Many parents have experienced that curious moment when their energetic little ones suddenly drift off to sleep without signs. One second they're bouncing with excitement, and the next they're “switched off.” It's often a delightful surprise, leaving parents both entertained and wondering how to help their babies develop a more consistent sleep routine.   Importance of Baby Sleeping In the first three years of life, a newborn revolves around three essential activities: eating, playing, and sleeping. Among these, sleep occupies nearly half of their time. It is the most effective form of recharging and scientific research consistently shows that nothing matches the benefits during these formative years. Sleep plays a vital role in cellular recovery. During deep sleep, the body releases human growth hormone (HGH), a crucial hormone for muscle repair and protein synthesis. This natural process accelerates cell regeneration and helps restore damaged or senescent cells. Infants have a high basal metabolic rate, making quality sleep beneficial to their growth and development. Additionally, it strengthens their immune system, stabilises emotions, and improves cognitive functions such as focus and learning.   Everyday Sleeping Time How much sleep do children need? To answer that, we need to consider their age, behavioural patterns and emotional responses. As children grow, their sleep structure gradually matures. Around the age of one, babies begin to develop a basic concept of day and night, laying the foundation for a more consistent sleep routine.   According to the Guidelines published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019*, toddlers aged 1-2 years need approximately 11-14 hours of sleep, which includes 10-12 hours of nighttime sleep and 1-2 naps during the daytime, each lasting 1-2 hours.   While time is an important indicator of children’s sleeping quality, parents should also pay attention to their behaviours during sleeping andupon waking. Frequent turning over, kicking off quilts, sudden awakenings, prolonged groggy, irritability, or concentrating difficulty may signal poor sleep quality. At these cases, parents should take notice and make timely adjustments to their child’s sleep habits.   As children develop their motor and cognitive skills, they may begin to delay or resist naps and sleep. How should parents respond?   Three-Step Bedtime Routine Regular and appropriate nap time Research indicates that children's afternoon naps should last for 2 hours and should ideally end by 3:30 p.m. to minimise any potential impact on nighttime sleep. In HKSPC day crèches, an afternoon nap is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for children aged one and older. We also recommend that parents maintain a consistent rest routine on both weekdays and weekends to help stabilise their children's biological clocks and promote healthy sleep patterns. Comfortable Sleeping Environement Day crèches provide a temperature-comfortable, dimly lit environment to help babies settle into sleep. We remove stimulating items such as toys from the crib and play gentle music, creating a soothing atmosphere that encourages peaceful rest. Regular Bedtime Rituals Teachers in day crèches create bedtime rituals for babies, helping them to develop regular sleeping habits. Bedtime rituals refer to a series of preparatory activities performed before sleep, which are typically brief and static. For example:   Singing or finger rhymes   Pat babies’ bodies   Switch off lights A consistent bedtime ritual is key to creating a calm sleep environment and gently guiding children toward rest. When parents or caregivers follow the same routine, babies begin to recognise the sequence and understand what comes next. Over time, this familiarity helps them wind down naturally, making it easier for them to feel sleepy and drift off into a peaceful slumber.   Every parent hopes to see their baby fall asleep with ease. With patience, consistency, and loving guidance, building healthy sleep habits from an early age becomes not only easier but also more enjoyable.   *WHO guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.   Lam Ka Man Centre Supervisor Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children SIA Shaukiwan Day Creche With over twenty years of experience in early childhood education services, Lam holds a Master of Arts in Parent Education from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Hong Kong Baptist University. She is also a certified instructor of the "6A Character Education™" program. Over the years, she has placed great emphasis on parent education, hoping to work hand in hand with parents to nurture children and to experience the beauty of growing together with them.

  Do you know what "320" represents? To promote oral care, the FDI World Dental Federation designates 20 March each year as "World Oral Health Day." This number is quite interesting; it represents the 20 baby teeth in children, the 32 permanent teeth in adults, and 0 tooth decay—symbolising that everyone, regardless of age, should aim for "zero tooth decay" to maintain oral health.   As babies grow up, they no longer need adults’ help to clean their teeth. When they turn one, parents can begin to teach children the importance of teeth protection and nurture their good dental habits. Many parents may face challenges when encouraging their children to brush their teeth. Let’s explore the following tips to create a relaxing brushing mood for young children!   Dental Care Tip 1: How to Clean Baby Teeth Effectively? Children will have 20 teeth by the age of 3, with incisors and molars growing around their first birthday. As children's fine motor skills develop steadily at this age, it is an ideal time for parents to encourage children to brush on their own. Parents may continue to assist children with brushing in the morning and evening when necessary. The steps for brushing are as follows:   Place the toothbrush at a slight angle against the gum line. Brush the outer surfaces of all teeth. Brush the inner surfaces of all teeth. Finally, brush the chewing surfaces of all molars. Done!   Parents have several ways to make brushing comfortable and fun, such as singing children’s songs while brushing to guide children to complete the task within the time. Besides, when assisting with brushing, parents should be gentle and cautious to avoid hurting children's gums, which could lead to their negative feelings towards brushing.   Dental Care Tip 2: Brush in the Morning and Before Bed Children sometimes find brushing “a fun game” instead of a task that has to be completed so they are not able to stay focused. Parents may consider brushing together to provide quality bonding time while allowing kids to imitate correct brushing gestures and habits. Remember to observe children's reactions and behaviours and offer them timely assistance and encouragement. Once children learn how to spit, they can start using fluoride toothpaste designed for kids.   Dental Care Tip 3: Choosing the Right Tools is Important Children may resist brushing if they are unfamiliar with the tools. Parents can make brushing a fun interactive experience by using storybooks to introduce the tools for brushing. Taking children shopping for toothbrushes allows them to feel the softness of different brushes and choose one they like. Parents can also let them try various toothpaste flavours to keep their interest in brushing.   Dental Care Tip 4: Cultivating Good Eating Habits Eating habits are closely related to dental care. The acids produced during meals are harmful to tooth surface, leading to mineral loss and, over time, tooth decay. Even drinking water is not able to neutralise the acids on the teeth. Therefore, reducing the frequency of meals is the effective approach. The principles are as follows:   Limit meals to no more than 6 times a day. Have three substantial meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) each day, with one snack time allowed between meals. Allow children to enjoy their favourite snacks and drinks during meals or snack time. Drink only plain water on a daily basis. Avoid using snacks as rewards. Reduce the intake of sweet food.   Furthermore, children should be guided to wean off bottle use completely by 18 months to reduce the risk of tooth decay (milk sugars cover baby teeth when the baby drinks and sleeps at the same time) or ear infections (milk may flow into the ear canal along the eustachian tube while lying down). After turning one, children can be taught to use a cup to drink water or other beverages.   "Baby Teeth Health Promotion” Programme in HKSPC Day Crèches Our day crèches implement the "Baby Teeth Health Promotion" programme annually, partnering with parents to raise awareness on the importance of dental care for young children. We support parents through various activities, including parent seminars, promoting dental care months, sharing oral care booklets, and accessible online resources.   Rome wasn't built in a day, and so as cultivating good dental habits in children. Parents need to accompany and guide children with patience, making dental care a part of their daily routines.   Yuen Hau Ying Centre Supervisor Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children William Grimsdale Day Creche With over 20 years in early childhood education and a Master’s degree from The Education University of Hong Kong, Yuen specializes in the development of children aged 0–6. Yuen advocates for learning through daily life and nurturing independence, while fostering warm, respectful relationships between children, parents, and educators and creating a joyful atmosphere in the day creche.

