A Taste of Spring: Fresh, Healthy Meals at Papilio Early Learning
At Papilio, we believe mealtimes are as important as story time, play time, and every other part of your child’s day. That’s why each season, our chefs work with Feed Australia, a leading menu planning platform, to design menus that are not only nutritionally balanced but also thoughtfully created to inspire children’s taste buds.
Toilet Training with Confidence: How Papilio Educators Support Your Child’s Next Big Step
Toilet training is one of those milestones that can feel just as big for parents as it does for toddlers. At Papilio Early Learning, we know that supporting your child through this stage requires not only patience, but also a thoughtful, nurturing approach that builds confidence and independence.
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.
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).
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.
Little Chats, Big Impact: Everyday Conversations That Help Toddlers Learn to Talk
Your toddler’s world is bursting with new sounds, ideas, and discoveries—and every little word helps them make sense of it all. From naming colours at breakfast to chatting about the clouds on the way to the car, these everyday moments are filled with learning potential.
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that some of the most powerful lessons happen in the simple, ordinary parts of your day. That’s why our educators support language development not with flashcards or drills—but with warm, meaningful conversation.
Here’s how you can support your toddler’s language growth at home—and how we help them thrive using a research-backed approach designed for real life.
Gentle Steps to Sharing: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Learn Turn-Taking
If you’ve ever found yourself caught between a tug-of-war over a toy truck, you’re not alone. Sharing is a big ask for little people—but it’s also an essential social skill that grows with time, guidance, and practice.
At Papilio Early Learning, we understand that toddlers (aged 1–3) and preschoolers/kindergarteners (aged 3–5) are still learning how to navigate their emotions, express themselves, and connect with others. Sharing and turn-taking don’t happen overnight—but with gentle support, they become natural parts of everyday play.
Whether you’re a parent juggling a toddler and a kindy child—or simply wondering how to teach your little one to wait for a turn—here’s what you need to know.