NeuroplayAustralia - Play Therapy and Child Counsellor

05/08/2026

30/07/2026

27/07/2026

Love this!

27/07/2026

Children with APD can hear sounds, but their brains struggle to interpret and make sense of what they hear, especially in noisy environments or when multiple sounds occur simultaneously. --->> https://www.thesensoryspectrum.com/auditory-processing-disorder-children/

27/07/2026

Have you ever looked at your child and wondered… “Is this normal?”

One of the biggest challenges of parenting is knowing the difference between behaviour that reflects healthy brain development and behaviour that may need extra support.

That’s why we’re starting a brand new series.

From age 3 right through to age 25, we’ll be exploring how the brain develops, what that can look like in everyday life, and the simple things that help children and young people thrive.

Today’s post begins at age 3—a time when curiosity explodes, emotions are big, independence blossoms and little brains are making millions of new connections every day.

Every child develops at their own pace, so these posts aren’t intended as milestones that every child must reach by a certain age. Instead, they’re designed to help you understand the development behind what you see.

💬 I’d love to hear from you.
If you have a 3-year-old (or remember when your child was 3!), what part of this post resonates most with you?

And if you’d like to follow the series all the way from 3 to 25 with daily posts, make sure you’re following The Contented Child so you don’t miss the next age. Come back tomorrow for 4 years old.

Girl version posted Monday.

24/07/2026

🧠 I AM 5 | The Brain Development Behind What You See

At five years old, a child’s brain is becoming more organised, more curious and more independent—but it is still very much under construction.

They may seem capable one moment and overwhelmed the next. They ask endless questions, want to understand how things work, and are beginning to think ahead, solve problems and make sense of the world around them. Yet they still need support with managing big feelings, waiting, flexibility and self-control.

What looks like “not listening,” frustration or forgetfulness is often a reflection of a brain that is still developing the skills needed for emotional regulation, planning and impulse control.

When we understand what is happening inside a child’s developing brain, it becomes easier to respond with patience, connection and realistic expectations.

This is Age 5 in our Brain Development Series, following the journey from ages 3–25.

❤️ What do you notice most about your five-year-old?

23/07/2026

💚 "Their behaviour seems worse since they started therapy…" 💚

It can feel worrying when a child begins therapy and you notice changes in their behaviour.

You might see more tears, bigger emotions, increased clinginess, more irritability, or periods where they seem more unsettled than usual.

This doesn't necessarily mean therapy isn't working.

In fact, it can be a sign that a child is beginning to feel safe enough to let out feelings they have been holding inside.

Many children spend so much energy masking, coping or "holding it together" that therapy becomes one of the first places where they feel secure enough to begin processing difficult emotions. As this happens, those feelings can sometimes spill over into home or school.

So, what can you do?

💚 Stay calm and consistent. Children borrow our calm when theirs is difficult to find.

💚 Remember that behaviour is communication. Try to be curious about what the behaviour might be telling you rather than focusing only on stopping it.

💚 Keep routines predictable. Familiar routines help children feel safe when emotions feel less predictable.

💚 Focus on connection before correction. Feeling understood often helps children regulate more effectively than consequences alone.

💚 Share any significant changes with your child's therapist. Your observations help build a fuller picture of how the child is coping outside the playroom.

💚 Be patient. Healing is rarely a straight line. There may be steps forwards, steps sideways and occasional steps backwards before lasting change is seen.

Above all, remember this:

A child who has spent a long time hiding their feelings may first need to feel them before they can learn to manage them.

Your calm, understanding and patience are a vital part of the therapeutic journey.