As a parent, it can be incredibly overwhelming when you start to feel that your child might not be reaching certain milestones or developing in the way you expected. I remember feeling completely lost when I first had concerns about my own child’s development. I didn’t know where to begin or who to turn to for support. I wanted to do everything I could to help, but I found myself bouncing from one therapy to the next, hoping to find the answers. If you’re in this situation right now, I want you to know that you’re not alone—and that taking things one step at a time is the best approach.

Parenting a child with developmental delays is a journey filled with hope, stress, and moments of uncertainty. As a parent who has walked this path, I understand firsthand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with supporting your child’s therapeutic journey. I vividly remember the overwhelming feeling of shuffling from one therapist to the next, desperately searching for that elusive “quick fix” that would magically solve my child's challenges. If only I had known back then that progress takes time—and that this journey is more like running a marathon than a sprint.

Parenting can feel like navigating a never-ending maze, especially when you’re raising young children or kids with neurodiverse challenges. Gentle parenting, also known as emotionally connected parenting, offers a refreshing approach. Instead of focusing on control or punishment, gentle parenting prioritises building an emotional connection with your child, fostering their emotional intelligence, and nurturing their sense of self-worth.

As parents and educators, we know that children experience a wide range of emotions—sometimes all in a single day! Helping children navigate these emotions in a healthy way is crucial for their emotional development. Two approaches that provide valuable tools for supporting children's emotional wellbeing are Emotion Coaching and Child-Centred Play Therapy. Both are grounded in compassion, empathy, and understanding, offering parents and educators powerful strategies to guide children through their feelings.

Research has shown that engaging in tactile activities like kneading play dough can have profound calming effects on the nervous system. When we use our hands in repetitive, rhythmic motions, such as rolling, pressing, and shaping play dough, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural way of calming down. This system is often referred to as the "rest and digest" response, and it plays a critical role in helping us manage stress and regulate our emotions .

As parents, we all want our children to thrive when they start school. The transition from home or early childhood education to the more structured environment of school can be both exciting and challenging for young children. School readiness is about more than just knowing letters and numbers; it's also about emotional and social preparedness. Play Therapy can be a powerful tool in helping children develop these crucial skills, making the transition to school smoother and more positive.

As a parent or educator, you play an important role in shaping children’s emotional world. Understanding and supporting their emotional development is vital for their overall well-being. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we’re excited to introduce a new service starting in Term 4—the Tuning into Kids® Parenting Program. This evidence-based program, designed to support parents and caregivers, focuses on enhancing children's emotional intelligence and fostering stronger, more empathetic connections.

As a play therapist, I often find myself sounding like a broken record, gently reminding parents to validate their children’s emotions. I’m deeply passionate about the profound impact validation can have on a child’s emotional well-being. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when children feel truly heard and understood, and I believe it’s one of the most loving gifts we can offer them. Validation isn’t just a therapeutic tool; it’s a way of saying, “I see you, I hear you, and your feelings matter.”

As parents, our primary focus is often on the wellbeing and development of our children. However, it is crucial to remember that our own mental and emotional health is equally important. In this blog post, we'll explore why self-care for parents is essential and provide practical tips to support your mental and emotional well-being. We'll also highlight signs that might indicate you need extra support.

As parents and educators, we often encounter young children struggling with feelings of anxiety. It's heart-wrenching to see little ones overwhelmed by worry, but there are practical, evidence-based strategies we can use to support them. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we're dedicated to helping families navigate these challenges with warmth, empathy, and expert guidance.

Does your child have a strong fight response? Children with a strong fight response often exhibit behaviours such as yelling, hitting, kicking, or intense defiance when they feel threatened or overwhelmed. These reactions can be challenging for parents and educators to manage, but they are a natural way for children to protect themselves from perceived danger. Understanding and supporting these behaviours with empathy and effective strategies is essential for helping children feel safe and secure. Let's explore practical ways to support children with an active fight threat response and how Child-Centred Play Therapy can play a crucial role in their healing journey.

As a play therapist, one of my top priorities is to ensure that every child I work with receives the highest quality care possible. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, I maintain a small case load intentionally to better serve the unique needs of each child and family. Here are some reasons why a smaller case load can make a significant difference in your child's therapy journey.

As parents, we strive to create a nurturing environment where our children feel safe, loved, and understood. One of the most effective ways to foster these qualities is through play. Even dedicating just 15 minutes a week to one-to-one special playtime can have significant benefits for your child's emotional and social development. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we draw on the principles of Child-Centred Play Therapy and Filial Therapy to support families in building stronger connections. Here are seven key recommendations to help you make the most of your special playtime.

As someone deeply passionate about the power of play in child development, I am excited to share some insights and practical tips on incorporating play into your child’s daily routine. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we believe that play is not just a way to pass the time—it’s a vital part of growing up. Let’s dive into the magic of play and how it can transform your child’s development.

As parents, we all want our children to develop meaningful friendships and healthy social interactions. Building these skills early on is important for their emotional development and overall well-being. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we understand the importance of fostering these relationships. Here are some practical tips to help nurture friendships and social interactions in young children.

Welcome, parents and educators, to Inspiring Play! We know that raising and nurturing young children is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless moments of growth. As parents and educators, your support is crucial in fostering children's emotional wellbeing and resilience. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our collection of free printable resources, designed to help you in this important part of your care giving role.

As parents and educators, ensuring the developmental and emotional well-being of our children is paramount. Choosing the right paediatric therapist can be a pivotal step in supporting your child's development and well-being. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we understand the importance of this decision. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a paediatric therapist for your child.

When it comes to play therapy, one of the most common questions parents ask is, "How long will this take?" As much as we wish there were quick fixes, the reality is that play therapy is a journey that requires patience, time, and trust. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we believe in honouring this process while also exploring ways to support your child effectively.

In today’s blog post we explore ways to bring the benefits of play therapy into your home. At Inspiring Play: Child & Family Play Therapy on the Sunshine Coast, we believe that play is a powerful tool for children’s development. Today, we’re sharing practical, child-centred play therapy strategies that you can use at home to support your child’s emotional and social growth.

Parenting is a journey filled with countless joys, challenges, and unforgettable moments. When your child has developmental delays or disabilities, the path can be even more demanding. That's why today, we're focusing on something incredibly important—your self-care.