As your baby becomes more mobile, check the space before tummy time and move unsafe objects out of reach.
→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo
Let babies spend supervised time on the floor in a safe space instead of being held or contained all the time. Check the area from your baby's level and stay close while they explore.
→ 6 milestones0mo–8mo
Stay close during tummy time and help your baby know you are there by talking, singing and using gentle touch.
→ 4 milestones0mo–4mo
Hold your baby near your face when you talk, sing or read so they can tune in to your voice and expressions.
→ 9 milestones0mo–4mo
When you are feeding or playing with your baby or toddler, give them your attention instead of checking your phone. Face-to-face attention helps them practise connection, communication and back-and-forth interaction.
→ 10 milestones0mo–1yr 6mo
Build learning into warm, responsive time together. Play, talk, listen and notice your child’s signals so learning feels connected to a trusted relationship.
→ 7 milestones0mo–1yr 6mo
Build learning into warm, responsive everyday interactions. Watch what your child notices, answer their signals, talk with them and spend time playing together.
→ 7 milestones0mo–4mo
Build learning around warm, responsive interaction. Watch what your child notices, answer their sounds or words, and use everyday play as a chance to connect.
→ 8 milestones0mo–1yr 6mo
Start reading aloud whenever it feels natural, even with a very young baby. Holding your baby, using your voice and showing pictures all count as early reading time.
→ 5 milestones0mo–4mo
Start shared reading as early as you like. Holding your baby close while they hear your voice and see pictures can make book time both calming and socially connecting.
→ 6 milestones0mo–4mo
For newborns, prioritise warm back-and-forth contact over buying more toys. Cuddles, eye contact, your voice and relaxed routines are the main learning tools.
→ 7 milestones0mo–4mo
Build a little one-on-one play into care routines such as nappy changes, bathing or getting dressed. Counting toes, talking and playful touch can make routine care relational.
→ 5 milestones0mo–4mo
For newborns, focus less on toys and more on warm, responsive interaction with your face, voice, touch and cuddles.
→ 5 milestones0mo–4mo
For newborns, focus more on warm interaction than on lots of toys. Your face, voice, touch and closeness are the most important play materials.
→ 6 milestones0mo–4mo
For newborns, focus less on toys and more on warm, responsive interaction with your face, voice and touch.
→ 5 milestones0mo–4mo
For babies who are not yet able to take items out or hold them well, bring the objects to their hands, feet or cheek and describe what they are feeling.
→ 4 milestones0mo–4mo
Keep newborn toys visually simple and close enough for your baby to focus on. Strong contrast, faces and clear patterns are easier for very young babies to notice.
→ 3 milestones0mo–3mo
For babies, make play social: let them watch your face, hear your voice, and share simple toys with you nearby.
→ 7 milestones0mo–4mo
Keep newborn toys simple and close enough to see clearly. Use bold colours, faces or clear patterns rather than busy toy choices.
→ 4 milestones0mo–4mo
Start talking, singing, and reading from babyhood, even before your child can speak back.
→ 5 milestones0mo–8mo
Start shared books and conversation early; babies can benefit from hearing your voice and being included before they can talk.
→ 4 milestones0mo–11mo
Keep sleep on the back, and use tummy time only for awake play. Regular tummy time helps balance all the time babies spend lying on their backs.
→ 4 milestones0mo–4mo
Work maths words into ordinary caregiving and play instead of saving them for formal lessons. Count fingers and toes, name shapes and numbers you see, and connect words to what your child is already noticing.
→ 7 milestones1mo–3yr
Treat play as a core daily learning tool, not just entertainment. Time playing with you can build connection, communication, movement, confidence and care for others.
→ 6 milestones1mo–5yr
With babies, watch where they look and treat their sounds, facial expressions or movements as part of a back-and-forth conversation.
→ 5 milestones1mo–8mo
Use everyday routines as chances to narrate what is happening, using simple words about what you and your baby are doing.
→ 7 milestones1mo–1yr
Talk, laugh and sing with your child during ordinary moments, even if you are not using books or formal activities. Your face, voice and back-and-forth attention are part of the learning.
→ 8 milestones1mo–5yr
Talk, sing, make sounds and respond to your child's voice during daily routines. Back-and-forth interaction helps them practise listening and communicating.
→ 10 milestones1mo–1yr
Use ordinary routines as short learning moments. A few minutes of talking, singing, reading, naming or playing with sounds across the day is enough to build literacy habits.
→ 9 milestones1mo–3yr
Use ordinary moments, such as meals, shopping, library visits, or bedtime, as short chances to talk, read, sing, draw, or write together.
→ 6 milestones1mo–5yr
When your baby coos, babbles or makes a sound, answer back and add a real word when it fits.
→ 11 milestones1mo–1yr
Treat yourself as your baby’s main play partner: your face, voice, touch and attention are often more valuable than toys.
→ 5 milestones2mo–9mo
For children under 2 years, avoid screens except for live video calls with family or other close people.
→ 12 milestones2mo–1yr 6mo
Keep screens off in the background when possible. Background TV or devices can pull your child away from play and from interacting with the people around them.
→ 9 milestones2mo–2yr
Join play lightly when it helps connection, but let your child lead the direction. Shared laughter, silly voices and playful routines can support closeness without taking over the play.
→ 7 milestones2mo–5yr
Talk about what you and your child are doing, ask simple questions and then wait so your child has time to respond in sounds, gestures or words.
→ 6 milestones2mo–5yr
Give your child a safe, interesting environment with many chances to repeat new skills. Repetition helps children turn new experiences into learning.
→ 5 milestones2mo–3yr
Watch your baby’s cues during play so you can tell what they enjoy and when they need a pause.
→ 4 milestones2mo–8mo
Watch your baby's cues during play so you can continue when they are interested and pause when they need a break.
→ 4 milestones2mo–8mo
Use your baby’s body language during play. Smiles, eye contact and reaching can mean keep going; looking away or tiring can mean pause.
→ 3 milestones2mo–8mo
If emotional development worries you, seek advice when your baby often avoids looking at you, is hard to read, shows feelings that seem out of place, or rarely uses expressions to communicate.
→ 6 milestones2mo–8mo
Make play a back-and-forth exchange: watch what your baby does, respond, pause, and let them take another turn.
→ 5 milestones2mo–1yr
When your baby coos or makes talking sounds, answer as if it is a real conversation.
→ 5 milestones2mo–1yr
Try tummy time in more than one safe place, such as on a clean blanket outside, so the experience stays interesting.
→ 2 milestones2mo–4mo
Notice what screens in the room are showing, even when your child is not the one using them. Avoid violent, frightening or adult content because very young children can still take in and react to what they see.
→ 5 milestones2mo–2yr
Let your child guide the play whenever it is safe. Children stay engaged and learn more when the activity follows their interest rather than an adult script.
→ 8 milestones2mo–5yr
Let your child steer play when possible, because interest is what keeps them exploring, trying and learning.
→ 5 milestones2mo–1yr 6mo
Follow your child's interest when choosing games or toys. Children usually learn more when the play idea already has their attention.
→ 5 milestones2mo–4yr
Treat play as a main pathway for development, not as a break from learning. Through play, children practise movement, hand skills, thinking, language, emotions and relationships all at once.
→ 8 milestones2mo–5yr
When you describe size to a baby, make your voice match the idea, such as using a stronger voice for something large and a lighter voice for something small. This helps your baby link sound, expression and meaning.
→ 4 milestones3mo–9mo
Talk while you prepare food, shop, walk, or do chores. Describe what you are doing, what things look like, how they sound, and how they feel or taste.
→ 8 milestones3mo–4yr
Use warm facial expressions during new play so your baby can read your reaction and feel safer exploring.
→ 4 milestones3mo–1yr
Show your baby that their sounds matter by looking at them, smiling and responding warmly when they babble or try to talk.
