Playing is an important part of your child’s learning journey. Not only are they are great well to develop social and problem-solving skills, but they're also an excellent way to make new friends while building fundamental skills. Nowadays, as more and more playgroups open, this makes it easier for children to develop their social-emotional skills before entering school. But choosing the right one is not always an easy task - so in this post I'm going to give you some helpful advice!

What is a Playgroup? 

A playgroup is usually a regular meeting, in which babies, toddlers, or preschoolers can learn through creative and social plays. They are also a great place for parents to be social and network within the community, making them perfect for finding 'mum' friends who have children of a similar age to yours.

Playgroups are usually categorised into ones suitable for different ages:

- Between 6 and 12 months, a playgroup will focus on developing sensory, gross and fine-motor skills through various hands-on activities, such as songs, and stories, to help nurture their curiosity and interests. These types of playgroups in Hong Kong are quite common. 

- Between 1 and 2 years old, a playgroup will help toddlers to continue exploring their sensory and motor skills while developing social and communication skills through songs, stories, and other stimulating activities. Examples of these types of groups could be messy play, music time or the beginnings of dance classes.

- Between 2 and 3 years old, most will include more interactive activities on top of sensory exploration and hands-on learning. Physical activities such as Gymboree and toddler sports classes are great for this age.

What is Taught in a Playgroup? 
Of course each different playgroup will have different learning objectives and goals to focus on. The approaches and teaching would be different at various age levels, but overall the ultimate goal is learning through play. From songs, stories, hands-on activities to interactive games, a playgroup ensures that every child is learning something while playing. Adults support children to do the activities with a schedule so that they can establish their own routines and shape good learning habits. 

Most of the activities are theme-based following a curriculum designed appropriately for different age groups. It allows children to play and understand their companions and surroundings while developing fundamental skills. 

A playgroup provides children with the chance to engage with other kids and enrich their learning experience in a diverse and immersive learning environment.

Through attending playgroup, children can:

• Learn language skills (speaking and listening).
• Build awareness of their surroundings. 
• Develop physical skills. 
• Boosts curiosity and creativity. 
• Spark interests in various areas. 
• Develop social skills (manage their emotions, express their feelings, interact with others). 
• Build confidence and self-awareness. 
• Build independent thinking skills. 
• Develop decision-making and problem-solving skills. 
• Develop communication and collaboration skills. 

What makes a Good Playgroup?
A good playgroup gets children involved in multiple task-based learning activities, allowing children to explore, question, communicate, ask for help from team members, think creatively, and solve problems with innovative solutions. 

But of course, at the end of the day the best playgroups for you and your child, will be the one where they are happy and comfortable in their surroundings. Some children thrive in a music or dance class, whereas others will prefer a less structured approach to a class. My youngest mostly enjoyed the free-reign church groups where she could just play with countless toys, and decide where she wanted to be and when.

This is a collaborative post.

Parker's 22 Month Update

At 22 months old, Parker is soo close to turning two now. I actually keep forgetting quite how close it actually is though. Putting off present buying and birthday planning, as he's still my little baby right? But with his birthday now just 8 weeks away (it sounds so little when put like that doesn't it?), we really need to get a move on!

This month has definitely been the month of the terrible twos and tantrums. If he doesn't get his own way he lets you know about it. Throwing himself on the floor in protest. Screaming. Shouting. If he really means it he'll throw things across the room. Last week he wanted to go on a bus so badly he threw himself on the floor in a grump. And when he didn't think I was looking he got up, looked at me and giggled, and ran in the opposite direction. Little poo.

It's SO hard to stay annoyed with him though. He's got the cheekiest little face and his giggles always set Jack and I off. I'm hoping as he gets older he'll calm down a bit and realise he isn't the boss.. but I know at the moment it's just wishful thinking.

His speech is still improving daily, and he's talking in sentences and having conversations more and more. His little voice is the cutest thing, which is a good thing really as he rarely stops talking! He still loves to sing too, and I'll often find him with an Anna or Elsa doll singing "Let it Go". 

This month Parker has loved going on an aeroplane, swimming on holiday and splashing in the sea, his new digger pyjamas (he cries when they go in the wash!), going out on his scooter, and spending lots of time with family.

This month Parker has hated not getting his own way, getting his first sickness bug (so did mummy and daddy!), loud and scary noises and teething brushing. He's also not been much of a fan of listening and doing as he's told. But I'm hoping that's just a phase!

Parker's 16 Month Update

With all the excitement of Christmas, I almost completely forgot that Parker turned 16 months on the 4th. It's been a big one this month, with P really learning how to communicate. And he's most definitely turned into a terrible two year old already...

