The Suprising Fact Most Parents don't know!

The Suprising Fact Most Parents don't know!

Did you know that YOU, as a parent, play the most crucial role in your little one’s early development?

Why YOU Are the Best Teacher for Your Little One’s Early Development


As parents, we all want to give our children the best start in life. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we need to sign our little ones up for countless classes—whether it’s swimming, music, or other activities—hoping to give them every possible advantage.
But here’s something you may not realise: YOU are the most important factor in your child’s early development.
In a recent chat, Sandra Ebbott, the founder of Mizzie The Kangaroo, sat down with Wendy Astbury, a well-trusted pediatric physiotherapist from Junction Road Physiotherapy, to talk about early development. One key point stood out: many parents don’t give themselves enough credit for the amazing role they already play in their child’s learning. Your everyday interactions at home and on the playground are not just good enough—they are the best thing for your child in those crucial early years.

The Hidden Power of Play at Home

Parents often think structured activities are the key to success—rushing to sign their toddlers up for every class or lesson available. But Wendy, who has worked with countless families, stresses a refreshing truth:

“Playing at home with you, and going to the playground, is the best thing in those early years.”

Why? Because you know your child better than anyone else. Whether you’re stacking blocks, building a fort, or simply rolling a ball back and forth, your natural responses to their movements, sounds, and emotions shape their understanding of the world. You’re teaching them about cause and effect, communication, and problem-solving—all without a fancy curriculum or a set schedule.
In fact, your interactions are more meaningful than any class because you can intuitively respond to your child’s cues. That smile of encouragement when they take a wobbly step, the way you comfort them when they’re frustrated—all these seemingly small moments add up to major developmental milestones.

Why the Playground is More Than Just Fun

When we think about development, we often imagine classrooms or structured environments, but the playground is one of the most dynamic learning spaces for your child. Climbing, swinging, sliding, and even stumbling—these activities strengthen your child’s coordination, balance, and motor skills. And here’s the best part: you’re there to support and guide them.
Every time you cheer them on from the sidelines or offer a helping hand when they stumble, you’re teaching them resilience and problem-solving. You’re showing them that it’s okay to take risks, and more importantly, that they can rely on you for support. This builds confidence, not just in their physical abilities but in their emotional security too.
Wendy emphasizes that being present and responsive during these moments is what truly matters. You don’t need to schedule every hour with activities. Simply spending time outdoors, watching your little one explore and guiding them when necessary, fosters the kind of growth that structured classes can’t always provide.

Give Yourself Credit – You’re Already Doing Amazing!

As parents, it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough. There’s a constant pressure to fill our schedules with enriching activities and to make sure we’re hitting every developmental milestone. But the truth is, you’re already doing an incredible job. By simply being present and interacting with your child, you’re shaping their world in the most important ways.


Sandra adds,

“I don’t think parents give themselves enough credit for being their child’s first and most important teacher.” It’s not about booking endless classes or filling their days with organized activities. Your little one learns the most from you—from your attention, your love, and your natural responses to their needs.

So next time you’re playing on the floor, reading a story, or just having a chat with your toddler, remember this: you are their most impactful teacher. The bond you’re building through everyday interactions is laying the foundation for their future success.

Final Thoughts

Early development doesn’t have to be complicated. Your presence, your love, and your willingness to play and engage with your little one are far more impactful than any class or activity. Trust yourself, and give yourself the credit you deserve—you’re doing a fantastic job in guiding your child’s growth.
So, take a deep breath, embrace those precious moments, and remember: You’re doing great!


Transcript:

What's the most surprising thing about early development that a lot of parents don't know? One of the things I would say about that is that parents don't seem to realise that they are the most important thing about their little one's early development. I don't think parents give themselves enough credit for being a teacher when their little one's really young. And I think that's important. A lot of parents want to book their children into a ton of different classes swimming classes music classes all sorts of different sports and activities. I'm often saying to parents playing at home with you and going to the playground is the best thing in those early years because you will interact with them you know them you can respond to their cues without even thinking about it and just doing activities at home is usually enough in the early years. Don't downplay your role in their early development.


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