There is something magical about creek days with little ones: bare feet in cool water, sandy toes, the sound of gentle trickling streams, and endless opportunities for simple, unplugged fun. The Gold Coast is best known for its beautiful beaches, but you can discover some incredible rockpools and creeks perfect for toddlers and young children. Here are five family-friendly spots where little feet can paddle safely, explore nature, and make a splash.
Best for: A classic hinterland swimming adventure with shallow spots for toddlers and deeper pools for older children.
Just a 15β20 minute drive inland from Currumbin Beach, this natural swimming spot is surrounded by lush greenery. Itβs a local favourite for good reason.
There are BBQs, picnic tables, grassy areas and toilets, making it easy to settle in for a relaxed family day. Keep in mind that it is extremely popular on warm weekends and you will need to arrive early to get a car park!
Best for: A peaceful, easy-access creek spot perfect for younger children.
Just down the road from the Currumbin Rock Pools, Long Tan Park is a lovely, often quieter alternative for families.
Itβs a brilliant spot for families with toddlers or preschoolers who want a gentle, nature-filled adventure without the hustle and bustle.
Best for: Calm, sheltered creek paddling just a short walk from the cafΓ© strip.
Instead of the busy Pirate Park, Palm Beach access point to Currumbin Creek, head a little further down the road to Apex Park. Here you get easy access to Currumbin Creek for a peaceful, shady paddling experience.
Best for: A peaceful rainforest adventure with shallow natural pools.
At the very end of Currumbin Creek Road, youβll find the Cougal Cascades walking track. This is a short, pram-friendly path through beautiful rainforest that leads to:
There are no cafes or playgrounds here, so pack snacks, towels and enjoy the serenity. Itβs a lovely spot for a half-day nature escape.
Best for: Creekside paddling with a city-meets-nature vibe.
Looking for something closer to home? Tucked away just a few blocks from the bustle of Surfers Paradise, Budds Beach feels like a hidden gem.
This is a brilliant choice for families who want easy access, a quick paddle, and facilities close by without trekking too far inland.
Rockpools and creeks offer something beaches sometimes canβt: calm, clear water, natural shade, and a slower pace that suits young families perfectly. However, it is very important to ensure your day at the creek is safe and enjoyable. Supervise children closely β even shallow water can have slippery rocks or changing currents. The creeks are also home to a variety of wildlife, so always check before entering the water and donβt swim if you canβt see the bottom. Bring water shoes to help children with firm footing while exploring. Also, after heavy rain the creeks can flow faster than usual and have poor water quality. Check Council water quality reporting for updates on creek closures.
Whether itβs a rainforest dip at Cougal Cascades, a lazy paddle at Currumbin Creek, or a quiet splash at Long Tan Park, the Gold Coast has a creek adventure for every kind of family day out. So pack the towels and go exploring! These are the kinds of days little feet (and big hearts) remember.
Find Lara’s recommendations at her websiteΒ Mrs. Lardeedah.com, and follow her socials FacebookΒ andΒ Instagram
The safety and wellbeing of every child is the highest priority. Thisβ―checklist will help you ask the right questions, know what to look for during centre visits, and support your childβs personal and emotional safety to ensure your chosen childcare centre offers a safe, nurturing experience for your little one.Β
Is the centre secure?β―
Ask about sign-in/out procedures and entry controls. For example, does the centre use PIN-coded entry or other systems to ensure only authorized caregivers can pick up your child? A quality centre will have strict protocols like secure doors/gates and verified pick-up. Β
At Little Scholars, safety is paramount β all centres are PIN-access only, and only pre-authorised parents/guardians can drop off and collect children.Β Β
What are your hygiene practices and sick child policies?β―
Inquire how often toys, surfaces, and bathrooms are cleaned and how educators promote handwashing for children. Also ask about policies for managing illness (e.g. when children are sent home with fevers and how illness outbreaks are communicated). Top centres maintain rigorous cleanliness routines β e.g. frequent handwashing, sanitising of toys and surfaces, and proactive illness prevention measures to keep everyone healthy.
How do you ensure proper supervision and ratios?β―
Verify that the centre meets or exceeds the legal educator-to-child ratios at all times, and ask how they maintain active supervision. Educators should beβ―actively engaged, not just present β meaning they are constantly watching, listening and interacting with children to anticipate and prevent issues.Β Β
Quality providers follow the National Quality Framework (NQF) requirements for ratios and often position staff strategically (indoors and outdoors) so every child is visible and supported. Little Scholars, for instance, adheres to NQF educator-to-child ratios at all times to ensure attentive care.Β
What are your staff vetting and child protection practices?
Ask ifβ―all staff (including assistants, casuals and volunteers) are trained in child protection and mandatory reporting of any harm. A reputable centre should have a formalβ―child protection policyβ―(ideally accessible on their website) and regularly train staff to recognize and respond to signs of abuse or neglect. Inquire about staff background checks beyond the mandatory Working With Children Check β for example, do they conduct thorough reference checks and ongoing screening to ensure only suitable people work with kids? Also ask if the centre has policies to prevent one-on-one isolated interactions.
Finally, find out if there is a designatedβ―Child Safety Officerβ―or contact person whom children, staff or parents can approach with concerns β this shows the centre takes child protection seriously.
How do you handle emergencies and accidents?
A good centre should have clear emergency response plans (for fires, evacuations, lockdowns, etc.) and conduct regular drills. Ask how often they practice fire/evacuation drills and how they make these drills child-friendly (some centres use mascots or games to teach emergency routines in a non-scary way). Verify that multiple staff members are certified in first aid, CPR, and anaphylaxis management at all times, and ask about the procedure if a child is injured or unwell (Do they have first aid kits readily available? Will they call you immediately? How do they record and report incidents?).
How do you manage childrenβs health needs, like allergies or medications?
If your child has any allergy, asthma or other medical condition, ask what precautions and protocols the centre has. Do they have individual medical management plans and risk minimisation strategies for each child with allergies/medical needs? Leading centres use tools like allergy-aware placemats or ID cards and work with families to create detailed care plans (including emergency action plans for allergic reactions). You should also ask about food safety: is the centre nut-free or egg-free if needed? Knowing that a centre takes nutrition and allergies seriously β with strict food safety guidelines and clear communication about dietary needs β will give you peace of mind. Β
How do educators support childrenβs emotional safety and behaviour?
