Why Cape Town Families Choose Educated Au Pairs in the 21st Century

Why Cape Town Families Choose Educated Au Pairs

Life moves fast in Cape Town. Between work, traffic and daily responsibilities, even the most organised parents feel stretched. Many dream of more quality time with their children—and the peace of mind that they’re getting the attention, care and learning support they deserve.
That’s exactly where an Educated Au Pair makes all the difference. At Au Pair At Home, we match Cape Town families with caring, reliable and skilled professionals who fit your family’s rhythm.

Home-Based Care Tailored to Your Family

An au pair focuses on your child’s needs in your own home — giving you the comfort of knowing they’re in a familiar environment rather than an aftercare facility or simply unattended to.

Because their sole role is to care for, support, and guide your children, they can provide:

• Individual attention that meets the child’s needs and allows children to grow to their full potential.

• Consistent routines in line with your family’s values and parenting style.

• Safe and reliable transport to and from school or extra murals.

• Freedom for siblings to participate in more activities, especially in larger families.

Every Family Is Different

No two households look alike, and neither do their childcare needs. Some families may have a child with special needs or neurodiversity who requires additional patience, structure, and understanding. Others may be single-parent households or divorced families, where children move between two homes and consistency is especially important.

That’s why there are different “versions” of educated au pairs, depending on your requirements:

• Academic-focused au pairs to guide with schoolwork, study-methods etc.

• Special-needs au pairs with neuro-diverse experience, training and the knowledge to know to  meet your child where they are.

• Flexible au pairs for co-parenting arrangements or shared custody schedules.

• Playful, energetic au pairs for younger children who need stimulation and fun.

• Baby-Specialist Au Pairs with newborn knowledge and hands on experience.

• PA Type Au pairs or Governesses who see to the home and children’s/family’s needs.

Whatever your situation, the right au pair is someone who adapts to your family’s rhythm and helps create stability for your children.

Professional Care That Lets You Focus on Quality Time

Instead of racing home to start a long evening of homework, dinner prep, and chores, you can walk through the door ready to spend meaningful time with your children.

An au pair can help with:

• School runs and after-school activities

• Homework supervision and test/exam preparation

• Fun, age-appropriate play-based learning and activities

• Packing lunches and school bags for the next day

• Shopping, errands, household organisation and supervision of staff.

With this support, you can be the relaxed, present parent you want to be.

Duties Designed Around Your Needs

Every family is different — and so is every au pair role. We encourage regular feedback between parents and their au pair to ensure your child’s developmental and emotional needs are always prioritised.

Primary duties usually focus on the children, while secondary duties can help the household run smoothly. Together, these tasks can transform your family’s day-to-day life.

Your Wellbeing Matters Too

An au pair isn’t just an investment in your children — it’s an investment in you. With the right kind of childcare in place you go from struggling to peace of mind. The right support means you can find balance again, knowing your children are safe, happy, and thriving.

At Au Pair At Home, we don’t just place au pairs — we find the perfect match for your family’s needs, values, wellbeing and lifestyle.

Ready to Explore How an Au Pair Could Work for Your Family?

At Au Pair At Home we offer you over 30 years of evolved experience and care, combined with our 21st century thinking to offer you au pairs who are true@home- educators.  It’s your modern family’s game-changer!

Get in touch with us today and let’s find the right fit for your home.

✨ Ready to get the support your family needs? Contact us today and let us introduce you to an Educated Au Pair who will make all the difference.

Let’s find your fit:
Website: https://aupairathome.co.za/
Caron: 021 712 8915
Lilian: 082 881 3605

Why Considering an Educated Au Pair is a Family Game-Changer

Why Considering an Educated Au Pair is a Family Game-Changer

For South African parents balancing the demands of work, family, and modern life, the question isn’t whether you need help — it’s what kind of support will truly benefit your children and your household.

At Au Pair At Home, after 30 years in this specialised field, we believe the answer lies in the Educated Au Pair — someone who goes far beyond traditional childcare, offering the skills and guidance to nurture your child’s learning, confidence, and future success in the 21st century.

