Balancing daily activities with the SKIP resources

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

In the SKIP Whakatipu booklet Te Pihinga 3 under ‘Ngā tohu whānau’, ‘A structured and secure world’ (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 the 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 SKIP Thinking about parenting booklet (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.’

Ask the whānau: