Growing Little Humans

Starting nursery is a big milestone for both children and parents! In this episode of Growing Little Humans, Melissa and Lea explore how to prepare your child for their first day, manage separation anxiety, and help them adjust to the nursery environment.

We discuss what to expect on day one, how nursery supports social and emotional growth, and practical tips for smoother drop-offs. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a bit of both, this episode offers valuable insights and advice to make the transition easier for everyone.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Amanda Jenner, the UK’s leading toilet training expert, inventor of My Carry Potty and founder of the Potty Training Academy to discuss the essential skills and strategies for successful potty training. We explore common challenges parents face during this milestone and how to navigate them with patience and positivity. Amanda shares her expertise on understanding the signs of readiness, creating a supportive environment, and making the process smoother for both parents and children. Tune in for practical tips and advice to help your child transition into this important stage of development with confidence.

In this episode of Growing Little Humans, Dr Tovah Klein helps us explore what resilience means for kids, why it matters, and how it develops from early childhood. Learn practical ways parents can support resilience, recognize signs of stress, and guide kids through tough times like loss or big changes. 

We’ll also discuss how play, friendships, and managing social media pressures help build resilience, as well as its vital link to mental health. Tune in for tips to raise strong, adaptable children ready to thrive in a changing world. 
Raising Resilience: How to Help Our Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty:
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/raising-resilience-tovah-klein?variant=41366399877154 
How Toddlers Thrive:
https://www.amazon.com/How-Toddlers-Thrive-Children-Lifelong/dp/1476735131

 In this episode of Growing Little Humans, Publisher Layal Idriss joins us to explore the transformative power of reading to children with expert advice on fostering a lifelong love for books. Learn why reading aloud is crucial for early development, when to start, and how to choose the best books for children aged 0–8.  We also dive into practical tips for introducing new vocabulary, navigating bilingual households, and keeping little ones engaged during story time. Discover how audiobooks and digital platforms can complement traditional reading, and hear our guest Layal Idriss’ top book recommendations for young readers. 

Perfect for busy parents, caregivers, and educators, this episode offers actionable insights to make story time magical and impactful! 

In this episode of Growing Little Humans, Lea and Melissa explore how traveling can shape children’s personalities and broaden their horizons. Discover creative ways to introduce your kids to new cultures, languages, and foods while making the most of family holidays. 

We also cover practical advice for planning trips with young children, from preparing them for the journey to packing essentials like strollers, snacks, and activities. Plus, get expert tips for flying with kids and learn about must-have travel products to make your adventure smoother. 

Whether it’s your first trip with little ones or you’re seasoned travelers, this episode is packed with advice to help your family enjoy stress-free journeys! 

In this episode of Growing Little Humans, Chris Buswell, an expert in EdTech and a STEM education leader helps us explore the exciting world of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—and its profound impact on young children. Why is it essential to introduce STEM concepts in the early years? What does engaging with STEM look like for children at different developmental stages, and how does it support creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills? 

We’ll share practical tips for parents to incorporate STEM learning into everyday activities, like cooking or outdoor adventures, and discuss the role of technology in early education. How can digital tools enhance learning while maintaining a healthy balance with hands-on play? We also address the importance of nurturing curiosity while preparing children for a rapidly evolving future. 

Join us as we delve into how STEM education can empower your child to be a confident, inquisitive learner ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges! 

In this episode of Growing Little Humans, Matt O’Bryan and Ben Bolger, the Co-Founders of Squirrel Education, help us to explore why financial literacy is a vital skill for kids and how early lessons can shape healthy money habits. Learn practical tips for introducing concepts like saving, allowances, and goal-setting, and discover Squirrel Education’s innovative app for teaching kids about money. 

Empower your little ones with essential financial skills in this insightful and actionable episode! 

In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into pediatric ADHD with Dr Dalal Elsori providing insights on recognizing early warning signs, the ideal age for diagnosis, and how parents can navigate the evaluation process. 

Learn how to differentiate between typical childhood behaviors and ADHD symptoms, what to expect during a diagnosis, and the importance of early intervention. We also discuss practical steps parents can take to support their child emotionally and advocate for their needs at home and school. 

Whether you're a concerned parent or simply curious about ADHD, this episode is packed with essential information and resources to guide you! 

In this episode of Growing Little Humans, Early Childhood expert Kirsty van Rooyen helps us explore the importance of developing 21st-century skills—like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—in young children. Learn how play, exploration, and technology help foster these skills, and how parents can support them at home. We also discuss the balance between traditional learning and these essential skills, and the role of outdoor activities in shaping well-rounded learners. 

Tune in for practical tips on preparing children for the future! 

In today’s episode of Growing Little Humans we are joined by Melissa O’Donnell, the Founder of Meaningful Measures to talk about the early development of young children.  What are the warning signs that your child may have developmental issues, when it might be time to seek medical intervention and who you can approach for help.  Melissa is a Behavior Analyst and Neurodiversity Advocate and works with young children daily, interacting with their schools and medical professionals.