sense of accomplishment. Learning to progress towards milestones one step at at time is an important life lesson.
  • Encourage children to be independent learners: Encourage children to explore and learn to love learning. Doing so will help them become more independent and studies show that independent learners generally go on to achieve more.

As the huge list of benefits suggests, encouraging independence in children can have a hugely positive impact on children. Most importantly, it can really help them in the development of a wide range of important life skills. These will serve them well as they transition to school and far beyond.

Are You Looking for the Best Nursery or Pre-School in Streatham?

Excellent childcare services in Streatham from Little Cedars Nursery

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good Provider of childcare services.If you are looking to give your baby, toddler or preschooler the best start in life, you’ll need a high quality childcare and ‘early years’ provider. Little Cedars nursery and pre-school in Streatham provides a high quality childcare service where staff support the happy children to achieve their full potential in life and in readiness for the transition to school. The nursery is a safe, warm and welcoming home-from-home for little ones, who are nurtured and looked after by caring, high quality staff. The setting and location may also suit families who live or work nearby in Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown or Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Register your baby, toddler or preschooler for a place today, or feel free to ask us any questions. Please choose a button below to get started:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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The Power of Positive Language for Under-5s

The Power of Positive Language for Under-Fives

We explore the issues around negative language and the simple solution represented by positive alternatives.In today’s post, we explore the benefits of using positive language around under-fives. All too often, it’s tempting to say ‘No!’, ‘Stop that!’ or even ‘Don’t Eat That!’ and similar around little ones. This is particularly true when you want them to cease the offending activity urgently or are simply exhausted if it’s been a challenging day. There are good reasons for such negative commands, of course, not least that of their safety in many cases. However, such commands can sound stern and cause stress for the little ones. What’s more, if a child hears too much negative language and cannot understand why they’re not allowed to do a particular thing, problems can begin to arise and, indeed, the issue can become insidious. It may even result in worsening behaviour. Let’s explore, therefore, the issues around negative language and the simple solution that’s available in the form of positive language.

What’s Wrong With Saying No?

There’s nothing wrong, per se, with telling your child not to do something. More often than not, such a ‘negative’ command is given from the need to protect a child — it’s for their own good. The issue is more about how you say it (we’ll come back to that later).

There’s nothing wrong, per se, with telling your child not to do something. It’s more about how you phrase it.

Once babies have become toddlers, they start to explore their surroundings and want to be into everything. It’s all such an adventure for them! However, while it’s fun for them, it’s our job as parents to protect them, and their peers, from harm. When setting boundaries our maturity and experience tells us when things are dangerous. Toddlers just haven’t got that sense of potential danger, though. They therefore may not understand that we are saying ‘no’ or ‘don’t do that’ for their own good.

The words we choose can significantly influence our children’s behaviour and achievements.Sometimes, though, constantly hearing ‘no’ can spark tantrums, particularly if a child doesn’t understand the reason they are not allowed to do something. They can feel particularly frustrated when they receive a succession of negative commands and, in the end, may feel they simply can’t do anything right. This can lead not only to stress for them, but also to possible low self-esteem. Furthermore, if they hear ‘no’ and other negative language too often, they can begin to ‘tune out’ to it. They could then go on to develop challenging behaviour due to this, their confusion and frustration. Stress levels can then rise for the parent too, the infant can pick up on this and it can become a real vicious circle. It doesn’t have to be that way, though …

What to Do Instead – Using Positive Language

The best way to counter a negative result from negative language is to try to use positive phrasing (we’ll come to some examples shortly). The words we choose can significantly influence our children’s behaviour and achievements. So, by changing our tone and choice of words, we can show toddlers an alternative action to what they originally intended to do — all achieved in a positive way.

Positive, encouraging words help children to feel happier about situations. Also, by the child choosing a more positive action, it can make them feel empowered. When they follow positive words and requests, it will bring about a sense of achievement for the child. Suddenly, from their perspective, they chose the ‘right’ course of action rather than coming away feeling that they did something wrong. Gradually, the whole environment at home can become calmer and more positive too. What a contrast this is to the negative alternative!

Examples:

Don't do this.Stop shouting!Do this insteadPlease use a much softer voice.
Don't do this.Don’t hit people!Do this insteadPlease use gentle hands, so your don’t hurt someone.
Don't do this.Do not take his toy!Do this insteadLet’s find another toy to play with until your friend has finished playing with it. There are plenty to choose from.
Don't do this.No, you cannot have a treat!Do this insteadPlease eat your dinner. If you eat enough of your proper food, you can have a treat afterwards.
Don't do this.Stop running!Do this insteadPlease stop running otherwise you may bump into something or hurt yourself. Let’s walk together and we’ll get there safely.
Don't do this.Don’t throw that ball in the house!Do this insteadShall we take the ball into the garden to play? It’s much safer as things won’t get broken outside.

Remember to praise them when they have followed your suggestion and made the right choice.

Tips:

  1. Be clear, with simple explanations.
  2. Provide alternative options — explain what they can do instead of what they can’t.
  3. Let them know what behaviour you want to see from them.
  4. Sometimes use a “yes you can, but later” approach.
  5. Praise them when you see them choose the better alternative.

Before long, your child will catch on and both parent and child will be be more at ease and each will be happy with the results. Indeed, our childcare professionals at Little Cedars Nursery often use this kind of approach — and it works!

High Quality Childcare in our Streatham Nursery & Pre-School

Give your child the best start in life with childcare from Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good Provider of childcare services.Little Cedars offers under-fives a first class early years education in a safe, homely and nurturing environment. We are an excellent nursery and pre-school in Streatham supplying a first class childcare service to families near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown as well as Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Please let us know if you’d like to register your baby, toddler or preschooler for a place at the nursery/pre-school. We can show you and your child around, confirm fees, answer any questions and clarify any Government childcare funding options. We’re here to help, so please get in touch:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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Baby Banks – Free Help for Families

Baby Banks - Free Help for Families

All sorts of equipment is available from Baby Banks, including prams, pushchairs and strollers.Today’s post will appeal to families who are finding the current financial climate particularly challenging. With energy costs and inflation so high, the following may represent a welcome piece of good news. Today we highlight the many Baby Banks that are popping up all around the UK and explain how they can help struggling families, all for free.

Baby Banks are a fabulous resource for families. In recent years, they have become very popular with families experiencing harder times, especially since the outbreak of Covid and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis. With such things putting a real squeeze of family finances, Baby Banks are really coming into their own to help families, their babies and children.

What’s a Baby Bank?

Bottles, formula milk and sterilising equipment are often available at baby banks.A Baby bank is a similar concept to a food bank. However, instead of food and drink, it provides second-hand clothing, toys and equipment for babies, under-fives and often even for children up to the age of 16 in some cases. Baby Banks can also be compared to a charity shop, however, with baby banks, everything is free.

What Can Families Get at Baby Banks?

Exactly what families can get depends on the particular Baby Bank itself and, of course, stock levels at any given time. Some things are more in demand than others too and exactly what items are stocked also varies between different Baby Banks. Here are some examples, however, of the typical kinds of things available to families from Baby Banks, all for free:

Clothes for babies, toddlers and children.Toys and other types of play equipment.
Towels, blankets and bedding.Nappies and wet wipes.
Cots, Moses baskets, cribs.Bottles and sterilising equipment.
Baby carriers.Baby foods and formula milk.
Prams, pushchairs and strollers.Toiletries.
High chairs, table-top feeding chairs, floor seats etc.Baby baths, including for newborns and older babies.
Baby bouncing chairs and baby rockers.Even car seats in some cases.

