Parenting

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Getting Pregnant
Fertility tips, conception information, infertility challenges, and planning advice for getting pregnant.

Pregnancy Health
Navigate the complex world of pregnancy health with information on symptoms, complications, nutrition, sleep, and more.

Pregnancy Week by Week
Track baby’s development and pregnancy symptoms week by week.

Ovulation Calculator
Calculate when you are at your most fertile.

Due Date Calculator
Calculate your baby’s due date.

Planning For Baby
Get tips on setting up a nursery, maternity entitlements, baby showers, pregnancy needs, pregnancy essentials, and baby names.

Giving Birth
Giving birth for the first time may seem daunting, but being armed with all the knowledge means you can go into labour prepared and more relaxed about what’s going on.
Newborn Care
Parent-tested tips and tricks for those first few weeks with your newborn. Our newborn care covers feeding, settling, sleep, early routines, and more.

Baby Care
All the information you need to look after your little one, keeping them safe, healthy and comfortable.

Baby Health
Find information about keeping your baby healthy throughout their first year – coping with colic, reflux, nappy rash, and more.

Baby Feeding
Find information about feeding your baby including breastfeeding, formula, and starting solids.

Baby Sleep
Tips on sleep schedules, regressions, safe sleep practices and more. Find articles to help you and your baby get the sleep you need!

Baby Development
Keep track of your baby’s physical, emotional and social development and milestones throughout their first year.

Baby Play
Simple baby play ideas that support development and build a bond between you and your baby.
Toddler milk drinks: Your questions answered
As your baby grows into a toddler, their nutritional needs evolve, and so do the feeding options available. Toddler milk drinks can play a supportive role alongside a balanced diet, but it’s natural to have questions about when to start, what to choose, and what works best for your child. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate this next stage with confidence.

What educators wish parents knew about the first week of childcare
If you’re wondering what you should do to prepare yourself and your child for the first day of childcare, then you’re in the right place. This article will inform you about what educators wish parents knew about the first week of childcare.

Our top 5 KIDOGO Junior shows for preschoolers
From gentle storytelling and big feelings, to creativity, curiosity and te ao Māori, these KIDOGO Junior shows are designed to spark imagination while reflecting the world our preschoolers know and love.

Say kia ora to KIDOGO & KIDOGO Junior - the new home for Kiwi kids shows
If screen time is part of your household rhythm (let’s be honest, it usually is), here’s some good news: there’s a new, uniquely Kiwi place for tamariki to watch, relax and learn online, and it’s been made with whānau firmly in mind. Say kia ora to KIDOGO and KIDOGO Junior!

Baby Steps® Toddler Goat Milk Drink: Gentle nutrition for little tummies
When it comes to nourishing your toddler, finding a balance between natural goodness and the right nutritional support is important. That’s where Baby Steps® Toddler Goat Milk Drink comes in, crafted right here in New Zealand, with care, quality, and your little one’s wellbeing at heart.

Supporting every bite: How Little Bellies helps Kiwi kids grow with confidence
Feeding your baby is about more than just mealtimes - it's a journey of discovery, growth, and development. From those first curious nibbles to confident toddler snacking, each age and stage comes with exciting milestones.

The Benefits of Going Barefoot
Wearing no shoes helps our young children develop an awareness of two really important things: their surroundings, and their own bodies.

Settling your child into daycare before the arrival of a new sibling
The arrival of a new sibling is a major transition for young children. Settling them into daycare before the baby arrives, rather than after the baby's arrival can make a big difference.
FREE two week trial with Kumon Maths or English
Kumon is offering a May Free Trial, giving children the chance to experience its proven learning method in Mathematics or English for two weeks at no cost.

Back-to-school lunchbox hacks
With a few smart strategies and some handy helpers like MAGBAG reusable storage bags, you can save time, cut waste, and pack school lunches with ease.

Say kia ora to KIDOGO & KIDOGO Junior - the new home for Kiwi kids shows
If screen time is part of your household rhythm (let’s be honest, it usually is), here’s some good news: there’s a new, uniquely Kiwi place for tamariki to watch, relax and learn online, and it’s been made with whānau firmly in mind. Say kia ora to KIDOGO and KIDOGO Junior!