What Makes an Educated Au Pair Different?

Not every au pair is the same. At Au Pair At Home, we set the bar higher.

Every Educated Au Pair we place:

• Has a Matric qualification

• Is a current student or graduate of PSET or higher tertiary education (relevant diplomas, degrees, post grads)

• Has documented, relevant childcare experience

• Brings the knowledge, maturity, and skills gained from advanced studies into their role as educator and mentor

• Offers your children a blend of academic, emotional, and social support to excel in a fast-changing world

This means your au pair is not only equipped to care for your child safely, but can also provide meaningful educational input — from guiding homework to encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity.

Why This Matters for Your Children’s Development

Children don’t just need supervision; they need encouragement, stimulation, and positive role models to thrive. An Educated Au Pair:

• Provides personalised learning support — from toddlers learning through play to matric students preparing for exams

• Bridges the gap between school and home in a relaxed, one-on-one environment

• Encourages the 21st-century skills children need: resilience, critical thinking, and confidence

• Becomes a trusted mentor children can look up to through all stages of growth

Peace of Mind for Parents

When you hire through Au Pair At Home, you know your Educated Au Pair has been carefully screened — not only for qualifications, but also for values and personality fit.

The result?

• Consistency in your children’s upbringing

• Safety and reliability in daily routines and transport

• More quality family time when you get home, instead of rushing into homework or chores

• The reassurance that your children are guided by someone who truly understands education and development

The Game-Changer Your Family Has Been Looking For

Parenting is about being present, not perfect. With the support of an Educated Au Pair, you can let go of the constant juggle and focus on what matters most — being the parent your children need.

At Au Pair At Home, we don’t just match families with au pairs. We introduce you to Educated Au Pairs who are True@Home-Educators — nurturing both mind and spirit, and helping children grow into the very best versions of themselves.

✨ Ready to find your family’s game-changer? Contact us today and let us introduce you to an Educated Au Pair who will make all the difference.

https://aupairathome.co.za/

Contact:

Caron on 0217128915

Lilian on 0828813605

How Au Pairs can establish discipline and build good relationships with children

Au Pairs: Establishing Discipline and Building Good Relationships

• Are you strict and expect children to obey your rules?
• Are you the kind of person who is good at setting boundaries?
• Are you a real softy who can’t say no?
• Are you expecting the children to ‘just’ behave?
• Are you upset when the kids don’t listen to you? 

As adults living within society we have learnt ‘ways of being’ for ourselves as well as setting acceptable parameters about the behaviours of others around us, and all the more so if we are caring for other peoples children! 

There are established patterns and predictions of behaviour that have been known about for years, gathered from hands-on practical experience and the professionals. The ‘bad or good’ behaviours haven’t changed much through the years but perhaps the way we, as professionals / parents/ teachers / au pairs etc handle them has changed considerably.  
Authoritarianism and corporal punishment is unacceptable, where as understanding the child’s personality, consistency, routines, boundary setting and discussions with explanations are the modern way of handling behaviours.  
We have seen through our many years in the family and au pair arena that children feel more secure within rules and boundaries. If we give them security they will grow to be self confident with high self esteem and be caring and respectful of others.
Each family is individual and different; each child of the family might need a different way of being handled. You might have a different approach that really works. 
Au Pair At Home strongly suggests that you consult the parents about their family values, beliefs and approach to child-rearing – it’s their children after all. Ask them for guidelines and if there are any books on the subject that they might recommend that you could consult. Consult us as well, as we at Au Pair At Home, have had many years experience both with our children and with our clients’ families. 
 
So how do you go about building this relationship? 
 