Example

Little Village’s video is well worth watching and really brings home how excellent and crucial Baby Banks are.

How Can Families Access Items from Baby Banks?

Toys and games are also often available at Baby BanksBaby Banks are run by all sorts of different people and organisations and therefore the rules around actually getting ones hands on the free items vary from Baby Bank to Baby Bank. Some accept requests for items directly from families themselves. Others only deal via a referral from some kind of professional. Examples include social workers, family support agencies, teachers, family centres, health visitors, medical professionals, food banks and women’s refuges. So, once you have located your nearest Baby Bank, you will need to check whether they will deal with you directly or only through such a referral. Either way, you will usually need to agree a time and date for collection of your item with the Baby Bank (you can’t usually just turn up, although there are exceptions). Not all Baby Banks are open all week and that’s another reason to check with Baby Banks or their websites first.

Can Families Donate Used Items to Baby Banks?

You can donate items in good condition to baby banks.Absolutely! Baby Banks rely on the generous donations from families that no long require their baby clothes or equipment. Perhaps the child has grown out of them and the items are still in good condition, or perhaps they were an unwanted gift. Donating items is also a great way to declutter and to make space in the home, as well as helping others. However, before donating to a Baby Bank, always check with them to see if all your proposed items are required and, as before, ensure you know whether an appointment is needed or whether you can just turn up with your items. Certain rules may also apply around the condition and type of items (this varies depending upon which Baby Bank you are dealing with). Baby car seats and electronic items may also have special rules due to the extra safety considerations.

Interactive map of UK Baby BanksWhere Can I Find My Nearest Baby Bank?

There’s a great resource that maps the location and information for over 200 Baby Banks throughout the UK. While this may not include absolutely every Baby Bank, it’s a great place to start looking for your nearest one. Access the interactive map by clicking the map image. You can zoom in or out and click individual map ‘pins’ to pop up contact details for each.

Baby Banks Near Streatham

Our nursery is in Streatham, so we thought we’d check what’s available near us. After all, it may help our nursery’s many families. According to the interactive map, the three Baby Banks closest to Streatham are Little Village Baby Bank in Wandsworth, Growbaby Baby Bank in Merton and Sutton Vineyard Lighthouse Baby Bank in Sutton. Their products appear to be free regardless of family income, faith or circumstance. Each provides used but good quality clothing and equipment for babies and children. According to their websites, Little Village is the only one of the three that requires a referral. Here are their details:

Little Village, WandsworthGrowbaby, MertonSutton Vineyard Lighthouse
SW17 7AP | Website | EmailCR4 2HA | Website | EmailSM1 1PR | Website | Email

Free Childcare Options for Streatham Families at Little Cedars Nursery

Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Little Cedars Nursery supports Government-funded childcare schemes for eligible families and this is another way they can save significant money. We support schemes for 15 hours per week of free childcare for eligible 2-year-olds, 15 hours of free childcare per week for 3 & 4-year-olds living in England and up to 30 hours per week for them if eligible for the top-up. We also support students requiring childcare through Student Childcare Grants & Schemes, families accessing Tax-Free Childcare, Free Childcare through Universal Credit, Childcare Vouchers and so on.

We are a high quality childcare nursery and pre-school in Streatham, also being close and convenient to those in Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss childcare funding options or a place for your child at the nursery. We’ll be happy to help. Please choose a button below to get started:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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Cress ‘Egg Heads’ Activity for Under-5s

Cress ‘Egg Heads’ Activity for Under-5s

Making cress egg people is great fun and educational for little children.A nature-based, food-related activity that young children can enjoy indoors at any time of the year is cress growing. Today we outline how it can be made even more fun and creative for kids by growing the cress as little ‘egg heads’. These come complete with comical faces and amusing hairstyles made of green cress shoots! Children will absolutely love it when they end up with little egg faces with spouting hairstyles that each have real character. And, they’ll even be able to eat the results!

It’s an Educational Activity

This activity is suitable, under adult supervision, even for the very young. Toddlers and under-fives will learn along the way too. They’ll learn lessons about nature, how seeds grow into plants and how some plants can be turned into tasty food — all with very little effort. It will also teach children about being responsible for another living thing.

Children will love this activity.Cress is Easy to Grow, & Tasty!

The good news is that cress is one of the easiest micro vegetables to grow. It can be grown more or less anywhere and with little maintenance. Historically cress was used in herbal medicine, but nowadays is used in meals for its distinctive flavour. Probably the most common use of cress is in egg and cress sandwiches. However, it’s also great in salads and makes an excellent garnish. Cress soup and cress pesto is delicious and very flavoursome!

Cress is Incredibly Nutritious!

Cress is also very nutritious. It contains potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and more. All these vitamins mean that cress has excellent health benefits and this beneficial micro vegetable can be easily fitted into children’s diets. Making it part of a fun activity will make it more likely that children will then eat it. There are no downsides to this excellent children’s activity!

The finished cress will be tasty and extremely nutritious. Great for growing children!Growing Cress for Small Kids and Big Kids

Cress seeds can be bought inexpensively in most garden centres and often in supermarkets. Generally, they are very cheap to buy too. You do not need to use the whole packet in one go either, so children can use only as much as they need for the activity and keep the rest in the packet for another time.

Children can grow the cress in any container they like. For this activity today, we chose to grow our cress in empty egg shell cases to create little ‘cress people’.

How to Grow Cress ‘Egg Heads’

  1. First, the parent should boil some eggs. Maybe do this when egg is on the menu for that day, so the cooked egg won’t be wasted.
  2. Then, once cooled, the tops of the eggs need to be carefully broken off. Carefully scoop out all the egg, taking care not to cause cracks anywhere, until you are left with an empty shell. Parents may need to help little children with this part.
  3. Egg shells held in place by an egg carton, with seeds sown.Next, find a vessel to prop the egg shells up in. This could simply be an egg cup or even an egg carton, like that shown in the photo. Then, decide what to fill the empty egg shells with. Children can choose either damp kitchen roll or damp compost/soil to grow the cress seeds on. Carefully fill the empty egg shells almost to the top with the chosen filler. (We tried both and each grew well. Interestingly, the cress seeds grown on kitchen roll tissue paper grew a little faster and therefore taller than those grown on compost. They therefore looked a bit more ‘wild’ — it was quite a surprise and had an amusing impact on the egg-people’s hairstyles).
  4. The seeds will eventually grow into green cress 'hair', giving the egg people real character!Make sure you or your child add some funny faces on the shells — maybe even give them names. The faces can be drawn simply using a marker pen (Sharpies are ideal) or you can get even more creative using coloured paints. Children may find drawing the faces easier if they are shown some visual reference and perhaps they can practise first on paper. If too young to draw suitable faces, a parent or creative older sibling may be able to help.
  5. Next, your child can sprinkle some seeds onto either the damp kitchen roll or damp earth (whichever has been used to fill the egg shells).
  6. Place onto the windowsill and ensure that your little one gives them a small amount of water each day to stop them drying out.
  7. Once the cress 'hair' is long enough, it can be harvested for use in salads and garnishes.Within a week or so, the little egg heads should begin to sprout green ‘hair’ shoots!
  8. A few days later, you should have some funny faces with lots of sprouting hair, ready to be cut for use in sandwiches, salads, garnishes or soups. And, if you have cut the ‘hair’ rather than pulling it out by the roots, it should re-grow and give you a second head of green hair and thereby an additional crop of tasty cress to eat! We chose to make an egg and cress sandwich but you can choose your own use of the cress.

