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Parent Talk website - support for families on a range of topics

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Parent Talk website - support for families on a range of topics

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Parent Talk offers free advice for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 19 in the UK. We can support families with disabled and neurodivergent young people up to age 25.

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Parent Talk - down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust

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We're on hand to support parents, when they need us. Find answers to your questions in our advice articles, or speak to one of our parenting coaches.

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Take a look at these 'Healthy Routines' posters.  Designed to help families support their children to thrive by establishing healthy routines each day.

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Healthy routines - Lancashire County Council

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This website can be shared with families for guidance on child development and how they can support their child's learning in the home environment.

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What is Sensory Processing? – Sensory Processing (humber.nhs.uk)

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Our sensory processing is strongly linked to our emotional state, regulation and stress. When we are worried, anxious or upset, our tolerance to certain sensory stimuli such as noise or movement may be reduced. When we are calm and relaxed, we are more tolerant of noises, smells and other incoming sensory information.

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Family Hubs - support for children, young people and families. 

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Family Hubs - support for children, young people and families. 

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https://lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/family-hubs/
Family Hubs provide information and support for children, young people and families across Lancashire. Find support in your district here.

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Children and Family Wellbeing Service - support for parents in your local area

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Children and Family Wellbeing Service - support for parents in your local area

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The Children and Family Wellbeing Service, previously children's centres and Young People's Service, provide services to help with parenting and other support you may need.

Find your nearest children and family wellbeing service to find out what's available near you:
Find your nearest service
We support families of children and young people from 0-19 years old and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities up to 25.

Some of this will be in groups and some of this will be with individuals.

Some of the services are available to all children or families and others are for those who are in most need of support.

We offer different services across a range of locations to meet the needs of the local community including:

Support for individual children, young people or their families

Health services - ranging from health visitors to breastfeeding

Parenting advice for mums, dads and carers

Activities and groups where your baby, toddler or child can play and learn

A place to pick up Healthy Start vitamins and tablets

Advice to help you to support your child's learning from birth

A great place to make new friends

Connecting with the local community

Access to specialist support for families with children with disabilities/additional needs

Groups for expectant mums and dads

Advice and guidance on how to keep you and your child healthy

Sensory rooms

Information about local childcare

Groups for young people to attend

Advice for young people

Help to access adult learning opportunities

Advice on jobs, training and benefits

Opportunities for volunteering

For families that need extra help and support we may meet with you individually to do an assessment of your needs. This is to help us work with you to get the extra support you need.

A range of professionals may work together with us such as workers from Children's Social Care, Police, housing services, the local district council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Adult Wellbeing Service.

To find out what groups and support are available in your area you can ask your nearest service or ring the following numbers:

Referral

Professionals working with children and families can find out what's on offer and access the early help request for support e-form via the information for professionals.

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Find a children and family wellbeing service

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The Children and Family Wellbeing Service, previously children's centres and Young People's Service, provide services to help with parenting and other support you may need. Find your nearest children and family wellbeing service to find out what's available near you: Find your nearest service We support families of children and young people from 0-19 years old and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities up to 25.

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Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service

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Home - Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service

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Young People and Families Health Care Service

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Healthy start scheme - are you eligible?

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Healthy start scheme - are you eligible?

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If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.

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What is Healthy Start?

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We'll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.

You can use your card to buy:

plain liquid cow's milk

fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables

fresh, dried, and tinned pulses

infant formula milk based on cow's milk

You can also use your card to collect:

Healthy Start vitamins - these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding

vitamin drops for babies and young children - these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

If you live in Scotland

You can get help from Best Start Foods (opens in a new tab) instead.

Advice on healthy eating

For more advice on healthy eating, visit:

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If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops.

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5532-booklet-sept21.pdf (nutrition.org.uk)

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The Sleep Charity have lots of useful advice for sleep routines, including common difficulties and tips for creating a relaxing environment.

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A decent night's sleep will help children to learn more effectively and make them less susceptible to minor ailments,

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How to help your child look after their teeth

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Mouth and teeth care is vital for children. They need their teeth for eating, drinking, smiling, talking, singing and shouting. This does not happen on its own and they need your help to look after their teeth.

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WalkandTalk_REBRAND_web_2.pdf (wordsforlife.org.uk)

These Walk and Talk cards from the National Literacy Trust includes useful tips and prompts for parents to help them support their child's communication and language skils when they're out and about.

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Share this booklet with parents - they can scan the QR code on each activity to find out more information and watch a short video clip.

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Speak to your child in your own language - the benefits of bilingualism

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Speak to your child in your own language - the benefits of bilingualism

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Bilingualism means speaking more than one language fluently. Some children speak a different language at home than they do at school or with their friends. This can make parents concerned about how their language skills will develop.

We've shared answers to some questions about bilingual children.

Is it good to speak more than one language?

Yes. Bilingualism helps children's learning because they can think about their ideas in both languages. They can communicate with more people in their community and overseas and understand different cultures. This helps them do well at school. They can learn other languages more easily and have more job opportunities in the future.

Do bilingual children start to speak later than children who speak just one language?

No. But some children, whether bilingual or monolingual (speaking just one language), learn to speak later than others.

Should parents speak their mother tongue at home?

Yes. If children know their first language well, it will help them learn English.