-It takes time, patience, trust, mutual respect and open communication to build a good relationship with the children in your charge.  
-Sometimes this happens fast if there is a good ‘click’ but if you are the new au pair and the children really loved their past au pair then know its going to take time and a bit of work to win them over but outright spoiling is not going to do the trick – kids are smarter than that.
-How children should be disciplined also depends on their age and stage of development. Thus it is important to have knowledge of what you can expect of their age group. Please discuss expectations of the child’s development with the parents, read up via books or online via the many websites available on the subject. Please also read our article on the summary of the different age groups
- Building your relationship is going to be an ongoing process particularly as part of your duties as an au pair is to guide their discipline and behaviour. Teaching them to be responsible, assisting them in learning to resolve issues and allowing them to develop skills they will use later in life. In short you are the positive role-model assisting their development of self discipline and control.  
-Have discussions with the parents re approach to discipline:

1. Some parents might ask you to be stricter than they are – you might agree to this but ensure that you have their back-up. Find out why – as the au pair to the children, you are the supporter of their parental role and not the parent.
2. Some parents have little to no discipline and it is harder for the au pair to manage the children unless the parents accept that you are going to set discipline by means of strict routine, at least. Do a bit of research and discuss with the parents your approach and why. If there is co-operation it is often easier for the au pair to set boundaries for the children that the parents can follow through.
3. Parents feel guilty that they are not at home with their kids so if their children phone or nag they might say yes to something that was a clear no from you. For example – demanding sweets before dinner. Dialogue with the parents about consistency and try to explain that if they do not support you in front of the children you cannot possibly maintain a respectful relationship with the children.
4. If the parents are not happy with how you handled their children they should speak to you in private – much the same as the mother and father would do with each other. 

-How you behave towards them will have direct impact on how the children respond to your disciplining them.

1. Show the child that you respect them by listening to them, by including them in discussions and plans and that he or she matters to you. That they aren’t ‘just a job’.
2. Communicate directly with them, going down to their eye level. Do so calmly and clearly. Never shout as they won’t be able to ‘hear’ you. Be mindful that discipline is often mistaken as punishment, so if you are unhappy about a behaviour, explain why. Don’t overreact out of stress and frustration.
3. Consistency is vital as inconsistent discipline is confusing to a child of any age and will result in the children not respecting you. For example - giving into a tantrum rewards children for bad behaviour - it teaches them that negative behaviours gets them what they want and it more than likely to be repeated.
4. If you are fair but firm the children will soon learn that there is no point in resisting. It is normal for children to test the boundaries and if you are not consistent in the methods of discipline used, you are encouraging more misbehaviour. By ensuring that the children know what the consequences of their actions will be you are establishing a good baseline for fair discipline.
5. Give each child attention - factor in some quality time with each individual child as often as you can – even if its only in the car. Give the children lots of love, hugs and cuddles.
6. Do tailor the discipline as what works for one child might not work for another. Each child is an individual and you will need to adapt your methods of discipline to suit each child.
7. Always have a program planned for the week. You received a brochure on Au Pairing the Right Way and Setting up a Programme at your interview with us. If you have mislaid this, please request a copy. Plan activities that are fun, preferably discussing options with the children.
8. Get physical. As part of the programme, ensure that the children have a lot of physical exercise daily.
9. If they are angry or sad, try to understand why and support them – don’t be dismissive or their feelings. If they tell you secrets, ensure that you keep them.
10. If you make a promise you must keep to it.  If you are unsure of being able to keep it don’t promise anything. The children will trust you all the more.
11. Always focus on the behaviour you are not happy with and not on the child. Explain what is unacceptable.
12. Be positive and praise good behaviour, be demonstrative whilst talking about the good behaviour. At the same time don’t overdo praise as it will lose its value.
13. Try not to use bribes as it teaches the child to only do good things if there is a reward. Rather reward or praise the children after they have done something good.
14. Some quiet time is advised for young children to prevent over tiredness, tantrums and “bad” behaviour.
15. Time-outs can work very well if they are used only when a child has lost control. Don’t use it for other unacceptable behaviours as it will lose its impact.  Rather find another discipline tool.
16. The “What to Expect Nanny Handbook” suggests that to make the most of time-out also use its partner: The Time-in. We so often notice bad behaviour instead of acknowledging the good behaviour. They suggest that along the way you give the thumbs up to any good behaviour – not interrupting what the child is doing but reinforcing what she is doing. Feeling good about a behaviour will make it happen more often
17. Distraction with something more interesting is most often the best way to prevent improper behaviour. 
18. Always remember that you are the adult and although you are encouraged to play like a child, it is not appropriate to behave immaturely – for example don’t resort to arguing with the child. Boundaries will give way, as will the respect.

