After nearly 12 months away from the mic, I'm back.....and I have a lot I want to share with you. This episode is for every educator and service coordinator who has been watching the landscape shift and wondering: is this the end of family daycare? The short answer is no. But it IS a season of change, and the way you move through it will determine whether you're still standing on the other side. In this episode I talk openly about what I'm seeing across the sector right now, more service closures than I've witnessed in 14 years, the financial pressures behind them, and why it's not a reflection on you or the work that you do. I also share what I believe separates the services and educators who will survive this season from those who won't, and it might not be what you expect. This is real talk, with love, for the profession I care deeply about.
July 10, 202531 min
Beyond the Device Ban: Safeguarding Childhood in a Digital Age
Hello, my lovely listeners 💛
This week’s episode is a heavy one, but one we must have.
We’re diving into the real reason behind the Department's push to ban personal devices in early childhood settings, including family day care. And let me be upfront, this is not one to listen to with children nearby.
This conversation includes disturbing truths around child safety, exploitation, and the vulnerabilities within our sector that are being taken advantage of in horrifying ways. It’s triggering, it’s confronting, but it’s necessary.
If you work in early childhood education, especially in leadership, you need to hear this.
What I Covered in This Episode:
Why the Device Ban is Being Proposed
This isn’t about overreach or bureaucracy. It’s about protecting children from predators who are misusing personal devices to record and share abusive content. I break down exactly how this is happening, and why simply switching to a "business-owned device" doesn’t solve the core issue.
The Vulnerabilities in Our Sector
We speak openly about the deep cracks in the early childhood system: understaffing, underqualified educators, rushed training pathways, and casual workforces. All of these create the perfect storm for grooming and exploitation. We must stop being naïve about this.
Why Family Day Care is Different
Family day care offers consistency and relationships. One educator from open to close means fewer opportunities for exploitation. This is one of our sector's greatest strengths, and it’s time we stood up for it.
The Role of Technology and Apps
I share my strong concerns about the use of apps that share images of children, even in "private" groups. The moment you press send, you lose control. With AI and deepfakes now in play, even innocent images can be manipulated in unimaginable ways.
Taking Real Action
It's not enough to simply comply. We need to understand why these changes are happening, have courageous conversations, and come together as a sector to create real, child-centred policies.
Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away:
Stop posting identifiable photographs of children, no matter how "secure" you believe the platform to be
Host a team discussion about the realities of online safety and exploitation
Participate in the Service Leader Forum and contribute your ideas, concerns, and solutions
Educate yourself and your team by listening to Children in the Pictures and The Silk Road episodes
Push for thoughtful, robust policies that go beyond surface-level compliance
Why This Matters:
The children in our care depend on us, not just to educate them, but to protect them. That means doing the uncomfortable work. That means choosing action over avoidance. And that means understanding the real risks, not the sanitised version.
We cannot be passive observers. We must be the professionals who advocate fiercely for child safety and the integrity of our sector.
What’s Coming Up:
• Service Leader Forum Happening Monday night Submit your form beforehand so we can collate concerns, share ideas, and advocate together
• Educator Forum – Week of 28 July All educators welcome. We’ll present what’s emerged from the leadership forum and open the floor for educator voices. Your input matters
• Special Guests: Kristie McVee + Kayleen from eSafety Joining us in the second forum to help shape effective, real-world solutions
Links Mentioned:
• Children in the Pictures – Spotify • Casefile: The Silk Road Episode
A Few Final Thoughts:
“We just can’t be quiet. We can’t let other people make all these decisions for us. We have to gather together, we have to work together, and we have to unite.”
This is a defining moment for our sector, and what we choose to do next matters. If we don’t speak up, we hand our power over to people who don’t understand our context, our strengths, or our heart.
Your Challenge This Week:
Share this episode with your service leaders or team
Start a real conversation about digital safety and the use of personal devices
Fill in the forum form – your voice is needed
Reflect on your documentation and image-sharing practices. Do they truly protect the children in your care?