Isn't it better for parents to speak English instead?

No. It's important that parents use the language they know best and feel most comfortable in. This is how they can help children develop language, talk about ideas and learn about the world. A child who develops good use of their mother tongue is more likely to develop good English.

Some parents find their children won't speak their first language at home and insist on speaking English. What should they do about this?

Children quickly find out that English is the most powerful language in our society. They can pick up the message that other languages are less valuable. But it's important to keep speaking your mother tongue at home. Children will understand what has been said and continue learning the language this way. Although it may be hard work to keep up the first language, children will thank their parents when they are older.

Some parents say they are not teaching their child their family's language because they want them to learn English first.

Many parents say this. It is important to remember that the younger a child is, the easier it is to learn a language. Many children feel left out in their families when everyone around them is speaking a language they cannot understand. Children in this situation also miss out on all the advantages of bilingualism.

Some children tell their parents not to speak their language to them in the school playground or in public.

Children who are not encouraged to feel very proud of their language and culture can feel like this. Children who are teased at school may feel embarrassed. The school should be encouraged to see bilingualism as an extra skill which the child has.

What about children who have speech problems and are seeing a speech therapist?

There is no evidence that bilingualism will make it harder for children with speech problems to develop speech. If the family stops speaking their language to a child who already has a speech problem, there is a possibility that the child will become even more isolated and unable to speak.

If a child is growing up with two languages and they sometimes mix them up, are they confused?

Children will use words that they know rather than not say anything at all. For instance, if a child knows the word for 'ice cream' in one language and not the other, they will use the word in the language they know. The child is not confused. They simply making use of all the language they have.

Taken from Bilingual Children: A guide for parents and carers, written by Foufou Savitzky, London Language and Literacy Unit, South Bank University, 1994. Copies of this booklet are available from Avanti Books, phone 01438 350 0155, email avantiord@aol.com and Share Our Languages family learning report www.ourlanguages.org.uk. For more information visit www.talktoyourbaby.org.uk. Talk To Your Baby is an initiative of the National Literacy Trust.

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Bilingualism means speaking more than one language fluently. Some children speak a different language at home than they do at school or with their friends. This can make parents concerned about how their language skills will develop. We've shared answers to some questions about bilingual children.

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'Little moments together' NHS Start for Life

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'Little moments together' NHS Start for Life

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Early learning and development - Start for Life - NHS - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Lots of tips and ideas to try at home

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90% of your child's brain growth happens before the age of 5. Right from the start, all those little moments you spend together with your child are building their brain.

Every smile, cuddle, chat and game makes a huge difference, helping them learn to communicate, develop confidence and make friends.

Find lots of ideas, easy tips and activities you can do together with your child.

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Early learning and development - Start for Life - NHS

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Every smile, chat and cuddle is a great opportunity to help your baby's communication and language skills. Find fun activities and games for your everyday routine.

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Safer sleep - advice on the safest sleeping position

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Safer sleep - advice on the safest sleeping position

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What is the safest sleeping position for a baby?

The safest sleeping position for a baby is on their back so always place your baby on their back to sleep and not on their front or side.

Sleeping your baby on their back (known as the supine position) for every sleep, day and night, is one of the most protective actions you can take to ensure your baby is sleeping as safely as possible.

There is substantial evidence from around the world to show that sleeping your baby on their back at the beginning of every sleep or nap (day and night) significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Key information

The safest sleeping position for a baby is on their back

Always place your baby on their back to sleep (unless your doctor has advised you of a medical reason not to do so)

Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the chance of SIDS

The chance of SIDS is particularly high for babies who are sometimes placed on their front or side

Keep your baby's sleep surface flat. Do not incline, tilt or prop the mattress, cot or baby. Doing so will not help with reflux and is unlikely to improve cold symptoms.

If your baby rolls onto their tummy

Once your baby can move themselves from their back to their front and back again by themselves, they will be able to find their own sleeping position.

The first few times they roll onto their tummy, you might like to gently turn them back, but do not feel you have to get up all night to check. Give them some time to play on their tummy while they are awake to help their development, but make sure you supervise them while they are on their front.

The importance of routine in reducing the risk of SIDS

The best way to make sure your baby sleeps on their back is to do this from day one, and keep putting them to sleep on their backs for every day and night time sleep.

It is also important that you keep the same routine for your baby, as babies who are normally slept on their backs but sometimes slept on their fronts are at a great risk of sudden death.

The safest sleep position for a baby: FAQs

My baby was born prematurely and slept on her front in hospital, is it okay to sleep her on her front at home as well?

Click here to open this question

Some babies who were born very prematurely and spent some time in a neonatal unit may have been slept on their fronts for medical reasons. Remember that babies in neonatal units are under constant supervision. By the time your baby comes home they should be sleeping on their back.

Babies may find it hard to adjust from a sleeping position they have been used to, so persevere and do speak to your paediatrician if you are concerned. Front-sleeping should only be continued for on-going medical reasons on the advice of your paediatrician.

Is a baby sleeping on their back more likely to choke on their own vomit?

Click here to open this question

Some parents worry that by sleeping their baby on the back they will be at a greater risk of choking on their own vomit. However, no research has found this to be the case, and we now know that babies are far safer sleeping on their backs.