Setting Expectations and Creating Limits
 
-Be clear about what you expect of the children. Misunderstandings occur when there is confusion about expectations.
-Be very clear about setting limitations. Say what you mean, try not to be vague on issues of rules and expectations.
-Let the children know about all the routines and rules as they are happening for meal times, getting ready to go out , homework time, bath and bed times, packing up time etc. Make it fun but give the children reminders whilst adding in fun things in the mean time.
-Its great to get the children involved in setting the limits as you are all working as a team whilst they dialogue what they think and gain understanding as to why the rules are there and are thus more likely to obey them.
-More importantly, because you are building a good relationship with them, they are learning that although you are all good friends, they still need to abide by your rules, even if they don’t feel like it.
-Don’t get upset if they express unhappiness about having to stick to these limits in the beginning. If you have planned the process you will have enough tolls to see you through.
-If you are taking care of younger children start with only a few rules. Once those are established you can add a few more. Start with:

1. Behaviour that might endanger the child, as safety is priority number one.
2. Then any behaviour that harms people or any property
3. Behaviour that is not condoned i.e. tantrums, interruption in conversation etc.

-Be sure that you know why you are saying no. Explain your reasons for saying no and be sure the child understands as well. Particularly with younger children try not to use ‘no’ too often. There are other words to get the message across.
 
Rewarding
 
Praise should be used as a reward. As discussed above, use the Time-in Concept to acknowledge good behaviour and reinforce it.
Children, like adults, behave according to the pleasure principle: behaviour that’s rewarding continues, behaviour that’s unrewarding ceases. The ultimate goal is self discipline – a child behaves because he/she wants to or because he/ she knows you expect good behaviour.
You can invent creative ways to motivate desirable behaviours with rewards as these motivators help the family’s life run more smoothly – “First one out the bath gets to choose the story”.
The natural consequences of good behaviour are not always motivating enough in themselves. So granting rewards and privileges are discipline tools to set limits and get jobs done.
Giving a reward is something that should be given after a child has done something – a way to entice a child towards goals you’ve made for him /her. Don’t get into a situation where the child expects a prize each time there is good behaviour.
The Good Behaviour Book suggests that for a reward to work, it must be something a child truly desires – so ask leading questions to get ideas:

1. If you could do special things with me (au pair) or mom and dad what would it be?
2. If you could go somewhere with a friend where would you go?
3. If you had a little money what would you buy.

Reward Charts are very helpful and have a high success rate as the children can see their progress and participate daily in working towards achieving their reward.

1. The charts should be interactive and fun – connecting dots, pasting on different stickers or stars.
2. Some professionals encourage positive and negative entries as reminders of both behaviours. Others are adamant that the chart only display the good. The choice is yours but know why you are doing it.
3. The chart should be displayed very visibly in a place where all can see – it is a testimony to good behaviour!
4. The child should do an activity around what reward he/she wants – like drawing a picture of it. It can even be used as part of the chart – connecting dots around the picture as the rewards gets closer to attainment.
5. Depending on the age of the child the rewards should not extend over to long a period. Dr William and Martha Sears suggest that a toddler gets end of hour rewards, for a preschooler - the end of the day, and the school-age child - the end of the week.
6. For children the novelty wears off frequently so change the charts often – be creative.

