Walking in the New Zealand bush offers children immense benefits, from physical development to mental well-being. Recent observations revealed many kids are uncomfortable in this natural setting, highlighting the need to reconnect them with nature. Bushwalking enhances coordination, balance, and proprioception while also boosting mental health through fresh air and the sounds of birds. It fosters social and emotional bonds through shared experiences and builds resilience. Moreover, it nurtures a deeper spiritual connection to the environment. Let’s encourage our children to embrace the outdoors, promoting their holistic development and creating lasting family memories.

In the world of paediatric healthcare, it's crucial to recognise that a child's behavior, especially when faced with an injury, can be a reflection of their deepest fears and uncertainties. What may seem like "catastrophising behavior" to some can actually be a plea for understanding, education, and reassurance. In recent years, qualitative research has shed light on the increasing concern that healthcare providers sometimes dismiss these emotions rather than addressing them. In this blog, we'll delve into why it's essential for healthcare to acknowledge and help children who are fearful of their injuries.

Inside Out 2 brilliantly illustrates how emotions like anxiety, sadness, and joy interact and impact our lives, much like how our emotional state influences pain. As a paediatric physiotherapist, I see firsthand how emotions shape the experience of pain in children. The film’s portrayal of Anxiety, which overtakes other emotions, mirrors how anxiety can intensify pain, sidelining joy and making it harder for children to cope. Movies like this offer valuable tools for helping children understand and articulate their emotions, paving the way for better pain management and emotional well-being.

Puberty is a dynamic period of growth and development. From growth spurts and improved posture to hormonal changes and increased physical capabilities, these changes highlight the incredible adaptations of our bodies. Celebrate growth as a sign of health and provide guidance on nutrition and exercise. Emphasise the positive role of hormones and the enhanced strength, endurance, and coordination that come with puberty. By framing these changes positively, we help adolescents embrace their developing bodies with confidence, appreciating the remarkable potential and resilience of their bodies during this pivotal stage of life.

As winter approaches in New Zealand, parents should be aware of the increased risk of apophyseal injuries in young athletes during the upcoming sports season. Often mistaken for growing pains, these injuries involve inflammation or stress on growth plate areas due to repetitive overuse activities. Common types include Sever's Disease, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, and Little League Elbow and Shoulder. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness during or after physical activity. To prevent these injuries, parents should encourage cross-training, monitor training intensity, promote proper technique, ensure adequate rest, and seek professional advice for recurring musculoskeletal pain. Nurture Paediatric Physio emphasises injury prevention and early intervention, working closely with parents and children to provide personalized care. By taking proactive steps, parents can help their children stay safe and healthy while participating in sports and activities they love.

As we step towards term 2 of the school calendar, parents find themselves navigating the anticipation of the upcoming school cross country – an event that's both thrilling and challenging for our young ones. At Nurture, we recognise the significance of transforming this physical education competition into a positive and enjoyable experience. Here, we present a comprehensive guide to prepare your child for the impending cross country, focusing on safety, enjoyment, and success.

As a paediatric physiotherapist, I want to highlight a crucial aspect – the timing of the school cross country, coinciding with the commencement of winter sports. This convergence can lead to heightened injury risks and diminished enjoyment for our children. Inadequate preparation is a common culprit. My suggestion is to deliberately plan your child's activity levels leading up to the end of term 1. A gradual increase in their activity levels not only reduces the risk of injuries or discomfort but also elevates their overall enjoyment and engagement in this mandatory physical education competition.

By incorporating a periodised training program ideals, we aim to ensure that children are adequately prepared for the unique demands of the school cross country. This strategic approach serves as a protective shield for their physical well-being while simultaneously nurturing a positive attitude towards physical activity. The result? An enriched and rewarding experience for our young participants, fostering a lifelong love for running and overall well-being.

Stay tuned for the full guide on how to navigate your child's cross country journey, ensuring safety, enjoyment, and success. Let's make this school cross country season one to remember – not just as a challenge conquered but as an adventure embraced with joy and achievement.

Children seeking healthcare for injuries or illnesses are often at a vulnerable stage in their lives. How these interactions are handled can have a profound impact on their well-being, both in the short term and as they grow older. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of positive healthcare interactions for children, the negative consequences of distrust and limited healthcare utilisation as they age, and the positive influence that nurturing such interactions can have on a child's health and lifestyle choices.

Unlocking complex health concepts for children requires a language they understand. Metaphors act as cognitive bridges, making abstract ideas relatable. At 2.5 years old, children grasp metaphors, using them to connect the dots between familiar and unfamiliar concepts. Choosing the right metaphor, tailored to their interests, fosters comprehension and adherence to therapeutic treatments. Metaphors are not just shortcuts; they empower children to actively engage with their health. As parents and health professionals, let's embrace metaphorical communication, paving the way for a generation that understands, connects, and takes charge of their well-being.

In our contemporary era, the prevalence of screen time has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of a child's daily life. It's crucial to recognise the valuable educational and relaxation benefits that screens and technology bring. However, the pivotal question centers around the purpose of screen time and the potential missed opportunities for children.

