Anna, founder of Kidslingo, shares how to engage your toddler in a second language. Read on to learn her tips!
The Benefits Of Learning A Second Language For Your Toddler
Learning a second language at a young age offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond simply acquiring linguistic skills, perfecting an accent or learning vocabulary.
Early exposure to languages not only enhances cognitive development, boosts confidence and encourages natural creativity – it also fosters a global perspective and cultural tolerance.
As well as the scientifically researched benefits, we often receive feedback from parents at Kidslingo about the benefits they see every day with their own children. We hear multiple stories of improvements with speech difficulties, self-esteem and confidence levels.
When Is The Best Time To Start Learning A Language?
Early childhood is the most rapid period of development in a human life and the key time to start language learning. Children’s minds are more flexible than adults, allowing for quicker, easier and more efficient language learning. We always talk about little ones being ‘sponges’ but when it comes to language development – this is an incredibly accurate description.
Extensive research shows the more mental stimulation a child gets between the age of two to four, the more developed the parts of their brains dedicated to language and cognition will be in the decades ahead.
How Do I Engage My Toddler In Learning A Second Language?
The benefits are clear – but the question remains of how to engage their minds and supercharge young children’s language skills. Toddlers are naturally curious and keen to explore the world around them. It is vital to use the right tools and activities to capture their imaginations and inspire them to love languages.
1. Songs And Music
Music is an integral part of the human culture and can be a very powerful tool in engaging young children and supporting them to harness new vocabulary and language structures.
Catchy tunes and simple lyrics will stick in your toddler’s head and help develop their listening skills, allowing for subconscious learning and higher levels of recall.
Combining music with visual cues, drama, games and speech can provide the perfect backdrop for effective language learning. These techniques are at the heart of the Kidslingo approach.
2. Integrating Language Learning Into Everyday Activities
Language acquisition should never be viewed as separate from everyday play – it can be seamlessly integrated into activities in a what we call ‘stealth learning’ at Kidslingo – children learn without even realising they are doing so.
These examples of simple activities can be used to incorporate learning and stimulate second language development everyday:
counting with your toddler as you go up the stairs
pointing out different colours during everyday play activities
discussing vocabulary on a park walk
talking about ingredients whilst making biscuits
watching a favourite TV show with different language settings
listening to songs (see here for Kidslingo’s music downloads)
The more natural and play-based you make the experience, the more effectively your toddler will learn.
3. Multi-Sensory Learning
Language learning isn’t just about words!Engaging language learning activities often involve multiple senses such as hearing, seeing, touching and movement.
By engaging multiple senses, toddlers have a more immersive learning experience. This multi-sensory approach enhances their understanding and retention of language concepts, vocabulary and grammar structures.
Individual children learn in different ways, which is why it is so important to use all of the senses to help them to learn a second language.
4. Social Interaction And Collaboration
A language class provides a fantastic starting point – a springboard – for any young child starting or continuing their language learning journey. A class sets the focal point for the learning and embeds the basics – that can then be reinforced and practised daily through some of the fun and simple methods mentioned above.
Furthermore, the communal experience of learning together with other little ones encourages social interaction and collaboration. Classes provide opportunities for communication and cooperation, allowing children to practice their language skills in real-life situations. Through interactive games and group activities, children learn to negotiate meaning, take turns and express themselves in the second language amongst their peers.
5. Simple Steps In Small Doses
Fun and engaging experiences lay the foundation for long-term learning success – but it doesn’t all happen overnight. The ‘little but often’ approach can make a big difference to building and developing your toddler’s newly acquired language skills.
Patience is essential – it is incredibly common for a toddler to learn a second language without much output initially – then suddenly one day they will actively join in wholeheartedly, at which point it is very clear that absolutely everything has been absorbed.
To Conclude
In summary, if you want your toddler to learn a second language superpowers – it must be a fun experience.
Fun has a hugely positive effect on children’s motivation levels, determining how much is learned and retained. If the experience is fun, your toddler will stay curious and keep coming back for more.
Enjoyable experiences have a positive impact on memory retention. When children are actively engaged through fun activities, the information becomes more memorable. By making language learning enjoyable, we create a solid foundation for children’s language development and cultivate a lifelong love for learning languages.
Thanks to Anna – Kidslingo
At Kidslingo we aim to foster a love of language learning and support the next generation of linguistically savvy global citizens.
Kidslingo has a holistic approach to language education with the goal of nurturing the passion for learning and continuous development throughout life.