Ask about the centreβs approach to guidance and discipline.. For example, how do they comfort a distressed child or handle biting, tantrums or conflict between kids? Listen for answers that highlight emotional support and redirection. Caregivers should be attuned to each childβs feelings β trained to spot signs of anxiety, tiredness or frustration β and respond with care. Itβs a good sign if the centre mentions nurturing each childβs sense of belonging and having strategies for helping children feel secure (such as key educators for each child, cozy quiet areas for children to retreat to, etc.). Also, ask if they have programs or curriculum aspects that build childrenβs social and emotional skills. An environment where children are treated with respect and their feelings are acknowledged is crucial for emotional safety.Β
How do you maintain a safe physical environment?β―
Inquire about how often the facilities and equipment are inspected or maintained. Does the centre conduct regular safety audits or daily hazard checks on playgrounds and classrooms? A great centre will have a schedule for routine cleaning and safety inspections. Also consider asking aboutβ―sun safety policiesβ―β in Australia, centres should have a SunSmart policy (e.g. requiring hats and sunscreen for outdoor play and providing shaded areas). A diligent centre will be proud to discuss their procedures for things like safe sleep (for babies), sun protection, and general workplace health and safety compliance.Β
When you tour a prospective childcare centre, use your eyes and instincts. Here are key safety indicators toβ―look forβ―on your visit:Β
Check that the centre looks and smells clean. Floors, surfaces, toys, and bathrooms should be well-maintained and sanitary. Look for evidence of regular cleaning β e.g. educators wiping down tables, a clean nappy-changing area (with gloves and sanitiser), and children being guided to wash hands (especially after toileting or before meals). A centre that prioritises hygiene will have protocols visibly in action (like frequent handwashing and toy sanitisation) to reduce germs. Trust your nose β a fresh, clean environment (with proper diaper disposal and ventilation) indicates good hygiene practices.Β
Pay attention to how staff interact with the children in their care. Are the educators warm, attentive, and engaged on the childrenβs level? You should see caregivers who are actively involved in activities β chatting with kids, comforting them as needed, andβ―actively supervising. Look forβ―active supervisionβ―β educators scanning the room and playground, frequently counting children, and positioning themselves so they can see all kids. Positive, caring interactions (smiles, gentle tones, educators down at eye level with kids) also foster an emotionally safe atmosphere for your child.
The children at the centre shouldβ―appear happy and comfortable. During your visit, note the childrenβs mood and engagement: are most kids actively playing or calmly involved in activities? Itβs normal to see an upset child occasionally, but in a quality centre educators will address it promptly with comfort. If you see lots of crying or distressed children without comfort, thatβs a concern. Ideally, youβll get the sense that children areβ―enjoying their day and are well cared forβ―β smiling, laughing, or focused on play, with educators close by for support. A cheerful, relaxed vibe among the children is a great sign.
β―As you tour, inspect the classrooms and playground for potential safety hazards.β―Cleanlinessβ―is one aspect, but also checkβ―safety details: are play equipment and toys in good repair? Are there child-safe features like socket covers, secure baby gates on stairs, and locked cupboards for chemicals? In the outdoor area, look for soft-fall surfaces under climbing equipment, sturdy fencing around the perimeter, and shade covers or trees for sun protection. If you can, note whetherβ―emergency informationβ―(like evacuation plans and fire extinguishers) is visible β many centres post evacuation diagrams in each room. These little details show that the centre proactively maintains aβ―safe environmentβ―for children to explore.β―
β―Observe the staffing on the day β does it appear they have enough educators in each room, and are they attentive? You might do a quick headcount of children vs. staff in a room to see if it aligns with expected ratios for that age group. Beyond numbers, look at how the team operates: are they communicating with each other about supervision (for example, one says βIβm stepping away to grab more art suppliesβ and another covers? Are they on the move, scanning and engaging, rather than all clustered together? High-quality centres foster a culture of vigilant supervision β educators should look alert and involved. If you visit during a transition (like lunchtime or nap time), notice if routines seem calm and well-managed (this reflects good training and adequate staffing). A smoothly run classroom with attentive staff indicates your child will be well supervised and safe.Β
β―Trust your gut on the overall feel. A centre that isβ―open, welcoming, and transparent with parents will make you feel at ease during the visit. Notice if the director or educators willingly discuss safety topics and proudly show you around every area. Do you see evidence of a positive culture, like childrenβs artwork on the walls, safety posters, or a friendly rapport between staff and families at pick-up time? Little things like educators greeting children at drop-off or reminding them βHat on for outside, letβs be SunSmart!β show a caring, safety-conscious environment.
In short, you want toβ―seeβ―that what the centre says about safety in their policies is truly happening day-to-day: clean and secure facilities, engaged and loving caregivers, and children who appear secure and happy.Β Β
(During your visit, consider bringing thisβ―checklistβ―along. Many parents also find it helpful to take notes right after each tour, while impressions are fresh.)Β
Choosing a great centre is only part of keeping your child safe β as parents, we also play a big role in preparing children with the skills and confidence they need. Here are some tips toβ―empower your childβ―and foster a sense of security as they start childcare:Β
β―Even from toddler age, begin teaching your child simple personal safety concepts in a non-scary way. For example,β―Bravehearts recommends three βbody safetyβ rulesβ―every child should know:β―
By reinforcing these messages regularly, you help your child understand their rights and feel confident to assert themselves. Role-play scenarios with toys (βWhat if someone at childcare does something that makes you uncomfortable?β) and practice using strong voices to say βNo, stop!β β make it a game so your child feels proud and powerful using their safety voice.Β
β―From as early as preschool age, teach your child the proper names for all their body parts, including private parts, and talk about body boundaries. This normalises their understanding and removes shame or secrecy. Let them know that their private parts are private β no one should touch them except perhaps a doctor or caregiver helping with hygiene, and even then, it should be only in appropriate ways. Explain thatβ―safe touchesβ―(like helping with a nappy change or a gentle check-up by a doctor β and only with permission) are different fromβ―unsafe touchesβ―(any touch meant to hurt or that makes them feel bad). Encourage them that itβs always okay to say βNoβ or move away if someoneβs touch or play makes them uncomfortable, and to tell a teacher or tell you. Keeping these talks calm and factual (not scary) will help your child feel comfortable asking questions.
By having ongoing, open conversations, you empower your child to understand consent and know that they can always come to you with anything.
Help your child know who their trusted adults are, both at childcare and at home. At Little Scholars, educators talk with children about identifying their βsafe peopleβ β those they can go to if they feel upset or unsafe. You can do this at home by explaining, βIf you ever feel sad or scared at daycare, you can tellβ―Miss Emilyβ―(for example) and they will help you. And you can always tell Mummy or Daddy anything when you get home.β Make it a habit each day to ask open-ended questions about their time at childcare. Listen calmly and attentively to whatever they share β this builds their confidence that they can talk to you about anything.
The goal is to ensure your child never feels like they have to keep a secret. Praise them for speaking up about their feelings, and reassure them that you and their educators are there to keep them safe. Creating this open channel early on increases the likelihood that your child will speak out if something is wrong.
Young children feel safer when they know what to expect. You can help by establishing a predictable morning routine and a special goodbye ritual for drop-offs. For example, arrive with a few minutes to settle your child in, then do a consistent farewell (perhaps a hug, a high-five, or a βkiss and goβ routine. Always say goodbyeβ―β as hard as it can be, avoid sneaking out when your child is distracted. A proper goodbye (even if itβs tearful) builds trust, because your child learns that you wonβt disappear without warning and that youβ―willβ―come back. Educators also encourage this; they note that children handle separation better in the long run when they see you leave confidently after a loving goodbye. Over time, your little one will come to anticipate the routine and this consistency helps them feel in control and secure.
Check with your centre if your child can bring a comfort object from home, especially in the early weeks. A familiarβ―loveyβ―β like a favourite teddy, blanket, or even a family photo in their bag β can provide great emotional support during the day. Let your child know they can ask their teacher for their comfort item if theyβre missing you. Many centres encourage this, as having a bit of βhomeβ close by can soothe separation anxiety and help a child self-settle if they feel upset. Label the item with your childβs name and explain that itβs there whenever they need a hug or a reminder of home. Such comfort items often become a trusted buddy that helps your child feel safe in a new environment.Β
Children take emotional cues from their parents. When they see you showing warmth and trust toward their educators, it boosts their own sense of security with those caregivers. Take a little time at drop-off or pick-up to greet and chat briefly with the staff (βHello! How was her morning today?β or βHeβs excited to show you his dinosaur shirt!β). If your child observes you smiling, sharing information and treating the teacher as a trusted friend, theyβll feel more comfortable in the educatorβs care. This also modelsβ―positive social interactionsβ―for your child. When your child sees that you and their carers are βon the same team,β it reinforces their confidence that they are in a safe place with grown-ups who care about them.Β
Help your little one know what to expect at childcare to reduce anxiety. You can role-play parts of the day β for example, pretend βschoolβ at home: practice hanging up a backpack, singing a βhelloβ song, or taking turns with toys to mimic group play. Visit the centreβs orientation or βstay and playβ sessions if offered, so your child can explore the new environment with you the first time. Reading books about starting daycare or looking at the centreβs photo boards of activities can also make the unknown more familiar.