  Nowadays, effective parent-child communication is crucial to the physical and mental development of children. This article aims to help parents understand how to communicate more effectively with their children through various psychological theories, tools, and methods. Good communication not only fosters children's emotional development but also helps them to build healthy relationships and values.   The Impact of Communication Styles Many parents adopt authoritarian or permissive communication styles, which can negatively affect their children's mental health. Authoritarian communication may make children feel oppressed and develop rebellious attitudes, while permissive communication can result in a lack of boundaries, obstructing children from learning healthy patterns of love and being loved. These poor communication styles not only harm children's self-esteem but also bring a negative impact to their social skills, making interactions with others difficult.   According to psychological research, effective parent-child communication should include respect and understanding. When parents communicate with their children, they should focus more on the feelings and needs of their kids rather than solely imposing their own ideas. This approach helps children to build confidence and promote their emotional and intellectual development.   Age and Cognitive Development Children of different ages show significant differences in cognitive and emotional development. Many parents often use a preaching style when communicating with their children, attempting to persuade them through logic. However, psychological research indicates that a child's prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until around the age of five or six, which makes it difficult for them to understand abstract concepts and reasoning. As a result, even if parents explain their rationales, children may not fully understand and fulfill related tasks.   Parents often believe that their children are disrespectful or disobedient in this situation but that is not the truth. In fact, children simply cannot understand what adults are trying to deliver. Parents should be alert to that instead of emphasizing verbal explanations. It is more effective to guide their children through examples. Demonstrating appropriate behaviors and values through actions is often more impactful than mere verbal instructions.   Technology and Patience Technological advancement speeds up communications between people but weakens our patience to communication. When communicating with children, parents often expect immediate results but become increasingly impatient to the responses children are giving. When children are comparatively slow in following instructions, parents may rush and criticize them, which makes children anxious and may even lead to their procrastination.   Erikson's research indicates that after the age of six, the development of self-esteem and a sense of competence is crucial for children's psychological growth. If parents disregard their children's emotions and thoughts during communication, children may feel disrespected and such negative experiences may intensify their rebellion toward parents and make them self-centred.   Ways to Foster Positive Parent-Child Relationships To make parent-child communications more effective, parents may follow these tips: Active Listening: Give children enough time and space to express their thoughts and feelings. This not only makes children feel valued but also enhances their expressive abilities. Use Simple and Clear Language: Based on children’s age and ability to understand, parents should use simple terms and sentences to convey ideas instead of complex reasoning and abstract concepts. Practice what you Preach: Family members' behaviors have a profound impact on children. By demonstrating correct behaviors and values, parents can guide their children more effectively. Be Patient: Provide sufficient patience and support in children's learning and growth processes, allowing them to learn from mistakes rather than rushing and criticizing. Emotional Support: Pay attention to children’s emotional needs when communicating with them to give them feelings safe and loved, which is essential for building a strong parent-child relationship.   In summary, effective parent-child communication is crucial for children's physical and mental development. By understanding children's developmental needs and adopting suitable communication methods, parents can foster children’s healthy growth and help them establish positive values and relationships.   Dr. Ringle Leung Director of HealthyMind Parents Academy Ringle is a positive parenting education specialist and a guest lecturer at Caritas Institute of Higher Education, holding a Master’s degree in Family Education and a Doctorate in Education. Over the years, Ringle has provided positive education courses and activities to more than 2,000 schools and organizations, reaching over 40,000 families. He has also appeared on various media platforms to deliver parenting talks to the public.

  In today's education landscape, children are not limited to textbook learning—their holistic development is gaining growing importance. We hope parents can enjoy learning in nature together with their kids in daily life, thereby promoting their well-being comprehensively. Nature offers a diverse learning platform, and also serves as an excellent space for enhancing children's emotional resonance and social interaction. We encourage parents to approach this from the perspective of strengthening their child’s social emotional learning, exploring nature together while learning how to observe, interact with, and appreciate the environment. Whether it is playing in a park or exploring the countryside, these activities provide children with opportunities to build self-awareness, self-management and social skills, while also deepening the bonding between parents and children. Let’s take a look at how we can integrate the five core competencies of social emotional learning into nature education.   