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Child Care News for Parents & Carers
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July 28, 2021
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Welcome, it's Early Learning Matters Week (26-30 July) an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the amazing work being done by educators in child care services across the country. New research from the University of Cambridge on mother-child pretend play and its impact on mental health and finally a range of resources to support families currently in lockdown across the country.
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How to celebrate Early Learning Matters Week
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Early learning matters deeply to all of us, and whether your child is enrolled in their early childhood education and care (ECEC) service for long days or short sessions, this time with quality educators, engaging resources, fun facilities and friendly peers is invaluable.
To celebrate the importance of education for under fives, Early Learning Matters Week is held annually, and this year, it's running this week from 26 to 30 July.
To learn more about the Week, and see how everyone can get involved, we spoke with Samantha Page, the Chief Executive Officer of Early Childhood Australia.
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Research into mother-child pretend play and the impact of mental health
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Pretend play is a fun way to bond with your under five, and whether you're running a cafe together, putting on a puppet show or hunting for pixies, these collaborative, make-believe moments have far-reaching benefits.
There's evidence that pretend play has a positive effect on children's developmental outcomes, and parent-child pretend play is an important way for littlies to learn the skills and behaviours that will stand them in good stead as they grow.
That said, pretend play isn't always easy for all parents. It takes a certain level of creativity and enthusiasm to play in this way, and new research from the University of Cambridge shows that mental health challenges experienced by mums can reduce pretend play interactions between mother and child.
Today, we look at the benefits of pretend play, and explore this research to see the effect that maternal anxiety or depression can have on this kind of play.
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Support for families in lockdown
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It's a stressful time right now, with many families in Australia under stay-at-home orders and trying to balance the competing demands of home-schooling with work. These pressures, combined with long term uncertainty and health fears are overwhelming.
If you are struggling to keep all the balls in the air, remember you're not alone. This week we've put together a list of resources to support families with young children at home.
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