Parenting can be a rewarding yet challenging experience, and drawing inspiration from proven early childhood educational practices can make all the difference in fostering a child's growth and development.
Here are some valuable parenting tips inspired by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to guide you through these important years.
Routine and Consistency: Maintaining a predictable daily schedule helps children feel secure and provides structure, which can positively impact their behaviour. When children know what to expect—whether it’s meal times, playtime, or bedtime—they are more likely to feel calm and confident. A routine fosters a sense of stability, helping them develop good habits and emotional resilience. For parents, setting consistent times for daily activities helps manage transitions more smoothly and can reduce tantrums or resistance. Additionally, routines make it easier for children to anticipate what comes next, giving them a sense of control and comfort. Creating this consistency also supports better sleep, nutrition, and overall well-being, while strengthening the parent-child bond.
Encourage Independence: Encouraging children to practice self-care tasks, such as putting on shoes, tidying up toys, or choosing an outfit, fosters independence and builds confidence. When children are involved in daily chores, they learn essential life skills and feel a sense of accomplishment. Tidying up, for example, not only teaches responsibility but also reinforces the idea that their actions have a positive impact on their environment. When they clean up after themselves, they understand the importance of contributing to a shared space. Allowing children to make choices in these tasks, like deciding what to wear or where to place toys, gives them a sense of control and self-importance, helping them feel valued and capable. Over time, these small tasks build self-esteem and create a foundation for greater responsibility as they grow.
Play-Based Learning: Encouraging play-based learning at home is a powerful way to support your child’s development while making learning enjoyable. Start by integrating everyday items into learning opportunities. For example, building blocks can be used not only for fun but also to introduce concepts like counting, patterns, and basic math. Puzzles are great for developing problem-solving skills, as children figure out how pieces fit together and work through challenges. You can also incorporate role-play by setting up scenarios that encourage social skills, such as pretending to run a store, cooking meals, or being doctors, which help children practice communication, empathy, and cooperation.
The value of play-based learning is well-established in educational history, with its roots in early childhood education dating back to the 19th century. Though the approach has evolved, its core idea remains the same: children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and enjoying the process. At home, this can be easily achieved by creating a safe and stimulating environment where play is valued. Encourage exploration, ask open-ended questions during play, and give your child opportunities to make decisions. For example, ask questions like, “What can we build with these blocks?” or “How do you think we can solve this puzzle together?” By making play interactive, you are not only supporting your child's learning but also developing their creativity, critical thinking, and social skills in a natural, fun way.

Sensory Play: Sensory play plays a vital role in stimulating brain development by fostering neural connections that are essential for cognitive growth. It enhances children’s ability to focus, problem-solve, and learn by helping them process sensory information.
At home, sensory activities like water play, playdough, or sensory bins can stimulate creativity, fine motor skills, concentration, sensory development, and communication, all without wasting food! For water play, you can use a basin or sink filled with water and various objects such as cups, spoons, and sponges for pouring and scooping. Sensory bins can be created with materials like sand, soil, fabric, or natural items such as leaves and pinecones, providing rich and engaging experiences for young children.

Positive reinforcement and age-appropriate expectations.
Praise effort and positive behaviour over results, setting expectations that match a child’s developmental stage.
Avoid phrases like “Your sister can do it” or “You’re being naughty,” which create comparisons and labels. For young children, even the popular concept of sharing is beyond their brain development. Instead of saying “Sharing is caring,” focus on teaching them to take turns, which they can achieve with support.
Brain Development Link: simple things like Crossing legs while sitting involve core strength, balance, and bilateral coordination, which are controlled by the brain's motor cortex and require developed postural control.
Why It May Be Difficult: Young children may lack the core muscle strength and neural maturity needed to sit this way comfortably. It also requires proprioception (body awareness), which develops over time.
Instead of saying “criss-cross apple sauce.” What to Do Instead: Encourage alternative seating options like sitting on the floor with legs extended, kneeling, or using a cushion for better support.
The Famous Parent trigger - Sharing ("Sharing is Caring")
Brain Development Link: Sharing requires impulse control, empathy, and understanding of other’s feelings, all linked to the prefrontal cortex, which develops gradually and isn't fully functional in early childhood.
Why It May Be Difficult: Young children (especially those under 3) are still developing a sense of self and ownership. They may struggle with delayed gratification and understanding why sharing benefits social play.