Flipping brilliant lunchbox & after-school snack ideas with Marcel’s Pancakes
Discover quick and tasty lunchbox and after-school snacks using Marcel’s Pancakes. These flipping good ideas will have them coming back for more!

Kumon NZ: Getting Kiwi kids back to school with the basics covered
For more than 30 years, Kumon has been supporting Kiwi kids on their learning journey, helping them build strong foundations in Maths and English through personalised, step-by-step programmes.

School Holidays and Term Calendar
View all of the year's school holidays and term dates for New Zealand primary and secondary schools with our handy guide.

Why it’s important to read aloud to your kids – even after they can read themselves
Is reading to your kids a bedtime ritual in your home? A recent report found some parents stop reading to their children once they can read by themselves. Here’s why it’s important to read to your children – even after they have learned to read.

Discover Skill Samurai for a brighter future
Discover a world where learning and fun intersect! Skill Samurai offers a unique blend of educational experiences designed to empower and inspire kids aged 6-16. Kidspot reviewer Kyle (aged 10) and his mum Jacque, went along to check it out!
10 reasons why banning social media for New Zealanders under 16 is a bad idea – and will affect adults too
While there is merit in young people spending more time offline, and there are real concerns about the impact of social media on wider society, it’s not clear that outright prohibition will achieve what is hoped for. Here are ten reasons a blanket ban is not the answer.

It’s almost impossible to keep teens off their phones in bed – but new research shows it really does affect their sleep
Parents have long been warned about the dangers of screen time and digital devices before bed – but do screens really hurt the length and quality of sleep?

Stop Doing These Things For Your Teenage Children
Are you doing too much for your teenage child? Do you worry that they're not taking enough personal responsibility? Here's a rundown of some of the things that you may wish to consider when instilling your teen with some added responsibility and building those life skills. Use them all, pick out a few, or ignore the lot - it's your choice.

Your Child's First Part-time Job
Doing a leaflet round with the old family stroller piled high, mowing neighbours lawns, or babysitting are a rite of passage for many and is a great way to earn a bit of money as well as learn about how to be a good worker. So what do you and your child need to know about getting their first part time job?

Helping Your Teen Stay Safe On The Roads
The first six to 12 months of driving alone are the most risky, so we've picked up some tips to help parents guide their teen driver to stay safe on the roads.

Easy Meals Teens Can Make Themselves
When your teen is ready for some independence, ensure they are armed with at least a small repertoire of easy dinners that they can make themselves.

Life Skills Every Teen Needs Before Leaving Home
Whether you start building these skills up from their tween years (or earlier), or you do a last minute dash before they fly the coop, here's some of the life skills that will stand them in good stead.

When Kids are Exposed to Distressing Online Content
If children or young people have been exposed to the footage of the Christchurch attack, they can be upset or confused about what they may have seen.
Understanding neurodiversity: A guide for parents (and why you’re not alone)
Neurodiversity has become one of the most talked-about topics in health, education and culture. 'No Such Thing as Normal', a New Zealand Herald podcast hosted by Sonia Gray, has always been at the forefront of the neurodiversity discussion and season three is out now.

Truths & myths about head lice & nits and why NeutraLice works!
Nits are one of the most common childhood complaints. We take a look at the facts about head lice, bust a few myths about them, and find out how NeutraLice can help to get rid of nits.

What parents need to know about the global measles outbreak
Measles continues to spread in Auckland with the number of confirmed cases of the highly infectious virus rising rapidly.

How to prepare for your eye test
If you want to maintain good vision and eye health overall, the best way to do so is to get your eyes tested regularly.

How to stop 5 school bugs in their tracks
Getting kids back to school can mean they get sick with school bugs like impetigo, school sores, head lice, worms, and conjunctivitis.

It’s almost impossible to keep teens off their phones in bed – but new research shows it really does affect their sleep
Parents have long been warned about the dangers of screen time and digital devices before bed – but do screens really hurt the length and quality of sleep?