My mum says I was slept on my front and that was the advice then. Why has it changed?

Click here to open this question

Many parents will have been slept on their tummies as babies, as that was the advice before 1991. However, research has since shown that the chance of SIDS is much higher when a baby is placed on their front to sleep.

We know that in the early 1990s, there were thousands of babies worldwide dying suddenly and unexpectedly every year. The reason the number of deaths is much lower now is due to the new advice being followed by parents, such as lying babies on their backs to sleep.

My baby loves sleeping on his front. How do we change to his back without him waking up?

Click here to open this question

We sometimes get calls from parents who say their baby prefers sleeping on their front. If a baby is given a choice, they may well prefer this position, but unfortunately it is not a safe one!

This is why we encourage all parents to follow back-sleeping from day one. Getting your baby to stick to sleeping on their back once they have tried sleeping on their front might be difficult, but is made easier if your baby is always put down to sleep whilst awake rather than allowing your baby to fall asleep in your arms. Keep going, they will eventually get used to it.

What is the best sleeping position for a baby with reflux?

Click here to open this question

Back-sleeping is the safest sleeping position for all babies unless there is medical advice saying something different. If your baby has reflux, or any other on-going health condition, speak to your doctor about the best care for them.
You should not sleep your baby on their front unless you have been advised to do so by a medical professional.
Do not incline, tilt or prop the mattress, cot or baby. Doing so will not help with reflux.

Will a sleep positioner help keep my baby on their back to sleep, and therefore lower the risk of SIDS?

Click here to open this question

There is no need to use any type of equipment or rolled up blankets to keep your baby in one position unless you have been advised by a health professional for a specific medical condition.

It is much safer for your baby to be in their cot with just the sheets or blankets, and no extras which could be pulled over their face or cause an accident. As babies grow stronger they learn to move and roll and this is fine. For more information, please read our clear cot advice.

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Always put your baby on their back for every sleep, day and night, as the chance of SIDS is particularly high for babies who are sometimes placed on their front or side.

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Many women struggle emotionally after having a baby. You are not alone and there is help available - have a look at where you can get support.

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https://iconcope.org/

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Ideas on how to support your child's learning at home

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Ideas on how to support your child's learning at home

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What-to-expect-in-the-EYFS-complete-FINAL-16.09-compressed.pdf (foundationyears.org.uk)

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Chat, play, read! Activities to try at home - BBC Tiny Happy People 

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Chat, play, read! Activities to try at home - BBC Tiny Happy People 

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Almost any daily activity is a chance to talk, bond and have fun with your child. They're also proven to help your child's development, from newborn to 5 years.

Just select an age range below for loads of inspiration of things to do with your child today.

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Fun activities and things to do with your child to help with their communication skills.

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Activities to try with your 3-5 year old

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Activities to try with your 3-5 year old

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Supporting language at home - 3 year olds

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Supporting language at home - 3 year olds

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WellComm: Ideas for encouraging language development with 3-year-olds

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A short video with top tips to help your child get school ready

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A short video with top tips to help your child get school ready

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PACEY - Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years

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Play, explore and learn! Activities for parents to try with their child.

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Play, explore and learn! Activities for parents to try with their child.

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Activities for you and your children to do together to help them learn. Suitable for children from birth to 5.

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Walk and Talk - help your child to develop communication and language skills.

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Walk and Talk - help your child to develop communication and language skills.

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Being outside is good for their wellbeing as well as your own and in Lancashire we have lots of beautiful places to walk and talk.

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Free 30 minute phone call with a speech and language therapist and talking with your toddler webinars

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Free 30 minute phone call with a speech and language therapist and talking with your toddler webinars

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Webinar topics are:

Symbolic noises and first words

Using everyday routines to support speech, language and communication skills

Sharing books to develop speech, language and communication skills

Using songs and rhymes to develop speech, language and communication skills

Play and talk

Talking more than one language

How babies learn to talk (for children 12 to 18 months)

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Find activities and strategies to support your child's learning at home

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Find activities and strategies to support your child's learning at home

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Interactive Child Development Questionnaires | NHS GGC

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Tell your child where you're going and ask them what you think they might need . For example, if you're going to the park, you might need a ball, some sun cream and a jacket.

Ask open questions and try to encourage your child to work it out themselves. If they're struggling to think of an item, you could give them a descriptive clue . For example, "you will need this if it gets cold at the park".

Encourage them to think about the order of your day . What will you do first? What time will you come home? This is great practice for when they start school , and they have to think about all their different lessons they might have in one day.

Once they name an item, get them to fetch it from around the house and pack it in their bag themselves. As they're putting items in, ask them why they think they'll need them. This will encourage them to reply in full sentences and use critical thinking skills .

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This fun activity can help with School Readiness and teaches kids how to get ready by themselves. Suitable from 4-years-old, watch the video on our site to find how to get kids thinking about their schedule and what they might need.