→ 6 milestones3mo–1yr
Expect your baby to learn by testing what things do, including shaking, dropping, banging, opening, pushing and putting objects in unexpected places.
→ 6 milestones3mo–11mo
During tummy time, stay close where your baby can see or hear you, and use your voice, touch or gentle tickles to help them stay engaged.
→ 5 milestones3mo–8mo
Choose tummy-time surfaces that are safe and comfortable, such as a floor mat indoors or a blanket outdoors, and keep sessions supervised.
→ 3 milestones3mo–8mo
For children under 2, avoid ordinary screen time and keep digital media from replacing play, books, outdoor movement or family interaction. If you do use media, choose carefully and keep it age-appropriate.
→ 7 milestones4mo–2yr
Use homemade and household play materials, but check safety first. Avoid anything toxic, breakable, sharp, or small enough to choke on.
→ 6 milestones4mo–3yr
Use everyday safe household items as play materials, but check that they are non-toxic, hard to break and too large to choke on.
→ 5 milestones4mo–3yr
You do not need special toys or a large play area. A safe small space and ordinary household materials can give your child enough freedom to move, imagine and explore.
→ 6 milestones4mo–4yr
When offering messy or outdoor play, supervise the real risks while still allowing exploration. Water, weather and messy materials can be valuable when adults manage safety without shutting the experience down.
→ 4 milestones4mo–3yr
For younger children, protect plenty of unplanned play time so they can follow their own interest and pace. You can simply make appealing materials available and watch what they choose.
→ 7 milestones4mo–3yr
For children under 2, keep screen use very limited apart from video calls with family or friends. Babies and toddlers may be drawn to sound, colour and movement, but they are not yet getting much meaning from what they watch.
→ 4 milestones4mo–1yr 6mo
Give your baby safe, supervised freedom to investigate objects and spaces as their movement increases.
→ 4 milestones4mo–1yr
Choose only objects that are safe for mouthing and close handling. Leave out anything sharp, breakable, loose, string-like or small enough to swallow.
→ 1 milestone4mo–8mo
Reuse favourite objects and swap in a few new ones from time to time. Familiar items let your baby practise, while small changes renew interest.
→ 4 milestones4mo–11mo
When choosing toys meant for older children, still check safety guidance, especially for small parts that a younger child could swallow.
→ 4 milestones4mo–1yr 6mo
Tell and read stories often, using the language that feels natural in your family.
→ 5 milestones4mo–1yr
Support learning in your home language as well as any community language your child is learning. Songs, stories and playful talk in familiar languages still build connection and communication.
→ 6 milestones4mo–5yr
Use the language you speak most naturally for reading, singing, and storytelling. A familiar home language helps you be more expressive and still builds your child's sound, word, and story learning.
→ 7 milestones4mo–5yr
When your baby tries a sound or word, answer it as real communication. Repeat it back, then gently add one extra idea, such as naming the object or describing it.
→ 11 milestones4mo–1yr 6mo
Talk while your baby explores: name textures, shapes, sounds and sensations, and pause as if having a conversation even before your baby can answer.
→ 4 milestones4mo–1yr
When your baby makes sounds or facial expressions, copy them and answer as if you are having a real back-and-forth conversation.
→ 7 milestones4mo–1yr
Respond when your baby smiles, sounds or copies your face. Treat these small moments as real conversation so your baby learns that communication goes both ways.
→ 7 milestones4mo–1yr
Use a warm, slower voice with repeated key words when talking to your baby. Exaggerating rhythm and tone can make speech easier to notice and copy.
→ 6 milestones4mo–1yr
Use social settings gently: stay available while your child meets other children and unfamiliar adults. This gives them practice with group play and following another adult's simple guidance while still feeling secure.
→ 7 milestones5mo–4yr
Use playgroups when you want more ideas, social practice or a change from home routines. Stay nearby while your child explores new people, toys and activities.
→ 10 milestones5mo–5yr
Follow your baby’s interest during play when it is safe. Step in and redirect only when the activity could lead to injury.
→ 3 milestones5mo–1yr
Expect your child to repeat favourite play actions many times. Repetition helps them strengthen new skills, whether they are moving, using their hands, communicating, pretending or relating to others.
→ 7 milestones5mo–3yr
Praise and encourage your baby while they practise movement, especially during reaching, rolling, sitting, crawling and standing attempts.
→ 6 milestones5mo–8mo
Balance active play with quieter moments, especially once your baby is moving more.
→ 3 milestones5mo–8mo
Take babies and young children outside often, using small everyday opportunities rather than waiting for a special outing.
→ 6 milestones5mo–4yr
Balance active baby play with quiet time, especially once your baby is moving more.
→ 3 milestones5mo–9mo
Be especially gentle with babies and young toddlers during movement play, and never shake a baby or child.
→ 4 milestones5mo–8mo
Use peekaboo and other simple disappearing-and-returning games to help your baby learn that people and things can come back.
→ 4 milestones7mo–11mo
Look at books together and talk about the pictures your baby notices.
→ 5 milestones7mo–1yr
Use books flexibly if reading words is hard. Looking at pictures, pointing, naming, cuddling close and talking about what you see still make book time valuable.
→ 6 milestones7mo–5yr
Let your child make choices within safe limits, such as which book to read, which toy to use or which object to explore.
→ 6 milestones7mo–2yr
Let your child see how books work by holding the book, moving through the pages and treating books as something enjoyable to share.
→ 3 milestones7mo–1yr 6mo
Let your child see how books work. Hold the book so they can watch, move through it gently, and let older babies or toddlers help turn pages when they can.
→ 6 milestones7mo–1yr 6mo
When reading, point to pictures and key words, move your finger along the line, and pause for your child to respond. Invite page turning and simple choices so reading feels shared.
→ 9 milestones7mo–5yr
Choose books with rhythm, repeated phrases, bright pictures, flaps, textures or favourite objects. These features make books easier for young children to join in with.
→ 5 milestones7mo–5yr
Make reading aloud a warm shared routine from babyhood through preschool. Use books, rhymes, stories and songs as regular moments of connection and early literacy practice.
→ 6 milestones7mo–5yr
During book time, let your child handle the book, hold it the right way up and practise turning pages. This builds early understanding of how books work.
→ 3 milestones7mo–1yr 6mo
Let your baby repeat favourite games and stories; repetition helps them remember patterns and predict what comes next.
→ 3 milestones7mo–1yr
Show the screen habits you want your child to learn later: put your phone away at meals, turn off shows when they are finished, and let your child see you choosing active, social and book-based time too.
→ 5 milestones7mo–2yr
Ask to join your child's play, copy the direction they set and stay with the same activity long enough for them to keep exploring.
→ 5 milestones7mo–4yr
When you join your child's play, copy what they are doing first, then add one small new idea and watch whether they take it up.
→ 6 milestones7mo–5yr
When a baby or toddler is near a screen, stay with them and make any simple action real in the room, such as clapping together. Young children are more likely to copy and learn from something on screen when a familiar adult joins in.
→ 5 milestones7mo–1yr 6mo
Offer many kinds of play rather than repeating only one favourite activity. A balance of outdoor, indoor, active, quiet, free and more structured play gives your child different ways to practise.
→ 6 milestones7mo–5yr
Make room for free play every day when possible. Give your child time, a safe space and permission to choose what to explore without every moment being planned by adults.
→ 7 milestones7mo–5yr
As your baby becomes more mobile and curious, make the home safer before new skills arrive, not after a scare.
→ 7 milestones7mo–1yr
Use a slower, sing-song voice with repeated, clear words when talking with a baby.
→ 5 milestones7mo–1yr
Label the object, person or picture your baby is looking at, reaching for or pointing toward.
→ 6 milestones7mo–1yr
Follow your child's interest during play instead of steering them to a different activity. Their attention lasts longer when the play begins with what they notice or choose.
→ 5 milestones7mo–3yr
Watch your baby's face and body during active games. If they look overwhelmed or unhappy, slow down, change the play or stop.
