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Big Hearted Education

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Big Hearted Education

Big Hearted Education Supporting Family Day Care Educators

04/02/2025

Children need us—fully present, aware, and in control of our own emotions.

They rely on us to hold the space, to guide them through big feelings, and to respond—not react. It’s not easy. Some days feel heavy. But even on the toughest days, we can create something beautiful.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s podcast episode, where we dive even deeper into this important conversation!

💛 How do you stay grounded when emotions run high in your FDC? Share your thoughts below! 👇

31/01/2025

Are we doing too much for children?
And what if less is actually more? What if slowing down, trusting the child, and allowing mistakes is the best way to prepare them for bigger settings?

Tune in to this episode of The Big Hearted Podcast to rethink transitions, independence, and why slow pedagogy is the game-changer children (and educators) truly need.

Have you ever felt the pressure to "do more" in your day?
Let’s chat in the comments!

28/01/2025

Are we doing too much for children?

This week on the Big Hearted Podcast, we dive into how slow pedagogy helps children transition into bigger settings with confidence. We’ve been conditioned to think more activities = better learning, but what if doing less actually gives children more? More trust. More independence. More resilience.

I share a personal story about transforming a chaotic preschool room and how creating space for mistakes, deep play, and problem-solving is the real key to preparing children for life beyond early childhood.

Listen now and let’s rethink how we support children’s transitions!

What’s one way you’ve embraced slowing down in your practice?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!

24/01/2025

Are you feeling rushed in your day as an educator?
Do you ever wish you had more time to truly connect with the children in your care?

This week on the Big Hearted Podcast, we dive into slow pedagogy once again—what it means, why it matters, and how it can transform your experience as an educator. I share my own journey of shifting from the rush of daily routines to a more intentional, ebb-and-flow approach that reduces stress and deepens learning for children. We’ll talk about ditching overwhelm, stepping back from play, and creating meaningful moments that make your work more fulfilling. Plus, I’ll give you practical strategies to help you slow down while still meeting compliance and planning requirements with ease.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, this episode is for you!

Have you tried slowing things down in your FDC?
What changes have you noticed in the children—or in yourself?
Let’s chat in the comments!

22/01/2025

You're burning yourself out—and slow pedagogy is the secret to stopping it.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists and constant rush in early childhood education? It’s time to take a breath. Slow pedagogy isn’t just about the children—it’s about YOU, too.
Slowing down and focusing on what truly matters creates a more fulfilling, sustainable, and stress-free work environment. Ready to make the shift? Let's talk about how you can implement slow pedagogy in your daily routine.

21/01/2025

Your roadmap to implementing Slow Pedagogy in 2025 is here!

I’ve mapped out a year filled with inspiring events, practical planning sessions, and essential elements to help you create meaningful learning experiences.

📅 Key Dates to Remember:
🔹 Seasonal Planning Sessions – Starting 15th Feb
🔹 Essential Elements Mini Courses – 3rd March & 20th October
🔹 Swing the Pendulum Free Summit – 7-9 May
🔹 Dream Lead Play Conference – 5th & 7th June
🔹 Future Planning for 2026 – 1st November

Early Bird Tickets finish on 31st January! Don’t miss out on securing your spot at the best price.

Come be part of the fun at www.bigheartededucation.com, and let's make 2025 a year of meaningful, joyful, and intentional learning together!

16/01/2025

I love this. Slow pedagogy in practice. Deep and meaningful work.🩷
Bottletree Family Day Care, I hope you enjoy you😘

15/01/2025

Embracing Slow Pedagogy in 2025

Are you ready to slow down and make space for deeper, more meaningful learning in your family day care? Decluttering our environments and our minds is the first step toward creating calm, child-centred spaces that inspire creativity and connection.

By simplifying resources, observing children holistically, and letting them take the lead, we can nurture their natural curiosity and foster genuine growth. Remember, less is more, and every moment counts.

Let’s swing the pendulum back to a more mindful way of educating – one where connection, play, and presence take centre stage.

What’s one way you’ve embraced slow pedagogy in your practice?
Share below!

14/01/2025

Tomorrow's Podcast!
If you're subscribed, you already have it!

09/01/2025

In 2025, I’m taking ‘Big Hearted’ in a new direction. In this week’s podcast, I’m sharing my vision for the year ahead and why slowing down is at the heart of it all.

Season 4 of the Big Hearted Podcast has officially kicked off, and it's going to be a BIG year for Big Hearted Education. We're talking big goals, big collaborations, and a big focus on slowing down.

But let me ask you: What’s one thing YOU want to let go of in 2025 to create more calm and connection in your life? I want to encourage you to start the year by saying 'no' to stress and 'yes' to joy.

Also… have you heard about the conference happening in June? I’m bringing incredible speakers (hello, Day!) to the Gold Coast; you will not want to miss it.
If you want to link to grab your Early Bird tickets, DM me the word Conference

Drop your 2025 vibe in the comments! I’m so excited to hear from you.