Drinking Coffee While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
Did you know that it‘s important to avoid coffee or drink it in moderation if you‘re pregnant? While the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is undeniably enticing, here‘s why it may be time to put a little pause on that daily cup of coffee.

All You Need To Know About Parasitic Worms
Worms are one of the most common childhood conditions and while there are many types of worms that can infect humans, the most likely culprit in children in New Zealand is the threadworm.
Getting Pregnant
Fertility tips, conception information, infertility challenges, and planning advice for getting pregnant.

Pregnancy Health
Navigate the complex world of pregnancy health with information on symptoms, complications, nutrition, sleep, and more.

Pregnancy Week by Week
Track baby’s development and pregnancy symptoms week by week.

Ovulation Calculator
Calculate when you are at your most fertile.

Due Date Calculator
Calculate your baby’s due date.

Planning For Baby
Get tips on setting up a nursery, maternity entitlements, baby showers, pregnancy needs, pregnancy essentials, and baby names.

Giving Birth
Giving birth for the first time may seem daunting, but being armed with all the knowledge means you can go into labour prepared and more relaxed about what’s going on.
Lifestyle

Tips & Tricks>
Home & Decor>
Just For You>

Competitions
Enter today for your chance to win great prizes with our online competitions. Be in to win Enter more competitions on our Facebook page Terms and conditions By entering any competitions on kidspot.co.nz and related social media channels, you are confirming that you agree to our site Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy which you […]

Family Budget
It can be hard (understatement!) to manage your incomings and outgoings when you’ve got children – they seem to understand the outgoings a bit more than the incomings. Find tips on how to teach children the value of money, how to save on your groceries, and how to setup and maintain a family budget. Kids […]

Pet Care
Adding a pet to the family is an exciting time, but there is more to owning a pet than snuggles. Make sure you’re ready to care for your pet with these tips and tricks – we’ve even curated some fun activities for the kids. Furry Friends View this post on Instagram A post […]

Winter Warmers
From tips to warm your home to recipes that will warm your tummy, make sure you stay healthy and happy this winter with these easy ideas. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Queenstown, New Zealand (@queenstownnz) 10 ways to stay healthy this winter Show me more Health & wellness Whether you’re trying […]

Classic Kiwi Summer
With the sun out, the kids on school holidays, and so many adventures to be had, now’s the time to plan an epic Kiwi summer. Check out top destinations around NZ, tips for sun safety and our fave recipes the whole family will love! ☀️ Backyard breaks New Zealand is bursting with summer fun! From […]

Spring Into Cleaning
We are oh so ready for warmer days and longer daylight hours as spring rolls in! Once the rain stops and the chill dissipates, fling open the windows and doors, freshen the air, and get down to sweeping out the dust and dirt from the long winter. If it all seems a bit overwhelming, break […]
Designing a family home that grows with your kids
A home that works well for a toddler doesn’t necessarily work when they reach school age or become teenagers. That is why it's important to design a family home that grows with your kids.

DIY storage solutions for your home
Tidying up and keeping things in their place is a breeze with these ideas by Resene for colourful and practical storage.

New looks for kids & teens rooms
Got a kids' room in need of a makeover? Be inspired with our pick of six of the best kids' room themes from Resene, with mood boards, colours and room ideas to help you get the right look and mood for your child's space.

Indoors and out! DIY toys & games
Creating your own toys and games is a great way to spend quality time with the kids. Not only can you get stuck into a project or two but the end result means you'll have a new fun activity. Check out these Resene DIY projects for fun inside or out.

8 creative ways to declutter your home with the kids
Although keeping your home tidy with young ones around can feel like an ongoing challenge, the good news is that the act of decluttering can become an enjoyable family activity – but only if you sell it to your children right!

Garden DIY Projects for Kids
Brighten up your garden with a burst of colour! These DIY projects from Resene are perfect for getting the kids involved in creating fun and practical ideas for the garden.

9 Upstyling DIY Projects for Kids Rooms
Decorating a kids room has to be one of the most fun DIY projects, especially when you can upstyle an existing item into something new and funky with minimal cost.