The more your child knows the routine β snack, play, nap, etc. β the more secure and in control they will feel. If possible, align some home routines to childcareβs schedule (for instance, gradually adjust nap times to match). When children can predict what will happen next, it lowers their stress and helps them feel safe and confident in the new setting.
Make safety habits fun parts of your childβs day so they become second nature. For example, practice goodβ―hygiene habitsβ―together (e.g. washing hands before eating). Involve your child inβ―safety routinesβ―like tidying up toys to keep pathways clear and holding hands when crossing the road. These little practices instil a general safety awareness.
Additionally, teach your child basic information like recognizing their name and your face, and as they get older, knowing your name and phone number β important in case of any separation (for a 4-5 year old, this can be done in a playful way). While childcare centres have robust safety measures, a child who knows how to follow rules like staying with the group, not running out doors, and telling an adult if they βdonβt know where Mummy/Daddy isβ will be even safer.
Lastly, maintain an ongoing dialogue with your childcare provider about safety. Ask about any safety education they provide to the kids (Little Scholars bring use programs like Braveheartsββ―Dittoβs Keep Safe Adventureβ―show to teach children about personal safety in an age-appropriate way). Reinforce those lessons at home β for example, if they learned about βyes and no feelingsβ or βprivate parts are private,β continue that conversation with your child so they see a consistent message.
Keep yourself informed on the centreβs policies (read the parent handbook sections on health, emergencies and child protection) and donβt hesitate to raise questions or suggestions. When parents and educators work as partners, children benefit. By showing your child that you trust the centre yet also staying actively engaged (volunteering at events, attending parent meetings on safety topics, etc.), you reinforce to your little one that they are safe and loved in the childcare environment. And that confidence β knowing the adults in their world are looking out for them β is perhaps the greatest gift of safety you can give your child.
To learn more about the child safety practices at Little Scholars School of Early Learning, visit this article. To book a tour of one of our 17 campuses across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay or Ipswich, call 1300 896 139 or visit our homepage here.
So you’ve decided to send your child to early learning – how exciting!
For first-time parents, preparing for this new chapter involves more than just packing a backpack, it means understanding key essentials like the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Navigating the CCS can seem daunting, but fear not! We’ve written a comprehensive guide to help demystify the process to help you understand how to maximise this support for your family’s benefit.
Here in this CCS explainer, we will lay out everything you need to know about and to apply for CCS, making it easier for you to support your child’s educational adventure.
Did you know you can apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) before you enrol your child in early learning?Β
Wait, whatβs CCS? The Child Care subsidy is assistance to help families with the cost of childcare. Your childβs day in early learning is payable by a daily fee charged by the centre. The government may cover some of this fee, depending on your individual circumstances. This is what is referred to as the βsubsidyβ.Β
You may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy if you meet a number of factors. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) changed in July 2024 for families earning under $533,280. The percentage of CCS will vary depending on your familyβs income, and the income limit to receive the maximum allowed CCS will increase as well. For families whose income is up to $83,280, you could receive up to 90% from the CCS toward your childβs daily fee.
If you have two or more children in care, subsequent children are eligible for a higher subsidy than the first child. For families who earn a total income of up to $141,321, those children will receive 95% from CCS off your daily fee.
There are several requirements to qualify for the Child Care Subsidy. You may qualify if:
β’ You or your partner care for the child a minimum of two nights / fortnight
β’ You or your partner are responsible for childcare fees
β’ The child meets immunisation requirements
β’ You use an approved child care service like Little Scholars!
Once youβre ready for your child to go into early learning, you can apply for CCS!
The CCS works on three factors:Β
β’ Your total combined family income
Β β’ The service type. This can be long day care, or outside-hours care such as vacation care
Β β’ How much βwork-relatedβ activity you and your partner undertake each fortnight This includes paid work, volunteering, study and other activities as determined by education.gov.au. Job hunting, studying, starting a new business, volunteering and travel time β among others β are all eligible activities that will allow you to claim subsidised hours of care.
Our website has aΒ handy calculatorΒ you can use to get an idea of how much CCS youβll receive.
Apply for CCS via yourΒ MyGov Account, which is linked to Centrelink.
We recommend you do this as soon as you know when you might be sending your little one into early education and care, so itβs all set up and ready to go for your childβs first day. Donβt necessarily wait until youβve enrolled with an early learning campus, because the entire process may take between four and six weeks, and if itβs not set up when you begin care, you may be paying full fees until itβs all complete.
Once your spot is booked in, confirm yourΒ Complying Written Agreement (CWA). When a CWA enrolment notice is created by the campus manager, there are two steps that need to be completed by the family:
1. You will be notified by email that the CWA is ready for you to agree to. A reminder will be sent via email should you not sign within 48 hours
2. Confirm your childβs government enrolment via MyGov. If you do not agree to the government enrolment, CCS cannot be paid.
Finally, we know change can be scary, overwhelming or confusing, as much for our parents as our little ones. We’re here for you from the day you book your tour to the day your child finishes their last day of kindergarten. We can absolutely help you navigate the CCS and other documents you need to help your child become a little scholars. Reach out to your campus manager, admin or any of the leadership team for guidance or further questions.
Are you looking for low-cost options to help the family stay cool this summer? The Gold Coast is home to a host of free or low-cost, family-friendly swimming spots that are sure to cool everyone off and provide hours of fun entertainment. Here are 8 spots to try this summer, from the northern most parts of the Gold Coast, right down to the southern Gold Coast.
Lions Park is located at the Jacobs Well Boat Ramp, and is a council-managed, netted swimming enclosure nearby the mouth of the Pimpama River. Here you will find a small sandy beach area with shade sails right up to the waterβs edge, as well as barbeque and picnic facilities. This spot is great for younger children, as they can get a taste of the beach without large waves or long walks from the car to the water. Best visited at high tide, it can be a bit muddy at low tide.
Cabbage Tree Point is a small town just near Jacobs Well, with a boat ramp, small beach and Charlie Hammel Park. This is a great spot for the family to spend a morning β set up a picnic blanket under the trees by the ship-themed playground and enjoy a swim at the small, sandy beach. Again, being on the river this is best visited at high tide, but enjoyable all day long.
The Pimpama Sports Hub is the northern Gold Coastβs largest aquatic centre, with a 50-metre outdoor swimming pool, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, learn to swim pool and a hydrotherapy pool. The childrenβs splash pad is exceptional, with water fountains, bubbling brooks and water at ankle depth β it’s ideal for toddler and primary school aged children.
A splash pad might be the last thing you would expect to find at a shopping centre, but Westfield Coomera has one of the best free waterplay areas on the Gold Coast. Designed to resemble a billabong, waterways weave around interactive play stations where children can play with squirting frogs and jump across stepping stones. There are excellent change room facilities available and a cafΓ© next door.