→ 3 milestones7mo–1yr
Get down where your baby is playing and join their exploration. Describe what both of you are doing so play feels connected, secure and meaningful.
→ 4 milestones7mo–1yr
Show your child what to do when they need a start, then give them time to try. Avoid solving every problem for them; mistakes and trial-and-error help learning grow.
→ 6 milestones8mo–5yr
Show your child what to do when they need help, then leave space for them to try, make mistakes and work things out.
→ 6 milestones8mo–3yr
Choose toys that can be used in many ways, because they leave room for your child to imagine, test ideas, and solve small problems.
→ 5 milestones8mo–4yr
Notice which games your baby seeks out or avoids. Their reactions can help you choose play that suits their temperament and current mood.
→ 3 milestones8mo–1yr 3mo
Use the language you speak most comfortably when you read, sing or tell stories. A strong home language still builds listening, word and sound awareness.
→ 5 milestones8mo–5yr
You do not have to read every word on the page. Point, pause, describe pictures, ask simple questions, and follow what catches your child's attention.
→ 10 milestones8mo–5yr
If your family uses more than one language, keep using both through books, songs, and stories. Dual-language books can help connect home language, English, pictures, sounds, and print.
→ 6 milestones8mo–5yr
Do not expect a screen to teach babies or toddlers on its own. If media is used with an older toddler, sit nearby, name what is happening and connect it to real people, objects and actions.
→ 5 milestones8mo–2yr
During meals, describe what you are making, how it looks, how it feels, and how it tastes.
→ 5 milestones8mo–3yr
Remember that very young children do not understand advertising. Bright colours, music and repeated logos can still catch their attention, so choose content carefully and avoid letting ads steer what they ask for.
→ 3 milestones8mo–3yr
Name familiar people and objects during everyday play, and give your baby time to look toward them.
→ 2 milestones8mo–1yr
Talk through everyday routines in simple, natural language, even when the activity seems ordinary. Hearing many words during daily life helps your baby connect words with people, objects and actions.
→ 7 milestones8mo–1yr 6mo
As your baby gets older, use the same play to connect words with objects and actions, such as naming the item your baby is looking at, touching or trying to reach.
→ 4 milestones8mo–1yr
Use ordinary moments and nearby objects as learning prompts. Naming what your baby sees, touches or hears helps them connect words with real things.
→ 4 milestones8mo–1yr 6mo
Repeat simple words, sounds and numbers during play. Familiar repetition gives your baby more chances to notice patterns and try joining in.
→ 4 milestones8mo–1yr 6mo
Expect early words to sound unclear at first. Listen for what your child is trying to communicate and respond to the meaning, not just the pronunciation.
→ 5 milestones10mo–1yr 6mo
Notice and praise your baby’s communication attempts, including pointing, naming, head shaking or other gestures. Treat these early signals as meaningful conversation.
→ 6 milestones10mo–1yr 6mo
Use library visits as an easy way to offer your baby more books and shared reading time.
→ 1 milestone10mo–11mo
Point out simple maths ideas in the environment, such as a small bird, a tall tree, a number on a clock or a shape in a book. Keep the comments brief and tied to what your child is looking at.
→ 4 milestones10mo–4yr
Keep literacy practice brief and frequent; a few minutes at a time can still build language and early reading habits.
→ 4 milestones10mo–5yr
When reading together, point to words or pictures and guide your child's attention across the page.
→ 5 milestones10mo–4yr
When reading, move your finger along the line and point out selected words so your child sees how print is followed.
→ 3 milestones10mo–5yr
Let your child help lead book time by choosing where to begin, turning pages or deciding when to pause and talk.
→ 4 milestones10mo–5yr
Point to pictures as you read and talk about what you see. Name colours, describe the images and count objects together.
→ 9 milestones10mo–4yr
Use shared reading to help your child connect spoken stories with the printed words on the page.
→ 5 milestones10mo–5yr
Read together and point out pictures, objects, letters, words and sounds as your child gets older.
→ 6 milestones10mo–5yr
Give your child regular experience with books, pictures, print, rhymes and word sounds before school, without turning it into formal lessons.
→ 6 milestones10mo–5yr
Let your child make choices when it is practical, such as choosing a book, toy or small part of a family task. Choice helps your child stay involved in their own learning.
→ 6 milestones11mo–5yr
Follow your baby’s attention. If they are focused on a toy, person, animal or household object, talk about that thing in the moment.
→ 6 milestones11mo–1yr 6mo
Narrate ordinary routines and things you see together, such as food, washing, animals or colours, so your child hears words tied to real experiences.
→ 7 milestones11mo–4yr
When your toddler pretends, follow their idea first. Add a few words, sounds or questions, but let their imagination set the direction of the play.
→ 6 milestones11mo–3yr
Offer a mix of active and quiet play, indoor and outdoor play, free play and simple structured activities. Variety gives your child more ways to practise emerging skills.
→ 9 milestones1yr–5yr
Keep screen use as one small part of a balanced day. Make sure your child still has daily chances to move, read, play creatively, spend time with family and friends, and sleep well.
→ 12 milestones1yr–5yr
Sing with your child and include songs, rhythms and stories from your family culture.
→ 5 milestones1yr–5yr
Use rough play only when your child is rested and ready for active fun, not right before sleep or a quiet activity.
→ 3 milestones1yr–5yr
Choose a mix of toys with a clear challenge and toys that can be used many ways. Puzzles, blocks, pretend props and simple household objects each support different kinds of learning.
→ 7 milestones1yr–4yr
Choose a mix of toys with a clear goal, like puzzles, and open-ended toys, like blocks or dress-ups, so your child can both solve problems and invent their own play.
→ 7 milestones1yr–4yr
Keep drawing materials easy to reach at home and bring simple supplies when you go out, so short drawing moments can happen often.
→ 5 milestones1yr–5yr
Let your child choose what to draw or write rather than directing every mark. Holding the tool and making their own marks is useful practice.
→ 5 milestones1yr–5yr
Notice effort in early drawing and writing, even when it looks like scribbling. Point out shapes, lines or letter-like marks in a warm way.
→ 6 milestones1yr–5yr
Use thick crayons for younger children until their fingers are ready for thinner pencils.
→ 4 milestones1yr–2yr
Seat your child at a flat, stable table for drawing, with their body high enough that their elbows sit comfortably above the tabletop.
→ 5 milestones1yr–5yr
For early drawing, use small pieces of chalk or crayon rather than tools that need more hand strength.
→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr
Use an easel, blackboard or angled surface for drawing so your child can practise downward strokes.
→ 4 milestones1yr–4yr
If your child naturally chooses the left hand for drawing or writing, let them continue rather than trying to switch hands.
→ 6 milestones1yr–5yr
Choose small pieces of chalk or crayon for early drawing because they encourage a fingertip hold before formal pencil work.
→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr
Hold off on tools that need more mature hand strength, such as thin pencils or felt-tip markers, if your toddler finds them hard to manage.
→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr
Keep notes and examples of advanced development, such as drawings, writing, videos, questions, interests, reports and comments from trusted adults.
→ 9 milestones1yr–5yr
Let your child lead play when possible. Watch what they are trying, join only when invited, and build from their idea rather than taking over.
→ 7 milestones1yr–5yr
When you join your child's play, take a cue from them and add gentle prompts rather than controlling the game. A simple invitation, choice or question is often enough.
→ 5 milestones1yr–5yr
Show sharing and turn-taking in your own family interactions so your child has a clear model to copy.
→ 5 milestones1yr–5yr
Use community play options when home feels short on ideas or your child needs more social play. Playgroups can also help parents swap ideas and connect with local services.
→ 7 milestones1yr–5yr
Expect play to shift over time from solo play, to side-by-side play, to more shared play with other children. Support the stage your child is in instead of pushing constant group play.
→ 8 milestones1yr–5yr
Make reading part of a predictable daily rhythm, such as a bedtime story or a family story after dinner.