All in all, it’s a fun, educational, creative and nutritious activity that children will really love! It’s also a great opportunity for parents or adult carers to interact with little ones and to guide them and teach them insights and lessons along the way. Such interaction is priceless for under-fives.

Outstanding Childcare for Your Child at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Give your baby, toddler or preschooler the very best start in life at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is an excellent nursery and pre-school in Streatham that provides babies, toddlers and under-5s with outstanding childcare and a first class early years education. The nursery is near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown and also close to Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood. We’d love to show you and your little one around, so why not come for a free guided tour where you’ll be able to ask any questions and see how well your child fits in.  Please select a button below to get in contact, arrange a tour or to apply for a place.

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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Childcare Funding Schemes for Students

Childcare Funding Schemes for Students

Some Government schemes offer help with childcare costs, potentially saving student parents substantial amounts.Are you a student as well as a parent? If so, there are several Government schemes that offer help with childcare costs, some of which will save student parents substantial amounts of money. By doing so, they also make the prospect of juggling parenthood with being a student much more manageable. Today we examine the key childcare funding options, including how the type of course and the age of the parent affect eligibility.

For Student Parents Studying in Full-Time Higher Education

The Student Childcare Grant

The Student Childcare Grant is essentially free childcare funding and does not have to be repaid.

Struggling with childcare and study? These childcare funding schemes may really help students.The very generous Student Childcare Grant is available for eligible students who who are studying full-time on a higher education course and have dependent children aged 14 or under (16 or under if they have special needs).

Additional eligibility factors regarding the Childcare Grant for Students:

  • You must either receive, or be eligible to receive, undergraduate Student Finance based on your household income.
  • The Student Childcare Grant is available in addition to any standard Student Finance that may be in place for you.
  • The grant does not have to be paid back.
  • It can cover up to 85%* of an eligible student’s childcare fees.
  • However, the most it will pay out for childcare each week is £183.75* if you have one eligible child, or £315.03* for more than one.
  • The child or children mentioned in your application must be financially dependent on you.
  • You, the parent, must be a permanent resident in England.
  • You are not eligible for the Childcare Grant for Students if you are in receipt of a Postgraduate Loan.
  • You are also not eligible for the Student Childcare Grant if you, or your partner if you have one, claim Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit or the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.
  • Families who get financial support through the National Health Service are also not eligible.

The Student Childcare Grant is paid into a Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS) account and an eligible childcare provider will be paid directly from this once the course has begun. There are strict rules around eligibility for the childcare provider, including that they must be properly registered as such (e.g. with Ofsted or the General Childcare Register) and cannot be a relative if the childcare is taking place at home.

Find out more about Student Childcare Grants and the application process here.

For Student Parents (20+) Studying in Further Education & Facing Financial Hardship

The ‘Learner Support’ Scheme

The Learner Support scheme helps parents aged 20 or over who are studying in further education and facing financial hardship.If you are aged 20 or over, are a parent studying in further education for a qualification on a Level 3 course or below and are facing financial hardship, you may be eligible for childcare funding under the Learner Support scheme. This funding could help you with childcare and other study-related costs if you fit the right eligibility criteria.

How much childcare funding you are eligible for through the scheme depends upon your exact circumstances and income. The childcare provider, though, must be Ofsted-registered.

Those studying in higher education and in receipt of Student Finance are not eligible, nor are those studying on a Community Learning course. There are also some specific rules for those who are helped via the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund.

Find out more about childcare funding through the Learner Support Scheme, including how to apply for it, here.

For Student Parents Under 20 Studying on a Publicly-Funded Course

The ‘Care to Learn’ Scheme

If you are a student parent under 20 studying in a publicly-funded course, the Care to Learn scheme helps to fund childcare.If you are a parent as well as a student aged under 20 when you begin one of a range of publicly-funded courses in England, you may be eligible for childcare funding through the Care to Learn bursary scheme. If eligible, you could claim as much as £175 in childcare per week, per child if you live in London, reducing to £160 per week, per child, outside London.

Care to Learn funding can be used for the standard childcare costs as well as both a deposit and a registration fee. It can even be used to fund a childcare ‘taster’ period of up to 5 days for your child and to fund your travel costs to/from the childcare setting. What’s more, it can also be used to secure your childcare place during Summer Holidays.

Publicly-funded courses that fit in with the scheme include schools, sixth-form schools/colleges, academies, some colleges and a few other types of setting. However, your course must not be a higher education course at a university, nor can you claim if you are studying as an apprentice and receive payment for it.

Your childcare provider must be either Ofsted-registered, a school, or registered with a childminding agency. However, if so, they can be a nursery, pre-school, playgroup, out-of-school club or simply a childminder. They receive payments direct, but can only claim payments once they have confirmed both your attendance on your course and your child’s attendance at the childcare setting.

Find out more about the Care to Learn Scheme and how to apply here.

Free Childcare for Streatham Students at Little Cedars Nursery

Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Little Cedars supports all official childcare funding schemes and offers high quality childcare at it’s nursery and pre-school in Streatham. We may therefore suit parents who are also students studying at one of the many schools, sixth-forms, colleges, universities and training centres nearby, including around Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton. We would be happy to discuss childcare funding options with any parent and can often point people in the right direction, including knowledge on eligibility, applications and actual funding. If you’d like to know more or would like to reserve a childcare place for your child at the nursery, please follow the buttons below.

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

* Figures are correct at time of writing (October 2022) in relation to the academic year 2022-2023.

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Why Your Child Should Learn a Musical Instrument

Why your child should learn to play a musical instrument.

Children will naturally start to move, dance, join in or even learn songs that they hear.Both children and adults have a natural affinity with music. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures that just about everyone seems to enjoy in one way or another. Children will naturally start to move, dance, join in or even learn songs that they hear — such reactions seem instinctive to them. Learning to play a musical instrument is therefore a natural next step for them. Indeed, it’s one that parents, guardians and carers should consider encouraging, particularly given how beneficial such an endeavour will be to their child. Learning to play a musical instrument is not simply fun; it profoundly benefits children’s learning and development. With that in mind, we take a look today at the incredible array of benefits that learning a musical instrument poses for children, including under-fives.

The Benefits of Learning to Play a Musical Instrument

• Enhanced Cognitive Development

As something that stimulates multiple senses and encourages new connections in the brain, learning to play music aids cognitive development and enhances memory skills. Because of this, children who learn to play and read music have been shown to achieve better grades at school and in exams.

“Children who learn to read music achieve better grades at school and in exams.”

• Improved Coordination

Hand-eye coordination skills are also aided when learning to play a musical instrument.Studies have also shown that learning an instrument or learning how to read music develops the left side of the brain. This area is responsible for processing language and reasoning. Hand-eye coordination skills are also aided when learning to play a musical instrument and reading music. As children’s playing and reading become more advanced, it requires the brain to work at a range of speeds, which is also great exercise for the brain.

