Development

This website is easy to use. You are able to select from a list of interesting parenting topics that are listed below. You can also listen to some of them by clicking onto the play button on the pink box on the side of the page. If you want to print out a page, click the ‘Print this page’ button.

From time to time, we will publish a new topic that you might find interesting. If you want to subscribe to the newsletter, then please enter your email address and select the ‘Sign up’ button on the side of each of the article pages. We will send you information as it is available.

The early years

The early years

Why are the first few years of your child's life so important?
Child's play is a parent's business

Child's play is a parent's business

'How come grown-ups forget what it is like to be a child? They were little once.'
Play is one of the most important needs children have. At the heart of play is fun. It is through play that children do much of their learning.
Parenting impacts brain development

Parenting impacts brain development

The human brain takes time to develop. By birth, the brain has developed the main functions necessary to life – breathing, keeping your heartbeat steady, sucking, sleeping. The rest of the brain takes years to develop.
Your child's emotional development

Your child's emotional development
Supporting your child's social development

Supporting your child's social development

Children are constantly learning about their world and how to get along with others. A child’s desire to connect with others motivates them to learn and gives the child confidence to try new things.
Promoting independence

Promoting independence

A key task of parenting is raising independent, self-motivated children who are able to appropriately use the support of parents and friends as they grow. You can help your child develop a healthy sense of independence. Independence is an important aspect of your child’s development. From the age of two, children strive for more independence. From this age, you should encourage your child to make simple choices about their lives.
Understanding your baby's communication

Understanding your baby's communication

Bringing home the new baby can be exciting and frightening for both the baby and the parents.

Development

Parenthood

Experiences

Development

Responding

Find Help