Growing Little Humans

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 together!

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 prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding, and best practices for introducing solid foods, including which foods to prioritize or avoid. Plus, we address common challenges families face in meeting nutritional needs and share expert advice and resources for parents.

Join us to learn how to give your child the best nutritional start in life!

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, cognitive, and creative domains.

Discover how the EYLF tailors its practices to meet the unique needs of every child, fostering a love of learning and resilience. We’ll also discuss how the EYLF prepares children for the transition to formal schooling, equipping them with essential skills and confidence to thrive in the next stage of their educational journey. Whether you're a parent or educator, this episode offers valuable insights into how the EYLF supports children in becoming capable, confident, and curious learners.

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 meaningful play at home, what play might look like in different settings, and how play-based learning lays a strong foundation for the transition to formal schooling. Plus, we tackle common questions: Will my child really play all day in an early learning setting? Why is this better than just staying home? Tune in to learn why play is one of the most powerful tools in early education!

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 explore new foods, the importance of safe practices, and the role of guided risky play. Our guest shares heartwarming stories from their experiences with children in garden settings, showcasing the joy and lessons that grow from the soil. Tune in for inspiration to cultivate green thumbs and curious minds!