Self-awareness The natural environment offers a dynamic and enriching setting where parents and children can learn self-perception through the changes in the environment. As children wander through nature and observe the changing seasons, their inner world will be connected and they will become aware of their own emotional responses to these natural shifts. Parents can further guide children to listen to their own heartbeat and breath through simple breathing exercises, so that children can be more aware of their physical state. These are valuable practices in developing self-awareness.   Self-management Children need to learn how to manage their behaviours to adapt to different environments and situations when exploring the nature. For example, during hands-on harvesting activities, children have to control their excitement, listen to others' instructions or opinions, and collaborate to complete tasks. This is not only an opportunity to learn from nature, but also a practical exercise in regulating emotions and behaviors within a team setting.   Social Awareness Activities in nature often require teamwork, providing children with opportunities to observe and understand the emotions and behaviors of others. Take hiking as an example, when children notice their peers showing signs of exhaustion, they have the opportunity to learn how to offer encouragement and support. These experiences help children develop empathy and respect for others' feelings in natural interactions, thereby strengthening their social awareness.   Relationship Skills Participating in group tasks within natural environments, like planting or garden maintenance, serves as a meaningful way to nurture children’s interpersonal abilities and foster teamwork. Through these experiences, children learn how to communicate effectively, resolve minor conflicts, and share in the joy of accomplishments. These interactions help children develop the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.   Responsible Decision Making Parents and children make various decisions together during nature exploration, such as which plants to grow at home or which routes to take on a hike. These decision-making processes strengthen parent-child collaboration, at the same time provide real-life opportunities for children to learn how to take the consequences of their choices into consideration, and how to weigh pros and cons when making a decision.   Learning and playing in natural environments enhances children's physical and mental well-being, also leaving behind unforgettable memories and cherished milestones while they are growing up. This serves as a solid foundation for their future relationships and career growth. By reconnecting with nature, we can explore and embrace more meaningful ways of learning—nurturing a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.   Boris Ma Service Director (Social Services) of HKSPC   Boris is a registered social worker, and a holder of the Master degree in Social Work (Mental Health) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is dedicated to developing people-oriented social services, mobilising community resources, and enhancing family functioning.

  “Wishing you happiness!” is a blessing we often hear. But what exactly is happiness?   As citizens living in Hong Kong, is our “Happiness Index” ideal? Can Hong Kong truly be called a “happy city”? Happiness should not belong exclusively to a certain age group, social class, or type of person. The opportunities and conditions for happiness should belong to everyone.   For a long time, Hong Kong—like many other countries and cities—has used GDP as the key indicator of social development and success, taking pride in its economic focus, competitiveness, and efficiency. Over time, this has become part of our culture. In a bustling city, the pace of life can feel suffocating. When we are too busy, powerless, or unwilling to care about our own feelings, it becomes all too easy to ignore the feelings of family, loved ones, neighbors, those we serve, and those who serve us—especially the young and vulnerable, the elderly, and people with special needs. Their cries often go unheard. Thus, while prosperity grows, so do heavy pressures and serious hidden dangers.   Media reports and cases handled by social welfare agencies and police show rising numbers of tragedies involving abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, and even suicides among children and youth—leaving deep physical and psychological scars. The suffering of children, the elderly, the vulnerable, and those with special needs is plain to see. “Happiness” feels far out of reach for them. Globally, mental health is now recognized as a critical issue, with depression and mental illness posing a major threat to sustainable development. This is not just Hong Kong’s challenge—it is an international crisis. In recent years, advocates have begun calling for the creation of a “culture of happiness”—a movement that deserves strong support. But how do we build such a culture? What are the indicators? And whose responsibility is it?   In July 2011, the United Nations passed a resolution urging member states to guide public policy toward measuring national happiness. On April 1, 2012, the first World Happiness Report was published—the world’s first international survey based on happiness. It explored the causes of happiness and suffering, and the impact of national policies. The seventh report was released in March 2024, with Finland ranked as the happiest country for the seventh consecutive year—a case worth studying. Based on research by experienced scholars in economics, psychology, and national statistics, six key indicators for assessing happiness were established: GDP per capita Healthy life expectancy Charity & generosity Freedom of choice Freedom from corruption Social support   These indicators clearly show that building a culture of happiness requires forward-looking, fair, and progressive social policies; timely laws and systems; clear