Together We Grow Foundation

Play group today at Torquay State School 9am-11am. Morning tea provided, sponsored by Bakers Delight and Coles Stocklands. Activities include: sensory play, music and movement, crafts, small world play and lots more. Please see our play dough recipe from last weeks session.

Small steps. Big changes for local families.

Ever wondered what early support really looks like? One Fraser Coast family recently shared how our free coaching helped their child say new words and feel more confident at playtime.

Every week, we celebrate progress together. Smiles, new skills, and a little more hope.

Curious how Together We Grow Foundation could help your family? Call, message, or visit our website today. 🌱

What is Incredible Years?

Incredible Years is an evidence-based parenting program.

For families parenting children on the autism spectrum (and/or language delays), it offers practical strategies to support:
• Emotional regulation
• Social connection
• Communication
• Everyday routines

Register your interest: [email protected]

Some places are sponsored by community partners. Paid places are also available.

Sharing and Turn-Taking: Building Friendship Skills

Your child wants the toy. The other child has it. Conflict.

This is a perfect moment for social coaching around sharing and turn-taking.

Sharing doesn't come naturally to young children. Their brains are still developing the ability to think about what someone else wants. Teaching sharing is teaching empathy and cooperation.

Here's how to coach:

Step 1: Acknowledge both children's feelings
"You both want to play with the truck. That's hard."

Step 2: Teach the skill
"When we want a turn, we can ask nicely. 'Can I have a turn?'"

Step 3: Model it
"Watch me. 'Can I have a turn, please?'"

Step 4: Practice it
"Now you try. What do you say?"

Step 5: Praise the effort
"You asked so nicely! That's how friends play together."

The key is understanding that sharing is a learned skill, not a character flaw.

A child who won't share isn't selfish. They're just still learning. With practice, patience, and coaching, they'll get it.

Turn-taking is easier to teach than sharing because it's concrete. "You go, then I go. You go, then I go."

Games are perfect for practicing turn-taking. Simple games like rolling a ball back and forth, taking turns with a toy, or playing a board game together.

This week, look for moments to coach sharing and turn-taking. Stay patient. Celebrate small wins. Remember, you're building skills that will serve your child their whole life.

Together We Grow Foundation helps families build social skills through play-based coaching.

[email protected] | 07 4148 6910

Tiny win check-in

What's one small win you've noticed this week?

A new word, a calmer transition, a shared laugh, a moment of connection, a cuddle, a "I did it!"

Small wins matter. They're how progress is built.

Register your interest: [email protected]

Places are available via mixed funding (free + fee-based). Ask us what fits your situation.

Is your child hitting their milestones? Every child’s journey is unique. Small steps matter more than you think.

Unsure what to look for, or feeling worried? You’re not alone. Our team at Together We Grow Foundation offers, evidence-based support for families with children aged 0-5.

Let’s celebrate progress together. Message us today to chat about your child’s development. 🌱

Calm Down Strategies: Teaching Your Child to Self-Regulate

Your child is upset. Instead of melting down, they take a deep breath. They ask for help. They use a strategy to calm down.

This is emotional regulation, and it's one of the most valuable life skills you can teach.

Children aren't born knowing how to calm down. They learn by watching you and by practicing with your help.

Here are simple calm down strategies you can teach:

Deep breathing:
"Let's breathe in slowly through our nose, and out through our mouth. In... and out."

Movement:
Dancing, running, jumping, stretching. Physical activity helps release big emotions.

Quiet time:
A cozy corner with a soft blanket, a favorite toy, or a book. Sometimes children just need space to recover.

Sensory tools:
A stress ball, fidget toy, or smooth stone to hold. Something to touch and focus on.

Positive self-talk:
"I can handle this." "I'm getting calmer." "I'm okay."

Imagery:
"Imagine you're at the beach. Feel the warm sand. Hear the waves."

Music:
Soft, calming music can help shift emotions.

The key is practicing these when your child is calm, not just when they're upset.

Teach them during calm moments: "When you feel upset, you can take deep breaths like this."

Then when they're upset, remind them: "Remember the deep breathing? Let's try that."

Over time, they'll start using these strategies on their own. They're building the neural pathways for self-regulation.

This week, teach your child one calm down strategy. Practice it together when you're both calm. Then watch for opportunities to use it when emotions are big.

Together We Grow Foundation helps families build emotional regulation skills.

[email protected] | 07 4148 6910

Behaviour is communication

When behaviour escalates, it's often a message:
• This is too hard
• I'm overwhelmed
• I need help to communicate

In Incredible Years, we focus on understanding the why and responding with tools that work.

Register your interest: [email protected]

Places are available via mixed funding (free + fee-based). Ask us what fits your situation.

Modeling: The Most Powerful Teaching Tool You Have

Your child is watching you.

When you stay calm during frustration, they learn how to manage emotions.
When you say sorry and make amends, they learn accountability.
When you use kind words, they learn kindness.
When you persist through difficulty, they learn resilience.

This is modeling — and it's one of the most powerful teaching tools you have.

Children don't do what we say. They do what we do.

Why modeling works:
• Children learn through observation
• They internalize what they see repeatedly
• It's more powerful than any words
• It builds trust and respect
• It teaches values through action, not lecture

What children are watching:

How you handle frustration
Do you yell, or do you take a breath and stay calm?

How you treat others
Do you speak kindly about people, or do you criticize?

How you respond to mistakes
Do you beat yourself up, or do you learn and move on?

How you handle disappointment
Do you give up, or do you try again?

How you show affection
Do you hug, cuddle, and express love?

How you handle conflict
Do you yell and blame, or do you listen and problem-solve?

The power of self-talk:
One of the most powerful things you can model is positive self-talk. When your child hears you say:
• "This is hard, but I can do it"
• "I made a mistake. Let me try again"
• "I'm proud of myself for trying"
• "I need help. That's okay"

They learn to talk to themselves the same way.

This week, notice what you're modeling. Your child is learning more from what you do than what you say.

Together We Grow Foundation helps families build strong foundations through modeling and coaching.

[email protected] | 07 4148 6910