There is a crucial threshold of spending enough time in nature for the promotion of health and wellbeing, according to a new large scale study conducted by the University of Exeter, with researchers finding that the “sweet spot” is at least two hours per week.

Despite all the research that tells parents how good it is for their children to spend time playing outside, they are spending more time indoors than ever before. It seems that concerns about the dangers of climbing trees or getting lost means that many parents are nervous about allowing their children to engage in risky play.

A childcare centre in rural New Zealand is leading the way in the country by reducing the amount of waste it produces each day, and in finding innovative ways to engage in sustainable practices.

From educational toys to governmental guidelines and detailed nursery progress reports, there are lots of resources available to help parents track and facilitate their children’s development. But while there are tricks we can use to teach children to talk, count, draw or respect others, a surprisingly big part of how they develop is determined by the culture they grow up in.

Children who experience adverse experiences or trauma in their early life are profoundly affected in many ways. Researchers have noted, in particular, the impact on a child’s executive functioning skills – that is, the ability to focus, organise tasks and to self regulate in order to achieve a goal.