FINDING A PLACE TO BELONG

- Your Playgroup village

Alongside your child, enjoy new experiences and opportunities. The benefits of playgroup extend beyond what the name suggests and can create meaningful ways to engage in life. Play, no matter our age, is a vital component of learning, living purposefully, expressing oneself and nurturing our wellbeing.

After a tumultuous time of change in Australia, we begin to adjust to the new rhythms of daily life. The pandemic shone a light on humanity, on kindness, on togetherness. We rallied and communities sought to take care of one another in subtle and profound ways. There was complexity, uncertainty, hardship, loss and loneliness. There was grief for things we lost- the upside being the comfort and compassion for all that we gained. The latter was often a closeness- to each other and what it is that truly matters when the superfluous is pared back. Our need to connect, to share experiences and be together prevailed above all else, innate to us all.

Like the villages of old, intergenerational and cross-generational relationships interweave, holding us together with varying forms of knowledge, history, ideas and philosophies. New life reaches out and loops through the older threads, all the while growing together. Play, another essential component of life, connects us and provides us with moments of immersion, of challenge, of experimentation and unreserved joy.

Renowned author and paediatrician, Benjamin Spock wrote that, "A child loves play, not because it is easy, but because it is hard". Children love play because it is meaningful and gives their lives meaning.

‘You can learn more about a person in an hour of play than a year of conversation,’ said philosopher Plato. Physicist Albert Einstein said that, ‘Play is the highest form of research.’

Play in and of itself is an intrinsic part of working our way through life.

Play during the early years supports a vital period of development for the brain and the body- and it supports the child’s wellbeing and sense of self. Notably, a child’s play is most enriching when shared with you, their parent or carer. You are your child’s primary educator. Your bond makes play one of the most powerful and unifying learning tools.

Emeritus Professor Karen Stagnitti of Deakin University has been working in the early years for 44 years and studying play and play based assessment since 1991. Over the years, Karen has examined the importance of pretend play and playing together. She has discovered that play shared between child and parent/ carer, can unlock the beginnings, depth and enjoyment of play.

“There is some very recent research that shows that playing together increases the strength of attachment between the adult and the child. It provides a time where adults (parents and carers) can enjoy their child’s company. I think these moments are special because there a lot of time during parenting when we are caring, attending to, supporting, putting boundaries in, and alert to keep our children safe. So much more important then, to play together and enjoy each other’s company, laugh and have fun.”

Karen said that the interaction during play between parent and child can scaffold the child’s language, thinking and social and emotional awareness.

Indeed, play, regardless of age, supports continued growth and development throughout life. In play, we can let our guards down, change our mindsets, unearth new interests or simply, yet not inconsequentially, lighten our loads, enabling us to have fun and discover new interests- often to enjoy and share with family- having a dual benefit to your health and sense of contentment.

Professor Karen Stagnitti said that social connection is very important for our mental health and wellbeing.

“When you have young children, your time is full with looking after them, both physically, emotionally and socially. Playgroup is an opportunity and a space where parents can connect with each other and support each other. Share stories about their children and pick up tips. It is an informal space where parents can have time to chat and connect, while their children play.”

The open nature and form of play and playgroup means that friendships often unfurl instinctively and spontaneously- over shared interests, life’s happenings and stories of your child. In play there is humour, challenges, intrigue, fun and freedom. In play, we develop different skills needed for life.

It could be at bush playgroup, at a playgroup run at a school, at the park, on an excursion, at a grandparents playgroup, a dads playgroup, at the library or at a local town hall- keeping regular connections establishes a sense of belonging for you and for your child. During the early years when we seek familiarity and comfort, a regular trip to playgroup can be uplifting. The continuity of connection is what life is about.

At playgroup, you will find something that unites you all, which is a love for your child, wanting what is best for them. Together, you will discover more about yourselves and the world around you. Through play, and through the mere act of regularly showing up, possibilities and opportunities await you.

By Sinead Halliday, Playgroup. Find and connect with a local playgroup today: https://playgroupaustralia.org.au/

The ultimate eight for Easter!