Anna, an award-winning expert linguist and marketer, set up Kidslingo 11 years ago. It is now a national franchise network teaching French and Spanish to over 30,000 children aged 0 – 11 years every week across the UK.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Returning to work after maternity leave is a significant milestone for every new parent. While it can be an exciting time reconnecting with colleagues and getting back into the workplace, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. What if your baby isn’t sleeping well at night yet? You may be feeling anxious at the thought of returning to work and wondering how on earth you will cope with the demands of the workplace when you’re feeling so sleep-deprived. Michelle Brown from the Baby Sleep Experts shares her tips!
As a parent who has been through this journey myself, I understand the challenges you’re facing. Also, as a sleep coach, I speak to a lot of Mums who are dreading their maternity leave coming to an end, so I’ve put together some helpful advice and practical tips to help you navigate your first few weeks back at work after maternity leave.
1. Take Regular Breaks
It’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner when you’re focused on caring for your baby and getting all your work done. Plan in short breaks throughout the day when you are at work to recharge and help you to concentrate. You may be surprised to hear that the most reliable way to recharge throughout the day isn’t caffeine but to get moving. Going for a short walk outside in the daylight whenever you feel sleepy will help you feel more alert and help to regulate your circadian rhythm. Being active will also give you a boost by enhancing your circulation and releasing endorphins. However, if you fancy a coffee after your walk then head to our delicious coffee partner PACT coffeeand claim a free cafetière all for yourself when using the code HAPPITYCAF24 !
2. Prioritise Your Own Sleep
If your baby is not sleeping well, it’s important that you get as much sleep as possible yourself. Whilst it may feel boring, prioritise sleep whenever you can, especially in the first few weeks back at work. Create a calming environment in the evenings, limit screen time before bed, and aim for a consistent sleep schedule. Go for the early bedtime and if possible, ask a partner to share nighttime responsibilities. Perhaps your partner could help with any wakes for the first part of the night to allow you to catch up on sleep. You will know what works best for your family but please don’t do this alone.
3. Communicate With Your Employer
Be open and honest with your employer about your situation. Discuss any flexibility options available, such as adjusting your work hours or working from home occasionally. Many employers are understanding of the challenges faced by working parents and may be willing to accommodate your needs.
4. Manage Expectations
As a new parent, it’s essential to recognise your limitations and avoid taking on too much at once. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. Prioritise tasks and focus on completing the most important ones first. Remember, it’s okay to ask for extensions or delegate tasks when needed. Going back to work can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially if you are not getting a good night’s sleep. Consider arranging things at home to minimise the pressure including not planning much for the weekend.
5. Be Kind To Yourself
Returning to work after maternity leave is a major life transition, and it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including guilt, anxiety, and overwhelm. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it’s okay to struggle at times. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and remember that you’re doing the best you can. Even though you may feel as though you’re being pulled in lots of different direction, it’s important to grab some time to yourself to relax at least once or twice a week. Perhaps this could be taking a proper lunch break and going to a nice café or going for a lunchtime swim. Remember that working mums need treats and returning to work shouldn’t be a continuous grind.
6. Seek Professional Help If Needed
I know from my own experience and helping hundreds of Mums returning to work that lack of sleep becomes more of an issue when you are balancing the demands of motherhood with the responsibilities of the workplace. Desperation may be kicking in and you might find yourself questioning whether your child will ever sleep well and wondering what you are doing wrong. I personally have been in that place and am only too aware of how frustrating and hard it is. Please let me reassure you that it’s not your fault and the good news is that there are so many ways you can improve your little one’s sleep without resorting to cry-it-out methods. Overcoming your sleep challenges is so much easier when you have expert supporting guidance alongside you so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
Thanks to Michelle- The Baby Sleep Experts
Returning to work after maternity leave can be a challenging time. Life becomes a lot busier overnight when you still have all your household responsibilities, but you also have to meet the demands of retuning to your job AND get an extra little person out in the morning. It may feel overwhelming at first, but I’m sure that following these tips will help your return to work after maternity leave go as smooth as possible.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Lots of babies suffer from nappy rash at one point or another. Although the rash can be very sore, it’s usually nothing to worry about, and can be treated at home. Read on for our top tips!
What Is Nappy Rash?
Nappy rash can appear as pink or red patches on your baby’s bottom, or anywhere around where their nappy sits. It may be hot to the touch, and be sore and uncomfortable for your baby. Your baby may be more agitated than normal, or seem unhappy during nappy changes.
What Causes Nappy Rash And How Can It Be Avoided?
