Creative Play

Happy Tuesday!

My daughter is into all things creative and isn't afraid to give anything creative a go. With this in mind, she received a ukulele as a present over 2 years ago. She had a little play around with it every now and then, but it was packed away during a move and she didn't see it for a few months.

Just recently, it was rediscovered hiding in a box under our new house. Being an iGeneration girl, she thought there must be an app that could help her learn how to play this thing. One afternoon, she followed the instructions on the app, tuned her instrument, and learnt a few basic notes. Within 24 hours, she had made up her own little tune! She was so proud that she took a video, showed some of her friends, and put on a performance for the family. She continues to practise and has added a few more bars to her tune, and even a 'bridge'! (Yousician is in the App store).

If your child shows any interest in something, give them the opportunity to explore it in their own creative way. If there is no pressure, they may feel more relaxed and willing to have a go. Give children the ability to decide when it's the right time for them. Each child has different likes and abilities, and creative play is a great way for them to express themselves. They may love to draw, paint, role-play, construct, play an instrument, or dance. Either way, encourage what it is they love or show an interest in, and let their imagination go wild.

Don't forget to encourage them to perform or show you what they have created, and give them the feedback that will ensure they do not feel discouraged.

Jeannette :)

Homemade Egyptian Dukkah

Homemade Egyptian Dukkah can be used as a sensational spice rub on meat; as a dip for any type of bread, add spice mix to a little olive oil; sprinkle over soup; or sprinkle over your favourite salad. This recipe can be altered in many ways, according to your palate:)

150 g almonds and shelled pistachios, lightly roasted in a pan. Chop the nuts or you could do it in a food processor. Leave a bit chunky, though:)

50 g  sesame seeds – lightly toasted

10 g chia seeds

2 teaspoons turmeric, ground

1 teaspoon cumin (seeds or ground) - crush seeds in a mortar and pestle or food processor 

1 teaspoon black pepper – ground

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Mix all the prepared ingredients together and store in a sealed glass jar, in the refrigerator.

My first blog post!

Hello!

Just a little introduction. I'm Jeannette and I'm a mother of 3. I am a qualified Early Childhood educator and worked in childcare for many years. Since my first child was born 13 years ago (what?!) I have enjoyed some of the most rewarding days of my life as a stay-at-home mum, watching my children grow.

I have always been very passionate about health, fitness and well-being. I am currently in my 2nd year of online study - BA Food and Nutrition. My aim is to combine my early childhood experience and knowledge of nutrition to give families guidance during their child's early years.

My posts on Instagram, Facebook, and this blog will offer advice and tips on everything from child development and positive parenting, to health, fitness and well-being. Please share with your friends and family if you think they could benefit from this information provided or if they would like to contribute their ideas and tips.

Look forward to sharing my journey and my passion with you.

Healthy little bodies, minds and spirits ✨

Jeannette.