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Yet, the demands of their work can take a toll on their mental health. ' Working in Early Years is a Providing Access to Mental Health Resources Access to mental health support can make a significant difference Offering Professional Development Focused on Mental Health Training that addresses mental health equips Investing in professional growth signals that mental health is a priority. Leadership’s Role in Mental Health Leaders set the tone for workplace culture.

Download our FREE Mental Health Awareness Campaign folder here.

And in ignoring your own mental health needs, you’re doing yourself a disservice. And as a parent who needs to take a little break for their mental health, you can end up feeling like By relating your mental health to their physical health. you need to do to set up a mental health break. Go on and take your mental health break!

lack of control: The unknown aspects of the school year — like new teachers, potential challenges, or health

If you're a parent in England and find yourself struggling with your mental health, including feelings Contact a Mental Health Professional In England, there are numerous mental health services and professionals Contact your general practitioner (GP) to discuss your feelings and seek a referral to a mental health The National Health Service (NHS) offers various mental health services and helplines for immediate assistance Remember that your mental health matters, and as a parent, taking care of yourself enables you to better

Contact a Mental Health Professional. In England, there are numerous mental health services and professionals available to provide support. Contact your general practitioner (GP) to discuss your feelings and seek a referral to a mental health The National Health Service (NHS) offers various mental health services and helplines for immediate assistance Remember that your mental health matters, and as a parent, taking care of yourself enables you to better

Your child's health matters - and their dental health should not be ignored! Findings from Public Health England’s (PHE) 2015 national dental epidemiology survey of 5-year-old children Poor dental health impacts children and families Poor dental health impacts not just on the individual References: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-child-dental-health/health-matters-child-dental-health We follow this by constantly promoting good dental health by only serving milk or water (Restricting

The toddler years are a remarkable period filled with rapid growth and development. As 2-year-olds transform into 3-year-olds, they achieve various new milestones that mark their journey toward independence and understanding. In this article, we'll explore the key developmental milestones that define the fascinating stages of 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds. Please do keep in mind that each child progresses at their own pace and that these milestones provide only a general guideline! If you are worried about your child's development, please get in touch with their school to seek some guidance and support. 2-Year-Old Developmental Milestones: Language Explosion: Two-year-olds begin to communicate more effectively. They usually have a vocabulary of around 200 to 1,000 words, and they can form two- to three-word sentences. They're also keen observers, learning new words every day. Motor Skills: Gross motor skills improve as they walk and run more confidently, even starting to climb stairs with alternating feet. Fine motor skills progress as they learn to stack blocks, scribble with crayons, and feed themselves. Social and Emotional Growth: At this age, they may become more aware of their emotions. Tantrums are common as they try to assert their independence. They may show affection and are likely to enjoy playing alongside other children but not necessarily engaging with them directly. Imagination and Play: Two-year-olds start engaging in imaginative play. They enjoy playing make-believe games, imitating adults, and using toys to represent real-life scenarios. Cognitive Development: They can recognize familiar people, objects, and body parts. They understand simple directions and may identify basic shapes and colours. Some may even start to count. Toilet Training: While toilet training usually begins at this age, it's a gradual process. Every child progresses at their own pace, so patience and encouragement are key. 3-Year-Old Developmental Milestones: Language Mastery: Three-year-olds have a significantly expanded vocabulary, with the ability to engage in basic conversations. They can understand and follow more complex directions, ask "why" questions, and express their thoughts and feelings more clearly. Fine Motor Skills: Their fine motor skills allow for more precision. They can draw simple shapes and possibly letters, thread beads, and build more complex structures with blocks. Social and Emotional Development: Independence becomes more prominent. They want to dress themselves, use utensils, and explore their surroundings without constant help. Empathy and the ability to understand and acknowledge others' emotions begin to develop. Social Play: They start to engage in parallel play, where they play alongside other children but don't necessarily interact directly. They're more willing to share and take turns. Problem-Solving: Three-year-olds are increasingly capable of solving simple problems. They enjoy puzzles, sorting objects by colour and shape, and recognizing patterns. Early Learning and Education: They begin to understand basic math concepts like counting, recognizing numbers, and identifying shapes and colours. While reading isn't expected, they may start to recognize letters and even attempt simple words. Please, keep in mind that each child progresses at their own pace, and the milestones provide only a general guideline. It's important to nurture their unique strengths and interests while providing a safe and supportive environment for them to explore, develop, and thrive.

