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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!
Parenting Strategies


Postural Fatigue in Toddlers: The Hidden Reason Your Child Falls Apart After Kindy
You pick them up from kindy. They seemed fine. But by the time you get home, they're draped over you, lying on the floor, or melting down before dinner.
Sound familiar?
What most parents don't realise is that there's often something physical going on — not just emotional tiredness. It's called postural fatigue, and it could be why your child falls apart every single afternoon.
In this blog, I'm breaking down what postural fatigue actually is, why kindy is so physically demand

Taryn van der Westhuizen
Jun 34 min read


Car Park Meltdowns After Kindy: What’s Really Happening in the Back Seat
You open the kindy gate and they run to you like everything is okay. The educator says they’ve had a great day—but minutes later, you’re in the car park facing tears, resistance, or a full meltdown. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. These moments aren’t about behaviour—they’re a sign your child’s nervous system has reached its limit. In this blog, I share why this happens and what can help make pick-ups feel calmer and more connected.

Taryn van der Westhuizen
May 63 min read


Kindergarten Defiance: What to Do When 'No' Is Their New Favourite Word
Starting childcare, kindy, or Prep is a big milestone—for children and parents. New routines, new faces, and separation can feel overwhelming, especially for kids with sensory or emotional regulation needs. As an occupational therapist, I support children to build confidence, independence, and coping skills through playful, neuroscience-informed strategies—so they can step into their new environment feeling capable and connected.

Taryn van der Westhuizen
Mar 45 min read


Managing Big Feelings and Emotional Overload and tips for emotional regulation
Starting childcare, kindy, or Prep is a big milestone—for children and parents. New routines, new faces, and separation can feel overwhelming, especially for kids with sensory or emotional regulation needs. As an occupational therapist, I support children to build confidence, independence, and coping skills through playful, neuroscience-informed strategies—so they can step into their new environment feeling capable and connected.

Taryn van der Westhuizen
Feb 45 min read

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