We strongly advise you to read further on the subject or discuss discipline in depth with the parents as your approach to disciplining the children in your charge is the key to an enjoyable and successful au pair placement.
The “What To Expect Nanny Handbook” says “Mary Poppins had a point. One of the most effective ways to deal with children is to make whatever you are doing fun. No need for a real spoonful of sugar- just a real good sense of humour. Make funny faces when its time to give medicine, turn cleaning up into a game or stop a tantrum in its tracks with a joke. It works!”
 
Written by Lilian Hellerman
 
Sources:
Murrkoff Heidi – What to Expect Babysitter and Nanny Handbook
Dr William Sears and Martha Sears – the Good Behaviour Book
Hands on Experience both personally and professionally

Toddler snacks you can feel good about

Let's face it, some toddlers are known for being very picky eaters and meal times can often become quite stressful!

Processed foods aren't always healthy for your child and although they may sometimes seem like the easier option especially for 'snacking', there are alternative ways to encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables. All it requires is a bit a creativity! 

Below are some ideas of easy snacks you can make for your toddler:

You can be as creative as you like, so give it a try! Happy snacking :)

5 tips to get pearly white teeth for your tots!

The morning and night routine of brushing your child's teeth can often be a daunting task for parents, that sometimes results in being late for school/work while you beg, bribe or plead with your child to brush their teeth. We were so excited to find these tips from http://www.parent24.com/ on the top five ways to get your tots to brush their teeth without any fuss, making for an easy start to the day!

1. SING A SONG

Most children love a silly song, so don't be shy make one up about brushing teeth! Use the tune of your toddler's favourite song or nursery rhyme and get creative. Toddlers love silly words and actions- the funnier the better. Sing the same song every tooth brushing time, as toddlers also thrive on routine and predictability. It can also help to calm her if a tantrum is about to erupt. 

2. MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

Toddlers love to look at themselves, so have your child face the bathroom mirror, toothbrush in hand. Not only will she be distracted by her own reflection, she will also be able to see what's going on.

3. TAKE TURNS

Let your toddler have a turn to brush your teeth first. Giggle and laugh while she is doing it so that she can see how fun it can be. Then take your turn to brush yours. Two-year-olds also love being independent, so you could also let her have a go at brushing her own teeth first. When she is finished, you can give her teeth a quick once-over, maybe even letting her hold the brush with you.

4. COPY CAT

Toddlers often copy their parents, so get your own toothbrush for your little one when it's brushing time and let her watch you brush your teeth. Show her through your smiles and actions and how fun it is. Most toddlers will want to have a go at brushing teeth just like Mom or Dad.

5. GET SILLY

Look in your child's mouth and tell her you can see something in there that she'll find funny: mashed potatoes, pumpkins, sugar bugs, ect. Be silly about it, saying, "We'd better get those giant tomatoes out of your teeth!" Your silliness will distract her enough for you to get in there and scrub those pearly whites. You could also get your child to growl like a lion while you brush the front teeth and open wide like a hippo to get to those back teeth. make it fun! 

Source: http://www.parent24.com/Baby/Babycare/5-top-tooth-brushing-tips-for-tots-20151027

The importance of play for your childs development and growth

1. The Home Playground

One does not need many expensive or fancy toys to entertain and stimulate a little one. Here are a few simple ideas - with acknowledgements to SMILE Education Systems book "Growing up with a smile" - a book well worth getting your hands on.

• Hammock - great for rocking
• Hula hoops - for running and crawling in and out and using as a target for ball games
• Bubbles - for blowing, chasing and popping
• Bean bags - light, heavy, filled with sand, plastic chips, pebbles, beans or herbs such as lavender, mint, cinnamon sticks or rosemary. Great for stepping on, balancing on heads and catching games.
• Punch bag - to develop strength, express emotions and for eye - hand co-ordination
• Large pieces of cloth - use as a hideaway, a house or a tunnel by draping over a table
• Mirrors - for body awareness
• Chalk - for drawing footprints, arrows, shapes and numbers and of course for hopscotch on the patio
• Board - to use as a ramp or a balance beam. (An old ironing board is ideal) Prop it on a brick or a piece of furniture at a low angle for your child to crawl or walk up and down.
• Sandpit - combined with a number of old favourites like buckets, spades, sieves, feathers and sea shells can provide hours of entertainment (use course sea salt to sterilize)
• Balls - heavy, light, big, small.