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
Was this episode hard to listen to? What stood out to you? Are you planning to make changes?
Message me or share your reflections. I’d love to hear what you’re thinking.
Thanks for holding this space with me today. Let’s be the educators who lead with courage, integrity, and heart.
Speak soon, Big love 💛
July 3, 202530 min
Do You Own Your Business, Or Does It Own You?
Hello, my lovely listeners!
This week, I’m diving into something that many of us feel but don’t often say out loud: Do you own your business, or does it own you? If you’re feeling constantly “on”, mentally cluttered, or like your to-do list is running your life, this episode is for you.
After a big few months of summits, launches, and life happening all at once, I’m back in the saddle with reflections, tools, and truths from the heart of family day care life.
What I Covered in This Episode:
That Constant ‘On’ Feeling
You know that feeling when you walk from your office into your kitchen and instantly see a dozen other jobs waiting? I’ve lived it. And I want you to know: we are not designed to be always available. Your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a workplace 24/7.
You Set the Rhythm—Not the Other Way Around
Being a business owner means you get to decide how your day flows. I share my own experiences creating rituals like taking off my apron to mentally ‘clock off’, and how those little shifts can bring big peace.
What Boundaries Really Look Like
Boundaries aren’t just rules: they’re acts of leadership. Whether it’s covering your toy shelves at the end of the day or saying no to extended hours, these choices help protect your time and well-being.
Including Children in Daily Life
I talk about why cleaning windows or hanging laundry with children isn’t “unprofessional”: it’s rich, respectful learning. These real-life tasks build skills, connection, and community within your service.
Self-Discipline and Nervous System Regulation
Let’s talk doom-scrolling. If that’s how you’re decompressing, it might be time to check in. I offer gentle reflections on managing energy, prioritising rest, and building a structure that supports, not exhausts, you.
Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away:
Create a physical signal for ending your day (like removing an apron or closing a curtain).
Set clear hours and stick to them—even when it’s hard.
Batch-plan your program by the season to reclaim time and reduce stress.
Delegate where you can—yes, a cleaner can be a business expense!
Include children in everyday tasks—cleaning, tidying, cooking. It’s all learning.
Why This Matters:
When you don’t manage your work hours, they manage you. And if your home becomes your workplace 24/7, it’s easy to lose the joy that brought you to this work in the first place. You deserve a calm, beautiful environment just as much as the children do.
A Few Final Thoughts:
Running a family day care is deeply personal, but it doesn’t mean you should be doing it all, all the time. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to design a business that uplifts you.
Your Challenge This Week:
What’s one boundary you can put in place to honour your time and energy? Maybe it’s finishing your work day at 5pm. Maybe it’s starting meal planning. Maybe it’s saying no to weekend documentation. Whatever it is, commit to it.
Let me know what change you’re making. I’d love to hear about it.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
Did this episode spark something for you? What’s one change you’re going to make this week? Message me or share in our community, I’m always here for the big-hearted chats.
Thanks for joining me again. I’ve missed you all, and I’m so excited to be back. Let’s continue to advocate for slow, intentional, and heart-centred education.
Speak soon! 💛
March 6, 202522 min
When Life Throws Curveballs: Building a Safety Net as a Family Day Care Educator
Hello, my lovely listeners!
This week, I’m diving into something crucial for every family day care educator—being prepared for when things go wrong. Whether it’s natural disasters, unexpected closures, or financial hiccups, too many educators are one emergency away from financial stress.
This episode isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. It’s about taking control, planning ahead, and making sure you have the safety nets in place to protect yourself, your business, and your well-being. Because no one is coming to save you—you have to take charge of your own future.
What I Covered in This Episode:
Why Charging Your Worth is Essential
One of the biggest mistakes I see educators making? Undervaluing their work. You are not “profiting off the children” (let’s shut that idea down right now!). You are profiting off your hard work, your resources, and your expertise. And that’s how it should be! If you’re still operating at the CCS cap, you’re working below minimum wage—and that’s not sustainable.
