Editorial standards

This page explains how activities on Kidoloo are written, checked and updated, and what our ratings actually mean.

How an activity is written

Each activity is written to a fixed structure: what it is, what you need, numbered steps, why it benefits a child, how to adapt it by age, a safety note, and a cleanup tip. Nothing is published without all of those.

What the ratings mean

• Duration is the realistic time the activity holds attention, including setup. It is not a target.
• Mess runs from 1 to 5. A 1 leaves no trace. A 5 means changed clothes and a wiped floor.
• Noise runs from 1 to 5. A 1 is suitable during a phone call. A 5 is not suitable for a flat with neighbours.
• Your role is one of three: you join in, you set it up and step back, or the child can genuinely do it alone. We only mark an activity as independent if a child at the lower end of the stated age range could plausibly sustain it without help.
• Age range is a guide based on typical developmental stages, not a rule. Children vary enormously and you know yours.

Developmental claims

Where we explain why an activity benefits a child, we describe widely accepted principles of child development in plain language. These are general educational explanations. They are not medical or psychological advice, not diagnostic, and not specific to your child.

Safety

Every activity carries a safety note where any risk exists, covering choking hazards, water, heat, sharp tools, allergens and supervision. These notes are a starting point, not a complete risk assessment. You know your home, your child and their abilities. Always use your own judgement.

Corrections and updates

Activities are reviewed when a reader reports a problem and periodically otherwise. If we change something substantive, the page date changes. If we get something wrong, we correct it rather than quietly deleting it.

Advertising and independence

This site carries advertising. Advertisers have no influence over which activities appear, how they are rated, or what we write. We do not accept payment to feature an activity, and we do not run sponsored activities. If that ever changes, it will be labelled clearly on the activity itself.

Who writes this

Kidoloo is written and maintained by a small independent team. We are not doctors, therapists or teachers, and we do not present ourselves as any of those. Where a topic requires professional expertise, we say so and point you elsewhere.

Questions about this page: hello@kidoloo.com