What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. cdc.gov, 2018) Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. – Noam Shpancer, PhD Why is mental health important for children? How can I support my children to help their mental health? The National Health Service (NHS) provides a highly useful guide on Children’s Mental Health including

Making healthy snacks that are both nutritious and appealing can be a challenge, but with a little creativity Here are some enjoyable and healthy snack ideas for your preschoolers that will keep them satisfied and These apple sandwiches are a great source of fibre, healthy fats, and protein. Mini Veggie Pizzas Transform healthy ingredients into a fun mini-pizza snack. These energy balls are rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats.

What Makes a Preschool Lunchbox Healthy? A healthy preschool lunchbox balances nutrients, flavours, and textures. Healthy Fats Avocado slices, boiled egg, Salmon and olive oil add healthy fats that support brain development Avoiding these will keep your child safe and healthy. These can affect energy levels and overall health.

Emotional Well-being: Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mental health and emotional

However, it's essential to prioritise the health and safety of young children during this night!

As children grow and develop, it is vital that they receive a balanced and healthy diet. The key to creating healthy meals and snacks for preschoolers is to include a variety of foods from each Here are some healthy meal and snack ideas for preschoolers, with references to the original recipe source Some examples include; For breakfast, a healthy option is Banana Pancakes with Greek Yogurt and Berries Another healthy and easy snack option is Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites from Super Healthy Kids.

even more inspiration, we recommend you check out these fellow articles; Lunchbox Main Ideas 5 easy & healthy lunchbox ideas for kids 10 budget ideas for kids’ lunchboxes Quick lunchbox ideas for kids How to choose a healthy

Read this article to learn about way to maintain health and safety with your children around Christmas parents of young children, it's essential to balance the excitement of the season with a strong focus on health Christmas is a time of wonder and joy for children, and by prioritizing health and safety, parents can Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year to you and your loved ones!

With the right strategies and healthy meal ideas, you can turn mealtime into a positive and enjoyable Offer healthy snacks like fruits, veggies, yoghurt, or cheese between meals to keep hunger at bay. Continue to offer a variety of healthy foods, be patient with your toddler's preferences, and avoid pressuring challenging, but with patience, creativity, and nutritious meal ideas, you can help your toddler develop healthy What are your favourite healthy toddler meal ideas?

However, with so many snack options available, it can be challenging for parents to choose healthy and choose minimally processed snacks made with natural ingredients and whole grains to promote better health Don't forget to include hydrating snacks in preschoolers' snack time routine to support their overall health Model Healthy Eating Habits: Lead by example and model healthy eating habits for preschoolers by enjoying eating habits and set their children up for a lifetime of good health.

In today's digital age, children are surrounded by screens, which can have negative effects on their health guide explores the importance of limiting screen time and provides practical strategies for promoting healthy Leading by Example: Children learn by example, so it's crucial for parents to model healthy tech habits This encourages family bonding and helps children develop healthier relationships with technology. boundaries, leading by example, and creating screen-free zones, parents can help their children develop healthy

Unfortunately, there are some people who don’t have the opportunity to practice good oral health. of money Mental health conditions Physical health conditions We should all have the right to know how to care for our teeth and gums Who are The Oral Health Foundation? The Oral Health Foundation provides free educational programmes to parents, carers and teachers. Their work has helped over 40, 0000 people suffering from oral health problems.

