Routines may sound dull, but adding structure to your day can be incredibly beneficial — especially for young children. A clear, consistent routine helps your little one feel secure, independent, and ready to explore the world. In this updated guide, we’ll cover the benefits of routines, how to introduce them, tips for sticking to them, and simple examples you can try in 2026.   Why Routines Matter Routines give children a sense of certainty. When little ones know what to exp

The festive season is a lovely time to enjoy food together — and for young children, it’s also a chance to explore new tastes, textures and routines around mealtimes. While traditional festive treats can be high in sugar and salt, there are plenty of simple alternatives that still feel special and are suitable for little ones at every stage. Below are easy (& vegetarian) festive treats for little ones you can make together, supporting healthy habits while having festive treat

December is the perfect time to combine festive fun with learning and development. These 12 activities are designed for busy parents and little ones under 5, helping children explore, create, and grow! Let’s jump straight into our 12 Festive Activities for Under 5s!   1. Sensory Snow Play – Exploring Texture and Touch A magical way to bring winter indoors! Sensory snow play is messy, fun, and a great way for children to explore texture, experiment with shapes, and use their i

The festive season is the perfect time to snuggle up with a book and spark imagination, language development, and curiosity in little ones. Reading together in the early years does so much good — it helps children build communication skills, understand emotions, strengthen attention and memory, and enjoy meaningful one-to-one moments with their parent or carer. Here are 13 Best Festive Children’s Books to Read This December — a mix of classics and new releases, full of warmth

December 2025 is here! And so are so many amazing festive family events. To help you and your little one get into the festive spirit this December we’ve compiled a wide range of Family-Friendly Festive Events to Attend This December in London & Surrey (2025 Edition). The events are organised by location and all linked to more information so you can find out more and book where necessary.   London   A Very Croydon Christmas @ Croydon Clocktower 5 th  – 7 th Dec Booking Requir

With autumn in full swing and winter fast approaching, the world around us becomes full of colour, light, and excitement — from crunchy leaves and sparkling fireworks to cosy winter mornings. These seasonal changes are more than just beautiful — they’re bursting with opportunities for speech and language development in the early years. Through storytelling, singing, and play, young children learn to listen, understand, and communicate with confidence. We know that children le

As the seasons change, books are a wonderful way for children to explore the world around them. These books celebrate the wonders of autumn while supporting key areas of early years development — from language and communication to understanding the natural world. Here are Our Favourite Autumnal Books for Under 5s Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert Using real leaf collages, this beautiful picture book encourages children to spot shapes, patterns, and movement in nature. It’s perfect for

Trick or treating is often the highlight of Halloween for children — a thrilling chance to dress up as goblins, ghouls, and favourite characters while collecting sweets by the handful. Beyond the excitement, Halloween activities offer valuable developmental benefits. Dressing up supports imaginative play, which boosts creativity and self-expression. Going from door to door encourages confidence, communication, and social skills — while decision-making and turn-taking are prac

October is Black History Month in the UK — a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Black stories, voices, and creativity. At The Butterfly Patch, we believe that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and the worlds they imagine. Representation in books helps children develop confidence, empathy, and curiosity — and that’s something to celebrate all year round.   Here are some of our favourite children’s books for under 5s by Black British auth