Ian Dipple Lagoon is a great place to go for a swim. Protected by a large sandbank, this lagoon is wave free and perfect for little ones. There are shower and toilet facilities along the shore as well, making the pack up easy. In the evenings, the lagoon is floodlit, so itβs also a great spot for dinner time fish and chips.
The Broadwater Rockpools might be the most popular water play space on the Gold Coast, with plenty of water fountains and vibrant marine-themed equipment to play with. The water play is built to resemble a creek bed, and it works like tidal rockpools with the water receding every 5-10 minutes and then returning again. The Rockpools are watched over by lifeguards during opening hours and it’s completely free to play.
Located within the Home of the Arts precinct, Evandale Lake is a popular swimming spot for Gold Coasters. With a sandy beach around the outside, the lake has shallow edges but can be deceptively deep as you get further in. Families love to spend the day here, making the most of weekend food markets or a picnic lunch. There is a fun shaded playground by the lagoon too.
The newest water play destination on the Gold Coast, the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre opened at the end of October and now has a 50m outdoor pool, 25m outdoor pool, indoor warm water program pool, 25m indoor learn to swim pool, and an outdoor splash pad. The splash pad at Palm Beach is fairly simple in design, with plenty of sprayers along the ground as well as a few water play towers and spinners, but it is made entirely of a rubber base which is absolutely ideal for those crawling or learning to walk! Β
Find Lara’s recommendations at her websiteΒ Mrs. Lardeedah.com, and follow her socials FacebookΒ andΒ Instagram
Do you have a child who’s struggling with separation anxiety, especially at when being dropped off at school or early education? Perhaps they’re going through a developmental milestone that makes them need Mum or Dad a bit more than before. This is common starting around six months of age, peaks at 14-18 months, then can happen again when your child hits preschool and school-age. Or maybe your child is new to our service or has recently transitioned studios. The transition from home to early education is a milestone for both children and families.Β Separation anxiety can even happen for children who’ve been in Little Scholars for a while. It can be hard moving into a new studio where she or he doesn’t yet know new routines, where things are kept and spending time with different educators with different ways of doing things can be overwhelming for the child. This is all normal.
If youβre at a loss on how to make things easier on your little one, and yourself, we have some ideas.
Acknowledge and validate their feelings by saying something like “I know goodbyes can be hard, but I always come back. I will see you later today. I love you.” Give a big hug, a smile and a wink.
Then at home, if your child is old enough, have a chat about why she/he is having a hard time at drop-off, and think about what you can do to alleviate it. Ask him or her what make things easier. Perhaps it’s including a comfort toy, blanket or family photo. Maybe you each have a special bracelet that you can touch when you’re missing each other. Make a plan for something special together when you pick him or her up, like a walk or playing a game together, which will give your child something to look forward to through the day.
If you’re preparing your child to go to early education or school, it’s best they understand what their days will look like. So the conversation could look something like ‘we’ll all have breakfast together and get ready for the day. Then we’ll get in the car and first we’ll stop at Little Scholars. I’ll walk you in, give you a big hug, and you’ll go off to have a day of play while I go to work. When I finish work, I’ll jump in the car and come right over to pick you up, then we’ll go _____” These conversations may have to happen several times for it to sink in.
Also, if you’re pondering signing your child up for early education, this is why we offer play dates to children newly enroled but yet to start – this allows them to begin to become familiar with their new educators and studios.
Remember, you can always chat with your educator or campus manager about how to help. We’re always available, and we’ve been through this before, we can offer ideas or reassurances everyone will be OK!
We also know separation anxiety can be a two-way street, especially for new parents, or returning to work after maternity leave. Don’t forget we have our Little Scholars app so you can see pictures of your child, and be reassured that if there were tears from your child, they likely didn’t last long and they’re busy having fun and learning while you’re at work.
Related links:
Elizabeth Stone, an award-winning essayist and journalist, once captured the essence of parenthood with a poignant quote, βMaking the decision to have a child β it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.β This statement resonates deeply with many parents, astutely capturing the feelings of boundless love and the inevitable vulnerability that comes with bringing a child into the world.
This overwhelming surge of emotion is particularly intense during those initial moments and first days of separation from your child, often experienced when that child is entrusted to the care of someone else for the first time. Itβs a milestone filled with mixed emotions for parents β pride in their growing independence, yet a deep longing to keep them close forever.
While the focus in the first few weeks at early learning facilities is generally on the children and how theyβre settling in, an often-forgotten topic is the separation anxiety parents also can feel when they drop their little ones in care for the first time.
In childcare, we offer familiesΒ tips on how to help children settle in, from suggestions such as: βdonβt sneak awayβ, βkeep goodbyes shortβ, and βmaintain calm and confidenceβ, but what if the child is just fine, but the parents are struggling from the separation?
Itβs understandable. If youβre coming off maternity or paternity leave, or perhaps youβve been the primary parent at home for the last few years, change can be profoundly hard.
What weβre talking about isΒ parental separation anxiety, and itβs more common than you think.
βI experienced separation anxiety with both my children when I dropped them into care for the first time, but I was much more surprised with my feelings the second time around,β says Christina, a communications professional who has two children. βI had to go back to work much earlier the second time around, and I felt a lot of grief for not getting to continue to bond with my son the way I had been, knowing he was my last baby. I also experienced some fears around him attaching to his educators more than me.β
AΒ 2016 studyΒ by Pacey UK (the professional association for childcare and early years) reported that out of 1,000 mothers, 70% of mums said they worried about the extent they would miss their children, 90% reported feeling anxious about returning to work after having a child, while nearly half of mums admitted being very anxious.
How can parental separation anxiety manifest itself? Some of the more obvious signs are tears. Anxious feelings. Moodiness. While others you may not notice until they start affecting your life and mental health.
Here are some common indicators of more serious separation anxiety to be aware of:
Ask yourself, what is your biggest fear or worry in separating from your child? The initial step in overcoming these feelings is to acknowledge and understand them. If youβre experiencing heightened anxiety about being apart from your child, itβs important to explore the origins of these feelings. Perhaps they stem from experiences in your life inΒ childhood, or birth trauma, the loss of pregnancy or another child, perinatal or postnatal anxiety/depression and existing anxiety issues, or it may simply be triggered by the act of becoming a parent.
βHow does a parent reconcile these feelings of separating from their child? I think whatβs important about that one is that often itβs around guilt,β saysΒ Sarah Bergman, a clinical psychotherapist at Counselling on the Coast who has more than three decades of experience in emotionally-focused therapy.
βGuilt is really an emotion that comes up when we have like an idealised sense of a situation or who we are. So we feel guilty when we donβt feel weβve reached what we want to be reaching or we havenβt done what we want to do. I would say to explore those feelings of guilt, what they are, what you feel like youβre not doing for your child or getting right for your child.β
Sarah says those guilty feelings in parents often link back to situations in their own childhood where they felt like their own parents let them down. But the concern is also passing down those guilty or anxious feelings to your child.
βTheir own wounds start to muddy the waters of the childβs experience. So the childβs just going to school, but then they feel their parents anxiety and then they also think that somethingβs wrong then too, which can make them anxious. So if the parents have a good look at themselves around, βwhat was it that my parents got wrong for me? or what was it that wounded me? and how does that now play across on my child?β So the parents will often work hard to do the things that they donβt want that their children to experience themselves.β
While Sarah says often the guilty feelings stem from what they missed in their own childhood, the opposite could be true.