The Importance of Emergency Funds
Imagine you had to close for a week—could you afford it? Having an emergency fund means you can take time off without stress. Even setting aside one day’s pay per season can make a difference.
Why You Need Income Protection & Disability Insurance
This is the one thing I want you to take action on today. Pick up the phone and call your super company. Make sure you have income protection and total permanent disability insurance. It’s a small cost now but could be life-changing if you ever need it.
How Clear Policies Can Save You From Stress
If you’re still accepting payments from families yourself, you NEED a strict policy in place. No more chasing unpaid fees! If a family won’t pay now, they won’t pay later. Have a clear payment policy, enforce it, and protect yourself from financial loss.
The Power of Community & Self-Care
Your support network matters. Whether it’s fellow educators, a professional mentor, or a trusted friend, having people to lean on can make all the difference. And don’t forget to look after yourself! Regular self-care (yes, even in the chaos!) helps you think clearly, problem-solve effectively, and avoid burnout.
5 Ways to Protect Yourself & Your Business
Charge your worth – Your work is valuable, and you deserve to be paid fairly.
Build a financial buffer – Start small, but start today.
Sort out your insurance – It’s not a “nice-to-have”, it’s a must.
Set clear policies & enforce them – Stop letting unpaid fees drain your income.
Lean on your community – Support makes all the difference.
A Few Final Thoughts:
Tough times will come—that’s life. But with the right financial, practical, and emotional safety nets, you can navigate challenges without spiralling into stress.
Your challenge this week: Call your super company. Check your insurance cover and make sure you’re protected. This is one small step that could make a huge impact on your future.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
Did this episode hit home for you? What’s one thing you’re going to change in your family day care business to be better prepared? Send me a message or leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for spending this time with me today. Let’s continue to advocate for slow, intentional, and heart-centred education.
Speak soon! 💛
February 26, 202529 min
How to Talk to Families About Slow Pedagogy: Addressing Misconceptions & Gaining Support
Hello, my lovely listeners!
This week, we’re diving into a topic that I know many of you have questions about—slow pedagogy. What is it really? How do we explain it to families in a way that makes sense? And most importantly, how do we help them see that it’s not about letting children run wild, but about creating intentional, meaningful learning experiences?
If you’ve ever had a parent ask, “But how will my child be ready for school?” or “Why aren’t they bringing home worksheets?”—then this episode is for you!
What I Covered in This Episode:
1. Why Slow Pedagogy is Misunderstood
Many families (and even some educators) hear child-led and assume it means chaotic or unstructured. But slow pedagogy is actually the complete opposite—it’s about creating a thoughtful, deeply engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
2. Shifting the Language for Parents
Instead of saying “We let children lead their learning,” try:• “We create an environment where children develop independence, creativity, and confidence by exploring at their own pace.”
Instead of saying “I don’t follow rigid schedules,” try:• “I have a flexible routine that allows children to engage deeply in learning rather than rushing from one activity to the next.”
The words we use matter, and small shifts like this can help parents better understand and appreciate the value of what we do.
3. Making Learning Visible
Since slow pedagogy doesn’t produce the traditional “proof” of learning (like worksheets or daily craft projects), we need to showcase learning in action:• Take photos of deep engagement in play• Share videos of problem-solving moments• Use storytelling to explain what’s happening behind the scenes
When parents can see the learning happening, they’ll start to value the process over the product.