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supporting preschoolers online nought to

fives

more and more preschoolers now have

their own devices

and if they don't they're probably using

shared devices

here's what you can do to make sure they

have a great time online

and don't stumble across things you

wouldn't want them to see or hear

whilst it's always best to supervise

young children online

there are lots of free tools that you

can use to help you set

up devices safely parental controls on

your home broadband are free and easy to

set up

they allow you to control the websites

your child can access

most popular devices and apps also have

inbuilt controls to help you decide

what your child can access and set rules

around when they should be using them

and for how long make sure to use secure

passwords when setting up any parental

controls

and even if your child is not using them

turn on safe search on google and

restricted mode on youtube to filter out

inappropriate content

our setup safe guides walk you through

the steps

so you can get set up in just a few

minutes

not all screen time is created equal so

it's important to ensure your child has

a balanced diet of activities

both online and offline that can help

them develop key skills and have fun

it's very important that screens are not

displacing or disrupting sleep

face-to-face friendships or physical

exercise

where possible their screen time is best

spent together with you

choose a variety of safe and educational

online games and apps to play with your

child

so that you'll feel more comfortable

with them exploring

make use of websites and platforms

designed specifically for preschoolers

like cbb's youtube kids nick jr

and use age ratings and reviews in the

app store to check app suitability

it's never too early to start setting

boundaries as a family

set some rules around how and when

devices should be used at home

and while you're out and about this will

encourage your child to develop

good digital habits and give you the

opportunity to make sure they are using

devices positively and with purpose

it's important to talk with your

children about what they enjoy doing

online

take the time to have regular chats

about their safety helping them

understand what they should watch out

for online

reassure them if they see or hear

anything online that upsets them

they will not be in trouble and they

should come and talk to you about it

because safety on the internet matters

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Pre-school (0-5) online safety tips and advice | Internet Matters. Help pre-schoolers get the best out of the internet and understand staying safe online.

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Watch animals on live cameras all over the world!

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Watch animals on live cameras all over the world!

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Bear Cam - live from Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park | Explore.org

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Watch LIVE as hundreds of Alaskan Brown Bears descend on a mile-long stretch of the Brooks River to feast on the largest Sockeye Salmon run in the world.

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Stories about the everyday lives of children in countries around the world. Although they live in different countries and speak different languages, the joys and lessons of childhood are universal.

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Stories about the everyday lives of children living in countries around the world.

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Ten Tips for Talking (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk)

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Information on the senses and ideas to try

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Information on the senses and ideas to try

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Sensory processing toolkit

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There are 9 videos in total. Some cover the basics of sensory processing and others tackle issues families typically struggle with (sleep, toileting, food issues, self-care).

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Talking Sense Part 1: What is Sensory Processing?

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Ideas for physical activities for under 5s

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Ideas for physical activities for under 5s

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This section provides activities to develop core skills among babies aged 0-18 months along with information on the skills we would expect to see emerging at this age.

Activities in the Toddler section are suitable for children aged 18 - 36 months. Some children might be ready to move to the preschool section sooner or later, dependent on their level of development.

Activities within the Preschool section are typically suitable for children aged 3 years - reception age, although skills and activities in the younger age groups may still need to be reinforced.

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This section provides activities to develop core skills among babies aged 0-18 months along with information on the skills we would expect to see emerging at this age. Activities in the Toddler section are suitable for children aged 18 - 36 months.

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Supporting language at home - 1 year olds

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Supporting language at home - 1 year olds

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WellComm: Ideas for encouraging language development in 1-year-olds

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The safest cot is a clear cot

The safest cot for a baby is a clear cot. That means removing anything that isn't essential. Babies need just two items in their cot:

It's important to remove anything that isn't essential because items such as toys, blankets and bumpers could cover their face and obstruct their breathing.

When preparing your baby's sleep space, remember:

No pillows or duvets

No cot bumpers

No soft toys or comforters

No weighted or bulky bedding

No products designed to keep your baby in one sleeping position, such as wedges or straps

No pods or nests, rolled up towels or anything soft placed on top of the mattress.

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Safer sleep overview - The Lullaby Trust

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An easy guide to practicing safer sleep for your baby and reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death).

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All children like songs and rhymes, even small babies. They like your voice, the repetitive language and the actions.

How nursery rhymes support your child's learning and development:

You will be supporting them to learn to talk as they become familiar with the words and rhythm, and begin to imitate the sounds you make, or join in with the words.

You will support the bond between you to develop as you look at each other and imitate one another's actions.

You will be supporting them to develop muscle control and coordination as you help them to follow the actions in rhymes.

You will be supporting pre-reading and pre-writing skills as they develop phonological awareness by hearing sounds in the rhymes.

You will support them to learn to count, add and subtract numbers when you sing number rhymes.

If your first language is not English, then make sure you sing rhymes in your home language, the benefits to your baby or child will be just the same!

It's good to sing rhymes together when you are playing with your baby or child, so you can give them your full attention. But you could also fit some more rhymes into your day by singing them during nappy changing, while getting dressed in the morning, as you prepare lunch, while doing the shopping or while you're in the car, or on a bus!

Here are the words and actions to lots of popular songs and nursery rhymes. Have a listen and see if you and your little one can follow along.

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Singing nursery rhyme lyrics with babies and children

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Lyrics, actions and melodies to popular nursery rhymes to sing with your child.

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(Read this page in Welsh - Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Cymraeg)

Just remember to Look, Say, Sing, Play

We've teamed up with Vroom™ to give you some fun and easy tips to help you bring even more Look, Say, Sing and Play into your daily routine with your baby or toddler.