6 Cool Themes To Makeover Your Child's Bedroom
A child's bedroom is their kingdom - where they relax, read, study, sleep, and dream! Choose from one of these cool themes from Resene to make them smile and inspire their imagination. Each theme includes paint choices, designer tips and accessory ideas, provided on the Resene website.
Mum life, stress, and why your hair might be falling out
Hair shedding is common for mums and, in most cases, is fixable. This guide explains what’s really happening, simple steps you can try at home, and when it’s time to get professional help - all in plain, no-nonsense language.

Environ skin care heroes
When it comes to looking after your skin, the basics are always a must – cleanser, toner and moisturiser. But as mums, our skin often goes through a lot of changes – from pregnancy and late nights with little ones, to the natural effects of getting older. That’s when having the right products on hand can really make a difference.

The next generation of crafting with Cricut Maker™ 4
Cricut™® unveils the next generation of smart cutting machines: Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4. From unboxing to creation, check out our review for the Cricut Maker™ 4.

Expert Tips for a 5-Minute Makeup Routine
Your daily make-up routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming - in fact, it can take just five minutes!

Treat Your Skin With Make-Up By Jane Iredale
If you've ever wished for make-up that's good for your skin, then get ready to discover The Skincare Make-up System by Jane Iredale.

Review | Cricut EasyPress 3
Cricut has just released their new Cricut EasyPress 3® and our resident Cricut fan, Katie, was lucky enough to be one of the first to give it a try. Find out what she thought and discover what you could create.

The Best Thriller Books for You | Best of BookTok
With several nail-biting books taking off on BookTok, we’ve curated our top 3 picks we think you need to move up your TBR. Check out our edit of must-read psychological thrillers.

Romance Reads for You | Best of BookTok
Looking for a book to read once the kids are in bed? We worked our way through BookTok to find the best romance reads just for you. Check them out here.
Competitions
Enter today for your chance to win great prizes with our online competitions. Be in to win Enter more competitions on our Facebook page Terms and conditions By entering any competitions on kidspot.co.nz and related social media channels, you are confirming that you agree to our site Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy which you […]

Family Budget
It can be hard (understatement!) to manage your incomings and outgoings when you’ve got children – they seem to understand the outgoings a bit more than the incomings. Find tips on how to teach children the value of money, how to save on your groceries, and how to setup and maintain a family budget. Kids […]

Pet Care
Adding a pet to the family is an exciting time, but there is more to owning a pet than snuggles. Make sure you’re ready to care for your pet with these tips and tricks – we’ve even curated some fun activities for the kids. Furry Friends View this post on Instagram A post […]

Winter Warmers
From tips to warm your home to recipes that will warm your tummy, make sure you stay healthy and happy this winter with these easy ideas. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Queenstown, New Zealand (@queenstownnz) 10 ways to stay healthy this winter Show me more Health & wellness Whether you’re trying […]

Classic Kiwi Summer
With the sun out, the kids on school holidays, and so many adventures to be had, now’s the time to plan an epic Kiwi summer. Check out top destinations around NZ, tips for sun safety and our fave recipes the whole family will love! ☀️ Backyard breaks New Zealand is bursting with summer fun! From […]

Spring Into Cleaning
We are oh so ready for warmer days and longer daylight hours as spring rolls in! Once the rain stops and the chill dissipates, fling open the windows and doors, freshen the air, and get down to sweeping out the dust and dirt from the long winter. If it all seems a bit overwhelming, break […]
Family Fun

Activities>
Family Time>
Celebrations>
Christmas>

Playdough recipes
Bring a smile to your child's face by creating your very own homemade playdough. As well as the basic playdough recipe, we also have scented, no-cook, microwave, keepsake, and silky options.

10 tips to make the most of the school holidays
With a little planning and plenty of room for flexibility, you can make the school holidays fun, memorable, and even relaxing for the whole family. Here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of the school holidays.

Diwali: Festival of lights
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is fast becoming a popular cultural celebration in New Zealand with twinkling lights, colourful displays, and traditional performances for families to enjoy.

Día de muertos
Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican celebration that honours deceased loved ones.

