Future Super Stars Early Learning Centre Sunshine North

Last night, we hosted our annual Kindergarten Information night along side our PSFO & CALD officer! It was a night full of kindergarten readiness, networking & shared knowledge ⭐️

Building a Healthy Relationship with Food, Why It Starts in Early Childhood.
By Chloe McGrath

As parents and educators, we all want children to grow up healthy, confident and happy. One of the most important foundations we can provide is a positive relationship with food. The habits, attitudes and beliefs children develop about food during their early years can influence their physical health, emotional wellbeing and eating behaviours throughout life.

Children are naturally curious about food. During the early years, they are learning what foods they enjoy, how their bodies feel when they are hungry or full and what role food plays in family life.

These experiences help shape their lifelong relationship with eating.

A healthy relationship with food means that children can enjoy a variety of foods without fear or guilt, recognise and respond to their hunger and fullness cues, feel comfortable trying new foods, understand that all foods can fit into a balanced lifestyle and allows children to view mealtimes as positive and enjoyable experiences.

When children feel pressure, shame or anxiety around food, they may become picky eaters, overeat or develop unhealthy attitudes towards eating later in life.

Parents and caregivers are children’s most powerful role models. Long before children understand nutrition, they observe the behaviours and attitudes of the adults around them.

The way adults talk about their own bodies and food choices can also influence how children view themselves. Positive language helps children develop confidence and self-acceptance.

Family meals provide opportunities for connection, conversation and learning. Children who regularly eat with their families are more likely to develop healthy eating habits and try a wider range of foods.

Continue offering different foods without pressure. It can take many exposures before a child feels comfortable trying something new. Seeing adults enjoy those foods can increase a child’s willingness to taste them.

Children are born with the ability to regulate their food intake. Encourage them to listen to their bodies by allowing them to decide how much they eat from the healthy options provided.

Avoid phrase such as:

‘Finish everything on your plate.’

‘Just three more bites.’

‘You can’t leave the table until you eat.’

Instead, try:

‘Listen to your tummy.’

‘Have you had enough?’

‘You can eat more if you’re still hungry.’

Using sweets as rewards or withholding food as punishment can create emotional connections with food that may continue into adulthood.

Picky eating is a normal stage of development for many young children. Remaining calm and patient helps children feel safe around new foods.

Some helpful strategies include:

Offering small portions of new foods alongside familiar favourites.

Involving children in shopping, gardening or food preparation.

Encouraging exploration through smelling, touching and looking at foods.

Avoiding pressure, bribery or forcing children to eat.

Remember, learning about food is a process that takes time.

When children develop a healthy relationship with food, they are more likely to enjoy balanced eating habits, maintain a positive body image, feel confident making food choices, experience less stress around eating and carry healthy habits into adolescence and adulthood.

Creating healthy food habits is a shared partnership between families and educators. By providing positive experiences, modelling balanced choices and encouraging children to trust their bodies, we help build the foundations for lifelong health and wellbeing.

Every meal, snack and conversation about food is an opportunity to support children in developing a positive and healthy relationship with eating.

The Power of Play!

Why play based matters in Early Childhood.
By Chloe McGrath

In the early years, children learn best through play. While it may look simple from the outside, play is one of the most important ways young children develop the skills they need for life.

Through play-based learning, children explore, imagine, create, communicate and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Play based learning is not ‘just playing.’
It is a valuable approach used in early childhood education to support children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in a way that is natural and engaging for them.

Play based learning is an approach where children learn through hands on experiences, exploration and interaction with their environment and the people around them.

Educators intentionally create opportunities for children to investigate, problem-solve, build relationships and express themselves through play.

This can include:

⭐️ imaginative play
⭐️ outdoor/risky play
⭐️ sensory exploration
⭐️ construction and block play
⭐️ art and creative exploration
⭐️ role play
⭐️ music and movement
⭐️ group experiences

Through these experiences, children develop important lifelong skills while feeling safe, motivated and connected.

One of the significant benefits of play based learning is the way it in which it supports children’s social development.

Play helps children learn how to connect with others. Whether they are building a tower together, pretending to run a café or playing outside with friends, children begin to understand cooperation, teamwork and shared experiences.

These early social interactions help children feel a sense of belonging and confidence within their environment.

During play, children experience many emotions such as excitement, frustration, happiness and disappointment.

With support from educators and caregivers, children gradually learn how to manage these feelings appropriately.

Having play based learning accessible to children and supportive, knowledgeable educators role modelling play children are able to:

⭐️practice patience
⭐️cope with challenges
⭐️develop resilience
⭐️understand emotions in themselves and others
⭐️build self confidence

These emotional skills form the foundation for positive relationships and wellbeing later in life.

Play based learning strongly supports speech, language and communication development.

When children engage in play, they naturally communicate with others.
They ask questions, explain ideas, tell stories and use new vocabulary.

Children often feel more relaxed and confident communicating during play because the environment is enjoyable and meaningful to them.

Play creates natural opportunities for children to express themselves without pressure. This is especially important for children who may be shy, neurodivergent or still developing communication skills.

Through play, children can:

⭐️communicate ideas creatively
⭐️use verbal and non-verbal communication
⭐️practice social conversations
⭐️develop listening skills
⭐️build confidence speaking with peers and adults


The early years are a critical time for brain development.

Children learn most effectively when they are actively engaged, emotionally secure and interested in what they are doing.

Play based learning allows children to develop important skills in a way that is enjoyable, meaningful and developmentally appropriate.

Research continues to show that play supports:

⭐️stronger social skills
⭐️improved language development
⭐️creativity and imagination
⭐️problem solving abilities
⭐️emotional wellbeing
⭐️school readiness

Most importantly, play helps children develop a love of learning.

Play is a vital part of childhood and an essential foundation for learning and development.

Through play based learning, children build communication skills, develop meaningful relationships and learn how to navigate the world around them.

When children are given opportunities to play, explore and connect with others, they are not ‘just playing’ they are developing the skills, confidence and understanding they need for lifelong learning and success.

We love to test out new recipes to add to our nutritious & tasty menu, tomorrow we will be trialling a new homemade dip with crackers! This one will definitely be one to try at home 😋⭐️

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums, dads who take on both roles, grandparents, carers and everyone who steps up with love, care and support every single day. 💐

This week we appreciate everything you do behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. Wishing everyone a safe, happy and love filled Mother’s Day! ❤️