Growing Little Humans

Starting nursery is a big milestone for both children and parents! In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Melissa and Lea explore how to prepare your child for their first day, manage separation anxiety, and help them adjust to the nursery environment. We discuss what to expect on day one, how nursery supports social and emotional growth, and practical tips for smoother drop-offs. Whether you’...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Amanda Jenner, the UK’s leading toilet training expert, inventor of My Carry Potty and founder of the Potty Training Academy to discuss the essential skills and strategies for successful potty training. We explore common challenges parents face during this milestone and how to navigate them with patience and positivity. Amanda shares her expertise on understand...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Dr Tovah Klein helps us explore what resilience means for kids, why it matters, and how it develops from early childhood. Learn practical ways parents can support resilience, recognize signs of stress, and guide kids through tough times like loss or big changes.  We’ll also discuss how play, friendships, and managing social media pressures help build resi...

 In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Publisher Layal Idriss joins us to explore the transformative power of reading to children with expert advice on fostering a lifelong love for books. Learn why reading aloud is crucial for early development, when to start, and how to choose the best books for children aged 0–8.  We also dive into practical tips for introducing new vocabulary, navigating...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Lea and Melissa explore how traveling can shape children’s personalities and broaden their horizons. Discover creative ways to introduce your kids to new cultures, languages, and foods while making the most of family holidays.  We also cover practical advice for planning trips with young children, from preparing them for the journey to packing essentials...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Chris Buswell, an expert in EdTech and a STEM education leader helps us explore the exciting world of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—and its profound impact on young children. Why is it essential to introduce STEM concepts in the early years? What does engaging with STEM look like for children at different developmental stages, and...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Matt O’Bryan and Ben Bolger, the Co-Founders of Squirrel Education, help us to explore why financial literacy is a vital skill for kids and how early lessons can shape healthy money habits. Learn practical tips for introducing concepts like saving, allowances, and goal-setting, and discover Squirrel Education’s innovative app for teaching kids about money...

In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into pediatric ADHD with Dr Dalal Elsori providing insights on recognizing early warning signs, the ideal age for diagnosis, and how parents can navigate the evaluation process.  Learn how to differentiate between typical childhood behaviors and ADHD symptoms, what to expect during a diagnosis, and the importance of early intervention. We also discuss practi...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Early Childhood expert Kirsty van Rooyen helps us explore the importance of developing 21st-century skills—like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—in young children. Learn how play, exploration, and technology help foster these skills, and how parents can support them at home. We also discuss the balance between traditional learning and thes...

In today’s episode of Growing Little Humans we are joined by Melissa O’Donnell, the Founder of Meaningful Measures to talk about the early development of young children.  What are the warning signs that your child may have developmental issues, when it might be time to seek medical intervention and who you can approach for help.  Melissa is a Behavior Analyst and Neurodiversity Advocate and works...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , we chat with Dr Nitin Verma, a pediatric allergy expert from Kings College Hospital London in Dubai, about the rise of allergies in children and how parents can manage and prevent them. From common triggers and the difference between allergies and intolerances to diagnosing allergies and navigating social situations, Dr Verma shares practical advice and t...

Music has a profound impact on early childhood development. In this episode of Growing Little Humans , we are joined by Teresa Novak, an expert in Early Childhood and Primary Music Education to explore the lasting benefits of musical experiences for young children, from enhancing creativity and learning to fostering emotional growth.  Discover how play and music go hand in hand, simple ways to int...

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two, are a critical window for growth and development. In this episode of Growing Little Humans , we are joined by Aisling Oslizlok, the Founder of Great Little Eaters, to explore the profound impact of nutrition during this period, from supporting brain development to laying the groundwork for lifelong health.  We discuss the role of...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Lea sits down with girlfriends Joanna King and Tara Davidson to tackle the age-old debate: stay-at-home mum or working mum? We explore the societal shifts that have shaped this discussion, the pressures mums face today, and the real impact of "mum guilt."  Through an honest look at the pros and cons of each path, we dive into why women can be so judgmenta...

The early years are a critical time for brain development and learning. In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Cognitive Neuroscientist Dr Claudine Habak helps us to  explore how a child’s brain grows during this formative period and the key factors that influence cognitive abilities.  We discuss the power of play-based learning, the importance of social interaction, and how early life experie...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Amadu Jorge, a seasoned BJJ Professor joins us to dive into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and its unique benefits for young children. Learn how BJJ differs from other martial arts, the ideal age to start, and how it supports physical, cognitive, and emotional development.  We explore how BJJ fosters discipline, respect, and confidence while remai...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , we explore the growing issue of childhood obesity with Dr Rajeev Tomar, a Consultant of Pediatric Medicine at Kings College Hospital London in Dubai, focusing on its causes, health risks, and the role of genetics. Our guest shares practical advice for promoting healthy habits, the importance of nutrition education, and how to encourage physical activity w...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , we dive into the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) — a cornerstone of early childhood education in Australia with Karen McCord, the Executive Principal from the Australian International School Dubai. We explore what the EYLF is, the philosophy behind its holistic approach, and how it nurtures children’s development across physical, social, emotional,...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Zahra Mokhber, a Registered Midwife and Certified Lactation Consultant from Kings College Hospital London in Dubai helps us to explore the choices, challenges, and realities of feeding your baby. From the breastfeeding vs. formula debate to overcoming common feeding challenges, we discuss how factors like diet, medication, and stigma impact a parent’s jou...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , we are joined by the hosts Lea and Mel to explore the key factors in choosing the right nursery for your little one. We discuss what to look for in a high-quality early learning environment, the importance of play-based learning, teacher qualifications, and how to assess safety and wellbeing in a childcare setting. Plus, we share tips on navigating nurser...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , we are joined by Safe Sleep expert Natalie van Winckel to explore the essentials of safe sleep for babies and toddlers, including how much rest they need and tips for establishing healthy sleep routines at home. We discuss methods for helping babies fall asleep, the debate between crying it out and self-soothing, and when to expect your little one to slee...

Join us in this episode of Growing Little Humans as Kitchen Garden and Early Learning specialist Maree Knock helps us uncover the many ways kitchen gardens benefit young children. From introducing STEM concepts to fostering a love for sustainability and the environment, gardening offers hands-on learning that supports overall education and growth. We discuss how kitchen gardens encourage kids to e...

In today’s episode, we are joined by Tania Johnson from the Institute of Child Psychology to discuss separation anxiety in children. We explore how this common issue affects young children and the signs to look out for. Tania shares valuable insights on how parents and caregivers can support children through this challenging stage, offering practical strategies to ease their anxiety. Tune in for e...

In this episode of Growing Little Humans , Dr Sanobia Palkhiwala joins us to unpack the magic of play and its vital role in childhood development. What’s the difference between play and play-based learning? Why is it more than just fun and games? We address these questions and explore how structured play supports learning, creativity, and social skills. We’ll discuss ways parents can support meani...

In our first episode, meet your hosts, Lea and Mel — mums, entrepreneurs, and early learning enthusiasts passionate about helping families thrive. Discover what Growing Little Humans is all about, why we started, and how we’ll tackle the big questions parents face. From emotional growth to developmental milestones, we’re here to help you give your kids the best start. Let’s grow, learn, and laugh...