When children play we often just think they're having fun, but research has shown that the benefits of play extend far beyond that in early childhood. A child's brain doubles in size in the first year of life and by the age of 3 it has reached 80% of its adult size. This means that what your child is exposed to in the first 3 years will have a massive impact on their future.
Very often just letting the child play as they wish is the best approach, as you don't want to interfere with their progress, but there are certain things you can do to help them along. For example, allowing a child to engage in messy play has a place in that and it can help them to discover the world. You should also try to introduce them to scribbling and finger painting as young children are natural artists.
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Paternity and Partner Leave
Since early 2011, Australia has had a Paid Parental Leave scheme. This allows eligible working parents to get paid for up to 18 weeks when they take time off work to care for a new baby or recently adopted child.
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Driving and Seatbelt Safety During Pregnancy
Driving during pregnancy can present a unique set of risks - it pays to be as informed as possible about the facts.
Currently in Australia, there is no recommendation for pregnant women to stop driving. And it’s not illegal in any Australian State or Territory to drive during pregnancy. The same road rules apply to all drivers, pregnant or otherwise. But pregnancy itself is not a reason to stop driving.
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Is it Really Safe to Exercise in Pregnancy?
Our understanding of exercise in pregnancy + postpartum has come a long way in the recent years, and we are much more likely to treat the “normal” pregnancy as a normal physiological process – not a disability.
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Postpartum Exercise: How to Return Safely after Pregnancy and Childbirth
Exercise in the postpartum period is helpful to regain your shape, increase your energy levels, lift your mood and give you the strength required for your new job of mothering.
Your new role will involve a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing, getting up from chairs and the floor, and holding for feeding.
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Recovering from Pregnancy and Birth
After the birth of your baby there is a period of healing and physical adjustment from the effects of pregnancy as well as from your labour or delivery.
During pregnancy, there is increased pressure on the pelvic floor from your growing baby, placenta and extra fluid.
Paternity and Partner Leave
Driving and Seatbelt Safety During Pregnancy
Is it Really Safe to Exercise in Pregnancy?
Postpartum Exercise: How to Return Safely after Pregnancy and Childbirth
Recovering from Pregnancy and Birth
