Leanne's Family Daycare Canning vale WA

🌱 Back to Basics: Why Early Childhood Theorists Still Matter 🌱

As educators, we often talk about play-based learning, relationships, nature play, and following children's interests—but have you ever wondered where these ideas began?

Many of the practices we use every day are influenced by early childhood theorists whose research continues to shape how we support children to learn and grow.

💚 Maria Montessori reminds us that children are capable, independent learners who thrive when given opportunities to explore and make choices.

💚 Rudolf Steiner encourages us to nurture the whole child through imagination, creativity, rhythm, connection, and meaningful experiences.

💚 Urie Bronfenbrenner highlights the importance of a child's relationships and environment, recognising that family, community, culture, and society all influence development.

💚 Erik Erikson teaches us that children's emotional wellbeing and sense of trust, autonomy, confidence, and belonging are fundamental building blocks for lifelong learning.

For me these theories are not something we simply learn about—they are reflected in our everyday practice through:
✨ Child-led play
✨ Strong, responsive relationships
✨ Nature and outdoor exploration
✨ Opportunities for independence
✨ A nurturing home environment
✨ Respect for each child's unique journey

Theories give us the "why," but it is the children in front of us each day who bring those theories to life. ❤️

"Play is the highest form of research." – Often attributed to Albert Einstein

In a world full of parenting advice, social media highlights, and endless comparisons, it's easy to feel like you need to do more, be more, or somehow become the "perfect" parent.

But to your child...

✨ You are their favourite person.
✨ You are their safe place.
✨ You are their comfort after a hard day.
✨ You are the one they want to share their excitement with.
✨ You are enough.

Children don't remember whether the house was spotless, whether every meal was organic, or whether every activity was Pinterest-worthy. What they remember is feeling loved, heard, valued, and connected.

The cuddles on the couch.
The silly songs in the car.
The bedtime stories.
The moments you stop and truly listen.

So today, give yourself permission to let go of perfection and embrace what matters most—simply being you. 💕

Because to your child, you are exactly who they need.

As parents and educators, our instinct is often to protect, rescue, fix, and smooth the path ahead. But some of life's most valuable lessons come from allowing children the opportunity to experience things for themselves.

💭 Let them make mistakes.
💭 Let them feel disappointed.
💭 Let them solve problems.
💭 Let them be bored.
💭 Let them move at their own pace.

Every challenge they work through helps build confidence, resilience, independence, and self-belief.

Sometimes the hardest thing we can do is step back.
Sometimes it's also the most powerful.

Which one of these is the hardest for you to "let them" do? Mine was probably be letting them experience big emotions and not stepping in to try and fix it —it tugs at the heart every time! ❤️

🌱 You Are Their Childhood 🌱

The little moments matter more than we often realise.

The cuddles after a tumble, the conversations at mealtimes, the encouragement to keep trying, the laughter shared throughout the day—these everyday experiences help shape a child's sense of belonging, confidence, and security.

As educators and parents, we have the privilege of helping children build memories that become the foundation of who they are.

Today is a beautiful reminder that childhood isn't just something children experience—it's something we help create. ❤️

✨ What is one special memory from your own childhood that you still carry with you today?

🌸 Maybe living your best life means slowing down enough to see how good it already is. 🌸

Children remind us daily to find joy in the little things—a butterfly, a flower, a laugh, a moment of wonder. 💚

What's one thing you're grateful for today? 🌻✨

This year’s focus of 31 minutes of play links to Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, recognising every child’s right to rest, leisure, and play.

We see every day how meaningful play supports children’s:
✨ confidence and wellbeing
✨ creativity and imagination
✨ friendships and communication
✨ problem solving and resilience
✨ physical development and coordination

Whether it’s climbing, building, pretending, exploring nature, creating, laughing with friends, or simply having time and freedom to play — these moments matter deeply in early childhood.

Whether here or at home on this day try to make extra time for child-led play, joy, connection, and fun… because childhood should be filled with all of those things. 🌱💛

The nominations in the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards have been flying in so far! Don't forget to get your nomination in for an amazing educator, coordinator or service at www.familydaycare.com.au/awards.

Something I didn’t know existed

WAVEDkids is a virtual Emergency Department that, where suitable, gives families the option to receive care at home rather than waiting in an emergency department.

The opening hours of the state-wide service have now been expanded to 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟎.𝟑𝟎𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝟖𝐩𝐦.

To access WAVEDkids, call:
🔶1800 MEDICARE (1800 633 422)
🔶 Healthdirect (1800 022 222)

Depending on your child’s needs, you may be referred to WAVEDkids for expert virtual emergency care provided by the same senior doctors and nurses who care for children in our EDs.

🌧️🍃 Makuru – One of My Favourite Noongar Seasons 🍃🌧️

There’s something so special about Makuru, the season of rain, green growth and flowing waterways. It has always been one of my favourite Noongar seasons, especially when exploring our beautiful South West and watching the bush come alive after the winter rains. 💚

At daycare, we'll be learning about Makuru through nature play, seasonal observations and conversations about caring for Country and the world around us.

What is your favourite Noongar season and why? We'd love to hear from our families! 👇

🌿🦢🐸