Explore practical tips, expert advice and trusted resources to support you through the everyday moments, challenges and milestones of raising a child.
Every child experiences big feelings from time to time. Learning to understand, express and manage emotions is an important part of growing up. Explore advice and strategies to help support your child through challenges such as frustration, anxiety, disappointment and change, while building emotional confidence and resilience along the way.
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Separation anxiety is a very common and normal fear that children have of being away from their parents or caregivers. It can manifest in many different ways and can start when your child is around eight months old and reaches its peak in children aged 14 to 18 months.
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When your child is overwhelmed by a big emotion, it can be difficult to know what to do in the moment. They may be crying, shouting, refusing to cooperate or lashing out. Remembering that behaviour is communication can help you look beyond what your child is doing and consider what they may be experiencing.
Read moreThe Importance of Self Regulation Skills in Children At BestStart we prioritise social development and self-regulation skills in our centres because we understand the fundamental significance for children’s holistic growth and development.
Read moreConfidence, resilience and strong social skills help children navigate challenges, build friendships and develop independence. In this section, you'll find practical advice, ideas and resources to support your child's social and emotional development, helping them build the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future.
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On your Bike! Learning to ride a bike is part of our Kiwi culture. With your support, your child can learn to ride a bike.
Read moreAt BestStart, we know children learn best through play. Play provides children with the tools to feel, express themselves and learn to navigate and regulate their emotions as they begin to understand the world around them better.
Read moreWhen your child is overwhelmed by a big emotion, it can be difficult to know what to do in the moment. They may be crying, shouting, refusing to cooperate or lashing out. Remembering that behaviour is communication can help you look beyond what your child is doing and consider what they may be experiencing.
Read moreThe Importance of Self Regulation Skills in Children At BestStart we prioritise social development and self-regulation skills in our centres because we understand the fundamental significance for children’s holistic growth and development.
Read morePlay is one of the most important ways children learn. From creative activities and messy play to simple experiments and outdoor adventures, these ideas are designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration and make learning fun. Whether you have five minutes or an afternoon to fill, you'll find plenty of inspiration to enjoy together at home.
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Colour Changing Flowers Science Project Do you know that flowers can drink up water and change their own colours into the colour of the water they drink?
Read moreThis activity creates a sense of wonder as your child experiments with icy chalk, creating pictures that fizz when vinegar added.
Read moreThese amazing, giant bubbles will be a hit for sure! This bubble mixture is easy to make with ingredients you are likely to have in your home already.
Read moreLots of children are fascinated by insects and small animals. This is a great activity for developing respect and understanding of the natural world.
Read moreMaking an Outdoor Hut With your child, try creating an outdoor hut with things found inside your home. Drape an old blanket from a fence, railing or tree branch and set some cushions on the ground, and a cosy nook can start to take shape.
Read moreOn your Bike! Learning to ride a bike is part of our Kiwi culture. With your support, your child can learn to ride a bike.
Read moreThis is a great activity to do with your child and a group of their friends. Having a sack race is a fun, energetic and easy activity to help develop and promote physical skills and fitness.
Read moreQuality early childhood education provides so much more than childcare. Through play, relationships and everyday experiences, children develop the skills, confidence and curiosity that support their learning, wellbeing and development. Explore how ECE helps lay strong foundations for a lifetime of learning.
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Choosing an early learning centre is one of the first big decisions you'll make for your child and it can feel like a lot to navigate. We've answered some of the most common questions parents ask to help you feel informed and confident in your choice.
Read moreAt BestStart, we know children learn best through play. Play provides children with the tools to feel, express themselves and learn to navigate and regulate their emotions as they begin to understand the world around them better.
Read moreIf you've ever watched your little one light up when they figure out something new - whether it's clicking a puzzle piece into place or a sudden understanding of a new word, you can see the spark in your child's eyes. This is more than just an 'a-ha' moment, it's your child's brain building itself right before your eyes. And it turns out, the experiences and environments we create for children in these early years shape that process more than we ever imagined.
Read moreBestStart has been recognised as Excelling by the Education Review Office (ERO) in its latest Governing Organisation Review - the highest result possible.
Read moreThe Montessori method is a teaching approach which has gained significant attention in recent years. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago, this approach offers a unique perspective on learning that continues to resonate with parents and educators worldwide.
Read moreQuestions about your child's day-to-day?
The ECE Help Centre answers what whānau ask us most.
