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When Toddlers Don’t Open Their Presents (And Why It’s Not About You)
When a toddler opens one present and stops, it’s easy for adults to read meaning into that pause — ingratitude, disinterest, or missed manners. But for young children, stopping is often a sign of regulation, not rejection. This piece explores why some toddlers stay deeply with one gift, what brain science tells us about attention and capacity, and why slowing down may be exactly what they need.

Shirlyn
7 days ago6 min read


Developmental Christmas Gifts for Toddlers 🎄 : Meaningful Toys That Truly Help Children Grow
Need Christmas gift ideas that aren't loud, flashy, or forgotten in a week? Here are purposeful, developmentally rich toys - and experiences - that children love and that genuinely support their growth.

Shirlyn
Dec 3, 20254 min read


Life-Ready, Not Just Test-Ready: The Myths We Believe About Early Learning
We often believe children must choose between play or study, joy or discipline. But research, lived experience, and even international rights tell us otherwise: play is serious learning. From handwriting to problem-solving, what matters is not drills or perfection, but curiosity, resilience, and the courage to keep learning for life.

Shirlyn
Oct 23, 20256 min read


Why "No" Doesn't Work with Toddlers - It's How We Say It
Toddlers often ignore the word “no” — not out of defiance, but because they respond more to tone, body language, and connection than words alone. This post explores what’s really going on when we say “no,” why it often backfires, and what to do instead.

Shirlyn
Oct 9, 20254 min read


Inclusive Learning Starts at Home: Everyday Parenting for Raising Respectful Kids
Inclusive learning doesn’t begin in classrooms — it starts at home, in the everyday moments when children watch how we treat others. From fist bumps with cleaners to Baby Sign Language, small acts of respect shape how kids grow into empathetic, inclusive adults.

Shirlyn
Aug 19, 20255 min read


Why Our Energy Becomes Our Child’s Energy: Co-Regulation in Real Life
Bedtime battles, bursts of energy, and moments of calm - our children mirror the energy we bring. This post explores co-regulation, why our moods are contagious, and simple ways to help kids find calmer rhythms.

Shirlyn
Aug 15, 20255 min read


The Night the Tea Fell — And What It Taught Me About Toddlers, Accidents, and Trust
When my toddler swiped my cup of tea across the table, it wasn’t just porcelain that shattered - it was a reminder of how little eyes watch, learn, and carry our responses with them. This is a story of accidents, aftershocks, and the surprising ways love and calm leave the deepest imprint.

Shirlyn
Aug 15, 20254 min read


Did I Just Sound Like My Mother? How Adult Words Affect Children (and What to Do Instead)
Ever caught yourself saying something to your child and thinking, “That sounded just like my mum”? This post dives into how we inherit the way we speak - and how our tone, phrasing, and even guilt-tripping can silently pass from one generation to the next. Let’s explore how to break the cycle and raise emotionally aware kids through conscious communication.

Shirlyn
Aug 4, 20253 min read
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