4. Addressing the Big Question: “Will My Child Be Ready for School?”
Let’s rethink what school readiness actually means. It’s not about rote learning—it’s about children developing the skills they need to thrive. In this episode, I unpack why:• Being able to communicate their needs is more important than writing their name• Managing emotions and handling disappointment is key to confidence• Everyday skills like opening a lunchbox or putting away their belongings are school-readiness essentials
Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away:
• Use simple, relatable analogies (cooking, gym training, learning to walk) to explain slow pedagogy• Help parents observe the learning by giving them a lens: “Today, your child was exploring mathematical concepts through filling and emptying buckets in the sandpit.”• Host stay-and-play sessions so parents can see the magic happening firsthand• Use social media and newsletters to regularly communicate the why behind your approach
Why This Matters:
We live in a fast-paced world, and children are constantly being rushed from one thing to the next. Slow pedagogy gives them space to breathe, think, and truly engage. But for it to work, we need parents on board. Having these conversations and educating families is just as important as the work we do with children.
What’s Coming Up:
• Helicopter to Hands-Off – A practical training on stepping back and fostering independence in children. Starts 4th March! - Register Here
Your Challenge This Week:
Next time you’re talking to a parent about their child’s day, reframe your language. Instead of simply saying, “They played in the garden,” explain the deep learning that happened. Let’s start shifting the conversation and helping families see the beauty of slow pedagogy!
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
Have you had pushback from families about play-based learning? How do you explain slow pedagogy in your setting? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message or leave a comment.
Thanks for spending this time with me today. Let’s continue to advocate for slow, intentional, and heart-centred education.
Speak soon! 💛
February 18, 202541 min
The Educator’s Role in Supporting Independence
Hello, my lovely listeners!
This week, we’re diving into something so close to my heart—supporting children’s independence. If you’ve ever found yourself rushing to do things for children instead of with them, or if you’re wondering how to step back and truly empower the little ones in your care, this episode is for you.
Independence isn’t about children doing everything alone—it’s about giving them the space, trust, and skills to feel capable and confident in their own abilities. So let’s explore what this looks like in practice and how we, as educators, can move from directors to facilitators in their learning journeys.
What I Covered in This Episode:
Why Independence is the Heart of School Readiness
Forget rote learning and worksheets—true school readiness is about emotional regulation, communication, and responsibility. If children can express their needs, manage their emotions, and take ownership of small tasks, they’re on the right track.
The Biggest Barrier to Independence? Us.
Oof. This one might sting a little. But it’s true—the biggest hurdle to children developing independence is often the adults in their lives. We step in too quickly, we do things for them instead of with them, and we rush transitions. I share how to reframe our mindset so we can start truly trusting children’s capabilities.
The Art of Facilitating Instead of Directing
As educators, we need to give just enough support—but not too much. I’ll walk you through how to balance guidance with letting go, so children can problem-solve, take risks, and feel the deep satisfaction of mastering new skills.
Let’s Talk Transitions
Morning routines, meal prep, getting ready for outside play—these are all golden opportunities for children to practise independence. But when we rush them, we rob children of that chance. I share simple ways to slow down and create smoother transitions that encourage self-sufficiency.
Five Simple Ways to Support Independence Today:
Pause before helping. Instead of jumping in, take a breath and ask, “What do you think you could try next?” Give them time to process and problem-solve.
Trust that they are capable. When we stop hovering and start believing in their abilities, children rise to the challenge.
Give them real responsibilities. Putting away their shoes, setting the table, packing their bag—small tasks build confidence in big ways.
Slow down your transitions. Rushing creates stress (for us and for them). Give clear cues and allow time for children to move through routines at their own pace.
Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Whether it’s putting on socks or pouring water, focus on the process rather than perfection.
A Direct Quote from Me in This Episode:
“If we don’t trust the children, they are never going to trust themselves. Imagine being an adult who grows up not trusting that they can do things and they can manage in life. Like, what are we doing? Honestly, like what are we doing? We do not allow children to play unsupervised under the helicopter anymore.
And it happens in early childhood education too. And I understand the need for supervision when you're dealing with other people's children and preventable things are happening. Like, there needs to be accountability in that.”
What’s Coming Up:
Helicopter to Hands-Off Free Workshop – Learn how to stop hovering and start empowering. Register Here (Starts 4th March!)