Whether it's bathtime, bedtime or you're washing up, playing with your child, using silly voices, or even singing can build their brain right from birth. It's a great way to have fun while making your bond even stronger.

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Right from birth, every time you talk, sing or play with your child, you're not just bonding, you're building their brain. Get free brain-building tips.

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Talking to your baby - National Literacy Trust

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Listening and having conversations with your child - 'ShREC' approach.

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Listening and having conversations with your child - 'ShREC' approach.

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Top tips to help your child develop their communication and language skills - share attention, respond, expand, conversation

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Early Years Leaflet BABY_ Physical Development

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Children's speech and language - BBC Tiny Happy People

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A collection of films and articles offering advice to help improve children's language learning skills.

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Supporting language at home - 2 year olds

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Supporting language at home - 2 year olds

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WellComm: Ideas for encouraging language development with 2-year-olds

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Playtime

Newborns love it when you tickle their face or count their fingers and toes. Most babies love playing peek-a-boo over and over again. When they are really little, they love just wriggling around on the floor - it's like baby exercise for them and good for their muscle development.

Ways to play and interact with your baby

Singing to your baby: they love the sound of your voice (no matter how you sound), so sing a song, nursery rhyme or just freestyle and make your own songs up.

Talking to your baby: describe the things around you, recite a nursery rhyme or read a book. It doesn't really matter what you talk about - it all helps with their communication skills.

Clapping: take turns clapping your hands and their hands together. Clapping is actually a pretty big milestone once they can do it themselves. It requires a fair amount of muscle control, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Dancing: put some music on and dance with your baby in your arms. Most babies love the gentle rocking motion and being so close to you. This is great for bonding with your baby and their emotional development.

Play with toys: encourage your baby to reach for, push and pull their toys. This is a simple way to stimulate your baby and improve their coordination.

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Find out about baby play activities and tummy time ideas for that can help with brain and muscle development.

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Tummy time is really beneficial for your baby but you may be wondering what you can do during tummy time that helps.
NHS speech and language therapist, Francesca Ellis gave us some ideas of things to try during tummy time:

Newborn tummy time

While your baby is lying on your chest, try some soothing, quiet singing.

Even better, make it interactive by using your touch.

Rhymes/songs you could try include:

Round and Round the Garden , with your fingers 'walking' on the baby's back

Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes , touching baby's body parts in time to the song

Incy, Wincy Spider , walking your fingers up and down baby's spine

First times on floor

When they first spend time down on the floor, your baby might struggle. However, voices and faces are massively motivating for babies, so get down to their level.

Lie in front of them and smile. You'll often find that they work harder to look at you, helping to strengthen those neck muscles.

If your baby is able to hold up their head in a more controlled way, try playing peek a boo .

Try introducing different tones of voice, facial expressions and body language too.

Reaching and crawling

Get baby comfy on the floor and place a few familiar items just out of reach, for example, their teddy, a spoon and a noisy toy.

When baby looks towards each item, pick it up and say its name, e.g. 'a spoon, it's your spoon'. Put lots of emphasis on the key word, 'spoon'. Then give that item to the baby to explore.

As baby starts to reach out and crawl, you can comment on their behaviour, 'oh you want you teddy? You've got teddy! Well done!'.

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What is tummy time and how does it help baby development?

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The NHS recommends tummy time as a way to build muscles that your baby will need for sitting and crawling. We go through the benefits of tummy time and what tummy time is.

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Check out our delicious recipe and meal ideas for babies and toddlers - including weaning recipes, finger foods, snacks and first tastes.

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Nap times

Once your child has stopped using nappies in the daytime, it's time to think about nap times.

Learning to sleep without a nappy on at naptime and use the potty when they wake up, will help prepare your child for being dry at night.

Tips for managing nappy-free nap times:

Just before nap time, help your child use the potty or toilet, so they are more likely to stay dry.

When you notice the nappy is staying dry at least some of the time, stop using a nappy at nap time.

Accidents are common during the first few months. Use a waterproof sheet or similar underneath your child, to protect their sleep area.

Lots of children need to use the potty when they wake so help them to do this.

Using praise and rewards to motivate your child

Research shows that rewards such as sweets or sticker charts may help your child initially, but they can stop working quickly.

For most children, encouraging and supporting them to be as independent as possible is the best way to motivate them.

Tips for keeping your child motivated:

Give your child plenty of encouragement and praise their efforts. When your child uses the potty or manages to stay dry, even if it's just for a short time, tell them how pleased you are.

Try to stay calm when accidents happen and do not make a big fuss.

Give your child the opportunity to do things for themselves as far as possible. This will help them to feel in control, positive and relaxed about the process.

Use favourite toys, books or songs to help them feel comfortable on the potty.

Try to avoid prompting or asking your child too often. Instead, wait until you think they need to go and then direct them gently, e.g. "it's toilet time" or "let's get that wee/poo in the potty!"

Be clear, confident and consistent so your child knows what you are asking them to do.

Managing potty training accidents

It is normal to have lots of accidents at the beginning and they are an important part of the learning process. This is a big step for your child, so be patient and encourage them.

Tips for managing accidents:

When your child has an accident, clean it up together and remind them to use the potty next time.

Do not shame or punish your child about accidents, as stress and upset can make it harder for you and your child to learn together.