βMaybe [parents feel theyβre] not meeting the ideals of what your parent did for you or what things that you really loved about your parent and now you feel like youβre not getting that right.β
Wherever the feelings stem from, Sarah says, parents may be trying to heal themselves through their relationship with their child. But, she says, a child doesnβt have those wounds. They donβt experience their parents in that same way that perhaps you did. So she surmises parents could be overcompensating for their own childhood pain.
βThose kind of parents are very anxious at feeling like they have to attend to everything with their children because they donβt ever want their children to feel the way that they did,β Sarah summarises.
Consider jotting down your feelings or discussing them with a sympathetic friend or even a colleague who could relate with what youβre currently experiencing. Regardless of how trivial or illogical they might seem, allowing yourself to express and discuss these fears can aid in releasing them.
Making the decision to have a child β it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
Elizabeth Stone
Sarah also suggests parents educate themselves onΒ secure attachment, a theory first proposed by the British psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst John Bowlby.Β For children, secure attachment to someone like a mum or dad allows them the secure base necessary to explore, learn and relate, and the well-being, motivation, and opportunity to do so. Itβs important for safety, stress regulation, adaptability, and resilience and ultimately can help produce a happy, healthy well-adjusted child.
βIf you are securely attached, you will feel less anxious because you will feel comfortable that you can trust, you have a positive view of other people and a positive view of self,β Sarah says. βSo you think to yourself, βitβs okay. My child is in safe hands. They will let me know. I trust the daycare centre. And I trust myself that Iβm doing the right thing by my child and itβs going to be okay and I need to go to work and this is just the way it is.β Whereas someone who is more anxiously attached sometimes have a bit of a negative view of themself and possibly a bit of negative view of others so they donβt totally trust others, so itβs about trying to move into being more securely attached.β
She also says to have an honest conversation with educators or your campus manager.
βYou know, that is actually good secure relating as well, that a parent can actually say, βIβm feeling a bit nervousβ, or βIβm a bit worried about that,β because theyβre asking then, theyβre not coping alone.β
Sarah recommends in that conversation, have a chat with educators or your campus manager about what might help to alleviate those anxious feelings, whether itβs a phone call or a text, a few extra pictures β whatever it is, having clear communication can help everyone.
βWhat helped me was an honest discussion with my sonβs lead educator during a playdate. She asked me thoughtful questions about why I was having a hard time, asked how she could help alleviate those feelings for me, and was very mindful to update with lots of pictures, and even checked in on me at pick-up over the next few weeks. It was really helpful, and gave me feelings of trust in leaving my baby with her and her team,β Christina adds.
Those secure attachments we want children to have means we also want them to have bonds with others, such as loving educators.
A child who has had a secure attachment with her parent or another safe adult is more likely to be able to develop lasting successful relationships as an adult. In fact, aΒ New York University studyΒ recently found positive, warm relationships between caregivers and children were associated with higher odds of attaining ideal heart health at multiple points across a 20-year span of adulthood, so developing these bonds is good for their health!
Part of early childhood training for educators is understand various child development theories such as attachment theory, so trust that your educators understand what secure attachments β both to parents and others children can trust β mean for childrenβs development and they work hard to ensure these bonds with your child.
Research has found our adult relationships are shaped by our early patterns of attachment and the ways we learn to deal with closeness and separation.
βChildren are very attached to their parents and they love their parents very much. And that is who they want to be with. And if they create an attachment with someone else, thatβs lovely. However, ultimately itβs important to keep in mind they will want to be with their parents,β Sarah says.
Sarah also says some of these feelings may be pressure we put on ourselves as parents.
βWe donβt actually have to be perfect parents and I think a lot of people are really trying to be perfect parents and wrapping their children in bubble wrap. You just have to be good enough. I think from memory itβs only like around 60 or 70 per cent strike rate of meeting the childβs needs.β
Sarah is referring to theΒ Winnicott theory.
βThe good-enough mother is one who makes active adaptation to the infantβs needs, an active adaptation that gradually lessens, according to the infantβs growing ability to account for failure of adaptation and to tolerate the results of frustration.β β D. W. Winnicott, paediatrician and parent-infant therapist.
βWe all have to learn that sometimes our needs arenβt going to be met. And thatβs actually where we build resilience and we build understanding around that other people have things they need to do as well,β Sarah says. βYou donβt have to drop everything to be there for your kids. Itβs okay to have ruptures with your children. Itβs actually okay because that is a realistic expectation on relationships. We all have ruptures and then we get to learn how to repair those ruptures. But of course, if the childβs fallen over or theyβve hurt themselves or theyβre scared at night, you want your strike rate on those things needs to be closer to 100 per cent.
βBut otherwise, we donβt have to be so hard on ourselves, we can get it wrong sometimes. We just go back and say, βHey, Iβm sorry I got that wrong.β And then the child also learns that theyβre going to get things wrong sometimes, too. They can come to their parent and say, βHey, Mum, sorry about that.’β
If we can offer some advice, itβs what we also suggest to parents when children are having a hard time with separating. Find an activity you can do together outside of care hours that you can look forward to, so you can cherish your time together. Maybe after pick-up, you take your child for a walk or to the park, maybe itβs grabbing a sneaky ice cream after dinner, maybe itβs a game night or story time when you get home. Find ways to really connect with your child in the time youβre together may make the time youβre apart easier to deal with.
Sarah saysΒ mindful activitiesΒ can help in easing anxious feelings. But, she says, if these feelings are taking over, it might be worth talking to a professional as soon as possible. You can talk to your GP about a referral to see a psychologist, or you can book in to a specialist practice such as Sarahβs Counselling on the Coast to have a chat with aΒ psychotherapist.
Please remember, if Little Scholars can help in any way, we will, from offering a listening ear, to phone calls to whatever would help your family, we will. Weβre not just here for children, weβre here for the whole family.
Grandparents have always shared a special bond with their grandchildren, but nowadays they are also playing an increasingly important role as a caregiver, as children spend much more time with their grandparents than ever before. Sometimes however, the generation gap can make it hard to think of new and fun things to do together that appeal to everyone.
Whether the grandchildren are spending an afternoon, a weekend, or the school holidays with you, this list is sure to keep children and grandparents of all interests and physical abilities, entertained and making memories year-round.
Each year, World Science Festival Brisbane paints the town red and takes science out of the laboratory and into the streets, parks, museums, galleries and performing arts venues of Brisbane and regional Queensland! World Science Festival Brisbane offers interactive and informative experiences for inquisitive young minds, with a huge range of family-friendly events and workshops.
Gather your family and friends and join in a fun weekend in the Scenic Rim region, filled with live entertainment, workshops for children, cooking classes, mini photo sessions, arts, crafts and much more. Donβt forget the star of the show β strolling through beautiful sunflower fields and picking your own to take home.
Surfers Paradise beach becomes a playground of light, music and entertainment at SeaFire, Australiaβs only international fireworks competition. Nations compete to take home the SeaFire Championship title, so this is a chance to see choreographed fireworks displays fired off ocean barges. Bring your picnic blanket and set up in the sand for beautiful firework vistas. There is also plenty of pre-entertainment including food trucks, music and roving performances.
Β 5-8 pm, free!
Kalfresh Vegetables throw open the doors to their farm and factory and welcome carrot-loving visitors each June!
