Aroha Parenting

30/09/2025

I will continue running Nelson Nature playgroup over the next 2 weeks.

✨️Tuesday 7th October and
Tuesday 14th October ✨️

definitely, and then I'll let everyone know how I'm going and if we can get a few bonus sessions in before pēpi arrives.

I do plan on starting it up again in the new year but that is all dependent on how pēpi is.

So if you've been wanting to come along and haven't made it yet come sneak in a session over the next 2 weeks before I go on maternity.

07/08/2025

Do you wish you knew this before enrolling your child in daycare?

21/07/2025

11/07/2025

Rain or shine, come join me in Stoke, Nelson on Tuesdays for a new Nature playgroup.

As an outdoor kindergarten teacher, I've been itching for a playgroup like this ever since I had my little guy, so I've finally decided to create my own!

It will be very casual as I will be chasing my own toddler as well, but I will provide a few resources and whip up a bivvy for shelter if it's raining.

I will update about the playgroup and notify of any cancellations here on instagram stories, so make sure you are following

DM me for the exact location and how to find us 😊
💚🌿

13/06/2025

The best homemade slime I've tried.

Super easy with no glue, borax, or other chemical filled ingredients.

Save the recipe for later!

03/06/2025

Self sacrifice doesn't help anybody! Prioritise you māmā your whole family will benefit!

Independent play is one way to find a break catch your breathe in the daily grind where there is no one else around.

Comment THRIVE and I'll send you the guide ❤️

16/05/2025

Send this to a friend currently battling through first trimester with a toddler ❤️

Inspired by our current situation, I am right there with you!

SAVE this post for when baby brain kicks in and you can't think.

13/04/2025

Getting outside doesn't need to be hard!

And it doesn't have to be uncomfortable

Follow to get your kids outside 🌿🌻🤸‍♀️

09/03/2025

Kia ora 👋 Hi 😊
So many new people have arrived while I've been on holiday! So it's time for a reintroduction.

I'm Emily, an early childhood teacher turned SAHM. Who lives at the bottom of the earth in Aotearoa, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Raising kids is hard. The most rewarding things always are!

So I wanna make your life a bit easier by spilling the secrets of early childhood teachers.

How we get through the day with a smile on our face, how we laugh in the chaos.

How we manage to feed, toilet, and put so many kids to bed as well as teaching them big life stuff!

My secret weapons have always been play and nature.

Once you know how to use them, everything becomes a lot easier and actually enjoyable!!

Stick around for all things play 🤸‍♀️and exploring nature🌿 with your minis.

I'll be releasing resources for you to use at home and spilling teacher secrets.

If you need help now! And struggling to get s**t done at home with your velcro toddler.

Comment VELCRO and I'll send you a link🔗 to Check out my 6 steps to independent play guide.

The guide clearly sets out how to get your kids playing like a pro while you finally drink your coffee hot and finish folding the laundry (or not, no judgment here on how big your laundry pile gets 🫣)

I'm glad you're here😊❤️

23/08/2024

Stop doing these 3 things 👇

1. 🚫 Interrupting 🚫

Don't ask them what colour the car is or how many wheels there are. Back away, bite your lip they are busy at work! No one likes being interrupted just as you are finding your flow and getting stuck in.

2. 🚫 Directing 🚫

The best independent play is child led. This may mean they will play with things "wrong" and it may take all of your will power not to show them how to do it "properly". But if they are using a toy in a different way it is showing curiosity, creativity, ingenuity, and imagination. Let it happen!

This includes mixing the playdough colours, take a breathe, it's OK. Let it happen! It's all a part of their learning journey.

3. 🚫 Correcting 🚫

Allow them space to problem solve for themselves when things get tricky. And try asking yourself if it is really a problem that needs your attention straight away.

If they dump out a basket of toys looking for something tidying it up can wait.

Let us know in the COMMENTS below do you let them mix the playdough or you can't let it go 🙈 ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