Provide a sizeable area for free play and give your child a variety of verbal instructions such as bend, jump, move sideways, run, skip, hop, twist and turn, roll.

Movement between, around, across, inside, under and on top of various objects increases body and spatial awareness. Encourage your child to use his body and mind to tackle obstacles, solve problems and make decisions.

Most of all - laugh and have fun with your little one

2. Messy Play

Messy play gives children the opportunity to experience a wide range of sensory experiences. Prepared solutions such as finger-paint, slime and goop give children a wonderful opportunity to experiment with different textures and materials. Messy play helps children: 

• Relax - it can be a soothing activity that helps release tension and frustration
• Express their feelings in a creative way
• Experiment with the properties of materials, e.g. does it hold its shape or pour or run?
• Learn about colour mixing, patterns, design, texture and rhythm
• Develop hand-eye coordination and practise the skills of pouring, measuring, mixing, scooping, and beating.

Literacy and Numeracy

Talk with the children about what they are experiencing - use words like slimy, runny, soft, warm, cold, lumpy, wet
Introduce chants, rhymes, songs, or music, if appropriate.

Here are 12 great ideas for Messy Play - Get out an apron and have some fun!

1. Pasta play - Cook up some pasta, colour with food colouring if you like, allow to cool and play!
2. Cornflour goop - Mix some cornflour with water until it's of a runny consistency, but it still hardens if you move the spoon quickly! Add colouring if required and pour onto on a tabletop or tray. Use your fingers, or anything you like to play with it. Have fun with its strange consistency. If it gets on the floor wait until it's dry and then sweep/hoover it up. Goop may be re-used after it has dried out. Crumble it to a powder then restore it to the original consistency by adding water, a spoonful at a time.
3. Jelly play - This is just simply playing with some set jelly in your fingers.
4. Pudding play - 1 package pudding mix Prepare pudding as directed. Put approximately a 1/2 cup of the pudding on a smooth surface such as a tray. Explore the pudding with hands and fingers, just as if you were finger-painting. Use a popsicle stick, straw or spoon to make designs.
5. Microwave puff-painting - Encourage your children to be creative with this recipe, which makes a fabulous paint that 'puffs up' when cooked in the microwave. 1 tablespoon self-raising flour 1 tablespoon salt few drops food colouring Mix the ingredients together using enough water to make a smooth paste. Make 3 to 4 different colours - empty yoghurt cups are handy containers. Paint on to thick paper or cardboard, then microwave on high for about 10 seconds or until the paint is dry.
6. Slime - Dissolve 1 cup of soap flakes in 2 litres of warm water. Add food colouring if desired. Allow the mixture to stand until it becomes thick and slimy. Beat with eggbeater or fork to make it froth. Put slime in a wide, open container or trough. Provide children with eggbeaters, spoons, funnels, cups, sponges, sieves, whisks, etc., for them to experiment with.
7. Sand sculpture clay - 2 cups fine sand 1 cup cornstarch 1 cup water Put all the above into a pot and heat on the stove. Stir until it thickens and cool with a wet paper towel.
8. Salt crystal goop - 1 cup flour 1 cup water 1 cup salt food colouring Mix all the above together and put into squeeze bottles. When it dries, the crystals shine. fluffy paint 2/3 cup soap flakes 1/3 cup water powdered paint or food colour Combine all the above and whip until fluffy and paint! Note: Be careful not to get into eyes as it will hurt! Rinse with water or a damp cloth.
9. Mud dough - 2 cups mud 2 cups sand ½ cup salt Mix all the above together and add enough water to make pliable. sawdust clay 1 cup white paste 2 cups sawdust Mix together to form a ball. Mould as desired. This will harden and can be painted.
10. Uncooked finger paint - 2 cups corn flour 1 cup cold water 4 cups boiling water (a little more if necessary) ¼ cup soap flakes (optional) Whisk the corn flour and cold water together in a large bowl until all the corn flour is suspended. Pour in four or a little more cups of boiling water while stirring and beat until the mixture sticks together. Continue until the mixture is smooth, thick and translucent. Add the soap flakes if desired and keep stirring. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little more water. The finger-paint should pour slowly and keep its shape for a short time when moulded or patterned with fingers. Colour can be mixed into the finger paint now.
11. Cooked finger paint - 2 cups corn flour 5 cups cold water Mix the corn flour to a smooth paste with a little cold water using a large pot. Add 5 cups of cold water and stir over low heat for about ten minutes until the mixture has thickened to a consistency that will pour slowly and keep its shape briefly when moulded or patterned with fingers.
12. Edible Play Dough - Mix well, play with it, then eat it! 1 cup smooth peanut butter 2/3 cup Rice Krispies 1 cup powdered milk. *Please note that some of these may not be appropriate for young ones that are still putting everything into their mouth, so select your activity appropriately.