benchmarks; action plans; and sustained, effective citywide efforts. It demands genuine participation, knowledge, skills, and values—and a sense of personal responsibility. To achieve this, strong leadership from policymakers is crucial. But protecting our families, caring for those around us, and safeguarding the weak and innocent is everyone’s responsibility. Respecting human rights and family matters is vital, but when violence or bullying crosses society’s bottom line, we cannot turn a blind eye or remain bystanders. We must act—support, help, and refer cases to professionals when appropriate. Timely assessment and intervention can change the future for someone in crisis. Let us hold children’s hands, protect their innocence, and ensure they live in an environment that safeguards their best interests—safe from violence, and nurturing to body, mind, and spirit. Together, let’s build a culture of happiness!   Mrs. LUI TSANG Sun-kaiMrs. LUI TSANG is an active child rights advocate in Hong Kong, she is also:The former Chief Executive of Against Child AbuseThe former Chairperson of Hong Kong Committee on Children’s Rights, andThe former member of Commission on Children

  Is your child constantly jumping around at home? That’s actually normal for early childhood development! Adequate physical activity not only strengthens the body’s muscles but also supports intellectual growth, positively impacting brain development and cognitive abilities in young children.   Benefits of Physical Training Physical DevelopmentPhysical training equips young children with the basic motor skills needed for daily activities, such as lifting heavy objects, carrying a school bag, or climbing stairs. It also enhances their body coordination and motor planning abilities, which are essential for self-care and organizing tasks. Brain DevelopmentPhysical exercise strengthens the neural connections in a child’s brain, improving cognitive functions, learning ability, emotional regulation, focus, and memory. These benefits contribute to more effective learning across various areas. Social DevelopmentWhen children engage in physical activities with siblings or peers, they develop social skills and the sense of teamwork. It also builds their confidence and motivation to participate. Confident children tend to be more driven and proactive in both learning and everyday life.   Home Physical Training – Practical Guide Body Coordination Rice Roll GameLay a large bath towel on a mat. Have the child lie at one end of the towel. The parent rolls the child up in the towel, then encourages the child to try rolling out on their own until the towel is completely unwrapped.   Enhancing Upper Limb Control, Strength, and Stability Water Pouring ExpertLet the child try pouring water using a kettle in daily life. From lifting the kettle, aiming at the cup, to controlling the pouring speed—each step is a great upper body workout. Little HelperWhen moving books or toy boxes at home, invite the child to help. This not only strengthens upper limb muscles but also trains their self-care skills.   Improving Weight Shifting and Balance Floor Wiping with FeetHave the child step one foot on the floor and the other on a dry towel. Then wipe the floor with the foot forward, backward, or side to side. Switch feet afterward. At first, an adult can hold the child’s hands for support, and gradually reduce assistance as the child gains control.   Strengthening Core and Limb Muscles and Control Picking up Toys in All-fours PositionThe correct all-fours position involves palms and knees touching the ground, arms and waist straight, and legs forming two right angles. Though it looks simple, it’s a highly effective exercise. Encourage the child to maintain this posture while picking up toys from the floor.   Motor Planning Skills Bed MakingFrom folding the blanket in the right direction, coordinating both hands to insert the pillow into the case, to spreading out a large bedsheet—these tasks are challenging for young children. Although it may take longer than doing it yourself, involving children in bed-making is a valuable experience for their development.   4 Tips for Parents Ensure a Safe Environment Parents should make sure the activity area is free of obstacles to prevent slips or collisions. Sharp or fragile items should be placed out of children's reach. Activities that involve lying down, such as the “Rice Roll Game,” should be done on a mat or a double bed. Allow Children to Try When children first try pouring water on their own, it’s likely the table and floor will get wet. But every mistake and attempt is a valuable learning opportunity. Through repeated practice, adjustment, and experience, children gradually move closer to success. During these attempts, parents can offer support like letting children to do water pouring over a tray, use a smaller kettle and a cup with a wider mouth, and be given a towel to clean up afterward. Set Appropriate Goals Moderate challenges can boost children’s motivation and engagement. Take the “All-fours Position Toys Pickup” activity as an example: if a child can already maintain the posture for one minute, parents can set a new challenge goal of one minute and fifteen seconds or one and a half minutes. Give Positive Feedback Parents should pay attention to what children do well and offer encouraging feedback. For example, if a child is trying to spread out a bedsheet but only manages to open half of it, a parent might say: “You’ve already spread out the top part—great job! Now just the bottom part is left. Keep going!” Positive and specific praise helps build a child’s self-worth.   LEUNG Hong Ki Senior Children Development and Training Instructor Centre for Child Enlightenment, HKSPC Hong Ki is a registered Child Care Worker (CCW) and Special Child Care Worker (SCCW) with over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. She is currently responsible for providing On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services (OPRS) and services under the Training Subsidy Programme (TSP).