First Five Years

13/03/2026

The period from birth to five years is a time of rapid growth and learning and some of the most valuable opportunities for learning occur when children need to manage cThe period from birth to five years is a time of rapid growth and learning and some of the most valuable opportunities for learning occur when children need to manage change

During the early years, children and families need to navigate multiple transitions.

Key milestones include starting at an early childhood centre, moving rooms within the centre, and of course, the one that most people think about – transition into school. These changes give children the opportunity to learn how to manage daily transitions, from home to the centre or school and back again.

We all know that change can be difficult. This is true for adults and children. Change is an inevitable part of life. Having a positive outlook and being able to approach and manage change in positive and constructive ways is critical to success in life. Early transitions provide one of the best opportunities to develop the skills and dispositions we need to live and do well in a changing world.

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/lifestyle/helping-children-learn-to-manage-change

12/03/2026

While parents are desperate to get their children away from screens, experts are encouraging parents to see past the playground, with its queue by the swings and fights for whose turn it is to slide. Instead, they are promoting the lifelong benefits of playing in nature.

“There is a global movement looking to have more outdoor nature play, particularly in the early years,” says Associate Professor Janet Dyment from the School of Education at the University of Tasmania.

“There are a lot of people who worry about children not having access to nature spaces.”

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/articles/the-benefits-of-nature-play-for-children

12/03/2026

What is self-regulation?
Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage your:

behaviour
reactions to your own emotions
reactions to what’s happening around you.
Self-regulation includes 3 broad areas:

Cognitive self-regulation – this is being able to plan tasks, focus on tasks, pay attention and solve problems.
Behavioural self-regulation – this is being aware of your actions and impulses and managing them so you can act in positive ways and match your behaviour to situations.
Emotional self-regulation – this is tuning in to your emotions and managing them so you can react appropriately to how you’re feeling and what’s happening around you.

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/child-development/self-regulation-children-and-teenagers

12/03/2026

Play is central to your child’s learning and development. When your child plays, it gives them many ways and times to learn.

Play also helps your child:

🎲build confidence
⚽feel loved, happy and safe
🎈understand more about how the world works
🏏develop social skills, language and communication
🎾learn about caring for others and the environment
🤸🏻‍♀️develop physical skills.

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/child-development/why-is-play-important

12/03/2026

Your child’s transition to Early Learning is more likely to go well if you start getting ready for Early Learning well ahead of time.

Also, starting slowly is important. For example, if it works for your family, you could start with short days at child care and stay with your child. Then you could leave your child for short periods, building up to leaving your child for a whole day.

Head online now to read the full article: https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/lifestyle/childcare/settling-in-at-childcare-the-early-weeks

04/03/2026

Why boys wrestle, play fight and fidget



https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/articles/why-boys-wrestle-play-fight-and-fidget

03/03/2026

As your child grows between 1-2 years old, they are developing important fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Their balance, climbing and running will develop rapidly.

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/articles/child-development-milestones-1-to-2-years

02/03/2026

At 1-2 years, children generally play with other children around them, rather than choosing a ‘best’ friend. Many of your child’s playmates will be the children of people you know – for example, friends, family or parents you meet at playgroup.



https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/child-development/toddlers-making-friends

02/03/2026

Play is central to your child’s learning and development. When your child plays, it gives them many ways and times to learn. 🧸⚽️

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/child-development/why-is-play-important

18/07/2023

Hear about the challenges LGBTQIA+ families face on their parenting journey's from Ashley Scott of Rainbow Families and Dr. Nicole Highet from Centre for Perinatal Excellence.
Let's create safe communities, provide support, and celebrate diversity. Share the love!

Challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ families include difficulties in the journey to parenthood, intrusive questioning, and discrimination in mainstream services

11/07/2023

Dr. Nicole Highet, Founder and Executive Director of Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) compassionately unravels the complexities of postnatal rage. Discover coping strategies, seek support, and empower yourself. You're not alone!

The term postnatal rage is, thankfully, gaining visibility. Conversations about postnatal rage have become more common over the past few years with the rise in

23/06/2023

Gain valuable insights on managing food allergies in children under five in this helpful article, including signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, strategies to managing allergies at home and tips for starting childcare from Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia.

Real parents. Real problems. We’re here with a group of leading early learning and parenting professionals to answer your questions.