3. Play and Your Developing Child

Play develops the whole child – Social, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional Skills are learnt and enhanced through play.

During their first few years, in which time they should be encouraged to play a much as possible, children –develop independence, learn to use language to express themselves and learn to take turns and share.

Learn how their body works, develop their physical skills and use their senses

Discover how the world around them works, explore their creativity, learn to solve problems and begin to understand the relationship between cause and effect.

Learn how to cope with fears and deal with their emotions and develop a positive self image.

Playing with a wide variety of toys helps children to develop to their fullest potential…below, I have listed suggestions of what your child should be playing with at each stage.

• Toys for little babies 0-6 months: Mobiles, mirrors, soft toys that have textures and sounds, toys that make musical chiming sounds, rattles and toys that encourage focusing of the eyes and stretching of the limbs such as play gyms.
• Toys for older babies 6 – 12 months: Nesting cups, stacking toys, building blocks, push and pull toys, bath toys, a variety of balls in different colours and sizes, baby gyms, pop up toys, books.
• Toys for 1 – 2 year olds: Puzzles, finger paints, sand pits with buckets and spades, ride on toys such as black motor bikes, shape sorters, any push/ pull toys such as prams or wheel barrows, musical instruments, pretend toys such as mops and brooms, hammer benches books
• Toys for 2 - 4 year olds: Threading laces and beads, puzzles, play dough, thick crayons and blunt nosed scissors, fancy dress clothing, dolls, cars, bats and balls, books.

Learn to trust the ages on the toys boxes, one can put a child off a toy by giving them something they are not ready for too soon – either that or you may think that they are bored with it and pack it way – rather wait and you’ll be amazed to see how they suddenly 'get it'!

Written by - Kirsten McIntosh from Sugar & Spice

The terrifying reality of how easy it is for a stranger to approach your child!

We recently came across a video on Youtube of a social experiment that opened the world's eyes to how easy it is for a stranger to approach your child. We hope by sharing this video, that it'll help draw attention to this ever growing global issue of child abduction and trafficking. Below is the video of the experiment! 

A guide to choosing the right activity books for your children

Perfect entertainment for rainy days and long journeys Sticker books encourage language learning through image association and help develop fine motor skills.

Dot to dot books are great for developing number skills and developing manual dexterity (pencil control).

Puzzle books are fantastic for developing problem solving and lateral thinking skills as well as reading, counting & identification skills.

The great search puzzle books are also hugely informative, revealing a host of fascinating facts and expanding your child’s general knowledge and vocabulary.

Art and craft activity books encourage creativity; assist fine motor development (through cutting, colouring and sticking) and keep children occupied for hours.

In addition, the finished item gives the child a great sense of achievement and makes them feel very proud to have made something special for Mom!

Written by - Kirstin McIntosh from Sugar & Spice