Billy Button News

Dear Billy Button Families, 

Term 2 has flown by and the winter holidays are fast approaching. The children have become very familiar and comfortable with the Billy Button environment, and their own unique personalities are really starting to shine. It really has been a delight to watch them play, learn and grow. 

Our Winter holidays are quite long – four weeks in total – and will no doubt feel much longer for our little ones. In an ideal world school holidays mean more rest and quiet time for all, however it is not always the case. Often children (and parents!) can find themselves feeling a bit overwhelmed with later bedtimes, travel, the excitement of visitors and general lack of routine. With a little intention, families can help children stay regulated and supported and hopefully enjoy the slower pace that holidays can bring.

Children thrive on rhythm and routine – so even in the holidays it can be really helpful to try and maintain the basic structure of the day. Sleeping and eating are two fundamentals' things for our wellbeing and creating some simple rituals around them can really help to ground the children. 

Suggestions for include: 

• Lighting a candle at mealtimes. 
• Waiting for everyone to be seated until you start eating. 
• Encouraging children to ask to be excused when they have finished.
• Including children in the cleaning and tidying after the meal.   

• At bedtime, slow the pace as the evening unfolds:
• Dim the lights
• Speak more softly.
• Keep the same order of events (for example: brush teeth, wash face, pyjamas, story, lights out. 
• Even if bedtime happens later than usual, maintaining the sequence helps signal safety and reassurance. 

During busy days, children often show us they’re overwhelmed before a meltdown happens. Common signs include whining or increased demands for attention, clumsiness or frenetic movement and/or a louder voice or difficulty settling. Sometimes if children are overstimulated offering a simple, calming activity can help reset their nervous system (and possibly yours too!). 

Some examples include: 

• Snuggling into cosy nook with pillows. 
• A cuddle with a favourite stuffed animal. 
• Mess-free drawing or quiet play. 
• Listening to an audio book together. 

Just a few seemingly simple rituals in the day can really bring a sense of safety and security to our little ones!

Our Billy Button Winter Festival will be held on Friday the 19th of June at 9am and will last for approximately 1.5 hours. Children will go home with their families afterwards. Please keep an eye out for the invitation coming home with more details. 

We are looking forward to sharing the warmth and magic of the Winter Festival with you all. 

Warmly, 

Jemima and Farishta