See how they grow, pick, wash and pack carrots, as well as celebrate all things carrot with carrot juice, carrot sausages, carrot cake and carrot bread!Β Everyone can get their hands dirty with carrot picking on the farm, taking home as many as you can carry.
This year’s date has yet to be released, so keep an eye on Kalfresh’s social media channels for its official date. This is held on the Scenic Rim, at Kalbar on the Cunningham Highway in the Fassifern Valley.
The Winter Harvest Festival is the Scenic Rimβs signature event where you can experience Eat Local Month in one glorious, flavour-filled day! Chefs, growers. producers, and artisans come together to showcase the regionβs culinary treasures. There will be more than 60 market stalls offering fresh seasonal produce, local wines, beers and spirits, cheeses, meats, and more. Alongside these culinary delights, youβll find a variety of handcrafted goods and local creations, all crafted by the regionβs skilled artisans.
There are food displays, workshops, produce stalls and a huge festival environment where the children can take part in a variety of games, activities and food related fun.nteractive activities like tractor pulling, carrot tossing, and farm animal cuddles. Theyβll enjoy face painting, garden games, and fun, educational experiences that teach them about agriculture and food in a hands-on way.
Donβt miss the annual Tractor Pull competition!
Where country meets the Gold Coast! Get up close and personal with cute animals, meet the farmers and exhibitors and taste delicious foods made from locally sourced ingredients. Watch the woodchop, and enjoy the equestrian program. Wander through the pavilions, check out the crafts and cooking, from honey to homebrew, lace to LEGO, fine arts to photography, and flowers to fruit sculptures and explore the best agriculture has to offer. Finish the day off with an incredible fireworks display!
The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is Queensland’s largest and most loved annual event, now in its 149th year, bringing the country and the city together for a big celebration of agriculture. Enjoy competition entries from woodchop to giant vegetables, there’s 10,000 animals from beef cattle to cats and dogs, world-class live entertainment, award-winning food and wine, carnival rides and showbags, family shopping, educational activities and much more.
The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is a three-day weekend event that features aerobatic demonstrations by the worldβs best aviators. Attendees can join in meet and greets with the pilots, check out the family zone packed with aviation themed games and activities, and relax beachfront while watching paratroopers, stunt planes, helicopters, military planes and more from around the world perform.Β
Immerse yourself in the family fun and excitement of the Gold Coast Show! Set on the beautiful Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast, this FREE show attracts tens of thousands of families annually. Enjoy woodchop, equestrian, food and beverage stalls, exhibits, games and rides. Each night also concludes with an incredible fireworks show.
Riverfire is Brisbaneβs most spectacular night of the year. The launch event for the three-week Brisbane Festival, Riverfire brings families from across south-east Queensland to South Bank for a night that lights up the skies. Entertainment begins from 4pm, including an RAAF aerial display, with the main event β the stateβs most spectacular annual fireworks display β lighting up the sky at 7pm.
RedFest is Redland Cityβs main event, showcasing musicians and artists from across the region. For two days, the Redlands Showground becomes a celebration of the amazing community, with performers sharing their skills across the showground. Families are also taken care of, with a childrenβs program, featuring a range of free activities including farm animals, puppet shows, rock climbing and free face painting, Sideshow alley and spectacular fireworks.
The date is still in the works, check RedFest’s social media channels for date confirmation.
SWELL is Queenslandβs premier outdoor sculpture exhibition, set along Gold Coastβs Currumbin Beach. For 10 days, more than 60 small, medium and large-scale sculptures will be set up along the beachfront and boardwalk for families to view.
The Family Zone activation is always popular, with workshops, activities, a BookFest setup where children can take home a free pre-loved book, live music and chill out zones set up under the leafy trees. Go at sunrise or sunset to beat the heat and experience the sculptures in a different light.
When considering how to look after your family during the work week, look no further than Little Scholars!Β Β
We offer your child the very best facilities, resources and early educational, play-based programs available, which are underpinned by the early years learning framework. We also believe in fun, wide-ranging experiences so that children can begin to develop interests and passions of their own, fromΒ Bush KinderΒ adventures to our broadΒ extracurricular programΒ which includes swimming for our kindergarten children, we believe in keeping wonder and magic in childhood.
The festive season is here and the opportunities to get in the spirit are endless! Why not check your shopping list off at a Christmas market, jingle along at a carols concert or putt your way through a Christmas wonderland. To make sure you do not miss out on the festive cheer, here is your go-to guide with only the best of the best Christmas happenings picked out for you. Be sure to add these dates to your calendar!
Β Get ready for an exciting and interactive Santa show! Join Santa, Mrs Claus and Rudolf for a Christmas extravaganza that includes a mix of traditional carols and current pop songs.
Pacific Pines Central Park, 4-8:30pm
Image via City of Gold Coast
This free family festivity will feature live music, market stalls, inflatable fun, local restaurant specials, games and activities, plus a visit from Santa Claus.
Ron Short Park, 4-8pm
Bring your family for the largest carols event on the northern Gold Coast, an unforgettable night with fireworks, food vans, and festive sing-alongs.
Brien Harris Oval, from 4pm
Image via Northern Gold Coast Carols Facebook page
One of the all-time favourite Christmas carols will be performed in a 2-hour celebration of song and dance on the beach, with a visit from Santa, and a fireworks finale!
Surfers Paradise Beach, 5-8pm
Image via City of Gold Coast
Wind your way through the Market lanes to the sweet serenades of stunning live music, spot roving performers, snap a selfie with an elf… or meet Santa himself!
Home of the Arts, 4-9pm
The elves have been busy transforming the 9-hole mini golf course into a spectacular Christmas wonderland!Β
76-122 Napper Road, Parkwood
Free live music on stage, roving performers, childrenβs entertainment, fantastic food trucks, and Christmas market stalls. Plus see Santa making a special appearance alongside a fireworks display.
Ed Hardy Park, 4-8pm
Dine under the stars at one of the fantastic local eateries, check out the local business offerings, and visit the Christmas market stalls. Plenty of free childrenβs entertainment on offer throughout the program with Santa making a special appearance!
Toolona Street, Tugan, 4-8:30pm
Sing along to your all-time favourite carols,Β enjoy a delicious assortment of food trucks, watch Santa fly in and watch a sparkling fireworks finale!Β
Queen Elizabeth Park, 5:30-7:30pm
Image via Shutterstock
A truly unique festive celebration, this event will feature live stage entertainment, Christmas carols, Santa, Fireworks over the beautiful Lake Orr and much more!
Waterfront Stage, Varsity Lakes, 4-8pm
Image via Carols on the Lake Facebook page
Β
A fabulous, family Christmas event with market stalls, food trucks, Santa, Christmas carols, live music, facepainting and free childrenβs craft area.
Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, 3-8pm
The City of Logan Christmas Carols is the cityβs biggest annual Christmas event. This free, family-friendly event features hours of on-stage entertainment, festive activities, food trucks, and markets, all jam-packed into one magical day.
Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct, 3-8:30pm
Image via Must Do Brisbane
Experience a pop-up Christmas market brimming with a variety of local vendors, a special visit from Santaβs elves, and Mr & Mrs ClausΒ will drop by for photos under a larger-than-life wreath, suspended above the Market Hall.
Distillery Road Market, 11am-9pm
Image via Facebook event
A free 7-minute light and sound show running at 6:30pm, 6:45pm, 7pm & 7:15pm. Get ready to catch all the “bubble snow” at the end!
