Nurturing Bright Smiles: Supporting Your Child’s First Dentist Visit
Recently, I took my 3-year-old to the dentist for the first time. She tried so hard to be brave, but when it was her turn, nerves got the better of her and she couldn’t quite open her mouth. Our dentist reassured us this was normal, and suggested we try again in a few months, this time letting her watch me first so she could see what happens.
Book Week 2025: Inspiring Young Minds Through Stories and Imagination
There’s something magical about Book Week, when children step into the shoes of their favourite characters, stories come to life, and imaginations run wild.
Book Week 2025 is so much more than dress-ups—it’s an opportunity to inspire a love of reading, encourage creativity, and share moments of connection with your child. For families with children aged 1–5, it’s the perfect time to make memories that will last long after the costumes are packed away.
Wonder, Patterns and Possibility: Celebrating Science Week at Papilio
From the way toddlers mimic a bird’s song to the questions kindy children ask about stars and shadows, young children are constantly exploring the world’s hidden patterns.
Family Tax Benefit A & B: What You Need to Know for 2025-2026 (And How It Relates to Your Child’s Education)
Choosing the best start for your child means considering both education and affordability. At Papilio Early Learning, we understand that government payments like the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) can play a big role in shaping your child’s early years. But with so much information out there, it’s easy to feel unsure about what you’re entitled to, or how to access it.
Child Care Subsidy Update 2026: What the 3-Day Guarantee Means for Your Family
From January 2026, a major change to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will make it easier for more families to access subsidised early learning and care. Known as the 3 Day Guarantee, this update will provide eligible families with up to three days of subsidised child care per week, even if they don’t meet the CCS activity test.
Sharing NAIDOC Week with Your Child: Small Moments, Lasting Impact
NAIDOC Week is a nationwide celebration of the history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a chance for all Australians, especially our children, to connect with the richness and resilience of the world’s oldest living cultures.
While it’s often associated with school-age learning, NAIDOC Week holds just as much meaning for our youngest learners. At Papilio, we believe that even the smallest moments—like a question during a walk, or a story at bedtime—can plant the seeds of lifelong respect and understanding.
Play with Purpose: How to Design a Learning-Rich Space at Home
In the rush of daily life — packed lunches, work meetings, sticky fingers, and sibling negotiations — creating a space where your child can slow down, focus, and play meaningfully might feel like an impossible dream.
But here’s the beautiful truth: you don’t need a perfectly styled playroom or shelves of designer toys to offer your child a rich, play-based learning experience at home. In fact, with just a small corner, a few intentional choices, and a little insight into how children learn, you can build a play-and-learn nook that nurtures creativity, independence and calm.
At Papilio Early Learning, we see every day how play shapes children’s thinking, behaviour and connection. And with just a little inspiration from our learning environments, you can bring that same purpose-driven play into your own home — no big budget required.
Smooth Morning Routines (Even With a Toddler in Tow)
It’s 7:43am. Your toddler is mid-meltdown because their toast is “too toasty,” your work laptop is still in the kitchen somewhere, and your child has just decided only the yellow cup will do—despite it being at daycare.
If mornings feel more like a race against the clock than a peaceful start to the day, you’re not alone.
At Papilio Early Learning, we understand the daily juggle of modern family life—balancing career, care responsibilities, and everything in between. Our team supports families through it all, and we know firsthand that a smoother morning can change the course of your day.
Here are some practical, parent-approved ways to get out the door without losing your cool (or your coffee).
Why Reading to Your Child (Even as a Baby!) Is One of the Best Things You Can Do
There’s something timeless and beautiful about reading with your child. Whether it’s a familiar bedtime story, a quiet moment with your baby in your arms, or a favourite book shared again and again, these rituals do more than create connection — they actively support your child’s development in powerful, lasting ways.
At Papilio Early Learning, we understand that the early years are the most important in a child’s life. Reading aloud from birth to age five builds strong foundations for language, literacy, empathy and emotional wellbeing. Most importantly, it nurtures a lifelong love of learning — one page at a time.
Supporting Your Child When They’re Nervous Around New People or Settings
“You clung to my hand as we walked through the door, wide-eyed and silent. I bent down, smiled, and gently nudged you forward—but you held back. Meanwhile, your little sibling was already off making friends. I paused. Why is this so hard for you?”
If this moment feels familiar, you’re not alone—and your child isn’t the only one who feels this way.
At Papilio Early Learning, we recognise that every child is beautifully unique. Some children thrive in new settings. Others take a little more time to feel safe and settled—and that’s perfectly okay. For parents, especially those with children of different temperaments, these differences can be surprising. But they’re also a natural and important part of your child’s development.
Whether your child is a toddler just beginning to explore the world or a preschooler preparing for school, feelings of nervousness are common. Knowing how to respond with understanding and support can make a world of difference.