16/12/2024

🎁 19 Resources. $1100USD Value. Yours for $97USD. Let’s Go! 🎄

The Sweet Surprises Play Pack is here, and it’s packed with play-based learning magic! 🎉 For just $97USD, you’ll get 19 resources to transform your teaching or parenting journey—all valued at over $1100USD.
Here’s a taste of what’s included:
❄️ Documentation Bundle (Kristen Day): Make documentation easy with templates, PDFs, and trainings. .day.and.play
❄️ It’s Time to Play Course (Mariana Carazo): Learn why play is essential and how to make it happen. .minds
❄️ Play At Home Activity Guide (Nyetta Holyfield): Extend learning into the home with turnkey solutions.
❄️ Frazzled to Dazzle Course (Hester Laubscher): Beat burnout and find joy in your work.
❄️ Alphabet Adventures (Lynne Mulligan): A magical curriculum guide that brings letters to life.

But hurry—this bundle is only available until December 23rd at 11:59 PM CST!
Don’t miss this sweet deal.

Comment with the word SWEET, and I'll send you the link to read more!

26/11/2024

This Time of Year, Children Need a Haven....that can be YOU!

The holiday season can be magical, but it can also be overwhelming for children, and us—so much noise, excitement, and constant activity. As Family Day Care educators, we have the unique opportunity to offer something different: a haven of calm, connection, and care.

It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to prioritise rest, unhurried play, and mindful moments.

In fact, creating this kind of space isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Children need time to process, reflect, and simply be. And as educators, we can give ourselves permission to model balance and intentionality.

At this busy time of year, lI want to remind you: slowing down isn’t just an option—it’s a gift.

24/11/2024

This is my absolute happiness in one picture. My children and their partners are here to celebrate my daughters 21st.

At the end of the day, for me, family is everything.

Seeing your children happy is the epitome of a well done job as a parent.
All the sacrifice, all the sleepless nights, all the hard work at not losing your cool, is totally worth it.

In my opinion, the work is in the early years. Setting firm but fair boundaries, where children know that no means NO! There is an expectation to contribute to the community they belong.
That they are, in fact, NOT the most important pereson.

These are all the things you do as an FDC educator. And while it sometimes is not appreciated by those who should, it is imperative that you continue this vital role modelling, because it has such positive impacts down the line.

18/11/2024

Home Sweet Home!

After being up for two days (with just a few hours of sleep on the plane), it feels so good to finally be home.

Anyone who knows me well will know that sleep can be a bit elusive for me. I was dreading jet lag, so I tried my hardest to stay awake all day yesterday. I managed to make it to 5:30 pm before accidentally dozing off on the couch for about 30 minutes.

Dinner was early—and yes, I may have shed a few tired tears (Brian was thoroughly perplexed, to say the least). By 7:30 pm, I was in bed and slept right through until 4 am. I woke up feeling like a new woman.

Coffee in the USA? Let’s just say it’s not their finest export. This morning, I took immense pleasure in making my almond latte and enjoying it while admiring the little garden Brian has planted for me. The mix of heights, textures, and colours is beautiful, with the giant trees in the background, makes me feel so connected.

This is home, and it feels so good to be back.

I thought I’d dive straight into work, but the renovations aren’t finished yet. There are still painters here, and everything is covered in plastic. In hindsight, giving myself a few days’ grace to settle back in and properly land feels like a smart move.

08/11/2024

Throughout this trip, so many women have told me, "You’re so brave!" Especially when they see me driving Grace, theRV. It leaves me a bit puzzled. I don’t see what I’m doing as brave. Challenging? Absolutely. But brave? Not so much.

I've noticed something interesting, though: people often say "no" to things before even letting the idea sink in. How much of life do we miss out on because our gut reaction to anything slightly uncomfortable is, "No, I could never do that!"

Well, I’m here to tell you differently. You can do the hard things. And on the other side of those hard things? A new, stronger version of yourself.

This reminds me of children. Every day, we ask them to try new things. But how often do we do something new ourselves? How often do we put ourselves in a place where we feel clueless, lacking confidence, and completely in the dark?

When we find ourselves in those moments, do we look for Grace? Someone to show us the way, explain it all, or let us figure it out on our own?

And how do we show up for children in these moments? Do we rush them? Take over because it’s quicker? Or are we patient enough to let them approach challenges in their own time, allowing them to try different methods, on different days, with guidance—or maybe just an open invitation?

I've been guilty of rushing children, pushing them, then stepping in myself because it’s easier. But when we do this, we’re robbing them of the joy of discovery. And when we instantly say no to challenges, we’re robbing ourselves of those same joys.

So, where can you say "yes"? Yes to challengesm? Do we take over and do it for them? Or are we calm and patient enough to let these things happen in the time frame of the children? Allowing them to approach from different angles, on different days, with guidance or just an invitation?

What I do see, and have been guilty of myself, is not allowing the time. Rushing the children. Pushing them, prodding them, then doing it myself because it is easier.

We rob the children of so much joy when we do this. We also rob ourselves of these joys when we instantly say no.

Where can you say yes to challenge, and yes to giving the children time and space?