Essential Elements Course – A deep dive into creating a calm, purposeful practice that supports children’s independence. Join the waitlist
Your Challenge This Week:
Take a step back and observe. Where are you stepping in too quickly? Try pausing before offering help and see what happens when you give children space to try first.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
I’d love to hear from you—what’s one way you’re fostering independence in your family day care setting? Send me a message or leave a comment!
Thanks for being here, for the work you do, and for joining me on this journey towards Big Hearted Education. Let’s keep lifting children up by trusting them to shine.
Speak soon! 💛
February 11, 202531 min
The Practicalities of Slow Pedagogy
Hello, my lovely listeners!
This week, we’re getting practical with slow pedagogy—what it actually looks like in your family day care and how to bring it to life without feeling overwhelmed. Slow pedagogy isn’t just about moving at a slower pace; it’s about being intentional, creating space for deep play, and letting go of the pressure to always be “doing.”
If you’ve ever felt like your days are too rushed, cluttered, or full of interruptions, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how to create a calm, thoughtful, and truly engaging learning environment—for both the children and yourself.
What I Covered in This Episode:
Decluttering Your Space and Mind - I used to think that having a lot of resources meant I was offering a rich environment. But over time, I realised that too much stuff actually does the opposite—it overwhelms children and leads to surface-level play. I share why less is more and how decluttering can actually help children engage more deeply.
Why Play Needs Time - "It takes about 45 minutes for children to drop into true creative play. So if you only give them half an hour because you've got to do this and you've got to do that, you're not allowing them to ever truly drop into their creative play." If we’re constantly interrupting play, children never get to that deep level of engagement where real learning happens. In this episode, I talk about why long, uninterrupted play periods are essential and how you can structure your day to protect those blocks of time.
Doing Less So Children Gain More - Slow pedagogy isn’t about stripping everything away—it’s about curating what’s truly valuable. Some of the key shifts I talk about in this episode include:
Swapping out closed-ended toys for open-ended materials (so children can use them in multiple ways)
Allowing long stretches of play instead of constantly moving children from one thing to the next
Encouraging independence—letting children do things for themselves rather than rushing in to help
Simplifying your programming so you work smarter, not harder
Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away
Declutter your space. Take a look at your shelves—what isn’t being used? What’s just adding noise?
Use more open-ended materials. Curtain rings, wooden spoons, and baskets of natural materials offer more possibilities than a plastic toy with one function.
Observe before you intervene. Instead of jumping in, watch how children interact with materials—let them lead their own learning.
Prioritise fewer transitions. If your schedule feels packed, ask yourself: what can I let go of?
Create a rest moment for yourself. Whether it’s during nap time or a quiet play session, take 10 minutes to breathe and reset.
Why This Matters:
When we slow down, we create a learning environment where children feel safe, connected, and free to explore. And here’s the best part—it benefits us too. By letting go of the rush, we give ourselves permission to be present, to notice the little moments, and to truly enjoy our work.
What’s Coming Up:
Seasonal Planning Workshop – Plan your next 12 weeks in just three hours! No more scrambling for ideas—you’ll walk away with a complete, intentional plan.- 15th February | $39 | Register Here!
The Essential Elements Course – Learn how to create a calm, purposeful day care with a rhythm that truly works for you and the children.Join the Waitlist!
Gold Coast (DREAM LEAD PLAY) Conference – A weekend of inspiration, connection, and practical strategies with incredible speakers like Kirstie Day and Katrina Ashmore.Book Your Tickets Here!
Your Challenge This Week:
Take one area in your space—whether it’s a toy shelf, an art supply cupboard, or even your planner—and declutter it. Remove anything that isn’t serving you or the children. See how it feels to have a bit more breathing room.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Did this episode resonate with you? What’s one thing you’re going to try in your family day care setting? I’d love to hear from you—send me a message or leave a comment below!
Thanks for being here, lovely educators. Slow down, breathe, and trust the process. You’re doing incredible work.
