https://vimeo.com/276819223

Connecting and communicating 0-6 months

This short video shows a new mum connecting and communicating with her baby.

Playing with babies 3-12 months

Suitable for 3-12 months Play is essential for your baby’s overall development, learning and wellbeing. When it comes to play, follow your baby’s interests. The key thing is interacting with your baby. Baby play ideas include playing peekaboo, making noise or music, singing nursery rhymes, reading and talking

Playing with newborns

Suitable for 0-3 months Play is important for overall newborn development, learning, wellbeing and bonding. Playing with your newborn is about interacting with your baby. Newborn play ideas include smiling at your baby, blowing raspberries and having tummy time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8hwOs4cGtw&feature=youtu.be

Rough-and-tumble play: tips for dads

This short video is about rough-and-tumble play like chasing and wrestling. As well as being good exercise, rough play helps children learn how strong they are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O_xb6HOGns&feature=youtu.be

Free time to play: why it’s important for children

This short video is about playtime and play spaces for children.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt_h6a1SjZg&feature=youtu.be

Low cost play ideas

Children’s play doesn’t have to cost a lot. Watch this video for ideas for open-ended materials that are great for children of all ages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36QJxLdssDU&feature=youtu.be

Playing outside in all weather

This short video talks about why it’s important for children to be outside in all weather.

Emotions and play: Toddlers

Along with empathy and pride, children start feeling frustrated when they reach the toddler years. In fact, frustration is an emotion you’ll probably see a lot of at this age.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE3EAQo7Z6Q&feature=youtu.be

How boredom helps children’s play and development

Boredom is fantastic for children’s play. This short video talks about how boredom helps child development.

Outdoor play

Outdoor play is good for your child’s physical health, development and self-confidence. It’s great fun too!

Thinking and play: preschoolers

Play is the natural way young children learn. Even when it looks like preschoolers are just playing, their brains are hard at work putting together vital knowledge about the world.

Homemade toys

Young children don’t need special or expensive toys for learning and development. In fact, with a little imagination, you can turn ordinary things around the house into homemade toys and free activities for kids.

Physical activity for young children

Physical activity can start very early in life as part of everyday play. When you’re choosing activities for young children, focus on fun and play.

Child development: the first five years

In the first five years of life, your child’s brain develops more and faster than at any other time in his life. And in those early years, your child’s main way of learning and developing is through play.

Obstacles to physical activities: how to overcome them

Common obstacles to children’s physical activity include time sitting still, space for play, busy schedules and screen time. With a few adjustments, you might be able to make more time and opportunities for physical activity.

Creative learning and development: ideas and activities

Encourage your child’s creativity by giving them plenty of time, materials and space for play.

Toys and games for children

Toys and games for kids – how do you know what’s best? Finding toys that your child will enjoy and learn from is about understanding which play ideas suit which age.

Movement and play: Toddlers

Play is good for toddler movement and motor skills development. Toddlers (1-3 years) are naturally active, especially as they get better at climbing, running and jumping.

Winter activities to keep children active

Your child can still be physically active even if it’s cold or wet outside.

Why play is important

Play is key to your child’s learning, development, confidence and wellbeing. Unstructured, free play is the best type of play for young children.

Be pool safe

New Zealanders love the water. Swimming is a fun activity for the whole family but remember to be pool safe. Here's what you need to know to keep young children safe near swimming pools.

Growing your own veggies

Growing your own vegetables from seed is a fun spring time activity that doesn't need to be expensive. Packets of seeds are affordable from your local garden shop or supermarket. You can even use seeds from vegetables such as pumpkins and tomatoes if you dry them out! Try using old egg cartons or toilet paper rolls (with the base covered) as containers to grow the seeds in.

Tips for getting kids more active

Being active is fun and has lots of benefits for the whole family.

Let’s play every day

‘Let’s play every day’ promotes the importance of active play for children under five by encouraging parents and whānau to play with their children – every day.

The importance of active play

Active play helps kids with coordination, balance, motor skills and using up their energy, which in turn helps to promote better sleeping habits.

The benefits of exercise

Active children are healthy, happy and sleep better.

Winter time occasional sun - what does this mean for me and vitamin D?

When it's winter in New Zealand (May to August), the good news is that the risk of sun damage is very low.

Active transport

When was the last time you walked, biked or scooted somewhere instead of hopping in the car?

Active families

Active Families help whānau to lead healthier and more active lives.

Green Prescriptions

Green Prescriptions are a great idea, as you will be able to get some good advice from a health professional.