The Lullaby Trust has shared this fantastic resource, we just had to share on here! This poster is an easy-to-use guide to pick up and refer back to help refresh everyones knowledge. The guidance applies to babies under 12 months old, so it's especially important for both parents and early years settings which provide nursery care for children under the age of 2. If you'd like to download and print out this poster, please click here

is a journey filled with many important decisions, and one of the most crucial aspects of raising a healthy Establishing Healthy Eating Habits The early years are an ideal time to establish healthy eating habits , you can set your child on a path to a lifetime of good health. Your efforts now will profit in the form of a healthy, thriving child! We've got two articles on both: healthy lunchbox recipes , and unique healthy recipes for preschoolers

Here is a perfect guide on the spots, the symptoms, how to care for your child with chickenpox, and when to visit your doctor. What is it? Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. It is contagious, which means that someone who has it can easily spread it to someone else through coughing and sneezing. A person is most contagious during the first 2 to 5 days of being sick - and it’s most common for schoolchildren. Due to this, if you believe your child has chickenpox they shouldn’t attend school/preschool. What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms are a fever and a rash of spots that look like blisters. Other symptoms can include a runny nose, a cough, a headache, aching muscles, and/or stomachache and a loss of appetite. It’s common that the itchy spots/blisters will only appear one to two days AFTER other symptoms have been noticed. Where are the most common areas? Behind the ears, on the chest, stomach, arms, and legs. However, the spots can appear on the face, scalp, and even around their mouths. Please note, the quantity of spots does not equate to the intensity of the infection. Some children may only have a few spots, while others may be covered from head to toe! Due to this, if you see any spots, please inform your child’s school to help prevent the spread of the virus. Photo credit: NHS ; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/ How do I look after a child with chickenpox? Treat the symptoms! For example, Use paracemamol for a high temperature. Use calamine lotion and antihistamines to help ease itching. Adding bicarbonate of sofa to bath water may also help soothe a baby’s itching. Make sure the child is weating loose-fitting clothing, to help stop the skin from becoming sore and irritated. Also, make sure the child is getting lots of fluids - and avoid salty foods that may make their mouths sore. Due to the itching, make sure fingernails are clean and short. If the itching occurs throughout the night, maybe even try placing gloves on their hands at night. What happens next? The spots will blister, and then the blisters will crust over to form scabs, which will eventually naturally fall off - usually within one to two weeks after the first symptoms started. If your child has chickenpox they should be kept away from others as much as possible - to help prevent the spread. This means, no childcare, nursery, or school until the blisters have scabbed over - which usually takes 5 to 6 days. Make sure infected clothing or bedding is regularly washed to help prevent the infection from spreading in the household. When should you visit your doctor? According to the NHS, Chickenpox is most common in children under 10, and are more likely to catch the infection throughout winter and spring - due to the increase in coughing and sneezing. Chickenpox is also so common that 90% of adults are immune, due to having it as a child, so there is no immediate reason to visit your doctor. However, unfortunately some children can become seriously ill with the infection. If you notice your child is having difficulty breathing, or if the blisters have become infected, visit your doctor straight away. What if I want more information? Please check out the kidshealth.org website ; https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/chicken-pox.html Or the NHS website ; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/

Love the Ducklings Team References https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/young-london-sos/young-london-sos-child-mental-health-suffering-warning-signs-b919830

Physical Development and Health Outdoor play is one of the best ways to ensure that preschoolers get the physical activity they need for healthy growth. Regular physical activity in natural settings also helps in maintaining a healthy weight, boosting the This connection to nature can also promote mental well-being, providing a sense of calm and reducing Emotional Well-being Outdoor play has been linked to better emotional health in children.

keep your children off from preschool if they are unwell, and why it's important to prioritise their health

- Re-attempt at a different time - If it happens repeatedly, please seek assistance from the oral healthcare