From a hilarious podcast about the human body, a detective series that investigates killer butterflies and glow worms, to art-curious kids who investigate what freaky snakes have to do with art, an age-appropriate news podcast, Dads reading fabulous books and The Beanies learning how teeny tiny spiders learn to be brave – LiSTNR has just released the top eight podcasts for kids entertainment this Easter, and you are very welcome!

LiSTNR is home to a huge line-up of multiaward winning podcasts for children, many produced in association with education providers, scientists and even art galleries, with the aim to engage, educate and entertain. So, charge your devices and prepare to download, because these podcasts are perfect for car trips, camping, bedtimes, quiet times, giggle times and everything in between! Here’s the ultimate eight for Easter 2023…. ENJOY!

1

Busy Bodies

The award-winning Busy Bodies with Mr Snotbottom is a hilarious podcast all about the human body! Hosted by the famed children’s entertainer and comedian, Mr Snotbottom, each episode focuses on a part of the human body, from the brain (did you know the human brain is more powerful than any computer ever invented!!), to the heart (it’s about the same size as your fist BTW), to bones (yep, all 206 of them). It even explores kids’ emotions – one very special episode is all about YIKES …. anxiety! The new series is called Healthy Habits and is the perfect (and funny) way to engage kids.

The Fact Detectives

Meet two curious kids on a mission to find out all the cool facts about, well, EVERYTHING! In this award-winning podcast, hosts Anika and Esther take their very big questions to some very smart grown-ups who know lots of very interesting stuff… like, do killer butterflies really exist? Why do we fart? Did monster kangaroos really hop all over Australia? Is it ladybirds, ladybugs or ladybeetles? What’s the difference between a glow-worm and a firefly, and where does light come from? PS – parents, carers and teachers everywhere are also hooked on this one!

3

Morning Kids

The Beanies

The award-winning LiSTNR podcasters and ABC Kids stars, The Beanies, bring a combination of joy, song and education wrapped up in glorious rainbow! Each week, Laura, Mim and Michael share a special new episode – it may be a fun and silly adventure, or a Show and Tell. They’ve met a teeny tiny spider who learns how to be brave; visited the super hero training Academy; met a very royal puppy, and found out how unicorns get their horns! They also welcome questions from little podcast listeners!

Outside The Lines

What do slimy frogs and freaky snakes have to do with art? How do you make art that you can’t even see? Outside the Lines is a fun and imaginative podcast for kids, hosted by some art-curious kids as they travel across the country to scratch the surface, peek behind the canvas, open the sketchbook, and dive into the creative minds of some of Australia's most inspiring artists. One episode is all about colour, with Gemma Smith, one of Australia’s most acclaimed abstract artists! This pARTicularly wonderful podcast is produced with the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art’s Children’s Art Centre.

Dadtime Story Collection

A podcast featuring some famous Dads and Uncles reading children’s books, making bedtime a breeze and sharing great voices and stories. There’s Andy Day, an English actor, comedian, singer, dancer, songwriter and television presenter, reading Bush Magic; best-selling children’s book creator Scott Stuart reads his own work My Shadow is Purple, and journalist, TV presenter and musician, Waleed Aly, reads The Month That Makes the Year – a beautiful book about Ramadan told through the eyes of a child by Inda Ahmad Zahri.

Bedtime Explorers

In wonderful news, there’s a new season of the beloved children’s meditation podcast, Bedtime Explorers Magic Glasses! The podcast help children see the world through a positive lens of hope. With their imaginations and ‘magic glasses’, little explorers discover wonderful possibilities in a magic garden, a flying car and a hidden door to another world. The multi award-winning podcast, renowned for helping children drift into a peaceful night’s sleep, has been downloaded more than 23 million times and is loved by children and families all around the world. (PS, there’s more new episodes coming on April 5!).

Fun Fables

It’s the world’s favourite fairytales, remixed for today’s little dreamers – a clever, funny and engaging reimaging of the fables and tales we all grew up with! Rediscover the Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, The Goose that Laid Golden Eggs and more, with a cheeky modern twist. It’s a super fun distraction for parents too!!