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Tākai resources you can use with whānau to explore how planning the day helps create a sense of security.

Planning the day can help give parents and their child a sense of security and wellbeing. Knowing what’s coming next also helps everyone feel prepared.

Tākai resources

In the Whakatipu booklet Te Pihinga 3 in ‘Ngā tohu whānau, A structured and secure world’ on page 23, we’re reminded to ‘Balance daily activities so there’s a mixture of quiet and active times.’

Here are some other helpful places in Te Pihinga 3 to explore with whānau:

  • Page 3 – ‘Pēpi says: I’ll be moving freely, maybe crawling, pulling myself to stand, walking holding on to things — furniture, people! Or I might be walking without help.’
  • Page 5 – ‘Whānau say: We make sure sturdy and safe surfaces are clear for him to pull himself up to and stand at, and we help him walk or “cruise” along.’
  • Page 6 – ‘Whānau say: She likes to practise new motor skills too, over and over and over again!’
  • Page 16 – ‘Pēpi says: My whānau know that playing and lots of love is exactly what my brain and wairua need.’
  • Page 17 – ‘Whānau say: We try and make playing together a regular part of every day.’

In the Tākai booklet Thinking about Parenting on page 8, we’re also reminded that planning the day ahead can help avoid problems before they start: ‘Balance the day so kids get a mixture of activity, rest, time with others, time alone, and some time with you.’

Conversation starters

Ask the whānau:

  • How does this match with what’s going on in your whānau at the moment?
  • What changes have you noticed in your toddler’s behaviour?
  • Why do you think that’s happening?
  • How has this affected things for your whānau?
  • Can you tell me about the things you feel happy about with your toddler?
  • How about the challenges?
  • What would help you to balance the days better?
  • What else would you like to talk about?
  • What more would you like to find out about?

Helpful resources for whānau