It can be caused by babies being in contact with a wet or dirty nappy for longer than ideal. Or if they had a runny or loose poo, that could irritate their skin. It could be that their nappy is rubbing, or that they are allergic or sensitive to certain wipes, lotions or creams used on their bottom.
Don’t worry though, as nappy rash is very common and happens to most, if not all babies at some point! Changing your baby’s nappy regularly throughout the day, and as soon as possible after a poo, will reduce the likelihood of nappy rash. If your baby has sensitive skin or you have a very young baby, use sensitive or non-fragranced wipes, or cotton wool and warm water to clean them at nappy changes, cleaning from front to back. Use gentle and unscented bath products and creams, (if they are very young they may not need bubble bath or baby lotion at all). Using a barrier cream such as Sudocrem may help. This will make it less likely, but it is hard to avoid nappy rash completely. So do not feel bad if you need to treat nappy rash, it’s something most of us have experienced as parents.
What Is The Fastest Way To Soothe Nappy Rash?
Make sure your baby’s nappy is changed regularly, and if needed try extra absorbent nappies. Check to see if their nappies are too big or too small, as this may rub their skin. Lots of new parents swear by Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment (look for the yellow tube!) which can be soothing, and is available over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets. It helps if your baby’s bottom is nice and clean after every nappy change.
You could also try a few different brands of nappies to see which suits your baby. You can get hypoallergenic nappies by companies like Kit & Kin, and the Pampers Harmonie range. Both are good for sensitive skin.
Are Baths Good For Nappy Rash?
Baths can be a nice soothing way to ease discomfort of nappy rash and keep them clean. Use a gentle bubble bath that does not irritate your baby’s skin. Do not bath your baby too often, more than twice a day, as this can dry their skin out. After the bath make sure their bottom is nice and dry.
When Should I See My GP About Nappy Rash?
If you are concerned, or if the nappy rash does not seem to be getting better, you could talk to your pharmacist, health visitor or GP about nappy rash. They may be able to recommend a nappy cream that can help, or prescribe a stronger type of cream. They may suggest that you give your baby some baby paracetamol as pain relief.
Don’t Worry
As nappy rash is common, it is not something to worry about, but as with anything concerning your baby, if you feel you need advice or information do not hesitate to to talk to a healthcare professional about it. It may help to have a few types of nappy creams at home just in case you need them.
We hope these tips have helped. We are mums sharing our experience with nappy rash, but we are not medical professionals. See the NHS’s website for more information about nappy rash or speak to your pharmacist, health visitor or GP if you need more information.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Keri Rock, a Holistic Child Sleep Coach and Holistic Health Coach for Mums from Sleepy Mums shares her tips on sleep shaping for your newborn- read on to learn her tips!
Congratulations on welcoming your precious newborn into the world! This exciting time can also be filled with questions and anxieties, especially when it comes to sleep. Rest assured, you’re not alone. Newborns have tiny tummies and even tinier sleep schedules, making those first few months an adventure in nighttime navigation. But fear not! This article offers a stress-free introduction to sleep shaping, helping you understand your baby’s sleep cues and establish healthy sleep habits from the very beginning.
Why Sleep Shaping Matters
Sleep is essential for everyone, but especially for newborns. During sleep, your baby’s brain is busy developing, consolidating memories, and releasing growth hormones. Adequate sleep promotes a healthy immune system and helps regulate mood. When sleep is disrupted, it can lead to fussiness, feeding issues, and cranky days for both you and your little one.
Here’s the good news: you can gently guide your baby towards healthy sleep patterns through a process called sleep shaping. This is not about forcing your baby to “sleep through the night” at an unrealistic age.
Instead, it’s about creating a calm and consistent bedtime routine and learning to respond to your baby’s sleep cues in a way that promotes longer stretches of sleep over time. Practising a little every day at putting your baby in their sleep space when drowsy and keeping a hand on them offering shushing and calming words can over time gently promote self-settling.
Understanding Newborn Sleep Development
It’s important to understand that newborns are still developing their internal sleep regulators, their sleep hormones, like melatonin, only begin to develop around 12 weeks of age. Additionally, their circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that governs sleep and wake cycles, is still maturing.
This means their sleep patterns might seem erratic at first, with frequent wake-ups for feeding and fussiness. Getting outside in the morning can help establish their circadian rhythm. Ensuring daytime is light and bright and night time is kept as dark as possible in the early weeks can also help establish their body clock.