• Improved Well-being

Music has different effects on mood, depending on the music, style and time signature. It can have a calming effect, for sure, and importantly can be a great stress reliever. Children can ‘lose themselves’, entering a different phase of being when focusing on playing or listening to music. When playing in the background, music can also help to promote concentration, for example if they are working, drawing or being creative.

• Allowing Self-Expression

Music gives children a really flexible way of expressing themselves.Music gives children a really flexible way of expressing themselves. For instance, the way they choose to bang on a drum, shake a tambourine or strum a guitar can allow them to show happiness, anger, frustration, calmness and many other emotions. Playing a musical instrument gives them a real freedom of expression, even at a very young age. Then, if they reach a point where they are able to make up their own melodies and arrangements, music can become an almost immeasurably powerful tool for self-expression and communication.

• Encouraging Social Skills & More

Group music sessions are a brilliant way for children to make friends and enhance social skills. Whether collaborating on a piece of music with friends at pre-school, school or outside of nursery/education, it encourages teamwork, cooperation and working towards a common goal. A healthy dose of socialising and fun is all a part of it too. A progression, perhaps, to music clubs will also encourage little ones to mix with children of other ages. In turn, such group music activity can help children become inspired and further encouraged by peers.

“Music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” — Billy Joel

• Improved Mathematics Skills

It's never too early or too late for children to start learning to play a musical instrument.Although playing an instrument is creative, music and maths are very much intertwined. Beats, rhythms and scales are all based on maths and children naturally need to work out some maths in order to understand the song and any sheet music. This will naturally help them to better grasp mathematics and illustrate a real-world example of how it underlies many things.

• Boosting Reading Skills

Reading music is a whole new skill that children can get to grips with once they’re at a suitable level of cognitive development. The child needs to read and work out which notes to play, how long to hold them, what key is involved, how to read on ahead, follow rhythm and patterns and so on. It’s an amazing skill to accomplish and is an excellent way to boost reading skills as well as cognitive function, hand-eye coordination, self-expression and so much more.

• Better Listening Skills

Music is a natural way to encourage listening and that's even more true when children learn to play music themselves.Whether your child is listening to a tutor, teacher, friend or relative, listening skills are very important. Music is a natural way to encourage listening and that’s even more true when children learn to play music themselves. Doing so in their early years will help them to follow instructions, listen out for smaller details as well as the bigger picture. Working together on a piece of music is also a fantastic way to hone group listening skills and teamwork and to encourage collaboration.

• Improving Understanding of Culture & History

Music can open up a whole new world to children. It can give them new insights into different countries, different eras, different cultures and different styles. They’ll suddenly become aware, for instance, of rock, blues, jazz, folk etc. and how other cultures use different instruments and styles in their music.

• Supporting the EYFS

Playing a musical instrument helps all 7 areas of the EYFS.Indeed, music helps to support all 7 focus areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Learning to play and read music helps children improve personal, social and emotional development, physical development (fine motor skills etc.) communication and language, literacy, maths, understanding the world as we saw above and, of course, expressive arts through musical expression and creativity. All these things are at the core of the EYFS. Music is amazingly powerful and impactful in its reach and the bottom line is that it helps children boost grades.

• Boosting Confidence

Playing music helps children to boost self-esteem and self-confidence.When children master a song, no matter how basic, they get an enormous sense of achievement and even more so if they are praised by adults and peers. Such praise also encourages the child to progress further, of course. Boosting self-esteem and self-confidence in their early years is important for their future wellbeing too. Achieving something through learning, patience and practising regularly also teaches them that persistence and effort will help them overcome challenges. That’s a very important lesson in life.

It’s Never too Early or too Late to Start Playing Music

It’s never too late or too early to start learning a musical instrument. With all the benefits, though, it makes sense to give your little one the wonderful opportunities that playing musical instruments provides as early as possible. It’s easy to start, too. When they’re tiny, you could start them off with simple instruments. For example, they could beat a drum — even a home-made drum, which can be simply an empty box, upturned container or upturned pots and pans, using a wooden spoons as drumsticks. Triangles are simple for infants to ‘ting’ and tambourines are super-easy for toddlers to shake. There are lots of simple ways children can begin to learn to play music themselves.Little ones can first practise keeping in time to music or a beat that an adult is demonstrating, perhaps. Maracas are also good starter instruments although, again, anything that makes a shaking sound can be made at home at zero cost. For instance using an empty carton or plastic container securely sealed with dried rice, pasta or lentils inside. Once they get the hang of such percussive or shaker-style instruments, you can consider transitioning them to more advanced instruments like recorders, ocarinas, keyboards, stringed instruments and so on. Often, children will be more than willing to give such instruments a try and some encouragement and guidance from knowledgeable adults or older children will always be helpful. And, who knows, they could end up being maestros and even stars in the making!

Outstanding Childcare at a Good Nursery in Streatham

Little Cedars (Streatham) is a good nursery/pre-school across all areas, say Ofsted

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderOfsted independently rates Little Cedars Nursery as a good early years provider, scoring high in all areas that they assess. We are a high quality nursery and pre-school in Streatham that gives babies, toddlers and under-5s the very best start in life. By the time they leave us, they’ve achieved personal bests in every area of the curriculum and we aim to ensure they’re ‘school ready’ by the time they leave us at the age of five.

We’re very near to Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown as well as being conveniently close to Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood. Why not come for a guided tour with your little one — or simply apply for a nursery place for your child.  Get started by choosing an appropriate contact button below. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions.

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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Bilateral Coordination in Children – What’s it All About?

Bilateral Coordination in Children – What's it All About?

Today we explain what Bilateral Coordination is, why it's important and how it benefits children.Bilateral coordination is an important skill for children to master and is something that parents should look out for as children develop in their early years. Today we look at the topic, explaining what it is, why it’s important and how mastery of the skill benefits little ones.

What is Bilateral Coordination?

Bilateral coordination refers to the developmental skill of accomplishing one or more activities, using both sides of the body at the same time. Examples might include using one hand to hold paper still and the other to draw, or coordinating each foot in a different way in order to successfully propel oneself on a scooter or bicycle.

“Crossing the Midline”

Crossing the midline refers to a person reaching across their body, from one side to the opposite side, in order to complete a task.You may also hear reference to the phrase crossing the midline and this is also linked to bilateral coordination. It refers to a person reaching across their body, from one side to the opposite side, in order to complete a task. An example would be a child reaching with their right hand, across their body, to pick up a toy that’s to their left. Crossing the midline in such a way is a significant step because it demonstrates that infants have progressed from naturally using the side of their body nearest the object to using a dominant or preferred side. This may be the first indication parents have of whether their child is going to be left- or right-handed.

Why is Bilateral Coordination Important?

As adults, we take bilateral coordination very much for granted, forgetting that we weren’t born with such abilities. Being able to coordinate both sides of the body to accomplish tasks, activities or even just movements is incredibly important. If children don’t learn the skill, they may appear clumsy and Lack of bilateral coordination skills can make even simple things very difficult for children.uncoordinated and will struggle with a variety of physical tasks.

Signs of Possible Difficulty

Parents/carers can watch out for signs of possible difficulty with bilateral coordination in children. Signs could include difficulty tying shoe laces, buttoning up clothes, handwriting, catching a ball, clapping and even knowing when to lift or bend a limb in order to achieve a particular physical movement — when walking up a step, for example. The appearance of clumsiness is another sign.

