Insights & Articles

Screens are an unavoidable part of modern life. Instead of viewing technology as an enemy, we can approach it mindfully, teaching our children to use it as a tool for creativity and connection, rather than a source of passive consumption. The goal isn't to eliminate screens, but to integrate them into a balanced life.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Consistency is key. Children thrive on routines, and digital habits are no exception. Establish clear, age-appropriate rules around screen time.

• Create "Tech-Free" Zones & Times: Keep mealtimes and bedrooms screen-free. This encourages family conversation and protects sleep quality.
• Prioritize Quality over Quantity: Not all screen time is equal. An interactive educational app or a video call with grandparents is far more beneficial than passively watching endless videos.
• Co-View and Co-Play: Engage with the content alongside your child. Ask questions, connect it to real-life experiences, and make it a shared activity. This turns passive viewing into active learning.

At Ikigai, we believe that the best approach to early education is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all system. That's why we've carefully blended two world-renowned philosophies: Montessori and the Cambridge Early Years Framework. This unique combination provides the perfect balance of freedom and structure, preparing children for both school and life.

The Best of Both Worlds

The Montessori method excels at fostering independence, concentration, and a love for learning through child-led, hands-on exploration. Children are free to choose their work and learn at their own pace, which builds intrinsic motivation and self-confidence.

The Cambridge framework, on the other hand, provides a structured path with clear learning outcomes in key areas like literacy, numeracy, and global awareness. It ensures that children meet important developmental milestones and are well-prepared for the academic demands of primary school.

Empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of another—is one of the most important social skills we can nurture in our children. It's the foundation of kindness, compassion, and strong relationships. While it may seem like a complex concept for a toddler, the building blocks of empathy are laid in these crucial early years.

How to Teach Empathy

• Name That Feeling: Help your child build an emotional vocabulary. When they are happy, sad, or frustrated, name the feeling for them: "You are so happy we are going to the park!" or "It's frustrating when the blocks fall down, isn't it?"
• Model Empathy Yourself: Children are always watching. When you show empathy towards them, their siblings, your partner, or even characters in a book, you are providing a powerful example.
• Read Stories with Heart: Books are a wonderful way to explore different perspectives. Choose stories that feature characters with a range of emotions and discuss them with your child.

Good habits formed in early childhood are like strong roots for a tall tree—they provide stability, nourishment, and support for a lifetime of growth. At Ikigai, our Habit Learning Program is woven into every part of our day, helping children develop routines that foster responsibility, respect, and self-care in a natural, unforced way.

Why Habits Matter

Routines provide children with a sense of security and predictability. Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and frees up mental energy for learning and exploration. Furthermore, habits like tidying up after play or washing hands before meals instill a sense of responsibility and respect for oneself and one's environment.