Safe Sleep Is Key
While sleep shaping can help establish healthy sleep habits for your newborn, it’s crucial to prioritise safe sleep practices. Remember the ABCs of Safe Sleep:
Alone: Always place your baby to sleep on their back in a crib free of loose bedding, stuffed animals, and other sleep hazards.
Back: Back sleeping is the safest position to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Crib: Use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib.
Understanding Wake Windows
Newborns have short wake windows, typically between 45-90 minutes. This means they’ll typically show sleepy cues (yawning, fussiness, flushed eyebrows, rubbing eyes) after being awake for this amount of time. Learning to recognise these cues will help you establish a routine and ensure you do not end up with an overtired baby!
Soothing A Fussy, Overtired Baby
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your baby may become fussy and overtired. Here are some gentle techniques to help soothe them:
Rocking, Shushing, and Patting: These calming motions can mimic the womb environment and provide comfort to your baby. Keeping them close in a sling can ensure you are not nap-trapped but also provide the comfort they need.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Holding your baby close to your skin can regulate their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, promoting relaxation and sleep.
Sucking: Either feeding at the breast, bottle or if feeding is established introducing a dummy can help soothe a fussy baby.
Contact Napping
Many newborns find comfort and fall asleep more easily when being held by a caregiver. This is known as contact napping, and it’s perfectly normal and developmentally appropriate. While it may not be your ideal sleep situation every time, offering contact napping during the day can help your newborn get the rest they need and make nighttime sleep shaping more manageable. Here are some additional points to consider about contact napping:
Safety First: Always ensure safe positioning when contact napping, whether you’re holding your baby in a chair, on the couch, or while wearing them in a carrier, if you feel you may fall asleep it is safest to put your baby down in their bassinet or own sleep space.
Creating A Soothing Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine helps your baby understand it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Aim for a calming routine that lasts about 20/30 minutes and includes elements like:
A warm bath (optional): This can be a relaxing way to signal bedtime.
Dimmed lights: Lower the lights to create a sleepy atmosphere.
Gentle massage: Use calming baby lotion for a soothing massage.
Soft lullabies or white noise: These can create a sense of security and block out distractions.
Quiet cuddles: Holding your baby close can be comforting before placing them down in their crib.
Tip: Start introducing this routine early, even in the first few weeks, to help your baby associate these actions with bedtime.
Night Lights And White Noise Machines
If you choose to use a night light, especially for those late night nappy changes, opt for a red or amber bulb. These colours are less stimulating than white or blue light, which can suppress melatonin production. White, pink, or brown noise machines can be helpful by blocking out distractions and creating a calming atmosphere. Just be sure to use them for the whole sleep duration.
Sleep Shaping Takes Time And Patience
There’s no magic formula for sleep shaping, and progress may not happen overnight. Some nights will be easier than others. Be patient with yourself and your baby. Celebrate small victories, and trust that with consistency and gentle guidance, you’ll be well on your way to establishing healthy sleep habits for your whole family.
Tip: Some newborns find comfort in being swaddled, which can help them feel secure and sleep longer. However, swaddling should be discontinued once your baby shows signs of rolling over.
Remember, you are not alone and most importantly, trust your instincts and enjoy this precious time with your newborn. Sweet dreams!
Keri Rock: Empowering Families To Achieve Restful Sleep
As a mum herself, Keri knows firsthand the importance of a good night’s sleep for both parents and children. Through her business, Sleepy Mums, she empowers families to establish healthy sleep habits from the very beginning. Whether you’re a new parent navigating the newborn stage or a parent of a toddler facing sleep challenges, Keri provides the support and guidance you need to create a calm and predictable sleep routine for your entire family.
If you’re ready to ditch the sleepless nights and create a peaceful sleep routine for your family, Keri Rock is here to help. She empowers parents with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve restful sleep for their entire family. Visit her website to learn more about Keri’s services, book a free 45 minute call or follow her on Instagram and discover how you can finally say goodbye to sleepless nights!
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Your whole world has been turned upside down whilst you navigate your new role with your precious bundle of joy. The fog of those newborn days starts to lift and you might be wondering how to resume some of your previous routine, including exercise.
As we well know, exercise has a plethora of health benefits, so you might be keen to get back to some movement as soon as you can, however jumping in too soon is not the best idea. Read on for five easy steps to help get back to exercise after giving birth, shared by Steph from Mama and Me Fitness, a qualified Pre & Post Natal Personal Trainer.
