When you’ve got tots, things can get hectic! But that shouldn’t mean there’s no time to play. Play can make the day more fun for both of you, and it’s got loads of benefits for your child. You see, while they’re running, singing and Play-doh squishing, your wee one is busy working out loads of important stuff.

From 8 months to age 2, all the big things like intelligence, speech and how to get on with others are developing, and you can help them along the way. The good news is, it’s easy to fit play into the day. Try reading adverts on the bus to your wee one, or singing songs as you wheel the buggy around the town.

A bit of organisation can work wonders too. If you do need to fit in lots of errands, try making a to-do list for the following day so you can clear your mind of clutter before you go to sleep. If the day runs away with you though, don’t worry. Kids of all ages and stages will enjoy a bedtime story and, if you make it a habit, story time will become a treasured memory for years to come.