News & Views
Here you'll find updates and helpful insights from the team at Only About Children and our partnered industry professionals.
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MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl
Family Recipes
12 December 2024
2 minutes
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl
Who doesn’t love a bowl of noodles! This family friendly recipe by our ambassador, MasterChef Tommy Pham, is perfect for the whole family! Super fun to eat, nutritious & tasty what’s not to love!
5 Things To Say Instead Of “Don’t Cry”
Parenting Advice
07 January 2025
1 minute
5 Things To Say Instead Of “Don’t Cry”
Our in-house Children Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, shares ideas on what to say to console your crying toddler.
Myths Behind Discipline
Parenting Advice
12 December 2024
5 minutes
Myths Behind Discipline
Dr Kaylene Henderson, Child Psychiatrist and Only About Children Parenting Expert helps explain the myths behind discipline.
The Key To Stress-Free Family Mealtimes
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
12 December 2024
6 minutes
The Key To Stress-Free Family Mealtimes
Are you fed up battling with your child at mealtimes? Frustrated about spending hours in the kitchen only to have your child turn their nose up at your meals? Confused about the best way to encourage your child to eat? It’s time to learn about The Golden Rules of Feeding.
Child Developmental Milestones: A Checklist for Babies & Toddlers
Child Development
12 December 2024
7 minutes
Child Developmental Milestones: A Checklist for Babies & Toddlers
Developmental Milestones are usually recognised as guides for tracking a child’s development. They can be ordered into certain groupings, based on physical, emotional, social, cognitive and language development.
How Does Preschool/Kindergarten In Long Daycare Differ?
School Readiness
12 December 2024
6 minutes
How Does Preschool/Kindergarten In Long Daycare Differ?
Struggling to understand the difference between preschool/kindergarten in a long daycare setting versus community preschool/kindergarten? We review the key differences and similarities.
Understanding Toddler Tantrums and How to Respond | OAC
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
5 minutes
Understanding Toddler Tantrums and How to Respond | OAC
Welcome to toddlerhood: a time when outbursts of "no!" start to dominate your child's vocabulary. Learn tips from our Children's Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, on responding to tantrums.
Your Child's First Day At Childcare
Parenting Advice
08 January 2025
3 minutes
Your Child's First Day At Childcare
Having a plan and routine ahead of your child’s first day of childcare is important to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your child. Anna McCauley, Head of Health at Only About Children shares 6 tips on how to effectively prepare for that first day!
5 Things To Say Instead Of “Don’t Cry”
Parenting Advice
07 January 2025
1 minute
5 Things To Say Instead Of “Don’t Cry”
Our in-house Children Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, shares ideas on what to say to console your crying toddler.
Separation Anxiety in Children and Parents
Parenting Advice
07 January 2025
6 minutes
Separation Anxiety in Children and Parents
Childcare can be a big step for children and parents! You can be starting childcare for the first time or returning after some time. Either way, it can feel hard.
Managing Children's Screen Time
Parenting Advice
06 January 2025
4 minutes
Managing Children's Screen Time
Is your child’s screen-time healthy or harmful for their wellbeing, growth and development? Find out practical and useful tips for managing screen-time at home with Dr Kristy Goodwin.
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Peach Sago
Family Recipes
18 February 2025
1 minute
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Peach Sago
Our ambassador, MasterChef Tommy Pham, shares another fun & family-friendly recipe! "With peach season in full swing, I couldn’t resist making this refreshing & delicious peach sago. Perfect for sunny days and little hands to enjoy!
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Noodle Stir-Fry
Family Recipes
07 February 2025
2 minutes
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Noodle Stir-Fry
Our ambassador, MasterChef Tommy Pham, has made this Vietnamese Noodle Stir-Fry recipe for our OAC Summer Menu - lucky children! It’s a simple and delicious recipe which is also great for the whole family - follow the recipe below.
Pumpkin & Pear Loaf
Family Recipes
07 January 2025
1 minute
Pumpkin & Pear Loaf
Here is the recipe for our Pumpkin & Pear Loaf, from our in-house Dietitians, Alex and Anna.
Deconstructed Tuna Bowl
Family Recipes
07 January 2025
2 minutes
Deconstructed Tuna Bowl
Here is the recipe for our healthy deconstructed tuna sushi bowl, from our in-house Dietitians, Alex and Anna. Enjoy all the delicious flavours of sushi, without the fuss.