→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo
Make play part of your everyday connection with your toddler. Shared play tells them they matter and gives them a secure base for thinking, exploring and learning.
→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr
Put feelings into words during daily life, including when your child seems happy, sad or upset. This helps them connect emotions with language and notice how others feel.
→ 7 milestones1yr–5yr
Share books, songs, stories, and conversation every day so your child hears lots of language in a warm, familiar setting.
→ 4 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo
For younger toddlers, hold up the item as you say its name and let your child watch your face while you talk. Pause so they can try a sound, word, or gesture back to you.
→ 6 milestones1yr–2yr
Once your child is walking, give them regular chances to move under their own power rather than staying in the pram for long stretches. Use parks, playgrounds, yards or open spaces when you can.
→ 5 milestones1yr–3yr
Remove hazards your child cannot judge, but keep some visible, manageable challenges in play. Climbing, balancing and exploring help children learn what their bodies can do.
→ 7 milestones1yr–5yr
Before stepping into risky play, separate real hazards from manageable challenges. Remove hidden dangers, then let your child test visible challenges with you nearby.
→ 7 milestones1yr–5yr
Before active play, remove hidden hazards that your child cannot judge, but do not remove every visible challenge. Safe, manageable risk helps children learn what their bodies can do.
→ 7 milestones1yr–5yr
Choose a rough-play space with room to move and few breakable things. Outdoors is often easiest; indoors, slow the pace and keep the play smaller.
→ 6 milestones1yr–5yr
Name what you are showing in the book, including pictures and book parts, and point as you talk.
→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo
Do not expect babies and young toddlers to follow a story on a screen or use screen events in everyday life. They usually need real-world play and interaction before screen ideas make sense to them.
→ 4 milestones1yr 3mo–3yr
Let young children help with outdoor jobs such as watering, sweeping or gardening so movement and responsibility happen together.
→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–3yr
Sit close enough for your child to see both your face and the book while you read.
→ 2 milestones1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo
Trace the words with your finger sometimes and invite your child to join in with familiar words or repeated phrases.
→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr
Use playful sounds, animal noises, and different character voices to make the story more engaging.
→ 2 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr
Choose books with rhyme, rhythm, and repeated patterns because toddlers often learn well from predictable language.
→ 2 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr
Pause long enough for your child to study the pictures, then follow their lead by talking about what they notice.
→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr
Offer favourite books again and again, while also adding new books when your child is open to them.
→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr
When you name an item, draw attention to its first sound or letter and say the word slowly enough for your child to hear the parts. Keep it playful and connected to something your child cares about, like a favourite food.
→ 5 milestones1yr 3mo–5yr
Use the walk to a park or playground to model road and pedestrian safety, and let younger children walk part of the way if they can.
→ 4 milestones1yr 3mo–5yr
Keep books in a comfortable, quiet place and reduce background noise so your child can focus on your voice and the book.
→ 1 milestone1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo
Give short, clear instructions during everyday routines and play, especially from around 18 months. Keep the request simple and show what you mean if needed.
→ 2 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr
Use clear rough-play rules before the game starts: bodies are protected, hurting is not allowed, and anyone can end the game at once.
→ 6 milestones1yr 3mo–5yr
Let young children walk for short stretches when it is safe, instead of always staying in the stroller.
→ 4 milestones1yr 3mo–3yr
Keep safety limits in mind when offering harder toys or activities; advanced thinking does not make small parts or other age-related hazards safe for a younger child.
→ 1 milestone1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo
Allow trial and error in play. Small mistakes help children learn what their bodies can do and how to manage frustration or uncertainty.
→ 6 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Watch your child's face and body during rough play. Keep the excitement at a level where everyone is still enjoying it and your child feels safe.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Keep rough play safe by checking that everyone is enjoying it and by stopping if you see fear, anger, crying or someone being forced.
→ 8 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
When you are the bigger, stronger player, sometimes let your child catch, pin or beat you, and encourage them to keep trying after a loss.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Build in a short wind-down after very active play before moving to sitting, sleep or another quiet task.
→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Let your child keep a few treasured items private, and put those away before other children arrive.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Adjust rough play to age and temperament: toddlers need gentler movement, while older children may need reminders to notice when friends are no longer enjoying the game.
→ 6 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Make your child part of a story by using their name, experiences, or feelings as story material.
→ 6 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Talk about emotions by naming whether your child seems happy, sad or another feeling, and connect those words to how other people feel too.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Let your child lead much of their play. Offer materials, a starting idea or a safe space, then step back enough for them to choose the pace and direction.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Give older children room to invent their own outdoor games, while giving younger children closer help with hazards.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Choose open-ended materials and let your child decide how to use them when the play is safe.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Make plenty of room for unplanned play at home. Your toddler does not need formal classes as much as safe time, simple materials, and you nearby.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr
When it is safe and practical, let your toddler choose the play and follow their ideas. Ask simple questions about what they are doing instead of taking over.
→ 4 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr
For babies, toddlers and preschoolers, informal records can be a useful first step before any formal assessment, especially for creative, social or physical strengths that tests may not capture well.
→ 10 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Keep family routines fair when one child needs extra lessons, practice, or support. Make sure siblings also get focused time with you and chances to follow their own interests.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Use small literacy moments across the day rather than waiting for a long lesson; a few minutes of talking, reading, drawing or word play can be enough.
→ 4 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Bring literacy into normal errands and routines, such as writing a list, talking on the way to the shops or reading before sleep.
→ 4 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Keep reading relaxed and follow your toddler's attention span. A short, warm book time still builds connection and language.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr
Create a simple reading routine in a quiet place, with books nearby and screens or background noise turned off.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr
Use routine errands as literacy time by noticing print aloud and connecting it to what your child can see, hear, and touch. This keeps early reading and talking practice built into normal family life.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Talk often during everyday routines, naming what you and your child can see, do and feel.
→ 8 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Use rhyme, repetition and playful nonsense words in everyday talk. These patterns help children hear how words and sounds fit together.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Hold your toddler close while reading so they can see your face and the book, and use playful voices, sounds, and pauses to invite them in.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr
Use errands and routines as chances to explain why numbers matter. Talk through simple jobs like filling a bottle, shopping, counting out items or sharing things equally.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–4yr
If some toys do not fit your family values, talk with your child in simple terms about why those toys are not for your home.
→ 5 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Use walks to parks or playgrounds to model active habits and talk about road and pedestrian safety along the way.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Offer outdoor play several times a day when possible, using home spaces, parks, playgrounds or short walks.
→ 8 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
Create a safe space where your toddler can investigate freely, because they will often try things before they understand whether they are suitable or safe.
→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr
Use outdoor spaces for big movements like running, jumping, kicking and throwing, because children usually have more room to practise these skills outside.
→ 8 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr
For younger children in this age range, keep the setup open and physical: let them climb in and out, mark the box with crayons or explore the space before expecting a full pretend theme.
→ 4 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr
Use clear comparison words during the day, such as big, small, tall, short, heavy, light, fast, slow, near, far, first and last. Pair the word with something your child can see, hold or do.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
Talk about position while your child plays or helps, using words like over, under and next to. Show the meaning with objects so the words are tied to action.
→ 3 milestones2yr–4yr
Use stories to help your child make sense of the wider world, including family culture and other cultures. Choose books and stories that show different people, places, feelings, and everyday experiences.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
During nature play, talk with your child about what can be picked up, what should be left alone, and which things are natural or made by people.
→ 5 milestones2yr–4yr
Use weather as a learning moment by helping your child notice how their body feels and choose sensible responses, such as shade when they are hot.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
When your child does use screens, choose content that is age-appropriate, worthwhile and likely to support play, learning or connection rather than passive scrolling.
→ 10 milestones2yr–5yr
Use simple words for what your toddler notices, such as loud, heavy, dark or hard, and connect the word to the object or experience in the moment.
