Kinder Cottage Early Education Centre

Great to see Miss Emily getting involved in our incursion this morning.

This morning the children in the Wombat and Kangaroo room had a lovely visit from the ladies from the cultural centre for First Nations people. They read a lovely story about ‘How the Birds got their colours’ and then did some craft work afterwards.

Young children who engage in pretend play show stronger mental health outcomes.

New research from University of Sydney highlights the link between imaginative play and children’s emotional development.

Read more: https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2026/04/22/toddlers-pretend-play-ability-linked-to-better-mental-health.html

University of Sydney

Every Thursday the children in the Wombat and Kangaroo room are excited to see our fabulous dance teacher Miss Stacy to do their dance class. The children have so much fun learning new dance moves.

We were lucky to have a visit from Kyle from Queensland Rail to talk about rail safety with the children. The kids loved it and had lots of questions for Kyle.

Biting is unfortunately something we deal with in child development, so I thought it would be helpful to repost this article about why young children bite.

https://parenttv.com/blog/how-to-stop-biting-and-hitting-in-young-children

Hitting. Biting. Big reactions in little bodies.

If your toddler is lashing out, especially at a sibling, you’re not alone. And more importantly… it’s not about “bad behaviour.”

It’s a sign they don’t yet have the skills to handle big feelings.

At 3.5, their brain is still learning how to pause, regulate, and express what’s going on inside. So instead, it comes out in the fastest way they know how… their body.

✨ The shift?
From “How do I stop this?”
To “What is my child needing help with right now?”

Because when we:
✔️ Set calm, clear boundaries
✔️ Stay close and support (not punish)
✔️ Teach what to do *instead*
✔️ Fill their connection cup

…we don’t just stop the behaviour.
We build the skills that replace it.

This is the long game of parenting and it works. 🤍

👉 Read the full blog on ParentTV for practical, evidence-based strategies to support your child through hitting and biting. ➡️ https://zurl.co/P7xib

How to Stop Biting and Hitting in Young Children null

When your child says “I’m bored,”
they’re not asking to be entertained…

They’re asking for support navigating a feeling.

Try this instead:
“I wonder what you could do?”
“I’m excited to see what you come up with.”

Small shifts → big impact.

Read our blog to survive the school holidays 👇
https://zurl.co/TDomi

💬 What’s your go-to response?

In case anyone is interested….

Maggie is delighted to once again be a part of this FREE annual online event, the Calm Connected Tweens & Teens Summit, 26th to 28th February.

If you’re raising a tween or teen, you’ll know that you’re now in a different stage of parenting. Maggie will be be talking about Being the Safe Steady Parent Your Teen Needs in Challenging Times.

Over 3 days, the Summit will bring together 20 excellent guest speakers to give you some practical and actionable advice.

You’ll hear about everything from anxiety, managing tech, money skills, bullying and grief, to friendships, ADHD, how to navigate difficult times and communicate with your teen. And more.

We hope you can join us!

Sign up here: https://maggie_dent--sparkseducation.thrivecart.com/all-access-pass-2026-early-bird/