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Sonja Preston

About Sonja Preston

Sonja has worked with over 500 families, assisting them with child development information, helping them manage the issues which can come up in parenting, strengthening their bonds with their children and all in a relaxed, fun environment. The information she shares is research based, so you know you are getting the best.

Entries by Sonja Preston

Bright Shiny Things

May 18, 2020 in 1 - 3 Years, 3 - 5 Years, Parents /by Sonja Preston

I’m wondering what image these words evoke in your mind? For some it could be Christmas baubles on the tree, others might think of diamond jewellery, others the shimmer of the moonlight glistening on the water and others the magic of a sparkly rainbow.   For each of us, the words ‘bright, shiny things’ creates […]

8 Ways to Enjoy Messy Play at Home

May 13, 2020 in 1 - 3 Years, 3 - 5 Years, 4 - 12 Months, Intellectual, Language, Motor Developement, Social - Emotional /by Sonja Preston

How many of you breath a sigh of relief, when the Playgroup or Kindergarten your child attends does Messy Play – I mean it gets you off the hook right? No paint at home, no playdough on the carpet, no glue stuck to the table – phew! Have you ever asked yourself, why the Playgroup […]

The Missing Sister

May 4, 2020 in Parents /by Sonja Preston

In honour of Mother’s Day this coming Sunday, I’m reprinting my personal story of a mother’s love…. my mother x x I was born as the eldest of three girls to my parents Bill and Marie. Dad was British, Mum was Danish, and they met in Norway while they were both working there. My father […]

Go to Bed! – How to Get Children to Stay in Bed

April 27, 2020 in 1 - 3 Years, 3 - 5 Years, Intellectual, Language, Social - Emotional /by Sonja Preston

Okay, so you’ve read three stories, tucked them in, kissed them goodnight and switched off the light. Just as you settle into the comfy chair with a cuppa… “Mum, I’m thirsty” or “Dad, I just need to tell you something” or even little footsteps coming down the hall! How do we get children to stay […]

Friends are the Sunshine in Life

April 6, 2020 in 1 - 3 Years, 3 - 5 Years, 4 - 12 Months /by Sonja Preston

I recently returned from a work trip interstate, and was able to finish the week staying with an old school friend. Meredith and I first met in Primary School, when my family moved to the area. It was a very small school, with just 12 children in my grade. Meredith and I seemed to ‘click’ […]

Developing Motor Skills: 8 months – 3 years

March 23, 2020 in 1 - 3 Years, 4 - 12 Months, Motor Developement /by Sonja Preston

Last week I wrote about the development of motor skills from birth to 8 months old. Let’s look at how they next develop….  During 8 – 14 months babies learn to pull to standing, walk along furniture, and may walk alone. There are known as Gross Motor (GM) skills. They can stand and then lower […]

Developing Motor Skills: Birth – 8 months

March 16, 2020 in 4 - 12 Months, Birth - 3 Months, Motor Developement /by Sonja Preston

Motor development refers to the muscles – both large and small, in our bodies. Gross Motor (GM) are the large muscles in our head and neck, arms and legs. Fine Motor (FM) refers to the small muscles in your fingers, and eyes.   Children develop their muscles from top to bottom, and inner to outer. […]

Parent or Friend?

March 9, 2020 in 1 - 3 Years, 3 - 5 Years, 4 - 12 Months, Birth - 3 Months, Parents, Pre-Natal, Social - Emotional /by Sonja Preston

Over the years of being a Parenting Consultant, I’ve spoken with may parents about what they see as their role, and what they want for their children. So many parents have said, that they want to be their child’s friend. I believe that when you gave birth, you became a parent, and that is your […]

Telling Stories

March 2, 2020 in Language, Social - Emotional /by Sonja Preston

As parents we know of the importance of reading to our children regularly, to encourage our children’s love of learning, and excitement about what books have to offer.   We also know that books can be a part of the night time routine, to help settle children down with quiet time before bed.   Reading […]

What Do Children Need from their Parents?

February 24, 2020 in 1 - 3 Years, 3 - 5 Years, 4 - 12 Months, Birth - 3 Months, Intellectual, Language, Social - Emotional /by Sonja Preston

We all know that children need food, clothing and shelter to ‘survive’, but besides the basic needs, how do we truly grow them into curious, strong, resilient children? When your baby cries, s/he is telling you something – eg I’m hungry, I’m tired, I’ve have wind. As parents our response determines what message the child […]

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  • Go to BedGo to Bed! – How to Get Children to Stay in BedApril 27, 2020 - 6:00 am
  • Friends are the Sunshine in LifeApril 6, 2020 - 1:00 pm
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