Nurture Paediatrics

11/11/2025

Last week, Mandy had the privilege of speaking at the Paediatric Society of NZ's 76th Annual Meeting in Auckland. Her presentation, “Early Intervention in Paediatric Pain,” highlighted why early support matters and how we can better empower tamariki and their whānau on their pain journey — a topic we’re incredibly passionate about at Nurture Paediatrics. 💛

For Mandy, Bo & Abi it was also an inspiring few days of learning, connecting, and absorbing new ideas from clinicians and researchers across Aotearoa, and a chance to enjoy the beautiful cultural performances woven throughout the conference. 🌿✨

We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this national kōrero and to keep growing alongside such an engaged and passionate community.

06/11/2025

As we continue to share stories for National Pain Awareness Week (Canada), today we want to bring the focus back home — to the support we offer tamariki and whānau right here in Aotearoa. 💛🌿

Persistent pain can be confusing and overwhelming for kids and their families. Understanding what’s happening in the body — and knowing how to gently rebuild confidence and comfort — can make a huge difference.

That’s why, at Nurture Paediatrics, we created My Pain Toolbox.

👉 My Pain Toolbox is a 6-session online or in-person group programme for tamariki aged 8–14 and their whānau.
Together, we explore:
✨ how pain works in the body and brain
✨ strategies to calm the nervous system
✨ movement, sleep, pacing, and everyday routines
✨ ways to reconnect with the things that matter most

It’s interactive, practical, and grounded in kindness — helping kids feel understood, empowered, and supported.

If you’re interested in learning more or joining the next group, we’re here to help. Let’s make sure every child’s pain is recognised and supported with care. 💙

04/11/2025

Quality pain care shouldn’t depend on where you live — but right now, not every child has access to the support they need.

In Canada The new Paediatric Pain Management Standard is an important step forward — recognising that children, whānau, and health professionals all bring vital perspectives to pain care. It calls for care that’s coordinated, compassionate, and centred on each child’s needs, goals, and culture.

We need this kind of partnership-based approach here in Aotearoa too. 🌿 Let’s make sure our tamariki and whānau are heard, supported, and included in every step of their pain care journey.

02/11/2025

🌏 National Pain Awareness Week (Canada) – and why it matters here in Aotearoa 🌿

In Canada, this week is National Pain Awareness Week — a time to shine a light on children’s pain and the barriers families face in getting the right support.

Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, we see many of the same challenges — families struggling to find information and care that reflects their language, culture, and community.

That’s why we’re sharing the amazing work of Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) and Our Kids’ Health, who are helping to close this gap through culturally adapted, accessible pain education.

Explore the resources here 👉 https://kidshealthnetwork.org/learning-hub/

and learn how you can help close the gap for kids in pain 👉 https://kidsinpain.ca/help-close-the-gap-for-kids-in-pain/

Let’s start conversations here in Aotearoa too — every child deserves to have their pain recognised, understood, and managed with care. 💙

Too many families face barriers to understanding and managing their child’s pain because resources aren’t built by or reflective of their culture, language, or community.

SKIP and Our Kids’ Health have been working to close this gap – with culturally adapted pain education in accessible formats.

Explore each cultural chapter’s Pain Education Hub to find trusted guidance on topics like:

-Supporting children with chronic pain
-Managing menstrual pain
-Recognizing pain in babies..and so much more

🔗 https://kidshealthnetwork.org/learning-hub/

Be part of the movement to close the gap for kids in pain! Visit our landing page to see how you can get involved and take action today! https://kidsinpain.ca/help-close-the-gap-for-kids-in-pain/

Our Kids' Health Network

26/10/2025

🌟🌏 Happy World Occupational Therapy Day! 🌍🌟

At Nurture Paediatrics, OT is all about helping kids explore, problem-solve, and feel confident in their everyday lives! 🧩

From messy play to mastering new challenges like learning to dress themselves, we’re here to support tamariki as they grow, learn, and discover their superpowers.

💛 A big shoutout to our very own Bo and all the other OTs around the world who make learning and life skills fun!

24/10/2025

Wishing a wonderful day to our hardworking, organised, and ever-supportive administrator! Thank you for everything you do to keep things running smoothly — we couldn’t do it without you. Hope your day is filled with laughter, cake, and all the things you love most! 💐💛

24/10/2025

Fine motor play — cutting, stacking, threading — strengthens the small muscles children need for writing, dressing, and independence.

In OT, we make practice fun: peg races, playdough treasure hunts, and craft challenges all help develop coordination in a playful way.

💡 Try this:
Hide small toys or beads in putty and have your child “rescue” them using tweezers or fingers!

23/10/2025

Outdoor play helps children move in varied ways, challenge their balance, and engage their senses.

Research shows kids who play outside regularly have better coordination, confidence, and wellbeing — and it’s free!

💡 Weekend idea:
Visit a Play Week event or make your own “mini adventure trail” at the park.

22/10/2025

Meet our latest "friend of the clinic". Jean de Wet from Words- Speech and Language Therapy is here with us at Nurture to bring her Omokoroa-based practice closer to town. We are fortunate to be inspired by the many amazing therapists working with our tamariki in our region and sharing our space. Welcome Jean! https://words.nz/

https://words.nz/

I am an experienced Speech and Language Therapist offering services to children in the Tauranga area. My practice, Words, is based in Omokoroa and Tauranga.

21/10/2025

Running, jumping, climbing — these aren’t just games. They’re how children develop coordination, strength, and balance.

In physiotherapy, we use play to make movement fun and meaningful — obstacle courses, animal walks, and scooter races are all powerful tools for building confidence and control.

💡 Try this at home:
Create a “pillow path” or “nature trail” for your child to balance along — great for ankles, knees, and focus!

20/10/2025

🌈 It’s Play Week Tauranga 2025! 🎉

This week (20–26 October), our city is celebrating the joy and power of play — and at Nurture, we couldn’t agree more!

As paediatric physiotherapists and occupational therapists, play is at the heart of what we do. It’s not “just fun” — it’s how children learn to move, explore, regulate, and connect, every playful moment helps build strength, coordination, confidence, and resilience.

Tauranga’s Play Week 2025 is full of free community events — from Nature Play Days and Tumble Time to Lunchtime Games and Play Along the Way sessions. These are wonderful opportunities for children (and grown-ups!) to experience the benefits of unstructured, joyful movement.

💡 This week, we’ll be sharing daily posts about the importance of play — from how it supports physical development to emotional regulation and sensory processing — plus fun play ideas you can try at home.

👉 Check out what’s on locally: whatsontauranga.co.nz/play-week-2025

16/10/2025

Have you met Abi yet? 👋
She’s our wonderful paediatric physio from Wales — full of energy, warmth, and fun! The kids absolutely adore her. 💛

In this video, Abi shares what she loves most about working with tamariki and what keeps her busy outside the clinic.