Does your baby have a serious case of hiccups and you're wondering if there's any cause for concern? We're here to ease your worries! Although it may look uncomfortable for your baby, there's usually no need to worry at all. Baby hiccups are very common, and they aren't normally a problem. In fact, they usually bother parents more than the baby. - Dr Kylie Liermann, paediatrician To help calm your worries, let's learn what causes hiccups in your child, and how to get rid of them, so your baby can breathe easier. Why do babies get hiccups? Hiccups are most likely caused by irritation to the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs. Sometimes, that muscle starts to spasm or cramp. That causes the vocal cords to clamp shut, creating that distinctive “hic!” sound you know and dread. Developing babies can get hiccups even before they’re born, and many pregnant people have felt the telltale flutters in their bellies. Again, usually, hiccups don't bother babies. Hiccups are especially common in newborns and infants. “We don’t know exactly why, but hiccups may be caused by increased gas in the stomach,” Dr. Liermann says. “If babies overfeed or gulp air during eating, that could cause the stomach to expand and rub against the diaphragm, generating those hiccups.” What if it's something more serious? Sometimes, hiccups are a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Reflux causes stomach acid to back up into the baby’s oesophagus. If your baby has GERD, hiccups won’t be the only symptom. Infants with reflux also have signs such as: Coughing. Spitting up. Irritability and crying. Arching the back, especially during or after a feeding. If you notice these signs, then we recommend you speak to your doctor, to get your baby properly checked out, and learn ways how to manage it. How to help stop baby hiccups Change feeding positions - try feeding your baby in a more upright position. If you are breastfeeding, please check out this Pampers article on 5 different breastfeeding positions. Burp more frequently - burp during feeding to prevent hiccups. Use a dummy - as the sucking motion can help relax the diaphragm. Try distractions - if your baby looks stressed, simply try to distract them. Try rubbing your baby's back - and rock your baby back and forth to help them relax, to slow down the spasms. We hope this has helped relieve your worries, and please remember, hiccups will naturally stop on their own, and do not cause discomfort to babies, so there is no need to 'treat' them. We gathered this information from both Medical News Today. and Pampers , please check them out if you want more information regarding this - as they are fantastic resources!

Their health can be affected by: dehydration, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and sunburn. This blog will provide you with age-appropriate advice and tips for keeping your child happy and healthy To learn more about dental health and how teeth brushing changes with your child's age, please click If you are also struggling to get your child to brush their teeth, check out our blogs: Child Dental Health Printable Worksheets for Home and How to Encourage Children to Brush their Teeth.

Winter is a time for warm, comforting meals that soothe the soul and bring the family together. It's also a season when children often crave warm and delicious dishes. If you're looking for child-friendly winter food recipes to make, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll explore 3 cosy and nourishing recipes that your kids will love, and that you can enjoy as well. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sticks Ingredients: 1 can of tomato soup (or homemade) 4 slices of bread 4 slices of cheddar cheese Butter for grilling Instructions: Prepare the tomato soup as per the instructions on the can or use your homemade recipe. For the grilled cheese sticks, assemble each sandwich with a slice of cheddar cheese between two slices of bread. Spread butter on the outside. Grill the sandwiches until they're golden and the cheese is melted. Cut them into sticks for dipping into the tomato soup. Photo Credit: Yummly (https://www.yummly.com/dish/006234/how-to-make-a-killer-grilled-cheese-sandwich-with-tomato-soup-to-match) Veggie-Packed Mac and Cheese Ingredients: 2 cups of elbow macaroni 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup of butternut squash, cooked and mashed 1/2 cup of cauliflower, cooked and mashed 1/2 cup of peas (frozen or fresh) 1/2 cup of whole milk 2 tablespoons of butter Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter and add the mashed butternut squash and cauliflower. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add cooked macaroni and peas, stirring until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Photo Credit: Wendy Polisis (https://wendypolisi.com/ultimate-veggie-mac-n-cheese/) Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie Ingredients: 2 cups of cooked chicken, diced 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) 1 cup of chicken broth 1/2 cup of milk 2 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour Store-bought or homemade pie crust Instructions: Preheat the oven as per the pie crust package instructions. In a saucepan, melt the butter, add flour, and cook until it becomes golden. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the mixture thickens. Add chicken and mixed vegetables. Cook for a few minutes until heated through. Pour the mixture into a pie dish, cover with a pie crust, and bake until the crust is golden brown. Photo Credit: My Recipies (https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-vegetable-pot-pie) We hope you enjoy these lovely food recipes, please let us know in the comments below if you make them, or have any you'd like to add and share with our fellow readers! These recipes will not only keep your family warm but also provide them with nourishment during the winter!