Children’s Play Schemas In case you need a recap on Play Schemas then I highly suggest you head to our blog ‘What are Play Schemas?’ before reading ahead. As a very quick recap, the repetitive action of a schema allows a child to practice and construct meaning until they have mastered the understanding of the schema. […]
What are Play Schemas? Have you ever wondered why your child purposely knocks over your block castle, hides in small boxes, throws their food, lines objects up or collects rocks? These aren’t ‘bad behaviours’ but rather natural developmental urges (called schemas) that suggest a healthy child. The repetitive action of a schema allows a child […]
Have you noticed your child struggling to hold a pencil, use scissors, or tie their shoelaces? You’re not alone. A recent National Geographic report highlights growing concerns among educators and researchers about the decline of fine motor skills in young children. According to an Education Week survey,📌 77% of PreK-3 teachers say fine motor skills […]
Rainy days often mean more time indoors, and for many families, that translates to extra screen time. While screens can be useful, research shows that too much screen time can impact children’s sleep, social skills, and emotional regulation. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, children aged 2–5 spend an average of 2.2 hours […]
Independent play is a cornerstone of healthy child development, offering numerous benefits that extend into adulthood. By engaging in self-directed activities, children cultivate creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience. As parents, facilitating this type of play involves providing the right environment and selecting appropriate toys that encourage autonomy. The Importance of Independent Play Research underscores […]
STEM Learning Through Play: Best Toys for Australian Classrooms STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is at the heart of preparing young learners for the future. As teachers, we know that hands-on experiences make concepts stick, and there’s no better way to engage children than through play. Whether you’re setting up a STEM-focused learning […]
In today’s fast-paced world, children face countless stimuli and stressors that can challenge their ability to manage emotions. Sensory toys, once regarded as niche tools for therapeutic use, have become powerful aids in supporting emotional regulation for all children. By engaging the senses, these toys can help children build essential self-regulation skills, improve focus, and […]
The back-to-school season is an exciting time, but it can also bring a mix of emotions for children. From meeting new teachers to adjusting to new routines, these transitions can feel overwhelming. Emotional readiness plays a key role in making this period smoother for children, and the right tools, toys, and practical strategies can provide […]
The ‘Joy’ of Potion Play Do you remember the magic of childhood afternoons spent outdoors, mixing mud pies, flower petals, and a touch of glitter to create your very own potions? For many parents, these moments are a nostalgic reminder of creativity, exploration, and the sheer joy of play. Today, Little Potion Co, a proudly […]
How to Choose the Perfect Baby Doll for Your Child Finding the perfect baby doll for your child can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Baby dolls are more than just toys; they help develop social skills, nurture emotional regulation, and spark imaginative play. Here’s a helpful guide to choosing the ideal baby doll […]
Explore the Magic of Small World Play with Growing Kind: A Journey of Imagination Welcome, fellow adventurers, to Growing Kind, your ultimate destination for igniting imaginations and fostering playful exploration! Today, we’re diving deep into the enchanting realm of small world play, where every miniature scene is a portal to boundless creativity and endless adventures. […]
How does a calm down bottle work? A calm down bottle is a sensory tool that can be used to help someone relax and reduce anxiety or stress. It is a clear plastic bottle that is filled with water and a variety of small items such as glitter, beads, sequins, and/or small toys. When the […]
My vision for Growing Kind is not just to sell beautiful toys. I want to change the world through play with our children.
I want to change the world for the better by encouraging more kindness, more inclusion, more acceptance and an unstoppable resilience.
I want to encourage people to love themselves more, love others more and be conscious of their own trauma and biases.
Growing Kind respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, learn and play, and pay respect to the First Nations Peoples and their elders, past, present and future.
