How to Celebrate NAIDOC Week with Your Child (Even If You’re Still Learning Too)
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Peoples of this land. But it’s not just for schools or older children.
NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and its roots stretch back to the 1930s, when Aboriginal leaders began campaigning for recognition, justice, and change. Since then, it has grown into a week of celebration, storytelling, reflection, and unity—held every July in communities across Australia.
How to Create a Meaningful Play-and-Learn Nook at Home (Without Spending a Fortune)
In the middle of a busy household — where dishes pile up, emails buzz, and toys seem to multiply — it can feel impossible to carve out space for calm, focused play. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a Pinterest-worthy playroom or an overflowing toy box to support your child’s learning and development.
What you do need? A quiet corner. A few intentional choices. And a shift in mindset: from ‘keeping them busy’ to inviting them into learning.
At Milestones Early Learning, our centres are thoughtfully designed to reflect how young children learn best — through play. And you can create that same magic at home, without breaking the bank.
Stress-Free Morning Tips to Get Everyone Out the Door (Even with a Toddler in Tow)
You’ve barely had coffee. Your toddler’s asking for toast, but only if it’s “the dinosaur one,” and you can’t find your keys because they were last seen in the toy oven. Oh, and you were supposed to leave ten minutes ago.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. At Milestones Early Learning, we see you. Mornings with a toddler can feel like a blur of cereal spills, outfit refusals, and wild negotiations about whether or not shoes are really necessary. Whether you’re heading to work, school drop-off, or just trying to get to the grocery store, we’re here to help you find a calmer way through.
Here are some tried-and-true tips from real parents (and our team of educators!) to help get everyone out the door on time—with your sanity mostly intact.
Why Reading to Your Child (Even as a Baby!) Is One of the Best Things You Can Do
There’s something incredibly special about reading with your child. Whether it’s a snuggly bedtime story, a giggle-filled picture book on the couch, or a quiet moment with your baby in your arms, these shared experiences do more than create lovely memories — they help your child grow.
At Milestones Early Learning, we know that reading aloud from birth to age five lays the foundation for learning, confidence, communication, and emotional connection. And it’s not about being perfect — it’s about being present. Your child loves the sound of your voice, your attention, and your time together.
How to Support Your Child If They Feel Nervous Around New People or Settings
“You stood at the edge of the playground, holding my hand so tightly. I smiled and encouraged you to go play, but your feet stayed planted. I didn’t understand—your sibling ran off without looking back. Why was this so hard for you?”
If you’ve had this moment, you’re not alone.
As parents, it can feel confusing—and even a little frustrating—when one of our children leaps confidently into new situations while another hangs back, quiet and unsure. You’re the same parent, with the same love and encouragement. But your children are wired differently—and that’s more than okay. It’s something to be celebrated.
How to Manage and Support Big Feelings and Tantrums in Toddlers
Back to Work: How to Make the Transition Easier for Both You and Your Child
Returning to work after spending time at home with your little one can stir up all kinds of emotions—excitement, guilt, relief, anxiety, and everything in between. Whether you’re going back full-time or just a few days a week, this change is big—for both of you.
If you’re finding it hard to imagine someone else caring for your child, or if you’re second-guessing your decision to go back—please know this: you’re not alone, and these feelings are normal. Many of us at Milestones are parents too, and we’ve supported thousands of families through this exact transition. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be supported—and that’s where we come in.
Talk, Listen, Learn: Simple Everyday Conversations That Boost Your Toddler’s Language Development
Did you know some of the most powerful learning moments happen during the simplest parts of your day—like brushing teeth, packing lunch, or walking to the car?
At Milestones Early Learning, we believe language development isn’t just about storytime (although we love a good book!). It’s about rich, meaningful conversations—everywhere, every day.
Whether you’re an enrolled family or just beginning your early learning journey, here are some simple ways to nurture your toddler’s growing communication skills through everyday chatter, backed by one of the world’s most respected early childhood language programs.
Sharing Is Caring: How to Help Toddlers and Preschoolers Learn Turn-Taking (Without the Tears)
If you’ve ever watched two little ones grapple over a toy truck, you’ll know that sharing doesn’t always come naturally. But here’s the good news: sharing and turn-taking are skills that can be learned—and the toddler (1–3 years) and preschool/kindergarten (3–5 years) years are the perfect time to start.
At Milestones Early Learning, we know that learning to share isn’t about giving something up—it’s about building relationships, developing empathy, and learning how to play and grow together. Here’s how you can support your child at home as they build these important social skills—and how our educators gently guide children to practise them every day.
Learning from the Land: How Milestones Children Connect with First Nations Culture
At Milestones, we believe every child should grow up with a strong sense of belonging — to their community, to Country, and to the stories that shape who we are as Australians.
This National Reconciliation Week, we’re proud to share how children across our centres are learning about and celebrating First Nations culture in ways that are gentle, joyful, and full of meaning. These experiences help our youngest learners build respect, empathy, and connection — values that will guide them for life.