→ 3 milestones2yr–3yr
Show your child how print helps you remember and organise the shopping. Let them see you checking the list, reading signs, and matching words to real objects.
→ 5 milestones2yr–4yr
Notice the areas where your child learns unusually quickly or shows deep interest, then look for everyday experiences that extend those strengths.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Use what you notice about your child's strengths to choose learning experiences that are challenging, interesting and matched to their ability, not just their age.
→ 8 milestones2yr–5yr
Start with curious comments and simple questions about the box, such as its size, what fits inside or what it could become. This gives your child language to build on without taking over.
→ 7 milestones2yr–5yr
When you need to use your phone near your child, briefly say what you are doing. This helps them understand that screens can be tools for real tasks, not just something that pulls attention away.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
For toddlers and preschoolers, reduce exposure to commercial TV, ad-supported videos and apps when you can, because young children are not yet able to judge advertising claims reliably.
→ 2 milestones2yr–5yr
Notice and name everyday concepts during play, such as bigger, taller, higher, lower, before and after.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
With older preschoolers, use family photos to talk about how people are related and about family events from before your child was born.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Expect toddler play to change speed often. Leave extra time for everyday jobs, because your child may stop to investigate objects along the way.
→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr
Use favourite books repeatedly when your toddler asks. Re-reading helps children practise skills and understand what happens next.
→ 3 milestones2yr–3yr
Pick interactive ebook features only when they help the story make sense. Sounds, games, animations, and dictionaries should add meaning rather than pull attention away from reading.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Treat ebook features as supports, not the main event. Sound, animation, narration, dictionaries and games are useful when they help your child follow the story, remember details or learn new words.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
Use photos, an orientation booklet or simple talk to help your child picture preschool. Link new things to what they already know, such as blocks, toilets, playgrounds or books.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
When making a family story book, talk through the photos with your child, including familiar people, people they see less often and family members from the past.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
During book sharing, notice whether your child can name familiar objects in pictures, describe simple actions, hold the book the right way up, and recognise books they have seen before. Difficulty with these skills at 3-4 years is a reason to seek advice.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
Praise effort and persistence more than getting it right. Encouragement can help your child stay curious and willing to practise.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
When your child is learning something new, show enough to get them started, then leave room for mistakes and discovery. Avoid solving every step for them.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Notice effort and persistence, not only success. Encouragement helps your child stay interested and try again.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
When your child changes focus, shift with them. Moving from one play idea to the next keeps the adult response matched to the child's interest.
→ 3 milestones2yr–4yr
When play is safe enough, let your child try, make mistakes and try again. That practice builds problem-solving and independence more than doing the task for them.
→ 5 milestones2yr–4yr
When your child gets stuck in a physical challenge, coach them calmly instead of moving their body for them. Use simple prompts so they can work out the next step themselves.
→ 7 milestones2yr–5yr
Let your child try, make mistakes and retry during play when it is safe. Repetition and small failures help them become more capable the next time.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
When your toddler is stuck, give them time to try another way before stepping in. Small puzzles and simple problems are useful chances to practise trial and error.
→ 1 milestone2yr–3yr
Choose screen content that adds something useful to your child's day, such as creativity, problem-solving, communication, caring behaviour or an existing interest.
→ 8 milestones2yr–5yr
Let your child lead the direction of the activity, whether they want to place only a few pieces, make a pattern, build a simple cubby, or focus more on playing inside it than constructing it. Notice their effort and give specific encouragement.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
For younger preschoolers, offer hands-on help with glue, cutting, or building while still letting them make choices. For older preschoolers, add challenge by looking at collage art for ideas or helping them design a more detailed cubby.
→ 7 milestones2yr–5yr
Let your child decide what the box becomes before you step in with ideas. Following their lead helps them plan, test ideas and stay absorbed in the play.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
If your child is stuck, offer one or two possible ideas, then hand the choice back to them. Keep your role as helper while they make the decisions.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
When your child seems ready for more challenge or support, ask a simple question that helps them name the need, such as whether they want a harder task, a rest or help. This teaches them to notice problems and ask for what would help.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
Give your child room to decide what to play and how to use materials, while staying nearby to encourage them or help if they get stuck.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
Use play as your child’s main learning space. Let them experiment, imagine, solve small problems and work out what could happen next.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
If a younger child moves quickly through exhibits or repeats one button or display action, treat it as their way of exploring and stay patient.
→ 4 milestones2yr–4yr
Choose screen content that is age-appropriate, good quality and active enough to prompt thinking, creating, communicating or problem-solving.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
As children get older, give them space outdoors to invent their own games when the setting is safe.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Use planned activities as children get older and can enjoy a set time, place or group. Classes, library groups, family games and beginner sports can add practice with routines and shared expectations.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Treat rough play as normal active play when children are smiling, laughing and choosing to stay involved. It can help them learn body control, strength, personal space, turn-taking and social limits.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Use a whole-child check rather than only counting minutes: look at sleep, physical health, emotional wellbeing, school engagement, relationships, hobbies, daily activity and whether screen use is enjoyable and useful.
→ 8 milestones2yr–5yr
Keep rough-and-tumble play gentle for young children, set clear rules about what is allowed, and build in quiet time afterwards.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
During physical play, let your child sometimes win and sometimes lose, and encourage them to keep trying.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Agree on simple rough-play rules with your child, including what bodies can and cannot do during the game.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Explain sharing in simple, practical terms: when children take turns, more people get to enjoy the game.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Notice and name good sharing when you see it in other children, then praise your child specifically when they try to share or wait.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Before a playdate or starting care, talk through which toys can be shared and what your child can do when another child wants a turn.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
If your child prefers older children or seems out of step with same-age peers, keep supporting everyday friendship skills. They may still need coaching in taking turns, cooperating, and understanding other people's interests.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Ask whether the program gives your child contact with peers who share similar abilities or interests, and whether your child will come away with new skills, knowledge or insight.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
After a show with positive behaviour, reuse the characters or story to prompt sharing, helping or cooperation in real life.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Use screen time as one small part of the day, alongside outdoor play, creative play, reading and time with other people. Check that screens are not pushing out sleep or active play.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Make some play and conversation times phone-free so your child sees that people come before notifications.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Make some play and conversation time phone-free. Putting the phone aside shows your child that people and shared attention matter more than every alert.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Give your child small, real choices and treat their answer as meaningful, such as choosing between two play options. This helps them practise noticing what they prefer and speaking up for it.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Talk about your child's picture by asking them to tell you what they made, then listen and add words without taking over.
→ 7 milestones2yr–5yr
Write your child's name near their own mark or first-letter attempt so they begin connecting print with their name.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Choose books that fit your child’s interests and attention span, including rhyming, repetitive, funny, lift-the-flap, counting, shape, size, or alphabet books.
→ 2 milestones2yr–5yr
During craft, sit nearby and talk about your child's choices, such as colours, materials, shapes, or the story behind the picture. Ask open questions and describe what you notice without taking over.
→ 8 milestones2yr–5yr
Choose ebooks with the same care you would use for print books: look for clear stories, familiar interests, rich words, playful rhyme, and factual information that suits your child’s level.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Keep reading as a daily shared routine, using a mix of print books and suitable ebooks from age 2 onward.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Use ebooks as one part of shared reading after age 2, alongside print books. Choose stories you can read together and talk about, because the adult-child reading time is what supports language, imagination, feelings and connection.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
When picking an ebook, look for the same strengths you would want in a print book: a clear story your child can relate to, rich words, playful rhyme, or accurate facts pitched at their level.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
If an ebook lets you change settings, choose the mode that fits the moment. You might turn narration off so you can read aloud, or use narration when your child benefits from hearing the words while following along.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Pause during stories and invite your child to say what they notice, what might happen, or where the story should go next.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
Show your child's drawings where family members can see them and talk about them together.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
Use warm conversation and careful listening when your child's reaction seems bigger than the situation. This helps them make sense of the feeling and helps you understand what is underneath it.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Keep book time warm and focused by making it a regular routine, sitting close enough for your child to see your face and the pages, and reducing background noise.