Cricut Unveils Joy Xtra™ & the EasyPress Mini™ in NZ
It was a lot of fun personalising their birthday parties, clothing and gear, making some simple things that much more special.

Must Do School Holiday Experiences
The school holidays are a great time to explore together, have some fun, and create memory-making moments. So we've tracked down the top holiday experiences for families that will get you out and about and encourage you to spend some quality time together.

The Garfield Movie: 5 Fun Activity Sheets
Prepare to give up your favourite comfy chair and hide away your lasagne - Garfield is back! The Garfield Movie is coming to a big screen near you from 30th May 2024. Keep the movie fun going with these fun printable activity sheets featuring the world's most famous cat.

DIY Pinecone Superheroes
Supergirl, Superboy, and Superpup to the rescue! The kids will love making their own DIY pinecone hero! They can choose their colours for all of the elements and make their very own hero. Follow the easy step by step instructions.
From 'You and Me' to You and We: Why Suzy's return means everything
There was something quietly magical about being a kid in the 90s in New Zealand. And now a Kiwi TV icon from those days has returned! Suzy Cato's You and Me is back! The show has returned to YouTube after 28 years, with 25 new episodes.

Celebrating Motherhood: Recognising all the ways in which mums show up
This Mother’s Day, Kidspot has partnered with Little Bellies to celebrate mums through the Little Moments, Big Feelings campaign, shining a light on the real experience of motherhood and the honest, meaningful moments worth remembering.

A little magic for your living room: Why Mr Hugo’s Little Library is set to delight Kiwi families
Mr Hugo’s Little Library is an imaginative, live-action, musical comedy series that blends books, music, and theatrical play into something truly joyful.

Why Kiwi kids deserve Kiwi stories
Kiwi stories feel familiar. They sound like home, look like Aotearoa, and help tamariki understand who they are and where they fit. For parents, that means screen time that feels more meaningful, relatable and grounded in our local culture.

Travelling overseas with the kids? Here's the one app that saves your sanity when returning to NZ
Travelling with kids is an adventure with equal parts of magical wonder and mild chaos! The last thing you want is a stressful arrival home. That’s where the digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) comes in. It's your go-to tool for a smoother trip through the airport when returning to New Zealand.

Your insider guide to April school holidays at Te Papa
Planning what to do with your tamariki these school holidays doesn’t have to be hard. Te Papa offers a mix of free and paid experiences that make for a day of learning, creativity, and discovery for kids of all ages.

10 things kids can learn from caring for chickens
Raising chickens is a fun and enriching way for children to learn about the animals on the family property. It’s a hands-on activity that’s rewarding, productive, and fulfilling for your kids.

How to keep screen time safe for kids
Screen time is part of everyday family life now, and when it’s done well, it can be a positive and educational experience for kids. The key is being intentional about what children watch and how they watch it to help keep them safe.
Birthday Parties
A child’s birthday should be full of excitement and laughter. Find everything you need to plan and host a special birthday party including cakes, party food, decorations and invitations. [ubermenu config_id=”birthdayhp”] Latest in birthdays Party food What’s a party without good food? From birthday cakes to sausage rolls and snacks, we have a tonne of […]

Party games
Find party games for kids of all ages to encourage a day of fun at your child’s next birthday party. From how to hand a pinata correctly, to planning a treasure hunt and twists on the classic ‘pin the tail on the donkey’, we have games for every style of birthday party.

Father’s Day
Father’s Day is almost here which means we get to shower all the wonderful father figures in our lives with a little extra love. If you’re looking for gift ideas, breakfast recipes the kids can help with and some fun DIY projects/crafts to help you celebrate Father’s Day, we have you covered. New for dad […]

Easter
Make the most of the festive Easter season with these easy crafts and treats perfect for the whole family. Whip up bunny-butt pancakes, make some bunny bunting or plan an Easter egg hunt with a twist. School holiday family fun Keep the kids active this school holidays at Snowplanet Give your kids a holiday full of skill, […]

Matariki – The Māori New Year
Learn all about Matariki - The Māori New Year - including how to find Matariki in the night sky, plus traditions and celebrations.