The 3 Types of Bilateral Coordination

Bilateral coordination falls into three categories:

  1. Creative activities that require precise hand-eye coordination can help.Reciprocal bilateral coordination: this is where both sides of the body form a rhythmic motion but the movements on each side alternate. Examples include walking, swimming and cycling.
  2. Symmetrical bilateral coordination: this is where both sides of the body are performing the same task at the same time. For example, clapping, catching a ball or doing star jumps.
  3. Asymmetrical bilateral coordination: here, both sides of the body are required to perform a task, but the motions on one side do not match those on the other at all. Cutting a piece of paper, for example, involves one hand holding or moving the paper and the other using the scissors. Tying shoe laces also requires each hand to perform a different task. Playing a musical instrument is another example. For instance, violin strings will need to be held down against the fret board by one hand and played with the other using a bow.

In many cases, the child will find themselves using a worker hand on one side of the body and a helper hand on the other. One ultimately becomes the dominant hand in 99% of all children. Thus, they become either left-handed or right-handed. Just 1% of people are properly ambidextrous, i.e. having no dominant hand, although many more will exhibit one or more ambidextrous skills at some stage of their development.

The Motor Skills Needed for Bilateral Coordination

Mastery of bilateral coordination requires children to develop fine, gross and visual motor skills.Mastery of bilateral coordination requires children to develop and fine-tune three types of motor skill:

  • Fine motor skills — the smaller, precise movements needed to accomplish things like building with Lego blocks, doing up buttons etc;
  • Gross motor skills e.g. walking, crawling, skipping, jumping, riding a bike or peddling a scooter;
  • Visual motor skills e.g. using skilled hand-eye coordination for writing, drawing, tracing and using scissors to make accurate cuts.

Activities That Help Improve Bilateral Coordination

When age appropriate for safety purposes, practising activities like those above and listed below can help children to improve bilateral coordination and body awareness:

  • Ball games are just one of the activities that can help children practise bilateral coordination skills.Threading beads on a string, or string through holes punched though paper or card;
  • Playing catch with a ball;
  • Ball games that use hands and/or feet;
  • Playing with musical instruments e.g. banging drums, playing a keyboard etc.;
  • Carefully cutting or tearing paper along a specific path;
  • Popping bubbles using both hands;
  • Bilateral coordination falls into three categories: reciprocal, symmetrical and asymmetrical.Play-doh — squeezing and rolling it, including use of tools to shape it;
  • Playing physical movement games like ‘Simon Says’;
  • Playing with equipment in playgrounds, for example climbing up a ramp or climbing frame etc;
  • Helping with household duties like carrying shopping, filling or emptying bags, loading and unloading washing;
  • Swimming and other sports activities;
  • Role play as animals e.g. walking on all fours, walking sideways, jumping etc.;
  • Playing the commercial game ‘Twister’, which is also brilliant fun.

Playing with blocks or lego helps infants develop bilateral coordination skills.These are just a few examples. Any age-appropriate game or activity is likely to help improve bilateral coordination so long as it requires precise, measured movements and coordination of both sides of the body. It’s a case of the child practising over time, often through play, until a particular physical outcome has been mastered. Progress is particularly easy to see in babies and infants as they gradually become more physically able, dextrous, strong and coordinated.

Any Concerns?

We should mention that some children take longer than others to achieve mastery of bilateral coordination and this is quite normal — every child is different. That said, a few children are affected by conditions such as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (‘DCD’) and Dyspraxia, which adversely affect coordination. However, a positive diagnosis of such conditions is only really possible once a child reaches the age of 4 or 5. Our Guide to DCD and Dyspraxia in Children explains more. If you have any concerns about your child, please ask your GP or health visitor for a professional opinion.

Nursery Places at Little Cedars Nursery & Pre-school, Streatham

Little Cedars Nursery is in Streatham, close to Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury & Colliers Wood

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is a wonderful nursery and pre-school in Streatham. It offers an outstandingly good childcare service near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown. We’re also conveniently located if you live or work near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury or Colliers Wood. Click a button below to apply for a nursery place, arrange a free tour of the nursery or to contact us with any queries — we’re here to help!

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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24 Quotes to Amuse Every Parent

24 Parenting Quotes to Amuse Every Parent

As we research and write our blog articles each month, we often stumble upon amusing quotes by parents along the way. So, today we share 24 that made us smile or even laugh out loud. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. Some resonate in ways that are perhaps not totally ‘PC’ (but that’s what makes them funny), while others are just plain hilarious because they so accurately highlight the challenges parents can face. The Ryan Reynolds quote at the start always brings a smile to our faces but the ‘toddler with a Sharpie’ quote near the end is our outright favourite in this particular collection.

Share these parenting quotes on social media, pin them on Pinterest, bookmark them and/or link to them however you like.

If viewing on a tablet or desktop screen, click any quotation to see it larger, then use the forward/back arrows to scroll through them all at that size …

Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.
Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.
As parents, we guide by our unspoken example. It is only when we’re talking to them that our kids aren’t listening.
As parents, we guide by our unspoken example. It is only when we’re talking to them that our kids aren’t listening.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.
When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.
When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
90% of parenting is just thinking about when you can lie down again.
90% of parenting is just thinking about when you can lie down again.
My friend asked me recently what the most difficult part of being a parent is ... “Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids,” I replied.
My friend asked me recently what the most difficult part of being a parent is ... “Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids,” I replied.
Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made coffee. 4. Drink it cold.
Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made coffee. 4. Drink it cold.
Sometimes for fun I wash my daughter’s glittery dresses with my husband’s work shirts just so he can have a lil extra razzle dazzle in his day.
Sometimes for fun I wash my daughter’s glittery dresses with my husband’s work shirts just so he can have a lil extra razzle dazzle in his day.
Parenthood is just one long hostage situation except there’s nobody coming to save you.
Parenthood is just one long hostage situation except there’s nobody coming to save you.
Parenthood is: 60% Feeding, 30% Worrying, 20% Nappy changing, 70% Being so tired you can't even do simple maths any more.
Parenthood is: 60% Feeding, 30% Worrying, 20% Nappy changing, 70% Being so tired you can't even do simple maths any more.
Having a 2-year-old is like owning a blender that you don't have a top for.
Having a 2-year-old is like owning a blender that you don't have a top for.
Sometimes I question my parenting. But in all fairness, I also question my child's childing.
Sometimes I question my parenting. But in all fairness, I also question my child's childing.
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.
Silence is golden. Unless you have toddler — then it's just suspicious.
Silence is golden. Unless you have toddler — then it's just suspicious.
If I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.
If I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.
Momster: What happens to mum after she counts to 3.
Momster: What happens to mum after she counts to 3.
Who knew you could ruin a child's day simply by serving milk in the wrong coloured cup?
Who knew you could ruin a child's day simply by serving milk in the wrong coloured cup?
You know what it's like having a fourth kid? Imagine you are drowning, then someone hands you a baby.
You know what it's like having a fourth kid? Imagine you are drowning, then someone hands you a baby.
Mum 1: “I'm done. I'm selling my kid on eBay.” Mum 2: “Don't be silly; you made him. Sell him on Etsy!”
Mum 1: “I'm done. I'm selling my kid on eBay.” Mum 2: “Don't be silly; you made him. Sell him on Etsy!”
Currently helping my son search for his chocolate that I ate last night.
Currently helping my son search for his chocolate that I ate last night.
Nobody learns to parkour faster than a parent chasing a toddler with a Sharpie.
Nobody learns to parkour faster than a parent chasing a toddler with a Sharpie.
Hell hath no fury like a child whose sibling just pushed the elevator button.
Hell hath no fury like a child whose sibling just pushed the elevator button.
If you steal my identity you better believe that it comes with 4 kids.
If you steal my identity you better believe that it comes with 4 kids.
Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.
Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.
As parents, we guide by our unspoken example. It is only when we’re talking to them that our kids aren’t listening.
As parents, we guide by our unspoken example. It is only when we’re talking to them that our kids aren’t listening.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.
When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.
When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
90% of parenting is just thinking about when you can lie down again.
90% of parenting is just thinking about when you can lie down again.
My friend asked me recently what the most difficult part of being a parent is ... “Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids,” I replied.
My friend asked me recently what the most difficult part of being a parent is ... “Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids,” I replied.
Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made coffee. 4. Drink it cold.
Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made coffee. 4. Drink it cold.
Sometimes for fun I wash my daughter’s glittery dresses with my husband’s work shirts just so he can have a lil extra razzle dazzle in his day.
Sometimes for fun I wash my daughter’s glittery dresses with my husband’s work shirts just so he can have a lil extra razzle dazzle in his day.
Parenthood is just one long hostage situation except there’s nobody coming to save you.
Parenthood is just one long hostage situation except there’s nobody coming to save you.
Parenthood is: 60% Feeding, 30% Worrying, 20% Nappy changing, 70% Being so tired you can't even do simple maths any more.
Parenthood is: 60% Feeding, 30% Worrying, 20% Nappy changing, 70% Being so tired you can't even do simple maths any more.
Having a 2-year-old is like owning a blender that you don't have a top for.
Having a 2-year-old is like owning a blender that you don't have a top for.
Sometimes I question my parenting. But in all fairness, I also question my child's childing.
Sometimes I question my parenting. But in all fairness, I also question my child's childing.
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.
Silence is golden. Unless you have toddler — then it's just suspicious.
Silence is golden. Unless you have toddler — then it's just suspicious.
If I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.
If I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.
Momster: What happens to mum after she counts to 3.
Momster: What happens to mum after she counts to 3.
Who knew you could ruin a child's day simply by serving milk in the wrong coloured cup?
Who knew you could ruin a child's day simply by serving milk in the wrong coloured cup?
You know what it's like having a fourth kid? Imagine you are drowning, then someone hands you a baby.
You know what it's like having a fourth kid? Imagine you are drowning, then someone hands you a baby.
Mum 1: “I'm done. I'm selling my kid on eBay.” Mum 2: “Don't be silly; you made him. Sell him on Etsy!”
Mum 1: “I'm done. I'm selling my kid on eBay.” Mum 2: “Don't be silly; you made him. Sell him on Etsy!”
Currently helping my son search for his chocolate that I ate last night.
Currently helping my son search for his chocolate that I ate last night.
Nobody learns to parkour faster than a parent chasing a toddler with a Sharpie.
Nobody learns to parkour faster than a parent chasing a toddler with a Sharpie.
Hell hath no fury like a child whose sibling just pushed the elevator button.
Hell hath no fury like a child whose sibling just pushed the elevator button.
If you steal my identity you better believe that it comes with 4 kids.
If you steal my identity you better believe that it comes with 4 kids.
Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.
Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.
As parents, we guide by our unspoken example. It is only when we’re talking to them that our kids aren’t listening.
As parents, we guide by our unspoken example. It is only when we’re talking to them that our kids aren’t listening.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.
When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.
When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
90% of parenting is just thinking about when you can lie down again.
90% of parenting is just thinking about when you can lie down again.
My friend asked me recently what the most difficult part of being a parent is ... “Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids,” I replied.
My friend asked me recently what the most difficult part of being a parent is ... “Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids,” I replied.
Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made coffee. 4. Drink it cold.
Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made coffee. 4. Drink it cold.
Sometimes for fun I wash my daughter’s glittery dresses with my husband’s work shirts just so he can have a lil extra razzle dazzle in his day.
Sometimes for fun I wash my daughter’s glittery dresses with my husband’s work shirts just so he can have a lil extra razzle dazzle in his day.
Parenthood is just one long hostage situation except there’s nobody coming to save you.
Parenthood is just one long hostage situation except there’s nobody coming to save you.
Parenthood is: 60% Feeding, 30% Worrying, 20% Nappy changing, 70% Being so tired you can't even do simple maths any more.
Parenthood is: 60% Feeding, 30% Worrying, 20% Nappy changing, 70% Being so tired you can't even do simple maths any more.
Having a 2-year-old is like owning a blender that you don't have a top for.
Having a 2-year-old is like owning a blender that you don't have a top for.
Sometimes I question my parenting. But in all fairness, I also question my child's childing.
Sometimes I question my parenting. But in all fairness, I also question my child's childing.
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.
Silence is golden. Unless you have toddler — then it's just suspicious.
Silence is golden. Unless you have toddler — then it's just suspicious.
If I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.
If I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.
Momster: What happens to mum after she counts to 3.
Momster: What happens to mum after she counts to 3.
Who knew you could ruin a child's day simply by serving milk in the wrong coloured cup?
Who knew you could ruin a child's day simply by serving milk in the wrong coloured cup?
You know what it's like having a fourth kid? Imagine you are drowning, then someone hands you a baby.
You know what it's like having a fourth kid? Imagine you are drowning, then someone hands you a baby.
Mum 1: “I'm done. I'm selling my kid on eBay.” Mum 2: “Don't be silly; you made him. Sell him on Etsy!”
Mum 1: “I'm done. I'm selling my kid on eBay.” Mum 2: “Don't be silly; you made him. Sell him on Etsy!”
Currently helping my son search for his chocolate that I ate last night.
Currently helping my son search for his chocolate that I ate last night.
Nobody learns to parkour faster than a parent chasing a toddler with a Sharpie.
Nobody learns to parkour faster than a parent chasing a toddler with a Sharpie.
Hell hath no fury like a child whose sibling just pushed the elevator button.
Hell hath no fury like a child whose sibling just pushed the elevator button.
If you steal my identity you better believe that it comes with 4 kids.
If you steal my identity you better believe that it comes with 4 kids.
Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.
Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.
As parents, we guide by our unspoken example. It is only when we’re talking to them that our kids aren’t listening.
As parents, we guide by our unspoken example. It is only when we’re talking to them that our kids aren’t listening.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.
When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.
When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
90% of parenting is just thinking about when you can lie down again.
90% of parenting is just thinking about when you can lie down again.
My friend asked me recently what the most difficult part of being a parent is ... “Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids,” I replied.
My friend asked me recently what the most difficult part of being a parent is ... “Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids,” I replied.
Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made coffee. 4. Drink it cold.
Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made coffee. 4. Drink it cold.
Sometimes for fun I wash my daughter’s glittery dresses with my husband’s work shirts just so he can have a lil extra razzle dazzle in his day.
Sometimes for fun I wash my daughter’s glittery dresses with my husband’s work shirts just so he can have a lil extra razzle dazzle in his day.
Parenthood is just one long hostage situation except there’s nobody coming to save you.
Parenthood is just one long hostage situation except there’s nobody coming to save you.
Parenthood is: 60% Feeding, 30% Worrying, 20% Nappy changing, 70% Being so tired you can't even do simple maths any more.
Parenthood is: 60% Feeding, 30% Worrying, 20% Nappy changing, 70% Being so tired you can't even do simple maths any more.
Having a 2-year-old is like owning a blender that you don't have a top for.
Having a 2-year-old is like owning a blender that you don't have a top for.
Sometimes I question my parenting. But in all fairness, I also question my child's childing.
Sometimes I question my parenting. But in all fairness, I also question my child's childing.
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.
Silence is golden. Unless you have toddler — then it's just suspicious.
Silence is golden. Unless you have toddler — then it's just suspicious.
If I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.
If I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.
Momster: What happens to mum after she counts to 3.
Momster: What happens to mum after she counts to 3.
Who knew you could ruin a child's day simply by serving milk in the wrong coloured cup?
Who knew you could ruin a child's day simply by serving milk in the wrong coloured cup?
You know what it's like having a fourth kid? Imagine you are drowning, then someone hands you a baby.
You know what it's like having a fourth kid? Imagine you are drowning, then someone hands you a baby.
Mum 1: “I'm done. I'm selling my kid on eBay.” Mum 2: “Don't be silly; you made him. Sell him on Etsy!”
Mum 1: “I'm done. I'm selling my kid on eBay.” Mum 2: “Don't be silly; you made him. Sell him on Etsy!”
Currently helping my son search for his chocolate that I ate last night.
Currently helping my son search for his chocolate that I ate last night.
Nobody learns to parkour faster than a parent chasing a toddler with a Sharpie.
Nobody learns to parkour faster than a parent chasing a toddler with a Sharpie.
Hell hath no fury like a child whose sibling just pushed the elevator button.
Hell hath no fury like a child whose sibling just pushed the elevator button.
If you steal my identity you better believe that it comes with 4 kids.
If you steal my identity you better believe that it comes with 4 kids.