→ 2 milestones2yr–5yr
Follow your child’s lead during reading: rereading a favourite book is useful, and a short session still counts when that is all your child wants.
→ 2 milestones2yr–5yr
Talk about the pictures and emotions in the story, and ask simple why, what, where, and what-next questions without turning reading into a test.
→ 5 milestones2yr–4yr
Watch or play some media with your child and talk about what makes it helpful, kind, creative or not worth much time.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
Turn off background television and unused screens so your child can focus on play, books and people around them. A quieter setting makes it easier for them to engage with hands-on activities.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
When playing animal guessing, model curiosity by asking clue questions and accepting your child's ideas, even when the animal choice is unusual. If needed, agree on a question limit so the game keeps moving.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
Use ebook settings to match the moment: turn narration off when you want to read aloud, or use a simpler mode when your child needs fewer distractions.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
Use screens together sometimes so you can see what your child watches or plays and guide choices based on the actual content.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
If you need to use your phone around your child, briefly explain what you are doing so phone use looks purposeful rather than automatic.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
When a message arrives during a conversation with your child, wait until the conversation is finished when you can.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
Talk with your child about what they like, what they are good at and what feels important to them. Use everyday prompts about toys, outings or story interests to help them build a clearer sense of themselves.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
For preschoolers, choose simple, age-suitable programs and help them talk through what is pretend, what is real and what might be a dream or time shift in the story.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Tell family stories about people, places, childhood memories, and where your family comes from.
→ 5 milestones2yr–5yr
For preschoolers, choose screen content with simple, concrete stories and be ready to explain what is happening. They may focus on what they see and miss spoken details, time shifts, dreams or flashbacks.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Bring stories to life by changing your voice, pace, volume, and expression for different characters or moments.
→ 2 milestones2yr–5yr
Balance screens with reading, storytelling, drawing, dress-ups and pretend play so your child gets practice using language and imagination.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
Make outdoor and indoor active play an everyday priority, using simple games rather than complicated equipment.
→ 9 milestones2yr–5yr
Keep screen sessions brief and build in regular movement breaks, using a timer if that helps your child switch activities. Encourage your child to move after the timer rather than staying seated.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
During screen use, help your child change position often and move around instead of staying fixed in one posture.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
Help your child use screens with body comfort in mind. Encourage position changes, movement breaks, a propped-up device, screen distance and eye-level viewing where possible.
→ 4 milestones2yr–5yr
When your child is ready, encourage active transport such as walking, scooting or riding as part of outdoor time.
→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr
Put out simple add-ons such as tape, paper plates, fabric, crayons, markers or textured scraps so your child can extend the play. Use adult-only tools for cutting, and let your child handle the safe decorating parts.
→ 6 milestones2yr–5yr
Set the device up so your child is not bending their neck for long periods, holding it close to their eyes, or carrying it at eye height until their arms tire.
→ 2 milestones2yr–5yr
Watch faces and body language to tell play from real conflict. Fear, tears, anger, one child being pressured, or children separating after the clash are signs to step in.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Give your child room to use a cubby as private quiet space when they want that. Stay available, but allow some independent play if the setup is safe.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Model digital consent by asking before taking or sharing a photo, and explain who you want to send it to.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Model digital consent in simple everyday ways. Before taking or sharing a photo of your child, ask first and explain who will see it.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Start self-advocacy practice with low-pressure situations before expecting your child to manage harder conversations. Small successful attempts help them feel capable of speaking for themselves.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
For rough-and-tumble play, keep the rule simple: it should feel fun for everyone, and play stops when someone says stop.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Check whether the preschool is inclusive of your family, culture and language. Books, music, toys, celebrations and language support that reflect your child can help them feel accepted.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Let your child borrow a mix of books, even if some turn out to be too hard or not very interesting. Treat book choice as practice in trying things, changing plans, and finding preferences.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
If your child wants to play pretend alone or with toys, treat that as useful play too. You can listen nearby and offer to join another time.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Offer your child a small parent-approved choice of shows or games, so they can have a say while you still keep the content suitable.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
When your child has big feelings, slow the moment down: acknowledge what you see, put a name to the feeling, pause, and come back to problem-solving once they are calmer.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Keep distressing news out of the background when your preschooler is nearby. Turn off radio or TV news, avoid scrolling news on your phone around them and save adult news conversations for another time.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
If your child sees or hears frightening news, respond warmly and calmly so they feel protected. Let them talk or show feelings, and stay close enough for reassurance.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
As your child gets older, talk with them about the app, show or game they want: what they like, why they choose it, and how they notice when they have had enough. These conversations help them build judgment about their own technology use.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
After your child watches a movie, talk together about any themes or scenes that could affect them. Use the conversation to help them name worries, understand behaviour and make sense of what they saw.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Use everyday moments to name feelings and notice other people’s feelings, because preschoolers are learning to connect emotions with words and actions.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
When your child is upset, keep your own response calm and understanding so they can see what managing strong feelings looks like.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Keep preschool conversations calm and brief if your child is not interested. Avoid making the first day sound enormous, because too much build-up can increase worry.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
If the preschool offers a gradual start, agree on a plan with the teacher. Tell your child exactly when you will leave so the separation is predictable.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Create a short goodbye routine and always say goodbye clearly. Tell your child when you will return, and use a familiar place or small ritual to mark the handover.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
In puppet play, name the feeling you see and ask your child what the characters could do next. Keep the message clear: feelings are allowed, but some actions still need limits.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
If a puppet hits or acts hurtfully, separate the feeling from the behaviour. Acknowledge the emotion, then help your child think of another action the puppet could try.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
Share simple examples of times you have felt strong emotions, then ask whether your child has ever felt something similar. This helps strong feelings feel normal and easier to talk about.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
While watching a show or video, talk about what characters do and how people treat each other. Ask whether behaviour is kind, safe or respectful, and what your child might do in real life.
→ 7 milestones3yr–5yr
Help your child see that people are good at different things. Point out strengths across the family so your child learns to value others, not only their own abilities.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Help your child understand that people can have different strengths, interests and talents. Use everyday family life and sibling experiences to point out differences in a matter-of-fact way.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Display your child's drawings or writing where others can see them, and invite your child to talk about their work when someone notices it.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Use screen time as a shared family activity, not only something your child does alone. Joining in shows interest in what matters to your child and can strengthen your connection.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Choose learning opportunities that offer new ideas, harder skills, a faster pace and less repetition when your child is ready for more challenge.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
Work with educators on options such as individual learning plans, harder work in a strength area, selective classes, acceleration or learning with older children when that fits your child.
→ 8 milestones3yr–5yr
Expect new questions as your child grows, such as whether they need a different learning option, a special interest program or a school setting that fits them. Revisit decisions over time instead of treating one early plan as fixed.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Before a new care or school setting begins, visit with your child, attend orientation if available and talk through what the day will look like. Encourage your child to ask teachers their own questions about learning and routines.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Notice and keep examples of your child's advanced skills, questions, interests and creations so you can build a fuller picture of how they learn.
→ 8 milestones3yr–5yr
When your child asks for screen time, ask what they want to do and why. Help them notice whether they are bored, tired of the activity, or looking for something else to do.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Move beyond simply counting minutes on a screen. When your child asks for screen time, ask what they want to do and whether they are looking for entertainment, connection, creativity or help with boredom.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Help your child build ad awareness by talking about the media they see and asking what the ad is trying to make people think or buy.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Make regular time to play with your child. Shared play tells them they matter to you and gives them confidence to explore, ask questions and try new ideas.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Welcome your child’s many questions, including hard ones about bodies, death or upsetting events. Keep answers calm, simple and suited to what they asked.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Use preschool as one way to broaden your child's learning through play, relationships and time away from home. Expect growth across language, social skills, independence, confidence, movement and problem-solving.