Play Based Learning
Activities for Children
12 December 2024
3 minutes
Play Based Learning
For a toddler, playing is the most natural thing in the world, but there is a lot more to it than just ‘play’. Through play, children learn and develop vital life skills such as physical, emotional, cognitive, social and creative skills that will help form the foundations for learning and growth at a young age.
Enjoy the Benefits of Outdoor Play, Whatever the Weather
Activities for Children
12 December 2024
3 minutes
Enjoy the Benefits of Outdoor Play, Whatever the Weather
Have you heard the old saying ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing?’ Learn about the benefits of outdoor play for your child whatever the weather.
Exploring the Benefits of Sensory Play for Children
Activities for Children
12 December 2024
6 minutes
Exploring the Benefits of Sensory Play for Children
Toddlers absolutely delight in exploring their world through their senses. Sensory play - play that stimulates any of a child’s senses - builds cognitive skills and influences how your child learns about their world.
Loose Parts Play
Activities for Children
12 December 2024
3 minutes
Loose Parts Play
Empty boxes, rope, string and pieces of wood. Packaging over toys. Your child will almost inevitably play with these items! This is known as Loose Parts Play and, with support, can encourage learning, growth and development in young children.
Sparking The Imagination For Babies
Child Development
07 January 2025
2 minutes
Sparking The Imagination For Babies
Our in-house Children Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, shares tips to develop your babies imagination.
The Stages of Language Development in Children
Child Development
06 January 2025
4 minutes
The Stages of Language Development in Children
Every child is different when it comes to language development, however, there are some identifiable markers that can help families to better understand their child’s stage of language development.
The First Skills In Teaching Your Child To Read
Child Development
06 January 2025
4 minutes
The First Skills In Teaching Your Child To Read
Follow this superb blog article by Natasha Stabler, our Education Business Partner, on helping your child to read by learning within their own interests.
Unlocking Healthy Habits: A Guide for Parents of Toddlers and Preschoolers
Child Development
06 January 2025
3 minutes
Unlocking Healthy Habits: A Guide for Parents of Toddlers and Preschoolers
Discover the key to nurturing your child's well-being with "Unlocking Healthy Habits." Tailored for parents of toddlers and preschoolers, this guide provides practical tips to seamlessly integrate movement into your child's daily routine.
What’s unique about our Grow curriculum?
Education & Learning
08 January 2025
3 minutes
What’s unique about our Grow curriculum?
Our Grow curriculum is an innovative play-based curriculum that delivers intentional teaching in dynamic small group learning environments. Learn how our curriculum supports the development of growing minds.
Language First, Then Literacy
Education & Learning
07 January 2025
2 minutes
Language First, Then Literacy
When preparing children for school, it's common to focus on literacy skills like reading and writing. However, there are other crucial skills essential for success in the classroom. This article highlights the importance of developing language understanding, clear speech, and social communication skills before diving into literacy and the age-specific milestones for these vital skills.
How Does Childcare Look 2 Years Into The COVID Pandemic?
Education & Learning
06 January 2025
3 minutes
How Does Childcare Look 2 Years Into The COVID Pandemic?
The global impact of COVID-19 has changed daily life for so many. Yet child development has not paused, and supporting children, families, and our employees is as important now as ever.
A Respectful Curriculum
Education & Learning
12 December 2024
2 minutes
A Respectful Curriculum
Our Grow Nursery and Toddler Curriculums are centred on respect for young children as capable, involved and self-initiated learners and human beings in their own right. We are influenced in our approach by Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) and Magda Gerber’s Educaring approach.
Understanding Toddler Tantrums and How to Respond | OAC
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
5 minutes
Understanding Toddler Tantrums and How to Respond | OAC
Welcome to toddlerhood: a time when outbursts of "no!" start to dominate your child's vocabulary. Learn tips from our Children's Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, on responding to tantrums.