It's important not to pretend an accident hasn't happened. Help them get clean and dry as soon as possible and involve your child in this process. Gently explain that you want them to use the potty next time.

Potty training out and about

When you first stop using nappies, choose a time when you can stay home with your child for a few days, so you can do some one to one learning with them.

Tips to make your first trips out easier to manage:

Don't forget your potty and spares of everything just in case!

Make trips out short to begin with.

Dress your child in clothes that are easy for them to push down and pull up again.

Avoid putting your child back in a pull up or nappy for outings. This will confuse them and undo all that learning.

A travel potty and washable car seat cover can come in handy.

Using the toilet away from home is a good thing for your child to get used to. Talk to them about things like how the flush at the supermarket is different from the one at home or nursery for example.

We have an excellent range of products to help with this stage including portable potties and car seat covers.

Potty training at nursery & pre-school

Many children spend part of their day being looked after by someone other than you and away from home.

For potty training to go well, your child needs a consistent approach to help them learn what they need to do whether they're at home or in childcare.

As soon as your child starts attending the setting, communicate about their bladder and bowel health. Ask the staff to tell you about the child's poos, so you can keep track and avoid constipation.

Find out what they are offered to drink to you can supplement appropriately at the beginning and end of the session. If the setting will only offer water, and your child is reluctant to consume enough water, talk to staff. Offer to supply juice or squash for them to dilute; it is vital for your child to stay well hydrated when they are away from home.

Start conversations about potty practice as soon as your child can sit up. Settings may regard potty training as something to attempt when the child is older; share this information so they too can see the benefits of potty practice.

When you are thinking about stopping using nappies, plan with the staff. Agree dates together with your child's caregivers so everyone is ready to support them. Time what you are doing at home to fit in with the setting.

Avoid starting to wear pants when the child is about to change rooms at nursery - that will be a big enough upheaval for them.

Tell the staff about the language you use at home for wee and poo.

Talk to the staff at the beginning and end of each session so everyone knows how things are going both at the setting and back at home. Use our potty training record so staff can keep track of their progress.

More information and free resources for childcare settings to support potty learning.
Getting dry at night

The age at which children become dry at night varies hugely. For some, it follows on quite quickly after achieving daytime dryness. For others, the wetting carries on after the age of 5 and treatment will be advised.

It is not your child's fault if they wet during sleep.

There are however lots of things you can do to gradually work towards night time dryness including:

Help your child get into the habit of using the potty or toilet at bedtime.

As well as making sure they are drinking plenty during the daytime, work on a good bedtime drinking routine as well. STOP drinks one hour before bedtime, every night, and no more after that till morning. Our Wee Checker has information on how much children should drink for their age.

Prepare your child for sleep. Unwind with a book or listen to music with the lights turned low. NO screens - so no TV, iPad, computer games in the hour before sleep, or the brain will get the wrong message!

Avoid lifting - in other words waking your child to take them to the toilet - if you want to work on stopping bedwetting. It might keep the bed dry, but it encourages the child to wee during sleep as they don't really wake up.

If your child is still wetting the bed when they are 5, see our Advice for Children with Night Time Wetting factsheet for more information and help.

Common potty training problems

Taking your time leading your child through the preparation and practice stages should help to avoid the most common potty training problems.

If you feel as though it's all gone wrong and they're just not getting it, it's ok to stop, go back to the preparation stage and start again.

Could they be constipated?

Constipation affects 1 in 3 children and is especially common in under 5s. Your child may be struggling because they have some underlying constipation that was there before you started potty training.

So stop, treat the constipation and then try stopping the nappies again once it is all under control. Carry on with potty practice - this in itself is an important part of constipation treatment.
Are they drinking enough?
Sometime the bladder misbehaves and we realise that our child is simply not drinking enough.

Once again, you don't have to go right back to the beginning, but go back to the potty practice stage while you increase your child's fluid intake.

Try not to panic if it seems as if they just aren't getting it. Some children take longer to learn, and just need more time.

Reassure your child that their wees and poos will learn to go in the potty, they just need more practice!

Get more information and help with common potty training problems.

FAQs

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Potty training: how to start & best age to potty train - ERIC

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We've broken down potty training into 3 easy steps: preparation, practice and perfecting those skills! Use our step by step guide to help your toddler become toilet trained.

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Maths ideas to try at home - free downloads

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Maths ideas to try at home - free downloads

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They do not include all areas of mathematics that young children will learn about (from babies to older children) but instead take a range of everyday activities and contexts, suggesting a few ideas for helping a young child's mathematical development. They are designed to be used individually rather than all at once. A postcard or pair of postcards could be displayed on a parents' noticeboard or on the door to a setting. A postcard could be printed and handed out during a 'stay and play' session or parents' meeting. Another idea is to send a postcard to parents via social media or a message to their mobile phone.

The postcards include an image to show the activity and some speech bubbles with ideas of what an adult or older child might say during these activities. It is important that children's play is not taken over by an eager family member or made less interesting to the child by forcing mathematics into an activity at the wrong time. This is why there is a reminder in the bar at the bottom of each postcard to observe what the child is doing and look for what they are enjoying or are interested in, before using the prompts so that the prompts are used to engage the child further rather than putting them off. On each postcard there is a QR code to the ECMG website so families can find guidance and other postcards if they are interested. Whilst the postcards were designed with families in mind, they may also be useful for practitioners..