→ 9 milestones3yr–5yr
Notice which books catch your child's attention and use them as a starting point for conversation. Ask open questions about what the book might be about rather than choosing everything for them.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Use a museum map with your child and follow their interest instead of trying to cover every exhibit.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
When your child is drawn to an exhibit, ask open questions about what they notice or why they think something looks or works that way.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
During pretend play, join only if your child wants you there, then follow their lead. Ask open questions or add a small problem for the character, but let your child stay in charge of the play.
→ 7 milestones3yr–5yr
Use family photos to talk about relatives, earlier life events and where people fit in the family. Older preschoolers may be ready for simple links such as who is someone’s sibling or what happened before they were born.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Talk about what is happening on the screen, fill in anything your child might miss, and invite them to explain what they noticed or liked.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Help your child watch actively by asking how the game, video or app works and why people in it make certain choices. Encourage your child to think about purpose, advertising and paid features.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
When screens are used, choose content that suits your child's age and helps them learn, play or connect, rather than filling time automatically.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
For younger children, sit with them or stay nearby during games. Ask them to explain what they are making, choosing or trying so gaming becomes a chance for conversation and shared problem-solving.
→ 7 milestones3yr–5yr
After a hunt or counting game, talk with your child about what they noticed, guessed, compared, or solved. Use everyday words for size, number, colour, place, and feeling.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
When setting up a treasure hunt, plan the hiding places first and make the clues clear enough for your child to succeed with effort. Use pictures, a simple map, or short written clues depending on your child's stage.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Build counting into normal routines instead of making it a formal lesson. Pick things your child will see often enough so the game keeps moving and stays enjoyable.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
When considering a program, look beyond the label. A useful option may be at school, in the community, online, at a museum or university, or built around sport, music, reading or another strong interest.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
When choosing child care, preschool or school, tell educators what helps your child learn and ask how the setting can extend their abilities. Look for a place that can respond to both learning needs and social-emotional needs.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Build warm links with your child’s school, home routines and community so your child feels known and supported. Children are more likely to speak up when they feel they belong and have trusted adults around them.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Expect four-year-olds to want more peer play, while still needing adult help to share, take turns and manage rules.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Use group play and preschool experiences to support friendships. Give your child chances to play with other children and practise sharing, cooperation and kindness.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
For a child with disability, autism or other additional needs, look for preschool settings that support access, play, learning and participation with peers.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Consider preschool around the year your child turns 4, and check your state or territory rules because names, entry dates and program types vary across Australia.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Look at screen use as one part of the whole day. Check that your child is also sleeping well, moving their body, playing creatively, reading or listening to stories, and spending time with family or friends.
→ 7 milestones3yr–5yr
Help your child make social contact earlier in the day, so messages, games or calls are less likely to pull bedtime later.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Aim for a mix of online connection and in-person play, especially for younger children who need face-to-face practice with eye contact, body language and turn-taking.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
For older preschoolers, consider a structured outdoor activity or junior sport if it suits your child.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Before rough play starts, help children agree on simple safety rules, such as checking that everyone still wants to play and stopping when someone is uncomfortable.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Keep rough play respectful and safe by choosing a soft area, supervising closely and reminding children that no one is trying to hurt anyone else.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Make family screen rules with your child about where, when and how screens are used, including screen-free meals, bedrooms or family visits if those fit your household.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Look for high-quality, play-based early learning that responds to each child's interests and needs. Quality ratings and preschool visits can help you compare options.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Before a museum visit, briefly explain what your child might see and any simple rules, such as which things can be touched and which cannot.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Before changing the rules in I spy, agree on the new rules together so everyone knows how the game will work. Use rule changes as a chance to practise flexibility and solving small disagreements.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Make family screen rules together, including when screens are available, where they are used and whether your child needs to ask first.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Set clear family gaming rules before play starts, including which games are allowed, when and where play happens, whether an adult must approve new games, and how long a session lasts.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Notice and name it when your child follows the family rules for gaming, such as stopping when agreed or asking before starting a new game.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Keep violent scenes, frightening news and adult-style cartoons out of preschool viewing. Preschoolers can copy what they see and may not understand that screen injuries or danger are not like real life.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Treat fantasy and special effects as confusing for preschoolers, not harmless by default. Talk calmly about what is pretend and what is real, especially after cartoons, movies or highly realistic scenes.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Avoid violent or dangerous screen content for preschoolers, even when the story seems playful or unreal. They may copy what they see before they understand the consequences.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Use screens together sometimes so you can see what your child is watching or playing and guide choices. Shared use also lets you show that technology can be for creating, connecting with family, making music or exploring places, not only watching videos.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Protect plenty of free play time. Classes can be enjoyable, but preschoolers still need long stretches where they choose what to do and follow their own interests.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Expect pretend stories, imaginary friends and make-believe roles from about 3 years. Treat this as a normal way your child explores real-life ideas safely.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
Expect pretend play to be mixed with real-world thinking at this age. Join the play while gently helping your child learn what is pretend and what is real.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
If preschool is not available or does not suit your family right now, keep offering similar play at home, such as box play, collage and shared reading.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Adapt dress-up to your child’s stage: a younger preschooler may simply try things on and off, while an older child may enjoy building a full character or costume. Join at the level your child is using now.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Encourage your child to make, talk, build or connect through screens more often than simply watching passively.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Talk about your child's picture or writing by asking them to tell you about it, and notice their effort even when the marks are still scribbles.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
If you are worried about a 3-4 year old's speech, listening, letter awareness, speech sounds, or how they combine sounds into words, ask for professional guidance early. This is especially important when literacy or reading difficulties run in the family.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
Start with people who already know your child, such as their preschool or school teacher, child and family health nurse, GP, paediatrician or a speech pathologist. They can help decide whether extra assessment or support is needed.
→ 8 milestones3yr–5yr
By 3-4 years, get advice if your child is still very hard for unfamiliar people to understand, uses only very short phrases, drops key words from sentences, or struggles to learn and remember new words.
→ 3 milestones3yr–4yr
Connect what your child sees on screen with everyday life. Talking about events, words and ideas in the program helps screen time become more like a shared real-world learning experience.
→ 7 milestones3yr–5yr
Keep museum explanations short and responsive. Use exhibit information only when it helps your child understand what they are already interested in.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
When you and your child's other parent are making decisions about giftedness, compare what each of you has noticed about your child's development, strengths and needs. Use examples from home, carers, teachers and any assessment to decide what support to try next.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Respond to your child’s attempts to speak up with specific encouragement, naming exactly what worked, such as using a clear voice or explaining the request. Precise feedback helps confidence grow.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Listen and respond when your child wants to talk with you, friends or family. Back-and-forth conversation gives practice with longer sentences and clearer expression.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Make a simple family media plan that includes screen-free places, internet safety rules and approved apps or programs. Ask your child for input so the rules feel familiar and understandable.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Build a simple preschool-morning routine and use pictures if that helps. A visual sequence such as breakfast, teeth, clothes, sunscreen, lunchbox and leaving can make the morning easier to follow.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Before a library visit, explain what the library is for and what behaviour is expected there. Practise a quiet voice at home so your child knows what to do before you arrive.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Use predictable routines for screen time, such as a set viewing window or one program before another daily activity.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
Set clear limits before the screen starts, such as how many episodes, what will happen next or what time the session ends.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
Give screen use a purpose, such as looking up instructions for a craft, learning how to do an active task or connecting with familiar people.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
As children get older, offer chances for structured outdoor options such as junior sport if they are interested.
→ 7 milestones3yr–5yr
Expect movement skills to vary between children depending on experience and opportunity, and offer repeated chances to practise rather than comparing.