Halloween Zone
Make the most of the spooky season with our favourite costumes, decorations and recipe ideas to trick and treat your family and friends this Halloween. 🎃 Cool costumes 🎃 Spooky snacks 🎃 Creepy cupcakes
Christmas Ideas
Christmas is a great time to get creative – whether that means decorating the house floor to ceiling, or coming up with new family traditions. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to make your Christmas magical this year, you’ve come to the right place. [ubermenu config_id=”christmas”] 🎄 Favourite Christmas ideas 🎄 Family traditions […]

Christmas Gifts
Whether you’re looking for presents for the family or gift ideas that the kids can help you make, you’ll find loads of inspiration in our Christmas Gift section, including handmade gifts from your kitchen. [ubermenu config_id=”christmas”] 🎄 Christmas gift guides 🎄 DIY gift inspiration 🎄 Shop local Find toys for tots, products for your bub, […]

Christmas Food
Great food makes for a great Christmas. Find foodie gifts you can create from your kitchen and delicious meal ideas for the festive season. From cute Christmas-themed snacks to impressive mains and delectable desserts, you’ll have full tummies all around. [ubermenu config_id=”christmas”] 🎄 Popular Christmas recipes 🎄 Festive mains, roasts & sides 🎄 Sweet Christmas treats
Playdough recipes
Bring a smile to your child's face by creating your very own homemade playdough. As well as the basic playdough recipe, we also have scented, no-cook, microwave, keepsake, and silky options.

10 tips to make the most of the school holidays
With a little planning and plenty of room for flexibility, you can make the school holidays fun, memorable, and even relaxing for the whole family. Here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of the school holidays.

Diwali: Festival of lights
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is fast becoming a popular cultural celebration in New Zealand with twinkling lights, colourful displays, and traditional performances for families to enjoy.

Día de muertos
Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican celebration that honours deceased loved ones.

Cricut Unveils Joy Xtra™ & the EasyPress Mini™ in NZ
It was a lot of fun personalising their birthday parties, clothing and gear, making some simple things that much more special.

Must Do School Holiday Experiences
The school holidays are a great time to explore together, have some fun, and create memory-making moments. So we've tracked down the top holiday experiences for families that will get you out and about and encourage you to spend some quality time together.

The Garfield Movie: 5 Fun Activity Sheets
Prepare to give up your favourite comfy chair and hide away your lasagne - Garfield is back! The Garfield Movie is coming to a big screen near you from 30th May 2024. Keep the movie fun going with these fun printable activity sheets featuring the world's most famous cat.

DIY Pinecone Superheroes
Supergirl, Superboy, and Superpup to the rescue! The kids will love making their own DIY pinecone hero! They can choose their colours for all of the elements and make their very own hero. Follow the easy step by step instructions.
Community

Trials & Reviews>

Product Trials
Welcome to our product trials and reviews Kidspot product trials give you the opportunity to try products for FREE. From household items and skincare to food and kids’ healthcare, you’ll get the chance to try a range of products for you and your family and share your feedback to help other parents make their shopping decisions. […]

Kids Reviews
Kiwi kids tell us what they think about the latest books, movies and toys.
Product Trials
Welcome to our product trials and reviews Kidspot product trials give you the opportunity to try products for FREE. From household items and skincare to food and kids’ healthcare, you’ll get the chance to try a range of products for you and your family and share your feedback to help other parents make their shopping decisions. […]

Kids Reviews
Kiwi kids tell us what they think about the latest books, movies and toys.

Dry sand play with sticks

For a new twist on sand play, try this activity involving sticks. They can fortress and dig holes or make roads and fences.

Published 25th Dec, 2016

Dry sand play with sticks

For a new twist on sand play, try this activity involving sticks.

What you need:

Sticks
Sand

Number of players:

Activity:

Collect sticks of all shapes and sizes.

Use the sticks to spike into the sand and use as posts.

You can also draw pictures in the sand with the sticks.

Children can dig holes and hide the sticks in them and then try to find them.

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Dry sand play with sticks

Dry sand play with sticks

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