Speak soon! 💛
February 4, 202548 min
Encouraging a Cultural Shift in FDC
Welcome back to the Big Hearted Podcast!
This week, we’re diving into something I feel really passionate about—encouraging a cultural shift in family day care.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the answer to burnout in FDC is slow pedagogy. When we slow down, tune into the children, and create mindful, intentional environments, everything changes. The children thrive, we thrive, and we stop feeling like we’re constantly running on empty.
In this episode, I break down:
Why slow pedagogy is the key to reducing burnout
The four pillars of a successful FDC business—and why they all need attention
How to set boundaries with families (because you are not their emotional dumping ground!)
The importance of mindful planning so you can actually enjoy your work
Why you should never feel guilty for making a profit in FDC
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just need a reminder that you deserve to love your work, this episode is for you.
5 Ways to Shift the Culture in FDC
Be present. Put down the to-do list, stop rushing, and actually observe the children in front of you.
Hold firm boundaries. Your role is to care for the children—not provide free counselling for parents.
Declutter your space. Too much “stuff” = overstimulation for children and stress for you. Less is more.
Get your business in order. Financial stress will pull your energy away from the children—stay on top of it.
Trust yourself. You know what the children need. You are a professional. Act like it.
A Quote From This Episode
"You are not profiting off the children. Let me be really clear about that. You are profiting off the hard work that you've done. The parents are paying you for the time freedom for themselves to be able to go and earn their income. You are not profiting off the children. You are not out there selling the children's artwork or, um, selling them to go and dig holes in someone's garden, like, you are not profiting off the children. You are profiting off the hard work that you put in."
Social Media Quote
"The best thing we can do for children in FDC? Slow. Down. When we move with intention, we see more, we connect deeper, and we stop feeling exhausted all the time."
What's Coming Up:
Autumn Planning Session (15th Feb 2025): www.bigheartededucation.com/autumnplanning2025
Dream Lead Play Conference (June, Gold Coast): www.bigheartededucation.com/conference
Essential Elements Programme: www.bigheartededucation.com/essential-elements
Let’s make FDC better for us and for the children. Big love, and see you next time!
January 28, 202534 min
The Lasting Impact on Children's Transitions to Bigger Settings
The Lasting Impact on Children's Transitions to Bigger Settings
Hello, hello, and welcome back to the Big Hearted Podcast!
This week, we're continuing the deep dive into slow pedagogy—and trust me, if you haven’t quite got it from the last two episodes, there’s still plenty more to unpack! This time, I’m focusing on the lasting impact slow pedagogy has on children, particularly when they’re transitioning into bigger environments—whether that’s moving from family day care into preschool or from early childhood settings into school.
I share a story about the time I was thrown into a chaotic preschool room, where children were wild, boundaries were non-existent, and the whole place just felt out of control. It took three months of slow, intentional change to turn things around, and it was a huge lesson in how much children need rhythm, trust, and space to just be.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why doing less actually gives children more
How over-scheduling leads to dysregulated children (and burnt-out educators)
What happens when we stop trusting children—and ourselves
Why frustration and mistakes are essential for learning
How slow pedagogy sets children up to handle bigger transitions with confidence
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by trying to plan all the things or worried that children will be bored if you don’t entertain them, this one is for you. We’re shifting perspectives and letting go of that pressure.
Oh, and don’t forget—Helicopter to Hands-Off is launching in March! If you want to dig deeper into what this actually looks like in practice, make sure you jump on the waitlist so you don’t miss the details.
5 Ways to Help Children Transition with Confidence Through Slow Pedagogy
Stop filling the space – Children need time to settle into play, problem-solve, and figure things out for themselves. Step back and observe before stepping in.
Trust the child – They are more capable than we give them credit for. Give them time and space to test their limits, work through frustration, and build real confidence.
Let go of the idea that "more" is better – Five structured activities a day will only lead to exhausted children (and an exhausted educator!). Real learning happens in the in-between moments.