→ 7 milestones3yr–5yr
Choose ball equipment that matches your child's current skill: larger softer balls are easier, while smaller balls, bats, or racquets can add challenge later. Offer praise for effort and point out how practice is helping them improve.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
If kicking is hard, give your child something stable to hold while they practise moving one foot to the ball. This lets them work on the movement without needing full balance at first.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Keep daily movement built into ordinary life, not only formal exercise. Active time can include running, jumping, walking, helping at home and tidying toys.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
Dress your child in comfortable clothes that can get messy, and pack spares. Choose closed-toe shoes that are safe for climbing and running and, when possible, easy for your child to manage independently.
→ 8 milestones3yr–5yr
If your child prefers the left hand for drawing or writing, let them keep using it and angle the page so their hand does not cover their work.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
For a left-handed child, angle the page so the upper-left corner is raised, making it easier for them to see the marks they are making.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Keep drawing and writing materials easy to reach at home and bring small supplies when you go out. Frequent low-pressure practice helps handwriting foundations grow over time.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Use a stable table surface for drawing and writing, and adjust the chair height if needed so your child can use their arms and hands comfortably.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
For younger preschoolers, offer thick crayons or markers before expecting them to manage thin pencils.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
If your child is still learning to use scissors or glue, guide their hands and movements while letting them take part as much as they can.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
For cutting, gluing and writing in the family book, give enough help for your child to take part instead of doing the task for them. Younger children may trace or copy names and words while you write the rest.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
For early writers, write the words your child wants to include and invite them to trace or copy letters when they are interested.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Ask for help if a 3-4 year old has trouble with early sound and print skills, such as recognising letters, making letter-like marks, copying rhyme patterns, repeating parts of rhymes, or saying particular sounds clearly.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Follow the preschool's food rules, including lunch packing and allergy policies such as not sharing food when required.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
Let your child see you using screens to support movement, such as tracking activity, following a dance or yoga routine, or watching instructions before doing something active.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Build active time into every day and avoid long stretches where your child sits still with a screen.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Build movement into everyday life around screens: walk, ride, play outside, do sport, or include active household jobs so sitting is not the default.
→ 8 milestones3yr–5yr
Keep screen sessions short and build in a movement break at least every half hour so screens do not crowd out sleep, active play, reading or social time.
→ 6 milestones3yr–5yr
Aim for plenty of active time each day, but vary the intensity so your child is not simply pushed to run until exhausted.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
Use helpful stories or characters after viewing to reinforce sharing, helping and cooperating in real life.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Visit the preschool before the first day when possible. Let your child see the rooms, adults, children and daily activities so the place feels more familiar later.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
When choosing a preschool, look for a setting that fits your child's strengths, needs, interests and temperament. A good fit helps your child settle, participate and enjoy learning.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Choose videos, apps and games that fit your child's age and that add useful language, early number or letter ideas, cooperation, kindness or imaginative play.
→ 7 milestones3yr–5yr
Use careful language when talking with siblings about a child's advanced abilities. Describe the child's learning needs without turning the label into a comparison or competition.
→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr
Play with rhymes, beginning sounds, ending sounds and word parts during songs, books or casual talk.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
For a child who avoids books or finds independent reading hard, try a well-designed ebook as a low-pressure way back into stories. Use narration and meaningful interactive supports to help them stay with the text.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
For language growth, talk during play about what your child is already noticing or interested in, rather than turning it into a correction session.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
When reading or hearing stories together, talk afterwards about what happened and what your child thinks about it.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
If your child is growing up with more than one language, keep offering rich talking and listening. Child care or preschool can add extra English practice before school.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Read picture books about starting preschool in the weeks before the change. Stories give your child a safe way to think about what might happen and talk about it with you.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Use library programs such as story time, activities, or holiday sessions when they suit your child. For older preschoolers, help them look for books about favourite topics or authors.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Let your child shape the family book's story by choosing details and wording, rather than deciding it all for them.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
When making a family book, talk through the photos and invite your child to choose what matters in the story. Write with them rather than taking over their words.
→ 5 milestones3yr–5yr
Sit with your child during screen time and treat it like a shared activity, not background entertainment.
→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr
Use shared screen moments to open conversations about harder topics when they come up in age-appropriate content. Stay curious and invite your child to talk, rather than turning the moment into a lecture.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
When you share a show or game with your child, stay engaged and talk together about what is happening so screen time becomes interactive.
→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr
Consider a quality preschool program in the year before school, because planned learning with trained early childhood staff can support school readiness and later learning.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
Look for a preschool setting where your child can play and interact with other children and adults, not only complete structured tasks.
→ 3 milestones4yr–5yr
By around five, support your child’s wish to fit in by keeping rules clear and helping them practise cooperation at home, preschool and school.
→ 3 milestones4yr–5yr
When comparing schools, start with how well each option fits your child's temperament, strengths, support needs and interests, as well as your family's values and practical realities.
→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr
Talk through your education preferences, including public or private schooling, faith-based learning, boarding, distance education, home education or a particular teaching approach, and ask your child's preschool teacher what setting may suit your child.
→ 3 milestones4yr–5yr
Factor in daily logistics before choosing a school, including location, travel, cost, siblings, where friends or preschool peers are going, and the availability of care before and after school or during holidays.
→ 1 milestone4yr–5yr
When comparing schools, start with what will suit your child as a whole person: temperament, strengths, support needs, interests, and the routines and values that matter to your family.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
Balance personal preferences with practical realities such as travel, cost, before- and after-school care, siblings, and where your child's friends or preschool group may be going.
→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr
For primary school choices, include whether you and your child feel welcome at the school, not just the school's programs or logistics.
→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr
Support independence by choosing routines where your child practises looking after belongings and spending some time away from home with trusted adults.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
Make a family technology plan with clear household rules, such as where devices charge, whether screens stay out of bedrooms and when games are allowed. Agreeing ahead of time reduces on-the-spot arguments.
→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr
Choose screen content that invites creating, problem-solving, talking, turn-taking or interest-based exploration, rather than content that only keeps your child watching.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
When your child negotiates for something they want, treat it as practice in talking through ideas and feelings. Hold clear limits while giving them words for what they want.
→ 3 milestones4yr–5yr
Be prepared to say no to games, shows or online videos aimed at older children, even when siblings or friends are interested in them.
→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr
If your child has disability, developmental delay, autism or another additional need, check how the school identifies, supports and includes children who need extra help.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
Treat the technology plan as a guide, not a trap. If your child is using a device in a genuinely constructive or creative way, adjust the rule calmly rather than turning it into a conflict.
→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr
Before and alongside preschool, keep your child’s everyday environment varied, with many chances to play, explore, solve problems and create.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
Notice areas where your child learns quickly or shows unusual strength, and give them regular chances to practise that interest in a supportive way. Ability grows into skill when children have encouragement, time, and suitable opportunities.
→ 3 milestones4yr–5yr
As your child gets older, update screen rules to reflect different kinds of use: watching, gaming, creating, schoolwork and communication may need different limits.
→ 3 milestones4yr–5yr
Compare school features that will shape your child's day, such as school size, class structure, transition programs, learning spaces, outdoor areas, arts, clubs, sport and academic progress.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
Look closely at each school's size, learning spaces, activities, clubs, sport, arts, academic progress and community life, then ask which setting is most likely to help your child participate and learn.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
Before choosing a movie, look beyond the age rating and check for things your child might find upsetting or copy, such as violence, scary themes, sexual content, language, substance use or product placement.
→ 1 milestone4yr–5yr
With younger preschoolers, stay close enough to help them sort out what is pretend and what could happen in real life.
→ 1 milestone4yr–5yr
Avoid programs and games with heavy advertising, because preschoolers are still learning how to understand persuasive messages.
→ 1 milestone4yr–5yr
Watch or play some digital content together and talk about whether it is worth watching or playing, so your child begins to judge quality for themselves.
→ 3 milestones4yr–5yr
For children aged 5 years and over, seek advice if they struggle to follow simple directions, add new words to their talking, use longer sentences, or play with word patterns.
→ 4 milestones4yr–5yr