A little update on his stats:

- A mixture of 12-18 and 18-24 month clothing
- Size 5+ nappies (Christmas ones of course!)
- Size 5 feet
- 12 teeth - 4 at the bottom, 4 at the top and all his first molars through
- Getting tall - his feet now reach the foot bar on his highchair!

This month has seen a huge leap in Parker's temperament. He's still such a sweet, loving boy. But something has changed, and he's becoming a lot more hard work! Tantrums, screaming when out, escaping his highchair, being 'naughty' on purpose (he'll do things, check to see if you're watching and then give you a cheesy grin), and just generally being pretty exhausting! By the looks of things though, Indiana was exactly the same at this age.

On top of that we've had some rough nights with teeth and him being poorly. There's been a lot of co-sleeping, extra cuddles and treats this month as a result. Although I'll be honest and say I do actually quite enjoy co-sleeping - just not when he's kicking me in the face!

I know he's just testing boundaries, and learning he's the master of his body (thanks Wonder Weeks!). We're hoping if we keep giving him rules to follow, and be consistent, he'll soon learn that we're boss. I'm also hoping that once Indie starts preschool and he gets free reign of toys and me, he'll calm down a bit too. Wishful thinking?

Nothing is stopping this boy when it comes to his speech. He chats away all day, mimicking words like a little parrot. He can say:

mummy, mama, daddy, dada, nanny, nana (Indiana), doggy - and woof, quack quack, down, stuck, up, uh oh, wow, nummy (dummy), Peppa - and snort like a pig, no, shoe, grandad, are you (where are you), love you, did it, gone, teeth, kiss, knock knock, biscuit, narnar (banana), cheese, mine, hi, bye bye, star, row row, duck, poo, bubble, and juice.

This month Parker has loved Peppa, running around outside, the Christmas tree, cars, sleeping with mummy and daddy, reading stories, advent calendars and painting. He's hated his eczema returning, his highchair / pushchair / being restrained, teething and wearing hats!

Parker's 15 Month Update

When I look at Parker these days I find it hard to believe he's only 15 months old. He's such a grown up little boy now, full of mischief and cheekiness. He's got great understanding and communication skills too - we thought Indie was a chatty baby, but he just doesn't stop!

A little update on his stats:

- 12 to18 (and some 18-24 month) clothing
- Size 5+ nappies
- Size 5 shoes
- 10 teeth - 4 at the bottom, 4 at the top and his two top molars
- He had his very first haircut!

Routine:

- Sleeps 7pm - 7am (wakes between 6 and 7am for a bottle)
- Two naps a day at 10am and 1/2pm
- Two bottles a day of cows milk
- LOVES food and has 3 meals a day (usually more than Indie eats), plus two snacks

Parker has developed so much in the last month. He really understands sequences and day to day life. He knows if we mention shoes he's going out - and will wait by the door to leave. He knows if I have a nappy in my hand what's happening - and will giggle and run to hide. He responds to commands and usually does what you ask him.

His speech is still improving, and he is a non-stop chatter box! He can say:

mummy, mama, daddy, dada, nanny, nana (Indiana), doggy - and woof, quack quack, down, stuck, up, uh oh, wow, nummy (dummy), Peppa - and snort like a pig, no, shoe, grandad, are you (where are you) and I love you <3

This month he has been loving snuggles, reading, playing with Indie, running wild and free on holiday, daddy, brushing his teeth, discovering his willy (parents of boys send help with this one!), and The Twirlywoos. He's hated being told off for being extra cheeky, not being allowed to join in and nappy changes.

Easy Toddler Activities | Biscuit Decorating

With Autumn weather soon arriving, I'm trying to think up more indoor activities. They need to be short, simple and fun for two toddlers - no pressure!

The second I saw these little gingerbread men while doing the weekly shop, an idea popped into my head. Biscuit decorating! Of course you can choose any biscuit, these were just a bit more fun for the kids. We then grabbed some icing and toppings, and hey presto, an easy afternoon activity.

I sat both children at Indiana's table (covered with a messy mat of course!), and let them loose. Indie at almost 3 understood how to work the icing, and took great care with her decorating. She loved making a pretty design and adding buttons. She even made one for Jack for when he got home.

It was a little lost on Parker at 13 months. He sat for a good 30/45 minutes playing and eating though, which is very rare for him! He very much enjoyed eating all the chocolate buttons too.

Although this wasn't the healthiest of activities, as a once in a while treat I definitely think it's fun. The children got to get messy, show their artist skills and I loved joining in too!

Next time I will definitely get the ingredients to make our own biscuits. Although I'm not too sure I'd let Parker get involved with that kind of activity just yet!