Care for the Family has been supporting and encouraging families in the UK since 1988. Its family-building events have been attended by over 320,000 people and many more have been helped through special initiatives - including stepfamilies, bereaved parents and those parenting alone. Founded by best-selling author and speaker Rob Parsons, the charity is committed to strengthening family life and helping those who face family difficulties. The information in this handout is supplied in good faith, but Care for the Family cannot accept responsibility for any advice or recommendations made by other organisations or websites.

Care for the Family, Garth HouseLeon Avenue, Cardiff CF15 7RG Tel: (029) 2081 0800 www.careforthefamily.org.ukCare for the Family – A Christian response to a world of need. Care for the Family is a charity registered in England and Wales (no. 1066905) and in Scotland (no. SC038497).

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I deas for toddler group mums and dads

Pester power‘Saying no’ to the latest toy is an issue for most parents all year round.

Care for the Family has brought out a fantastic booklet called ‘Pester Power’ which is full of ideas from you, the parents, about how to cope if our children ‘pester’ us for the best and latest of everything. Download it from www.careforthefamily.org.uk/pesterpower or call (029) 2081 0800 for a free copy.

The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) Project showed that parents who are fully involved in activities with their children are giving them the best start in life.

The most important activities included:• reading with their child• teaching songs and nursery rhymes• painting and drawing• playing with letters and numbers• visiting the library, museums and

other places• creating regular opportunities to play

with friends.So taking your child to toddler group really helps your child to learn to talk and play with others.

You may well end up with a houseful of crafts made at toddler group! If space is tight, then why not take photos of the best ones? Photos will take up a lot less space. Another idea is to create a ‘memory box’ so that you can add just a few special items each year. When they’re older they’ll love to look through it – you too!

Toddler groups help your child learn through play

Encouragement for your family - delivered to your inbox - FREE!‘E-family’ is a free monthly email newsletter from Care for the Family – written for you and your family. Sign up today for real-life stories, down-to-earth insights, audio clips and practical tips to make the most of family life.

Sign up for ‘E-family’ at www.careforthefamily.org.uk/e-family

Care for the Family has lots more resources for parents. Call us on (029) 2081 0800 to find out how we can help.

Why do you attend toddler group? When we asked, people said that it was good for the children to mix and make friends, but many also mentioned that the group provided friendship and support for the adults too. Here are some more answers:

I go to toddler group because…• The best support and advice comes

from other parents.• It stimulates, educates and

entertains my gorgeous baby!• Otherwise I would go mad inside

the house (from a dad).• My child can interact with others in

a safe environment and I can spend quality time with her.

Have fun at home!

One-minute playdough 1/2 cup of salt 1 cup of flour 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar 1 tablespoon of oil 1 cup of boiling water (add few drops food colouring)Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and then mix vigorously with the hot water. Makes wonderful playdough which lasts for ages when kept in plastic sandwich bags.

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Pester PowerFamilies Surviving the Consumer Society

A collection of practical ideas for parents - submitted by parents!

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