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The family postcards are available in other languages. We are very grateful to the volunteers who provided these translations. The ECMG postcards each include a few prompts for families which can b...

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18187606 (underwoodwest.cheshire.sch.uk)

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Schemas: how children learn through play

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Schemas: how children learn through play

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By watching closely and noticing the patterns of your child's play, you can give them other activities and toys that match that schema, which will hold their interest as well as helping them with the stage of development that they are currently working through.

For example, some children like to put a collection of objects into a larger container. This might offer a clue to other things that they might enjoy and be interested in, which in turn can extend their learning and thinking.

Knowing that your child is interested in 'enclosing' (putting things inside things) could give you other ideas for their play that fit this interest: playing in tents, sorting a set of Russian Dolls, making food that has something inside (such as pies, sandwiches), or hiding in large boxes.

Children going through circular schemas may like to be spun round and round on a roundabout in the park or playground. They enjoy spinning their bodies around, they are fascinated with large wheels on big trucks, they seek out objects that are circular or have wheels. They might also make circular marks in their paintings or enjoy rolling out pastry or playdough.

You might notice your child becoming particularly keen on using the climbing frame, drawing vertical marks, building tall towers with bricks, looking up at aeroplanes and birds, jumping or enjoying being high up.

If you think they're drawn to these 'up and down' activities, you could try: visiting a shopping centre and using the escalator and glass lifts so that a child can see and experience the movement of going up and down, playing with toy parachutes, or rolling a ball down a slope.

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Twirlywoos - Schemas: how children learn through play

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Understand what's behind your child's play and help them learn by observing their patterns of behaviour or 'schemas'

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Advice for parents on common difficulties

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Advice for parents on common difficulties

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Common Difficulties In Early Years Children & Babies | Common Mental Health Difficulties Early Years | Anna Freud

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Common Difficulties In Early Years Children & Babies | Common Mental Health Difficulties Early Years | Anna Freud

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Early years children can experience a range of difficulties including agression, anxiety, and tantrums. Find out more about some of the common difficulties that arise and how you can help with them.

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What is weaning?

Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.

Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.

It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods. We're here to guide you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means.

We've got expert NHS advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.

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Weaning means introducing your baby to solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. We're here to guide you through the journey.

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Self care for young parents and families

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Self care for young parents and families

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Road safety - top tips to stay safe while you are out and about

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Road safety - top tips to stay safe while you are out and about

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How to make safe and healthy journeys when travelling with children

A child's safety will always be a top priority for any parent or carer. Keeping children safe near roads is vital because road traffic injuries are the biggest cause of death among young people worldwide, and six children are killed or seriously injured on roads every day in the UK. At Brake we believe that every child has the right to make safe and healthy journeys where they live, without fear of danger from traffic.

Every day

are killed or seriously injured on roads in the UK

As children get older, they use roads in different ways. These pages give simple advice on keeping children safe near roads, from birth to when they become independent road users.

Whether you are travelling on foot, by car, by bike, or with a buggy or pushchair, it's vital to keep children as safe as possible near roads. Follow the links below to find out how.

You'll also find top tips for how to follow road safety rules when on a trip or a holiday and how to ensure your child travels safely on trips organised by their school or nursery.

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Brake's top tips for keeping children safe near roads

Children under 8 should always hold a grown up's hand when walking near roads

Children under 8 should always cross roads with a grown up, at a safe crossing place

Until they are 150cm tall, all children should sit in a correctly sized and fitted child seat when travelling by car

Children under 10 should not cycle on roads, they should keep to cycle paths away from motorised traffic

Children should always wear a helmet when cycling to protect their head if they fall off

References and further reading Down arrow icon to open accordion

This website uses cookies: Learn more Okay, thank you

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How to make safe and healthy journeys when travelling with children A child's safety will always be a top priority for any parent or carer. Keeping children safe near roads is vital because road traffic injuries are the biggest cause of death among young people worldwide, and six children are killed or seriously injured on roads every day in the UK.

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Lancashire and Cumbria sensory education session 

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Lancashire and Cumbria sensory education session 

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Advice and strategies to help meet your child's sensory needs.

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Lancashire and Cumbria Sensory Education Session - November 2021

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Have a look at our advice on supporting your child to develop physically, emotionally and socially.

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Oral health - advice for taking care of children's teeth

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Oral health - advice for taking care of children's teeth

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Nap times

Once your child has stopped using nappies in the daytime, it's time to think about nap times.

Learning to sleep without a nappy on at naptime and use the potty when they wake up, will help prepare your child for being dry at night.

Tips for managing nappy-free nap times:

Just before nap time, help your child use the potty or toilet, so they are more likely to stay dry.

When you notice the nappy is staying dry at least some of the time, stop using a nappy at nap time.

Accidents are common during the first few months. Use a waterproof sheet or similar underneath your child, to protect their sleep area.

Lots of children need to use the potty when they wake so help them to do this.

Using praise and rewards to motivate your child

Research shows that rewards such as sweets or sticker charts may help your child initially, but they can stop working quickly.

For most children, encouraging and supporting them to be as independent as possible is the best way to motivate them.

Tips for keeping your child motivated:

Give your child plenty of encouragement and praise their efforts. When your child uses the potty or manages to stay dry, even if it's just for a short time, tell them how pleased you are.

Try to stay calm when accidents happen and do not make a big fuss.

Give your child the opportunity to do things for themselves as far as possible. This will help them to feel in control, positive and relaxed about the process.

Use favourite toys, books or songs to help them feel comfortable on the potty.

Try to avoid prompting or asking your child too often. Instead, wait until you think they need to go and then direct them gently, e.g. "it's toilet time" or "let's get that wee/poo in the potty!"

Be clear, confident and consistent so your child knows what you are asking them to do.

Managing potty training accidents

It is normal to have lots of accidents at the beginning and they are an important part of the learning process. This is a big step for your child, so be patient and encourage them.

Tips for managing accidents:

When your child has an accident, clean it up together and remind them to use the potty next time.

Do not shame or punish your child about accidents, as stress and upset can make it harder for you and your child to learn together.

It's important not to pretend an accident hasn't happened. Help them get clean and dry as soon as possible and involve your child in this process. Gently explain that you want them to use the potty next time.

Potty training out and about

When you first stop using nappies, choose a time when you can stay home with your child for a few days, so you can do some one to one learning with them.

Tips to make your first trips out easier to manage:

Don't forget your potty and spares of everything just in case!

Make trips out short to begin with.

Dress your child in clothes that are easy for them to push down and pull up again.

Avoid putting your child back in a pull up or nappy for outings. This will confuse them and undo all that learning.

A travel potty and washable car seat cover can come in handy.

Using the toilet away from home is a good thing for your child to get used to. Talk to them about things like how the flush at the supermarket is different from the one at home or nursery for example.

We have an excellent range of products to help with this stage including portable potties and car seat covers.

Potty training at nursery & pre-school

Many children spend part of their day being looked after by someone other than you and away from home.

For potty training to go well, your child needs a consistent approach to help them learn what they need to do whether they're at home or in childcare.

As soon as your child starts attending the setting, communicate about their bladder and bowel health. Ask the staff to tell you about the child's poos, so you can keep track and avoid constipation.

Find out what they are offered to drink to you can supplement appropriately at the beginning and end of the session. If the setting will only offer water, and your child is reluctant to consume enough water, talk to staff. Offer to supply juice or squash for them to dilute; it is vital for your child to stay well hydrated when they are away from home.

Start conversations about potty practice as soon as your child can sit up. Settings may regard potty training as something to attempt when the child is older; share this information so they too can see the benefits of potty practice.

When you are thinking about stopping using nappies, plan with the staff. Agree dates together with your child's caregivers so everyone is ready to support them. Time what you are doing at home to fit in with the setting.

Avoid starting to wear pants when the child is about to change rooms at nursery - that will be a big enough upheaval for them.

Tell the staff about the language you use at home for wee and poo.

Talk to the staff at the beginning and end of each session so everyone knows how things are going both at the setting and back at home. Use our potty training record so staff can keep track of their progress.

More information and free resources for childcare settings to support potty learning.
Getting dry at night

The age at which children become dry at night varies hugely. For some, it follows on quite quickly after achieving daytime dryness. For others, the wetting carries on after the age of 5 and treatment will be advised.

It is not your child's fault if they wet during sleep.

There are however lots of things you can do to gradually work towards night time dryness including:

Help your child get into the habit of using the potty or toilet at bedtime.

As well as making sure they are drinking plenty during the daytime, work on a good bedtime drinking routine as well. STOP drinks one hour before bedtime, every night, and no more after that till morning. Our Wee Checker has information on how much children should drink for their age.

Prepare your child for sleep. Unwind with a book or listen to music with the lights turned low. NO screens - so no TV, iPad, computer games in the hour before sleep, or the brain will get the wrong message!

Avoid lifting - in other words waking your child to take them to the toilet - if you want to work on stopping bedwetting. It might keep the bed dry, but it encourages the child to wee during sleep as they don't really wake up.

If your child is still wetting the bed when they are 5, see our Advice for Children with Night Time Wetting factsheet for more information and help.

Common potty training problems

Taking your time leading your child through the preparation and practice stages should help to avoid the most common potty training problems.

If you feel as though it's all gone wrong and they're just not getting it, it's ok to stop, go back to the preparation stage and start again.

Could they be constipated?

Constipation affects 1 in 3 children and is especially common in under 5s. Your child may be struggling because they have some underlying constipation that was there before you started potty training.

So stop, treat the constipation and then try stopping the nappies again once it is all under control. Carry on with potty practice - this in itself is an important part of constipation treatment.
Are they drinking enough?
Sometime the bladder misbehaves and we realise that our child is simply not drinking enough.

Once again, you don't have to go right back to the beginning, but go back to the potty practice stage while you increase your child's fluid intake.

Try not to panic if it seems as if they just aren't getting it. Some children take longer to learn, and just need more time.

Reassure your child that their wees and poos will learn to go in the potty, they just need more practice!

Get more information and help with common potty training problems.

FAQs

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Potty training: how to start & best age to potty train - ERIC

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We've broken down potty training into 3 easy steps: preparation, practice and perfecting those skills! Use our step by step guide to help your toddler become toilet trained.