What to Do Instead: Model turn-taking rather than enforcing sharing. Use phrases like, “It will be your turn next,” and praise cooperative behaviour when it occurs naturally.
"Don't touch that!" is a phrase we’ve all likely used at some point.
Brain Development Connection: Impulse control, which involves stopping a reaction, is a key aspect of executive functioning. This skill is managed by the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that doesn’t fully mature until the mid-20s.
Why It Can Be Challenging: Young children are naturally curious and driven by sensory exploration, both essential for their learning and development. Expecting them to resist touching new objects can be unrealistic without the right guidance.
What to Do Instead: Create a safe environment that encourages exploration. Use positive language, such as “Hands are for gentle touches,” instead of negative commands like “Don’t touch.” Additionally, avoid leaving resources on tables that you don’t want little hands to reach.
What's the difference between challenging a child and pushing them too far?
Pushing skills too early can frustrate both child and parent. Children thrive when expectations match their developmental stage. Focus on effort and progress to build intrinsic motivation and self-esteem. I often tell parents, “Would you trust a shiny, sturdy-looking building if you knew its foundation was rushed and incomplete? Probably not.” A strong foundation is key! When children master age-appropriate skills first, they grow into learning more comfortably and confidently. Rushing them into tasks beyond their stage can leave gaps in essential skills.
Story Time Matters: Reading with your child every day is not only an enjoyable activity but also a powerful tool for fostering their development. Picture books and storytelling provide a wonderful opportunity to build a child’s language skills, stimulate their imagination, and improve their attention span. As children engage with stories, they learn new words, phrases, and concepts, which enhances their vocabulary and comprehension abilities.
In addition to language development, reading together helps develop the parent-child bond. It’s a special time for closeness, comfort, and connection, creating lasting memories. The act of reading allows you to share experiences, emotions, and ideas, making it an intimate and valuable form of communication.
As your child grows older, this daily ritual can become a time for meaningful conversations. They may begin to ask questions, express their thoughts, or share their feelings about the stories or their own lives. Over time, these moments can evolve into essential opportunities for bonding, as your child may seek you out during story time to engage in deeper discussions or simply enjoy your presence.
In short, story time not only enriches a child's intellectual and emotional development but also lays the foundation for a close, supportive, and communicative relationship between you and your child.

Outdoor Play: Encouraging outdoor activities is essential for a child’s development. Engaging in nature walks, ball games, and obstacle courses offers numerous benefits, such as improving physical development, coordination, and social skills. When children participate in outdoor play, they strengthen their muscles, enhance their balance, and refine their motor skills, which are crucial for activities like running, jumping, and climbing.
Allowing children to engage in risky play—activities where they test their abilities in a safe, supervised setting—is a vital aspect of their growth. Risky play helps children assess their surroundings, make decisions, and learn to gauge potential dangers, which in turn builds their confidence and resilience. These experiences teach them the importance of understanding limits and how to evaluate situations critically.
It's important to note that risky play doesn’t mean allowing children to put themselves in harm’s way, such as running across a busy road or engaging in hazardous activities. Instead, it involves offering controlled challenges that help them stretch their boundaries safely. For example, a child might balance on a low wall or climb a tree with careful adult supervision. These activities help children develop problem-solving skills and a sense of accomplishment as they navigate and succeed in tasks that seem challenging.
By offering opportunities for risky play in a controlled and safe environment, children not only grow in physical strength and coordination but also in their ability to make responsible choices, assess risks, and build self-confidence. It’s about fostering independence and resilience while ensuring they have the necessary support to navigate challenges safely.
Emotional Regulation: Teach children to identify and name their feelings, which empowers them to manage their emotions better. When children can verbalize how they feel—such as saying "I am angry" or "I am sad"—they gain a sense of control over their emotions. This is a crucial step in reducing tantrums, aggression, and frustration. Along with helping children label their emotions, introduce calming techniques like deep breathing or using a cozy corner when they're upset. For example, when a child says, "I’m angry," you can respond by acknowledging their feelings: "I can see you're very angry. Would you like to tell me why?" This shows empathy and opens a dialogue, giving the child a chance to express themselves, while you can guide them in finding positive ways to cope. Over time, this practice helps children build emotional resilience, learn to manage their reactions and feel understood and supported.
