Yaqoub Al Marzouqi
Early-years teacher
Parenting from birth to five
Calm, practical help for the early years
Practical, research-based advice on babies, toddlers, play and learning from experienced early-years educators.
New on the blog
Taste-safe sensory play for little ones
Edible play dough, jelly tubs and coloured rice: sensory play that is safe if it ends up in a small mouth.
Small things that matter
The everyday moments that build a strong bond with your child, and why they matter more than expensive toys.
How to improve your child's daily routine
A predictable day helps toddlers sleep, eat and behave better. Here is how to build one that fits your family.
Find help by age and topic
Explore our guides by topic, from the first weeks to the first day of school.
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Babies and sleep
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Toddler behaviour
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Sensory and pretend play
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Early reading and numbers
Why we started Khutuwat Saghira
"Parents in the Emirates kept asking us for advice that fits real family life: grandparents at home, long summers indoors and two languages at the dinner table. We write for those homes, one small step at a time."
Adel Al Hammadi, founder and early-years specialist
From parents who read us
The sensory play ideas kept my toddler busy for a whole rainy week. Thank you!
Clear, kind and practical advice. It's the first blog I check when I have a question.
The sleep articles finally helped our baby settle at night.
The specialists who review every article
Our writers are qualified early-years teachers, nurses and child psychologists.
Salem Al Tunaiji
Paediatric nurse
Bassam Haddad
Child psychologist