Image via Redland Performing Arts Centre
Find Lara’s recommendations at her websiteΒ Mrs. Lardeedah.com, and follow her socials FacebookΒ andΒ Instagram
We adore the endless stream of questions that little ones bring to us every day!Β From an early education standpoint, we want children to learn at every opportunity. Children are inquisitive beings, and they have lots to learn! At Little Scholars, we cherish this innate curiosity in children and strive to foster a lifelong passion for learning.
As parents and educators, we understand that some questions from our little ones can catch us off guard, leaving us searching for the right words to provide age-appropriate answers. We’re here to lend a helping hand, so let’s tackle a few of these tough questions together!
How are babies made/how did a baby get in a mummy’s belly?
Children at this age are curious about the beginning of life. You can answer simply, “A tiny seed, called sperm, from the daddy joins with a special egg from the mummy, and that’s how a baby starts to grow inside the mummy’s belly.” They may understand it like a fruit grows from a seed. For young children, this should satisfy the question. You may want to explain it’s not the same kind of egg we eat for breakfast!
What does dying mean?
The concept of death can be challenging for young children to grasp. We think it’s important to be honest here. You can say, “Dying means that a person’s body stops working, and they don’t feel pain anymore. They don’t breathe, eat, feel hungry or cold. It’s a natural part of life’s cycle, like when leaves fall from a tree in the autumn.” This is a topic that may be followed up with further questions, such as ‘will I die or will you die?’ and be honest. “Yes, we all die. But I hope to be around for a really long time. I have no serious illnesses that could change that.”
What happens to us when we die?
For toddlers and preschoolers, you can offer a comforting response like, “When someone dies, they become like a beautiful memory in our hearts. We remember all the happy times we shared with them, and they will always be a part of us.” If your family has cultural or religious beliefs around death, this may be the place to share, “in our family and our culture/religion, we believe when the body dies ______.” Your child may work through this further through their play, but just be there for them and prepared to revisit this topic.
How come Louis has two dads?
Children may notice different family structures. You can say, “Families come in all shapes and sizes. Louis is very lucky to have two dads who love and care for him just like your mummy and daddy love you.”
Why does Ashley’s mum live in a different house from her dad?
When answering a small child’s question about why a couple has divorced, we think a simple, honest, and age-appropriate response that takes their emotional well-being into consideration works best. Here’s one way to address the question: “Sometimes, mummies and daddies decide to live separately because they have found they feel happier when they have some space. It’s like when friends need some time apart.
If it’s your separation, your child will need a lot of reassurance from you. “Even though mummy and daddy won’t be living in the same house, we both still love you very much, and we will always be there for you. You will have special time with both of them, and we will continue to love and care for you in different homes.”
Young children may have a limited understanding of complex situations like divorce, so keeping the explanation simple and reassuring them of their parents’ love is crucial. Encourage them to share their feelings and questions, and assure them that it’s okay to talk about their emotions. Creating a supportive and open environment helps children navigate through changes and emotions in a healthy way.
What happened in the news that’s making everyone so sad?
Addressing sad news can be tricky. Open the discussion by asking your child what they know about what’s happened in the news. This is a good opportunity to correct false information and provide context. Remember to use age-appropriate language. Check your child’s understanding throughout the conversation and allow them to ask questions. You can say, “Sometimes, sad things happen in the world, and it can make people feel upset. It’s okay to feel sad or worried, and we can always talk about our feelings with someone we trust. You can always talk to me about anything.”
I’m scared, why is the weather so bad?
Living in Queensland, while wonderful most of the time, also means we face all kinds of weather events, such as flooding, bush fires and extreme heat, and cyclones. Unusual weather can be scary for young children, so it’s important to stay calm and make sure the information you give them is age-appropriate and simple to understand.
Itβs natural for children to feel scared, so reassure them with calm and simple words. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know they are safe. You might say:
“I can see that you’re worried, and that makes sense. These weather events can be scary, but we are safe. People are working hard to protect us, and we keep learning how to stay even safer in the future.”
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms occur when warm, moist air rises rapidly into cooler parts of the atmosphere. As the air cools, clouds and rain form. Inside the clouds, lightning, a form of electricity, builds up. When lightning strikes, it heats the surrounding air, causing it to expand quickly and create the sound of thunder – BOOM! At the same time, cooler air sinks toward the ground, leading to strong winds.
Cyclones
A cyclone happens when warm air over the ocean rises up, creating a low-pressure area that pulls in cooler air, making it spin around like a whirlpool, and as the air gets higher, it cools down and forms clouds, bringing heavy rain and strong winds; basically, it’s like a big spinning dance of hot and cold air over the sea! These winds and rain can cause damage, but this is why we have emergency services to help keep us safe, and life will eventually go back to normal.
Flooding
Floods happen when it rains heavily for a long time, causing rivers, canals, creeks and oceans to overflow and water to spread onto land that is normally dry. It’s a natural event, and not anyone’s fault, and that while sometimes scary, there are ways to stay safe and prepared!
Bush fires
Bushfires happen when dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds cause trees and grass to catch fire. Sometimes, they start naturally, like from lightning, and other times, they are caused by people. Firefighters and experts work hard to prevent and control them to keep people and animals safe.Β
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Why is the sky blue?
The secret behind the blue sky lies in something called “Rayleigh scattering”. It’s a fancy scientific term, but it’s a super interesting phenomenon that helps us understand why the sky is blue.Β When sunlight enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it interacts with tiny particles like dust, water vapour, and pollen. This mixing causes the sunlight to scatter, or spread out, in all directions.Β When light waves hit these particles, they bounce off and scatter in different directions, just like water droplets scatter after you throw a rock into a pond.
Now you might ask, “Why is the sky blue and not another colour?” That’s because blue light has a shorter wavelength than other colours of light, like red or yellow. Shorter wavelengths scatter more easily when they interact with the tiny particles in the atmosphere. So, when we look up at the sky, we see more blue light than other colours.
But guess what? The sky isn’t always blue! Sunrises and sunsets are not only beautiful but also full of science. The colours we see during these times depend on the angle of the sun and the distance its light travels through the atmosphere. The lower the sun is in the sky, the more atmosphere the light has to pass through. This causes shorter wavelengths, like blue and green, to scatter more, leaving the longer wavelengths, like red and orange, to dominate the sky. That’s why we see those breathtaking colours during sunrises and sunsets!
Clouds, pollution, and weather can also change the sky’s colour, making it look grey, white, hazy, or yellow.
Where do birds go at night?
Children might wonder where birds go when it gets dark. You can say, “Birds have special nests or cozy spots where they rest at night, just like we have our beds to sleep in.
How do plants grow?
Children might be fascinated by the growth of plants and flowers. You can say, “The plants have roots at the bottom that absorb water and minerals in the ground, and then the stem starts growing. With the help of the sunlight, the stem grows in branches. Green leaves start growing out of the branches. The five things plants need to grow are sunlight, water, minerals, and food..
Why do we have seasons?
Seasons happen because the Earth goes around the sun. The Earth travels around the sun, called an orbit, once a year or every 365 days. As the Earth orbits the sun, the amount of sunlight each location on the planet gets every day changes slightly. This change causes the seasons. When it’s closer to the sun, it’s warmer, and when it’s farther away, it’s cooler.
Where does rain come from?
Children may be curious about rain and weather. Sunlight heats up water on Earth’s surface. The heat causes the water to evaporate/dry up into the sky, or to turn into water vapor. This water vapor rises into the air and makes up clouds. As the water vapor cools, it turns back into water, in the form of droplets or rain drops.
How do airplanes fly?
Little ones might be fascinated by airplanes in the sky. “Airplanes have special wings that help lift them into the air. When they move forward, the air goes over and under the wings, which creates lift and allows the airplane to fly.”
If they have follow-up questions, we liked the answers from Britannica Kids.
Why do I have to go to bed early?
Children may question bedtime rules. You can say, “Going to bed early helps our bodies and minds rest and get ready for a new day of fun and learning.”
Why do I have to eat vegetables?Β
Answer with something like, “Vegetables have special nutrients that help our bodies grow strong and healthy. They are like superhero foods for our bodies! We need a variety of food that have different types of nutrients so our bodies can get everything they need to be the best they can be.
How come your body doesn’t look like mine?
We bet you thought the puberty question would come later! But nope, your child has noticed there’s a slight difference between their bodies and their parents’ bodies. We know this can feel awkward to answer, but your child doesn’t understand why it could be hard for their parents to explain, so use proper words and keep it simple.
It’s okay not to have all the answers, and it’s perfectly fine to keep explanations simple and age-appropriate. If you don’t have the answers, you can look it up together. By embracing your child’s questions and engaging in open conversations, you’re nurturing their curiosity and building a strong foundation for their learning journey. Be sure to let your lead educator know you’re having these conversations at home. Your child is likely not the only one wondering some of these questions, and your educators can find ways to help them understand life’s curiosities!
Grandparents have always shared a special bond with their grandchildren, but nowadays they are also playing an increasingly important role as a caregiver, as children spend much more time with their grandparents than ever before. Sometimes however, the generation gap can make it hard to think of new and fun things to do together that appeal to everyone.
Whether the grandchildren are spending an afternoon, a weekend, or the school holidays with you, this list is sure to keep children and grandparents of all interests and physical abilities, entertained and making memories year-round.
A beautiful day on the Gold Coastβs waterways make for some stunning views and great sight-seeing! The Gold Coastβs very own hop-on hop-off ferry is the perfect multi-generational way to spend a day. Departing hourly from five iconic Gold Coast destinations, including the famous Surfers Paradise and HOTA, Home of the Arts, you can hop on at any of the five stops, and stay aboard for the full loop (two hours) or explore the hop-off destinations at your leisure. Enjoy a drink from the onboard bar whilst the friendly captain keeps you entertained with informative commentary, music, local tips and wildlife spotting. Children can also meet the captain and have a turn driving the boat. There are a range of ticket options available, from day passes to long hops and short hops β depending on your budget and timeframes. Children under five always travel for free too!
Another way to take to the water is with the iconic AquaDuck, and while itβs touristy, itβs a really great family outing, and perfect for multigenerational passengers. Embarking in the heart of Surfers Paradise, drive down the Esplanade overlooking the beautiful beaches and head towards The Spit. Once you reach the boat ramp just past SeaWorld, the tour changes pace and youβre heading for the water! Watch as the amphibious βduckβ changes from bus to boat and gently glides into the water. Now youβll head through the Broadwater to check out how the millionaires live. Youβll finally return to land and drive down Tedder Avenue, before finishing back up at Cavill Avenue. The tour takes about an hour and is very family friendly, with children offered the chance to drive the boat and get their Captainβs certificate!
While the HOTA Gallery may be designed to cater for international art exhibitions, grandparents looking to give the grandchildren some culture will feel right at home! The Childrenβs Gallery at HOTA Gallery lets little artists get hands on β you wonβt find any βdo not touchβ signs here! The Childrenβs Gallery changes every few months, each time offering a variety of interactive exhibits that complement the main galleries. After visiting the Childrenβs Gallery, take a stroll through the other free Galleries where youβll find a few installations that are interactive and the children will love. Be sure to also ride the lift to the top floor and take in the Gold Coast skyline view! Fabulous 270 degree views await and there’s a guide you can use to work out what all the buildings are.
Bamboo Down Under at Wongawallan is a garden centre with a difference. The perfect grandparentβs day out, here you can explore a species garden, meditation garden, labyrinth, sensory garden and bamboo tunnel, and get bamboozled in the bamboo maze! Children can take on the Scavenger Hunt to discover the hidden pandas, all the while having a look at some incredible ornamental species of bamboo. Donβt miss the Rainforest Walk, a very peaceful stroll through a forest of enormous bamboo varieties. Dotted throughout are information signs about bamboo, little panda ornaments and other garden statues. Donβt miss the enchanted hollow at the end of the Tunnel.
The Cascade Gardens at Broadbeach has a special addition of a sensory garden designed for seniors, but it also makes for great fun for little ones! In the sensory garden youβll find elements including a musical gong, wayfinding design and productive gardens that encourage you to interact with the gardens through sight, touch and smell.Β Itβs a beautiful addition to the Gardens and makes this spot perfect for multi-generational get togethers! The playground is older in style, but the children donβt seem to mind. Youβll find a flying fox, rope bridge, rock climbing wall and a carousel.
For the more active grandparents, a visit to Tropical Fruit World just over the NSW border in Duranbah is a fabulous day out for the family! Book a Farm Tour and experience a fruit tasting and a tractor-driven guided park tour. On the tour you can pick and eat bananas straight from the tree, crack macadamia nuts, feed and pat kangaroos, sheep, alpacas and miniature horses, and enjoy a short wildlife boat cruise too! At the end of the tour visit Wildlife Island and burn some energy on the flying fox, mini golf course and volleyball court. Then, check out the fruit market, cafΓ©, and the huge sandpit by the grassed lawn to relax. If you live in the Tweed, Gold Coast, Byron, Lismore and Ballina, you can purchase tours at a discounted rate.
(Image with thanks to Tropical Fruit World)
The generational gap can sometimes be hardest when the grandparents are tasked with spending time with energetic little toddlers. Keeping up with their ever-changing attention span, endless energy and natural curiosity is challenging for everyone! The Messy Place at Ashmore is the ultimate creative sensory play centre on the Gold Coast, designed exclusively for children under six years of age. They offer creative and messy play sessions in a safe and enjoyable environment, where they can unleash their imagination and make a mess. Exploration is encouraged, and grandparents can feel reassured being indoors in a secure, enclosed space. Sessions are booked on a casual basis and run five days per week.
National Grandparents’ Day is celebrated in Australia on the last Sunday of October. But as we all know, Grandparents Day is any day that the grandchildren can spend precious time with their grandparents. Whether you are a parent looking for how your child can have fun with grandma and grandpa or a grandparent seeking things to do with your grandchildren, we hope these ideas will inspire your time together.
We wholeheartedly believe in the proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Little Scholars is proud to be a part of communities across South East Queensland, and we’re happy to play a small role in childhoods across the Gold Coast, Redlands and Brisbane.
We offer you and your child the very best facilities, resources and early educational, play-based programs available, which are underpinned by the early years learning framework. Our belief is that through quality education and care for children we can also encourage, assist and support the entire family.
Our dedicated team of educators are committed to the individual needs and interests of children and their families, and thus we encourage and welcome family input and involvement.
We aim to be like an extension of your family and are very relationship-driven. We support nurturing relationships between our educators and your child, the relationships your child has with the other children who attend, and we value our relationship with you as the parent and other family members. So book a tourΒ today to get started!
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and weβll be in contact to arrange a time for a βCampus Tourβ and we will answer any questions you might have!
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and weβll be in contact to arrange a time for a βCampus Tourβ and we will answer any questions you might have!