Embrace boredom – Boredom is where creativity starts. If a child says, "I'm bored," that’s not your problem to solve. That’s an opportunity for them to find their own spark.
Create a strong rhythm – Predictability helps children feel secure. When they know what’s coming, they don’t need to rely on constant external stimulation to feel settled.
Direct Quote from Me:
"The more we do for the children, the less they do for themselves. We've swung this pendulum so far in one direction that we no longer trust the children. But deeper than that, we no longer trust our own ability. And rather than sit in the uncomfortableness of going, hang on a second, am I doing the right thing? We fill the space with what we think needs to happen. And we then buy into the notion that we need to provide more for the children."
Social Media Quote:
"Slow pedagogy isn't about doing less—it's about giving children more time, more trust, and more opportunities to truly learn."
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Helicopter to Hands-Off Workshop (3rd March) → Book Now
January 21, 202530 min
Beyond the Rush: Embracing Slow Pedagogy for Educators and Children
Beyond the Rush – Embracing Slow Pedagogy for Educators and Children
Hello, hello, and welcome back to the Big Hearted Podcast!
This week’s episode comes off the back of an email from Miss Jodie, who loved last week’s episode so much that she’s listened to it four times already! She’s also super keen for the Helicopter to Hands-Off workshop happening in March, so I thought—let’s dig a little deeper into this idea of slow pedagogy.
I’ll be honest, I had no idea what slow pedagogy was when I first started Big Hearted Education in 2020. But once I found the words for it, I realised that everything I’ve been teaching and practicing as an educator has been leading to this. It’s all about slowing down, being present, and taking a purposeful, intentional approach to how we run our family day care services.
In this episode, I’m sharing my own experiences from running an FDC while being an approved provider, coordinator, and educational leader—all at the same time (yep, ninja-level time management required!). I talk about how I had to shift my mindset, step away from the rush, and create a rhythm in my day that worked for both me and the children.
Because here’s the thing—when you’re stressed, the children feel it. And they’ll respond to the energy you bring into the space. So, let’s talk about how to break free from the rush, ditch the overwhelm, and embrace a way of working that actually feels good.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How slow pedagogy helps educators feel less overwhelmed and more connected
Why routines aren’t the answer—but rhythm and flow are
The biggest mistake educators make when trying to be "hands-off"
How to set up your day for success (so you’re not scrambling to get things done)
What it actually means to step back and let children lead
5 Ways to Slow Down in Your FDC
Ditch rigid routines – Swap them out for an ebb and flow approach that follows the children’s natural rhythms.
Revisit experiences – There’s nothing wrong with spending six weeks on painting and exploring it in different ways!
Step back from the play – Give children space to figure things out on their own before stepping in.
Be prepared behind the scenes – A well-run day isn’t about micromanaging; it’s about having things ready before they’re needed.
Trust that less is more – You don’t need to cram your day with activities to prove you’re doing a great job. Deep, meaningful engagement beats quantity every time.
A Quote from This Episode:
"When you are professionally holding yourself accountable as a family daycare professional, you start to put different meaning on the work that you're doing. And it becomes far more professionally fulfilling for you. When you have purpose and you understand why you're doing what you do. So that's a really positive benefit for educators because when things are slowed down enough, it gives you space to actually ponder and ask questions of yourself around what's actually happening."
Social Media Quote:
"We rush children too much. There’s nothing wrong with spending six weeks on painting, exploring different tools, techniques, and textures. Learning deepens when we revisit, reflect, and build on experiences over time." #SlowPedagogy
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Dream Lead Play Conference (Early Bird Tickets Until 31st Jan) → Get Your Tickets Here
90-Day Autumn Planning Session (15th Feb) → https://bigheartededucation.com/autumn-planning-2025
Helicopter to Hands-Off Workshop (3rd March) → Book Now
Essential Elements Course (12-Month Blueprint for FDC Educators) → Join The Waitlist
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