MOODY MINDS

26/09/2026

Parallel play is more social than it looks.

Two toddlers may be side by side, each focused on their own toys, with barely a word between them. But a lot of learning can be happening. They’re watching, imitating, exploring, communicating. And getting more comfortable sharing space with other children.

For early childhood professionals, these everyday moments can offer a window into a child’s social, language, cognitive and motor development.

And an important reminder: stages of play aren’t rigid deadlines. Children may move between different types of play depending on the activity, setting and people around them.

Learn more about parallel play, what to look for and how to support it without forcing interaction: https://bit.ly/4hf7xI5

10/08/2026

Join Women's Health Goulburn North East and menopause practitioner Sarah Gray for a free information session about all things menopause, 6:00pm on Thursday 20 August

06/08/2026

Emma is a long-time member of the Nurtured Minds and Futures Team completing diagnostic assessments. We are excited that she is now expanding her work to provide therapy to children aged 0-13 years. She is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Referrals can be made at https://www.nurturedminds.net.au/contact/

04/08/2026

Toddlers are still learning how to communicate, so their behavior often speaks louder than their words. Between ages 1 and 3, they're learning to express emotions, test boundaries, explore their world, and become more independent. That's why it's completely normal to see:

- Frequent use of the word "no"
- Big reactions to changes in routine
- Tantrums when they're tired, overwhelmed, or can't express what they need
- Clinginess during separation or in new situations
- Defiance as they learn where the boundaries are

These behaviors aren't signs that something is wrong. They're part of healthy brain development.

Explore the Baby Brain Map, our interactive guide to the science of early brain development, and discover how everyday moments help build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

28/07/2026

Neural Nugget: Babies who are talked to frequently know about 300 more words by age 2 than babies who hear fewer words, giving them a stronger foundation for language and learning.

One of the best ways to support healthy brain development is through serve-and-return interactions: the back-and-forth of talking, playing, making faces, and responding to your baby's sounds and cues. These everyday moments help build the brain, one interaction at a time.

Curious about what's happening inside your baby's brain? Explore our Baby Brain Map, an interactive guide that makes the science of early brain development easy to understand and put into practice: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

27/07/2026

23/07/2026

We just passed the half way point of Winter 🙌. What are you doing to beat the blues? I enjoyed a nap in the sun with my pooches to get outside, rest and soak up some Vitamin D ☀️

Noticed a mate going a bit quiet this winter? Or feeling it yourself?
Low mood, low energy and low motivation can creep in this time of year.
If you need extra support, Beyond Blue is available 24/7.

11/07/2026

07/07/2026

If a child in your life is grieving, you don't have to figure it out alone. 💛

Feel the Magic is a free grief support charity for children aged 7-17 and we've built a free Resource Hub for the adults who love and support them.

Guides, activities, videos, books, and more. All designed to help you navigate this with confidence.

No sign-up. No cost. Just practical support, whenever you need it.

Explore it at https://loom.ly/ursw7kA

06/07/2026

Update! Office hours are changing a little bit. New hours Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm. Commencing this week after some recharging in gorgeous Adelaide 😍.