Play & Learn

When your little one rings up groceries at JJ's Farm Shop or bandages a teddy at Willow Tree Hospital, they're doing serious developmental work — it just looks like play.

Role play builds language (narrating what they're doing), social skills (taking turns, negotiating roles), and problem solving (what happens when the shop runs out of apples?).

Our tip: at home, follow their lead. If the sofa becomes a vet clinic, grab a clipboard and ask open questions — 'What does this poorly puppy need?' — and let them be the expert.

Sensory play helps little ones explore textures, practise fine motor skills, and calm busy bodies — and you don't need fancy kit.

Try: a washing-up bowl of dry pasta with scoops and cups; cooked spaghetti 'worms' in a tray; frozen peas to rescue with tongs; cornflour and water gloop; or a tray of ice cubes with paintbrushes and warm water.

Lay down a towel, keep it short (10 minutes is plenty), and let them lead. Mess is part of the learning!

Starting preschool is a big step. The good news: the skills that matter most — sharing, listening, asking for help, trying new things — are all practised through play.

In the village, children practise real routines: queuing at the shop, taking turns on the slide, tidying up the builder's yard. These little moments build big confidence.

At home, try role-playing the preschool day: hang up a coat, sit for a story, pack a bag together. Familiarity makes the real thing feel safe.