Managing Separation Anxiety
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
5 minutes
Managing Separation Anxiety
Dr Kim Shortridge, Child and Family Psychologist, outlines the signs of separation anxiety in children and shares helpful management strategies
Practicing Mindfulness & Meditation at Home
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
2 minutes
Practicing Mindfulness & Meditation at Home
Mindfulness and meditation are excellent techniques to help your child self-regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety during times of stress and uncertainty. Our Head of Curriculum Emma Forbes shares tips on how you can encourage and practice mindfulness and meditation at home with your child.
Encouraging Cooperation
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
2 minutes
Encouraging Cooperation
Trusted Child Psychiatrist and Only About Children parenting expert, Dr Kaylene Henderson responds to the frequently asked question - encouraging preschool/kinder children to cooperate and follow instructions.
Choosing The Right Preschool/Kindergarten For Your Child
School Readiness
14 April 2025
3 minutes
Choosing The Right Preschool/Kindergarten For Your Child
Choosing the right Preschool/Kindergarten for you child can be a daunting task. When exploring the ideal preschool choices for your child, there is no need to navigate blindly. Simply by asking the right questions, you can find the perfect match.
2 Year School Readiness & Preparation For School
School Readiness
08 January 2025
7 minutes
2 Year School Readiness & Preparation For School
Many families ask what they can do at home to support their child’s school readiness. Here, we discuss understanding school readiness and how to prepare your child for school.
The 5 Biggest Changes Starting “Big School”
School Readiness
06 January 2025
4 minutes
The 5 Biggest Changes Starting “Big School”
The change from a prior to school setting to a primary school setting can be daunting and take some getting used to in the early weeks and months of your child starting. Here are some of the 5 biggest changes to expect when moving to primary school
Supporting The School Readiness Journey
School Readiness
06 January 2025
5 minutes
Supporting The School Readiness Journey
Transitioning from preschool/kindergarten to primary school can be both nerve wracking and exciting for you and your child. In this second session of the Grow With Us – School Readiness series, we provide some tips and advice to help you through the journey.
5 Tips to Encourage Your Child To Eat More Vegetables
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
12 March 2025
4 minutes
5 Tips to Encourage Your Child To Eat More Vegetables
Our in-house Dietitians Alex and Anna, from The Biting Truth, share their top 5 tips to get your child eating more veggies.
Summer Recipes Ideas For All The Family
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
12 March 2025
2 minutes
Summer Recipes Ideas For All The Family
Here are the recipes for our Strawberry Muffins and Thai Basil Beef and Veggie Bowls, from our Summer Menu, for you to make at home.
Best Breakfast Cereals For Kids
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
08 January 2025
5 minutes
Best Breakfast Cereals For Kids
Let's explore the ideal breakfast cereal for little bodies and minds.
6 Tips to Keep your Kids Healthy over the Holidays
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
08 January 2025
5 minutes
6 Tips to Keep your Kids Healthy over the Holidays
The holiday season is fast approaching and for families this often means busy schedules with numerous parties and celebrations. Our in-house Dietitians Anna and Alex have shared 6 tips to keep kids healthy over the holiday season.
Australia’s Best Teachers: Early Childhood Teacher Renee Connaghan
Careers in Early Education
04 March 2025
1 minute
Australia’s Best Teachers: Early Childhood Teacher Renee Connaghan
“When you get quality services and quality organisations delivering a higher standard of care that sits outside of basic childcare, then people start to develop a new respect for it. Having engaged, passionate and well-educated educators who love what they do, that’s what’s necessary to continue to lift the profile."
25 years of service and Cara’s passion is as strong as ever
Careers in Early Education
08 January 2025
2 minutes
25 years of service and Cara’s passion is as strong as ever
We’re extremely lucky to have Cara Miceli leading our Oac Castle Hill campus. After 25 wonderful years of service, Cara’s passion for early childhood education has not wavered. Cara shares what she loves most about her job and what motivates her to show up every day.
Early childhood education careers for school leavers
Careers in Early Education
08 January 2025
3 minutes
Early childhood education careers for school leavers
Are you in the last few years of your schooling journey and still considering which of the many career paths to follow? Read on!
"I’m an Educator, not a babysitter."
Careers in Early Education
08 January 2025
2 minutes
"I’m an Educator, not a babysitter."
One of the greatest insults for parents, teachers and early childhood educators is to suggest early learning is merely ‘babysitting’.
5 Ways To Be A Happy Working Parent
Work + Family Juggle
06 January 2025
4 minutes