We hope you enjoyed this selection of parenting quotes – we’ll follow up with more at some time in the future if so.

A Fabulous Nursery & Pre-school in Streatham, London SW16

Are you looking for a good nursery in Streatham, or near to Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury or Colliers Wood?

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderIf you are looking for a good nursery/pre-school in Streatham, or near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common or Furzedown, do consider Little Cedars Nursery. It’s incredibly important to choose the best nursery or pre-school for your child and doing so will give them the very best start in life. Ofsted rate Little Cedars as a ‘good’ nursery — in every category. We’re also very conveniently located if you’re looking for good childcare services within easy travelling distance of Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury or Colliers Wood. Contact Little Cedars Nursery today to get started on a high quality childcare place for your child, or simply book a tour and we’ll be happy to show you around:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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Sleep Safety for Babies & Infants (New Guidance)

Sleep Safety for Babies & Infants (New Guidance)

Sadly, SIDS and other sleep-related issues are responsible for nearly 200 infant deaths in the UK & 3,500 every year in the U.S.June 2022 has seen the release of a new set of recommendations that outline ways to reduce the likelihood of sleep-related deaths amongst babies and infants up to the age of 1. This includes, but is not limited to, deaths related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Sadly, SIDS and other sleep-related issues are responsible for nearly 200 infant deaths in the UK each year and up to a staggering 3,500 every year in the United States. Perhaps even more surprisingly, that last number has not reduced at all in the last 30 or so years. This new set of recommendations from experts in the U.S. aims to change that and is something that all parents need to take a look at if they have a baby or infant. Let’s take a look at the new guidance …

“…simple is best: babies should always sleep in a crib or bassinet [static cradle], on their back, without soft toys, pillows, blankets or other bedding.”

According to the new 2022 report, parents and carers of babies/infants should follow the following guidelines:

Things to Avoid:

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, opioids and the taking of illicit drugs during and after pregnancy.
Avoid allowing infants to sleep on their side and never let them sleep face-down. Some parents may have concerns about their child choking when placed (rightly) on their backs when sleeping, particularly if they suffer from gastroesophageal reflux (GER). However, the latest guidance explains how the child’s anatomy protects against choking and this is best explained in a short video.
Avoid sharing your bed with a baby or infant. Statistically, infants are at significantly greater risk of SIDS or injury in a shared bed. The AAP, authors of the new guidance, even go as far as saying that they do not support the practice under any circumstances.
Co-bedding (bed sharing) by twins, triplets, etc. is not recommended and the new guidance says that any perceived benefit of siblings co-bedding is simply outweighed by the risks.
Avoid the use of crib ‘bumpers’ because infants can roll against these, get into breathing difficulties and even die from lack of oxygen (as has sadly happened).

“Loungers and pillow-like products are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation,” (CPSC)

For exactly the same reason, avoid the use of blankets and any kind of pillow, including those not intended for sleep. Indeed, some ‘Boppy’ pillows and ‘loungers’ have been recalled after being linked to the death of several infants, according to USA Today(∞). The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has also issued warnings about Podster, Podster Plush, Bummzie, and Podster Playtime infant loungers.(∞)
In regard to soft bedding, avoid putting weighted blankets, sleepers, swaddles or anything else that’s weighted in or near to a sleeping infant.
Avoid the use of inclined ‘sleepers’ and rockers for sleeping infants — or anything that puts the infant into an inclined or scrunched-up position. An incline may cause the child to roll and then get into breathing difficulties. That could potentially prove fatal due to suffocation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and latest guidance advises that you should never allow a baby to sleep on an incline of more than 10 degrees.

“Keep soft objects, such as pillows, pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, mattress toppers, fur-like materials, and loose bedding, such as blankets and non-fitted sheets, away from the infant’s sleep area to reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation, entrapment/wedging, and strangulation.”

Also avoid allowing infants to sleep routinely in car seats, strollers, infant carriers or slings and similar and certainly never leave them unattended in them.
The new guidance also states that couches and armchairs are particularly dangerous places for infants to sleep, so should be avoided. Data suggests that the risks to infants are anywhere from 22 to 67 times greater when they’re allowed to play or sleep in such places.
Avoid putting hats on your infant indoors as it could cause overheating. Exceptions, however, include possible use during the first few hours of life (under close supervision) or if deemed necessary by medical professionals, e.g. for new born intensive care.
The new guidance also suggests that parents should not rely on heart rate and pulse oximetry monitors as marketed to consumers. These, they say, may not meet the same standards as their professional, medical counterparts. Moreover, possible complacency stemming from use of such monitors in place of following the other proactive guidelines may ironically — and potentially tragically — turn out to be more detrimental to their infant’s wellbeing.