1. Wait Until You Are Feeling Physically & Mentally Ready
Everyone (and every birth) is different. Don’t rush it. Some people might be eager to get back into exercise after giving birth after a few weeks, other might be months. The most important thing is to wait until YOU feel ready. Don’t compare with others
How soon can you start? You can start doing pelvic floor exercises straight away after a vaginal delivery or once your catheter is removed after a c-section. Not only will this help strengthen muscles after giving birth but doing them will also reduce swelling and increase blood flow, which in turn will improve healing.
All other exercise depends on what type of labour and birth you had, and how active you were during your pregnancy.
If you exercised throughout your pregnancy and you had a straightforward delivery then you can resume light exercise and stretching as soon as you feel ready. Walking would be a good option to start with. If you had a c-section or an episiotomy / tearing after a vaginal birth, then you probably aren’t going to want to start exercising straight away.
Either way, take it slowly and listen to your body – you’ve been through a lot and it’s more important to rest and get to know your baby.
The general guideline for resuming more intense exercise such as strength training or fitness classes is 6 weeks post vaginal or 10-12 weeks post c-section. However, for anything ‘high impact’ such as running or HIIT, you should wait at least 12 weeks.
Don’t go swimming until you’ve had your post-natal check and at least 7 days with no bleeding / discharge.
Again, listen to your body and don’t jump straight into anything too strenuous – try to build up gradually and modify anything high impact initially.
2. Warm Up!
Louder for those at the back!
Don’t be tempted to skip the warm up. Your body is still full of the hormone, Relaxin, which loosened your joints in preparation for birth.
This hormone sticks around until about 5-6 months post birth (longer if breastfeeding) and makes you more susceptible to injury. So take the time to warm up properly. This could be spending five minutes doing some full body mobility work, to move all your joints through their range of motion and warm up the muscles.
3. Pace Yourself
Start small.
If you exercised during pregnancy then your intensity wants to be around the same as you were working at the end of your pregnancy. The fact that you’re approaching exercise after giving birth means your body has been through a lot. So don’t push yourself too quickly.
If you didn’t then just take it slow (and you’re doing strength training) then start with just using your bodyweight or light weights. And make sure the movements are slow and controlled and you’re using proper form. You can then progressively overload by increasing the volume or intensity. Just make sure you drink plenty of water. Especially if you’re breastfeeding. Fuel yourself with a balanced diet and get as much sleep as you’re able to, to ensure you recover properly.
Once you’re able to resume high impact activity such as running, again pace yourself. Start slow and gradually build up your speed and distance.
If you are extremely sleep deprived then pushing yourself to do exercise which is too intense will just put extra stress on the body and won’t do you any good. So stick to light exercise such as walking or yoga until sleep patterns improve.
If you aren’t sure what exercises will be best for you then get some advice from a Pre & Post Natal Personal Trainer.
4. Prioritise Your Core
Getting back into exercise after giving birth will mean looking after a part of your body that was under a lot of pressure. Your core may be feeling very weak and it’s no surprise, childbirth is no mean feat!
Just like everything else it’s about building up gradually. Start with some diaphragmic breathing exercises and pelvic tilts. Then move onto simple core activation moves and gradually move through to more advanced core exercises as you get stronger.
It’s possible you may have some ab separation (diastasis recti) which is normal after delivery. For most women this is resolved in a few weeks. But for others it may take longer and require some more focus. If during core exercise (or any exercise) you notice any hard stomach doming (where your stomach protrudes into a hard cone) this could mean you have some separation. You may be putting too much pressure through your core, so dial down the intensity or stop completely. Ask your GP to check your abs when you go for your post natal check or ask to be referred to a Women’s Health Physio.
You will feel stronger in every way if you have a strong core so try to prioritise core work as much as possible.
Just 5-10minutes of core exercises 2-3 times a week will really make a difference.
5. Not Feeling Good? Get Yourself Checked
If you’re struggling with any incontinence / pelvic floor symptoms or prolapse or think you may have some ab separation then book an appointment with a Women’s Health Physio. Although common, these symptoms shouldn’t be considered ‘normal’ and need to be addressed. Many people will say it’s what happens after having babies… But you don’t need to live with those symptoms and it can be helped.
Thanks To Steph – Mama And Me Fitness
I am a qualified Pre & Post Natal Personal Trainer, my aim is to help busy & tired mums make exercise and healthy eating work for them, without restrictions or fad diets.
I offer fitness classes and Personal Training in the Leeds area, along with Online Coaching which is UK wide.
For more information about the services I provide or to get in touch, please visit my website or you’ll find me on Facebook and Instagram.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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