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Real parents. Real problems. We’re here with a group of leading early learning and parenting professionals to answer your questions.

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What you need to know

At First Five Years we know that parents share many of the same struggles. We would like to offer a helping hand by giving you the opportunity to air your questions, issues or concerns about parenting, early learning or childhood behavioural issues with our panel of early learning and parenting professionals.

Step One – Ask your question.

Questions are limited to 500 characters. Your question will be moderated and published. (Questions may be edited and not all questions will be answered.)

Step Two – Your question is answered.

You’ll be notified by email when up to three of our panel members answer your question. We aim to answer questions as quickly as possible. Most will be answered within two working days.

View all members of our professional panel or if you have questions please contact us.

Your questions

Questions answered by Marie Stuart. Showing results 1-4 of 4

Sensory issues

My 5-year-old has sensory issues - socks and shoes, can't get him to wear them. He has already missed 2 days of school. Don't know what to do.

Physical health Mental health

Sleep issues and parental exhaustion

I read the article on sleep deprivation. I have a toddler and new baby, so can’t nap during the day. What strategies do you recommend for people like me? My eldest (2.5) stopped napping around 18months and has recently started being very wakeful at night (awake 2:30am until 4 or 5am) so I’m bouncing between the two kids all night as the toddler won’t accept my husband (she just escalates) and baby won’t take a bottle. We have no family nearby and my husband is often away for work too - I’m exhausted.

When should they read and write?

I have twin 4 year old twins. And my sister keeps asking them why haven’t the learned to read and write yet. Her kids did at that age. I’m 54 I went through invitro to have them I have older children in their 30’s also so it’s not my first time and her kids are grown. I don’t think they’re ready I’ve tried several times with it and they don’t seem interested but when they do it’s on their time not ours. I told her to just mind her business and thanks for any advice. But they’ll get there soon.

Reading Early learning activities Home learning Kindergarten / Preschool Literacy

Fear of the dark

My four year old is scared of the dark and needs us to stay with him while he goes to sleep and then comes into our room (and bed) when he wakes at night. It is legitimate fear and need for comfort but on the down side noone is getting any sleep! What should we do?

Developmental milestones Managing behaviour Mental health