Engage in Conversations, and create a language-rich environment: Foster rich, meaningful conversations by asking open-ended questions like, "What was your favourite part of today?" or "How did that make you feel?" These types of questions encourage children to think critically, express themselves, and expand their vocabulary. Engaging in regular conversations where you can joke, laugh, and ask follow-up questions helps build trust and a positive connection. It creates an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Not only does this enhance their communication skills, but it also helps develop their social abilities as they learn to listen, take turns, and engage with others. By making conversations enjoyable and interactive, you create a space where children can develop confidence in their language and social skills. Remember just because younger children can't answer you back doesn’t mean they are not listening and learning.
Quality Time: Setting aside distraction-free time each day to bond with your child is essential for strengthening your relationship and supporting their emotional and social development. Engaging in activities that your child enjoys—whether it's playing board games, reading stories, or running around in the park—helps foster a deeper connection and allows for meaningful interactions.
It's important to remember that simply sitting and watching your phone while your child plays does not count as quality time. Active engagement is key. When you join in their activities, you show them that you value their interests and that they have your full attention. This kind of engagement enhances communication, encourages emotional expression, and builds trust.
Here are some parent tips to make the most of quality time:
Be Fully Present: Put away distractions like phones, tablets, or work. Focus solely on your child and the activity you’re doing together.
Follow Their Lead: Let your child take the lead in play, especially if they have specific interests. This makes the time more enjoyable and empowering for them.
Use Play to Teach: Activities like board games or puzzles can be a great way to teach your child new skills, like taking turns, problem-solving, or patience. Frame these moments as learning opportunities while still having fun.
Incorporate Conversations: Whether you’re playing or simply sitting together, use the opportunity to engage in open conversations. Ask questions, share thoughts, or talk about the day. This helps with language development and emotional connection.
Quality over Quantity: It’s not about how much time you spend together but how meaningful it is. Even short, focused periods of connection can be incredibly impactful.
Parents, remember that we are all doing our best to be the best parents we can be, even when it feels challenging. It’s completely normal to experience feelings of parental guilt at times, but those emotions are a reflection of how much you care and want to improve. Our children deserve the very best, and they grow up so quickly. Let’s come together to support not just our children, but also each other through the tough moments, knowing we’re all in this together.
Here are some fantastic family-friendly places I would recommend to connect and enjoy quality time together in Dubai:
Kite Beach – A vibrant spot with a variety of fun activities like water sports, jogging tracks, and playgrounds, perfect for keeping both kids and adults busy while enjoying the beachside atmosphere.
Emirates Bio Farm – A wonderful family day out where you can explore the farm, learn about sustainable farming, and enjoy fun activities like animal feeding, fruit picking, and educational workshops.
Ripe Market – A lively and diverse spot for the whole family to enjoy fresh local produce, arts and crafts, and delicious food while kids can have fun with entertainment activities like face painting,ad bouncy castle, and a petting zoo.
Sustainable City Park – A green haven with excellent park facilities, picnic tables, and family-friendly restaurants nearby, ideal for a relaxing family outing or a fun-filled day of outdoor activities.
Oli Oli – An indoor play area that offers interactive exhibits and creative activities, allowing children to explore and learn while parents can engage with them in a supportive and fun environment.
Al Barari Park and Nature Track – A peaceful place to unwind with lush gardens, play areas, and beautiful walking trails, perfect for a relaxing family day out amidst nature.
Aventura Parks – A full day of adventure awaits with zip lines, obstacle courses, and other exciting activities suitable for families to enjoy together while boosting teamwork and thrill-seeking spirits.
Dubai Glow Garden – A mesmerizing experience for all ages, this illuminated garden offers a serene and magical atmosphere, perfect for families to explore and enjoy engaging light displays, art installations, and interactive activities.
Dubai Butterfly Garden – A beautiful, educational experience that provides families the opportunity to explore the world of butterflies up close. This calming environment is both informative and fun for children and adults alike.
Green Planet – A captivating indoor tropical rainforest where families can explore a diverse range of animals and plants, learning about the environment in an exciting and interactive way while fostering a sense of curiosity in children.
These destinations offer a wonderful mix of education, fun, and relaxation for families to bond, learn, and enjoy each other's company.
Written By Ms. Amber, Principal at The House Of Learning.
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