top of page
Child Development Ipswich
Tips and Tools for Growing With Confidence
This is where I share simple resources for parents and educators; ideas you can read quickly and actually use. From bedtime struggles to Prep tips, each post is here to make life a little smoother!
All Posts
Toilet Training for 3–5 Year-Olds: How to Support Preschoolers Toward Independence
If you’re the parent of a 3–5-year-old, chances are you’ve thought— or worried —about toilet training. Maybe your child is mostly dry during the day but still has accidents, or maybe they haven’t fully mastered using the toilet yet. You’re not alone. Here’s the truth: toilet training is about more than just staying dry. It’s a developmental milestone that involves physical skills, bladder and bowel awareness, and confidence —all of which develop at slightly different ages for
Taryn van der Westhuizen
16 hours ago4 min read
Getting Ready to Write: Pre-Writing Skills for Preschoolers
Before children ever pick up a pencil, their brains and bodies are already preparing to write! Through play, movement, and everyday activities, preschoolers build the core, hand, and coordination skills needed for writing. Discover fun, practical ways to support your child’s pre-writing development—because every scribble, squiggle, and sticky finger is a step toward writing success!
Taryn van der Westhuizen
Oct 43 min read
Early Feeding Skills: How OT Can Help with Fussy Eaters
Feeding time can be a delightful adventure — or sometimes a bit of a tricky challenge! If you have a little one who’s a picky eater, a...
Taryn van der Westhuizen
Sep 63 min read
The Importance of Play in Early Development
From the very first giggles and wiggles, play lights up a child’s brain. It sparks creativity, problem-solving, and emotional...
Taryn van der Westhuizen
Aug 102 min read
Sensory Processing in Toddlers: Is This Normal?
At Nurtured Growth Therapy, we often meet parents who wonder, “Is this just a quirky toddler moment, or something more?” Sensory...
Taryn van der Westhuizen
Jul 143 min read
Big Feelings: Nurturing Emotional Growth
What Is Co-Regulation—and Why Does It Matter? Co-regulation is a fancy term for something truly beautiful: grown-ups being the calm in a...
Taryn van der Westhuizen
Jun 194 min read
Early Developmental Milestones Matter: What to Look for in the First 5 Years
From the moment your little one wraps their fingers around yours to the day they sprint across the playground with glee — childhood is...
Taryn van der Westhuizen
Jun 93 min read
Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy in Everyday Life
Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing challenges in daily activities. It...
Taryn van der Westhuizen
May 294 min read
Understanding Your Baby's Sleep: Insights from Sleep Sense
Sleep is one of the biggest challenges for new parents—but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Based on Meg Faure’s Sleep Sense approach, this blog explores how your baby’s sleep develops in the first year and offers gentle, practical strategies to support restful, connected sleep.
Taryn van der Westhuizen
May 203 min read
Understanding the Importance of Occupational Therapy for Babies
What Is Occupational Therapy for Babies? Occupational therapy for babies focuses on helping them develop the foundational skills needed...
Taryn van der Westhuizen
May 203 min read
bottom of page