In the News
Every month this page will be updated with news items that we think will be of interest to people working with Under-5s. Some will relate to families, some to toddlers or babies and some to ideas that may help you in your time with young children.
Please note: Scripture Union does not endorse views highlighted in these articles. This is a service to help you stay informed and does not indicate Scripture Union's policy.
September 2011
It is now 65 years since Dr Spock's (Dr Benjamin Spock, not Star Trek's Mr Spock!) common sense approach to bringing up babies and young children changed parenting styles. This article considers the impact of his work - well-worth reading. Dr Spock's Baby and Child Care at 65
As part of my work I have undertaken first aid training for babies and children (with St John Ambulance). Although I have rarely needed even the most basic of this training, I have always felt more comfortable knowing that I would know what to do in an emergency. The British Red Cross is campaigning to enable more parents to be trained, including dealing with a choking baby as this video clip demonstrates. What to do if a baby is choking
More women are becoming mothers at an older age, but some struggle to find the right man to start a family with. When I read this article I was amazed at the lengths this woman went to in order to become a single mother.Choosing to be a single mother
August 2011
For years there has been debate over whether new mothers should return to work and if this harms their children. More research suggests that there may be advantages for children whose mothers work. New mothers returning to work
Every so often we hear of almost miraculous events where a young child falling from a height is safely caught by an adult. Why is this possible? I found it a fascinating read although I never expect to need this information! Catch a falling child!
If you spend much time with small children you may be aware of how active they can be. But apparently not all small children are allowed to be active, so new guidelines have been published about exercise levels for young children. Of course it is common sense, so it's sad that these might be needed. Government guidelines on Under 5s exercise
July 2011
Recent changes to the way parents of young children can access childcare are intended to make things more flexible for them. Read more here. Changes to free childcare
The National Literacy Trust is keen to encourage parents, especially dads, to talk more with their very young babies. Their new web site provides encouragement for talking to babies from birth upwards. To find out more Helping Dads talk to their babies
Many parents of babies and toddlers are desperately tired as they struggle with their young child's night-time demands. You may have heard of horse whisperers, but baby whisperers? This article describes one family's experience when crying out for sleep and help came. Crying out for sleep!
June 2011
I remember as a child being asked 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' I came up with a variety of answers as I didn't really know. But today's children are, apparently, more certain, with the top choice for under-5s being 'doctor'. Doctor is first choice for young children
Some nurseries use increasing amounts of technology with their young children. One nursery chain has introduced ipads with some parents very happy and others not so. What do you think? Technology in nurseries
Cleopatra is said to have bathed in it, but drinking donkey milk! Apparently, donkeys are now being farmed for their milk as it is less likely to trigger allergies in children. I had heard of this with buffalo milk (tastes great!), but donkey? Donkey milk for allergies
April 2011
As the media begins to roll into top gear over the forthcoming Royal wedding I have noticed a plethora of Royal wedding themed items aimed at children. But I did have a chuckle at this one! Royal Wedding in plastic
In the UK our children start school much younger than their counterparts in other countries. So is it better to wait for children to mature or should we be teaching them earlier? This article discusses the issues. Best age for children to start school
We all know that women becoming mothers at an older age is harder and carries more pre-natal risks. But to hearten the older mums you meet, new research suggests that there are benefits for young children in having an older mother. Benefits for children over mothers over 40
March 2011
Recently I went to see The King's Speech and was struck by the conversation where Prince Albert admits that he began stammering in early childhood. We have all heard young children struggling to express themselves, but when should we worry and how can we help them regain their confident speech. Positive Relationships: Speech - Go with the flow
When I visit groups or lead training sessions for under-5s leaders it is rare for me to see any men. But young children love to spend time with men and men have plenty to offer children, particularly those who who don't have a positive male role model in their lives. This article explores one man's experience of working in a nursery and the comments left by readers are equally interesting. Men act as great role models in nursery settings
Do you enjoy reading to children? I do, but I find that sometimes I seem to read the same book over and over again because that is the one they have chosen. New research suggests that this re-reading has benefits in terms of language learning. Never-ending story: how repetition helps a child's vocabulary
February 2011
When my niece and nephew visit their Nanny they love to play with the toys that my brother and I played with as children and listen as we remember them. But will their toys still be available for their children to play with? Do toys stand the test of time?
Many parents are keen to protect their children from the sun with sun block, but are some doing too much? A report suggests that too little exposure to sunlight is causing rickets to make a comeback in children in the UK. Rickets making a comeback
Who babysits for parents with young children? One mother has been cautioned for leaving her 14 year old in charge of her 3 year old for half an hour. Is she irresponsible or has the system over-reacted? Too young to babysit?