Let's be clear: this contemplation isn't an opposition to screens or technology. Instead, it aims to cultivate awareness regarding the delicate balance necessary for a child's long-term well-being. Educational content viewed on screens can undoubtedly enrich learning experiences, and moments of relaxation through screen-based activities are entirely valid. Nevertheless, when screen time exceeds recommended limits, it runs the risk of hindering a child's active participation in essential developmental activities.

As we gear up for the start of the school year, it's crucial for parents to be mindful of their role in safeguarding their children's well-being. One often underestimated factor is the impact of backpacks on young spines. Shockingly, approximately 30% of school-age children suffer from back or neck pain, and backpacks play a substantial role in this discomfort. This blog delves into the correlation between backpacks and back pain, offering practical tips for parents to ensure a pain-free school year. Prioritising the right backpack design, weight distribution, and wearing habits can significantly diminish the risk of back pain in children. These small adjustments not only support their well-being throughout the school year but also contribute to their long-term spine health.

In the wake of the recent passing of three of my beloved grandparents, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact they had on shaping who I am today. As an adult, I realise that my relationship with my grandparents was more than just moments of joy and shared activities; it was a significant influence that sculpted my values, ideals, and approach to life. In this blog, I want to delve into the personal reflection of my experiences while exploring the existing research that supports the positive influence of grandparents on a child's development.

Exploring the often-overlooked facet of childhood development, we delve into the lasting effects of recurring pain on a child's well-being. Research underscores the profound impact that enduring pain during formative years can have on cortical networks, pain sensitivities, and thresholds. This raises vital questions about the messages we convey as adults when children confront discomfort.

In the pursuit of nurturing a lifetime of physical activity, it becomes paramount for adults to acknowledge the importance of shielding children from recurring pain. The lessons we impart during their formative years extend beyond physical health, influencing their approach to sports and activities. By emphasizing the significance of tuning into their bodies, ensuring ample rest, and addressing injuries promptly, we lay the groundwork for a lifetime characterized by enjoyable, pain-free physical activity and overall well-being.

When it comes to paediatric physiotherapy, understanding the unique needs, growth patterns, and psychology of children is paramount. Children are not just small adults; they have distinct musculoskeletal development, cognitive abilities, and a fundamentally different perspective on their bodies and activities. In this blog, we will explore the importance of a paediatric physiotherapist's understanding of specific musculoskeletal injuries, conditions, and symptom presentations in children. We will highlight how this understanding is crucial for ensuring children feel comfortable, empowered, and able to thrive in their activities.

Children are remarkable learners, and their ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings is truly awe-inspiring. While parents and caregivers play a fundamental role in a child's development, the relationships children forge with their peers are equally significant. This blog explores the role of peer learning in a child's development, drawing from the principles of social cognitive theory and sociocultural developmental theory.

In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, children's lives are often filled with structured activities, screen time, and a hectic schedule. While these engagements are undoubtedly valuable in their own right, there is an equally important aspect of a child's development that we must not overlook: unstructured play and imaginative exploration. This essential component of childhood not only fosters creativity but also offers a plethora of developmental opportunities. In this blog, we'll delve into the significance of children having time to explore and engage in imaginative play, especially during moments of boredom.

In the world of healthcare, every interaction is a unique story waiting to be told, and it's crucial to remember that the real star of this show is the child. Young patients often find themselves in unfamiliar, sometimes scary, situations, and it's our responsibility to ensure that they feel comfortable, heard, and empowered during their healthcare journey. By acknowledging the child as the protagonist in their healthcare narrative, we can provide better care and create more positive experiences for both children and their caregivers. Here are some top tips on how to make children the center of their healthcare journey.

Sever's disease, a condition that primarily affects young athletes, can have profound physical, psychological, and social impacts. It arises from the inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone due to overuse, and it's more common than you might think. In this blog, we will explore the multifaceted effects of Sever's disease on young athletes, the importance of timely assessment and rehabilitation by a paediatric physiotherapist, and the unique challenges associated with sports, growth, and recovery in pre-adolescent individuals.

Trampolines have long been a staple of outdoor play and exercise for children. They offer a delightful way for kids to expend energy, develop physical skills, and have a blast while doing so. However, it's important for parents to be aware of both the benefits and potential dangers associated with trampolines, especially when considering them as holiday gifts for Christmas. In this blog, we'll explore trampolines, including fun, strength, balance, power, and play, as well as the risks, such as toddler or buckle fractures, and how to ensure a safe and joyful trampoline experience for your children during the holiday season.

Youth athletes are the embodiment of potential, energy, and passion. As they engage in various sports and physical activities, their bodies grow and develop, often facing the challenges of injuries along the way. Traditionally, the focus of rehabilitation for these injuries has been on the physical aspect, specifically the musculoskeletal system. However, a new and innovative approach is emerging that recognizes the crucial connection between the brain and movement patterns, imagery, and focus. Neurocognitive rehabilitation, when incorporated alongside musculoskeletal rehabilitation, can significantly impact the recovery process, and elevate the performance of youth athletes.

As parents, we want the best for our children, and when they experience discomfort, it can be concerning. One common complaint among growing children is "growing pains." But what are growing pains, and how do we distinguish them from other medical issues? In this blog, we will explore the concept of growing pains, debunk some myths, discuss when medical assistance is necessary, and shed light on whether growing pains are real.