Things to Do:

Ensure the baby/infant sleeps on a flat, firm, non-inclined surface, lying in the ‘supine’ position (on their backs). Sleeping flat, on their backs allows optimum intake of oxygen and is also the best sleeping position for development of spine and hips. A completely flat surface also makes it less easy for a child to raise/flex their trunk and lift their head, which may otherwise make it easier for them to roll onto their side or back, each of which would represent a higher risk to their wellbeing.
Ensure bedside sleepers, cribs, bassinets (static cribs) and suchlike are suitably sized and adhere to your country’s safety guidelines. They should also have a tightly fitting crib mattress (so the baby cannot get trapped in a gap), covered by a secure, fitted sheet with no other bedding or objects around.
Instead of using quilts, swaddles, sheets or blankets to keep your baby or infant warm when sleeping (such things are potentially dangerous to them), dress them in appropriate clothing layers when sleeping or use ‘wearable blankets’ that fit in place around their bodies — but which, critically, cannot rise over their heads/faces or otherwise entrap or strangle them.
The new guidance also recommends that infants sleep in the same room as parents, on a separate (flat) surface that’s designed for infants, close to their bed. This should be for a minimum of 6 months ideally and evidence suggests that this alone could reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.
Offering the baby/infant a pacifier encourages the tongue to move to a forward position, which reduces obstruction in breathing. Pacifiers also encourage babies to remain sleeping on their backs. It is indeed a measure that’s associated with reduced instance of SIDS, although the new guidance recommends that pacifiers are not offered until breastfeeding has been “firmly established”.
Where possible, human breast milk is recommended in preference to formula and is indeed associated with lower rates of SIDS. Furthermore, even better protection is achieved when infants are breast fed for a longer term. The new guidance recommends feeding human milk exclusively for the first 6 months when possible.
Other common sense precautions should be made, such as ensuring that there are no other hazards near the sleeping infant, for example, pull cords, window blind cords, electric wires, etc.
Regular ‘tummy time’ is also recommended each day to help babies/infants develop stronger upper bodies and enhance motor skills. These will be useful to the infant if they do manage to turn themselves over or onto their sides etc. Learn more about the benefits of tummy time and how much infants require here.

Tummy Time is just one way to help infants stay stronger and safer, even when it comes to sleep.PLEASE NOTE: we have summarised key points from the new guidance in good faith but advise parents/carers of babies and infants to do their own research. More information and greater detail can be read in the full AAP publication here. If you have any concerns about your child’s sleep, health or wellbeing, please seek the advice of a doctor or health professional. You can also explore the importance of sleep for babies, toddlers and preschoolers in our guide, here.

Looking for the Best Nursery or Pre-school in Streatham, Tooting or Balham?

Little Cedars Nursery and pre-school offers the highest quality childcare. Based in Streatham, it’s also convenient for weekday childcare near Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury & Colliers Wood.

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Are you looking for the best childcare nursery or pre-school in Streatham, close to Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common or Furzedown? Little Cedars offers a wonderful childcare service in Streatham and is also conveniently near to Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood. To arrange a tour of the setting, to apply for a nursery place, or simply to ask any questions, please get in touch and we’ll be delighted to help:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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Nature & Its Incredible Importance to Children

Nature & Its Incredible Importance to Children

Nature is incredibly beneficial to children.It’s amazing how much nature benefits children, particularly in their early years when they’re finding out about the world around them — and also learning about themselves. There have been many studies into the importance of nature, to youngsters in particular, and the studies all reach a similar conclusion — nature is incredibly important and beneficial to children. Today we’ll explore the topic and learn why children should regularly access the natural world.

Multiple studies show that nature is incredibly important and beneficial to children.

Nature’s Benefits for Children, Particularly in their Early Years

So, let’s take a look at some of the many benefits of nature to children, especially in their early years.

Time spent in nature, even for just a short time, has been shown to restore children’s cognitive abilities, improve attention spans and boost mental resilience. Studies even showed this to be the case when just a view of nature was available from the classroom. For this reason, experts have suggested that education settings will benefit children more if they are made into more ‘green’ environments in terms of there being flowers, grass and trees nearby.

Another study showed that test results from children were improved after they’d spent time in a woodland environment. Improvements were seen in both accuracy and speed of answers. That’s an amazing result, when you think about it!

Stress is reduced through exposure to a natural environment.Stress is also reduced on both a mental and physiological level through exposure to a natural environment. In studies, stress hormone and blood pressure levels both improved after exposure to nature, helping children both physically and emotionally. Nature seems to be a great way to recharge children’s batteries and lower stress and anxiety, as well as improving attention, engagement and academic performance. That includes improvements in important skills like reading, writing and mathematics.

In a further study from the U.S. in 2019, children growing up around more natural surroundings were — incredibly — found to have improved earnings potential. They even put a figure on it, being almost $30k more in earnings over the course of their lifetimes, simply because they grew up closer to nature.

The above is just the tip of the iceberg, though. The list of additional benefits to children, associated with being around nature, includes:

  • Improvements in general fitness, motor skills (both fine and gross) and coordination. Children are usually extremely active and engaged when out in nature and such exercise is very good for them.
  • A better quality of sleep after spending time out in nature.
  • Children discover new skills like leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and even risk-assessment.Improved social skills and even wider circles of friends due to the opportunities offered through outdoor play and adventure.
  • Playing out in and around nature will often also help children discover new skills like leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and even risk-assessment.
  • Creativity also gets a massive boost from nature as children experience different activities, objects, materials and opportunities to allow let their imaginations run riot.
  • Nature is also a feast for the senses, so sensory opportunities are enormous in such environments. These can teach children so much, but should obviously only be undertaken under close adult supervision.
  • Children’s feelings of empathy are also often enhanced through contact with nature. With all of the flora and fauna around, children will soon learn to care more about the wellbeing of other living things.
  • Nature can also encourage children to think on a much deeper level then their usual play allows. For example, they may start to think about about creation, life, their place in the world, their impact on the planet and ultimately about what’s really important.
  • Children who spend time in nature often live greener lifestyles.The new skills, knowledge and freedom that nature gives children also helps them to become more self-confident and independent individuals.
  • Children who spend time around nature also often go on to have greener lifestyles, to protect the planet that they’ve come to appreciate.
  • Many also go on to have lifelong appreciations for the Great Outdoors, its incredible array of environments, plants, trees, insects and animals.

Nature is a great gift and children should be given every opportunity to explore it, learn from it and enjoy everything it has to offer, both spiritually and physically.

Nature for Children in Streatham & Tooting

Little Cedars Nursery has some wonderful facilities for the children. These include an area where they can grow vegetables and also a small animal enclosure, each representing a great way to introduce children to nature on a smaller scale.

We’re also fortunate to be located just a stone’s throw away from large open spaces including Streatham Common, Tooting Common and Tooting Bec Common.

Even in built-up cities like London, immersion in nature is possible e.g. through parks & commons.Even in built-up cities like London, immersion in nature is possible via gardens, parks, commons or, if you’re lucky to have them near you, nature reserves and nature gardens. There are many of these dotted around London, including several not far from our Streatham nursery. So, whether they visit with parents, carers or as part of an outing organised by Little Cedars Nursery, children can benefit from everything that nature has to offer, virtually on their doorstep. With everything it has to offer them, nature is thoroughly recommended for children (and adults) of all ages.

Looking for Good Nurseries or Pre-schools in Streatham?

Little Cedars is a wonderful nursery & pre-school in Streatham, offering high quality childcare services near Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury & Colliers Wood

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Nature has so much to teach children.If you’re searching for the best nurseries or pre-schools in Streatham, do take a look at Little Cedars Nursery. We’d love to show you and your child around and offer a high quality childcare service for babies and children aged up to five. The nursery is very near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown. It is also close to Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood, so may be convenient if you live or work in any of those locations.

Please choose your preferred contact method below to apply for a nursery place, book a tour or ask any questions — we’ll be very happy to help:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675
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