07/11/2024

What a whirlwind two days that turned out to be!

I’m completely amazed at how life sometimes syncs up perfectly. I dropped Grace off at the RV place around 9 on Tuesday morning, and then I was in desperate need of a nail touch-up. The lovely man at the RV centre not only suggested a spot—he actually drove me to his wife’s go-to salon! He absolutely didn’t have to, but I was so grateful he did.

He even drove me the full hour to LAX, taking me on a mini-tour through Encino and Bel Air... so posh!

Thank goodness I’d upgraded to business class, because it meant I could relax in the lounge during my 11.5-hour wait. Yes, that’s right—eleven and a half hours! With endless cups of tea and frequent buffet stops, I somehow managed to pass the time.

Finally, it was boarding time, and all seemed smooth… until we tried to land in Cancun. We popped out of the fog only to overshoot the runway! Our pilot decided to divert us to Miami, adding a further ten hours of delay. I was lucky enough to meet a fantastic group of people, and we spent the day trying to keep each other entertained.

After what felt like forever, I finally made it to Cancun! My gorgeous friend Melanie greeted me with open arms and whisked me off for dinner. We headed to this brilliant beach spot called Zenzies, complete with a live band and fire twirlers. I had my first proper margarita and quesadilla—so good!

All up, I was awake for about 40 hours on 2 hours’ sleep. Safe to say, I’m feeling it today!

03/11/2024

The stars and redwoods in Big Sur.

This trip has been so full of lessons. Every day, I discover new things about myself. I am 1 billion percent a nature girl. 1 billion percent leave it to the last minute in my personal life, girl. 1 billion perfect trusting that amazing people will entre my world, girl.

The minute I drive in amongst the trees, there is peace, ease, and calm that infuses into my being. Trees are magical being, and these trees are like no others. They absorb the sound, they mute the busyness, they invite me to drop into the now.

Camping in the redwoods was something I wanted to do while here, and it is spectacular!! I met my campground neighbours yesterday, and we shared a beautiful meal and movie by the fire!

I also tried my first ever smoores.....shut the front door....epic!

We really do live in the most wonderful world, full of amazing humans.

#

31/10/2024

As we head into the busiest part of the year, it's essential for educators to find joy in the season and create space for their own families. That’s where my Summer Seasonal Planning Session comes in.

Join me on Saturday, 2nd November, at 9 am QLD time.

By nailing your planning, you can lighten your workload significantly, managing all required documentation in just 20 minutes a day. This means more time for you to focus on what really matters—spending quality moments with your own family.

Connect with fellow educators from across Australia, share insights, and see how others are streamlining their processes. This is your chance to recognise that you’re doing enough and to feel empowered to let the children take the lead.

I want to share with you how you can make this FDC gig work for you!
Join me and over 50 other educators who are all going to set themselves up for success this Summer!

Comment the word SUMMER, and I'll send you the registration details....you only have till tomorrow morning! (And I am in the USA, so I will only be awake for the next 4 hours, and then I will be driving early the next morning)....so if you want to attend, register RIGHT NOW!!!

Address

Elanora, QLD

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.bigheartededucation.com/

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Videos

Children need us—fully present, aware, and in control of our own emotions. They rely on us to hold the space, to guide them through big feelings, and to respond—not react. It’s not easy. Some days feel heavy. But even on the toughest days, we can create something beautiful. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s podcast episode, where we dive even deeper into this important conversation! 💛 How do you stay grounded when emotions run high in your FDC? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #bigheartededucation #bigheartedpodcast #FDC #FDCeducator #mindfulparenting #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhoodeducation #holdthespace #childledlearning

Are we doing too much for children? And what if less is actually more? What if slowing down, trusting the child, and allowing mistakes is the best way to prepare them for bigger settings? Tune in to this episode of The Big Hearted Podcast to rethink transitions, independence, and why slow pedagogy is the game-changer children (and educators) truly need. Have you ever felt the pressure to "do more" in your day? Let’s chat in the comments! #BigHeartedPodcast #SlowPedagogy #TrustTheChild #bigheartededucation #bigheartedpodcast #FDC #FDCeducator #childledlearning #lessismore #mindfuleducation #playmatters #childcentred

POV: It’s the first day of school, and you’re living your best life… until reality hits, and you remember you are the boss, and you don't get a day off!! But hey, we wouldn’t have it any other way, right? 😉 #BigHeartedEducation #BigHeartedEducator #BHE #FDCEducator #FDC #FDCJoy #FirstDayFeels #RelatableEducator

You're burning yourself out—and slow pedagogy is the secret to stopping it. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists and constant rush in early childhood education? It’s time to take a breath. Slow pedagogy isn’t just about the children—it’s about YOU, too. Slowing down and focusing on what truly matters creates a more fulfilling, sustainable, and stress-free work environment. Ready to make the shift? Let's talk about how you can implement slow pedagogy in your daily routine. #BigHeartedEducation #BigHeartedEducator #BHE #FDC #FDCEducator #BigHeartedPodcast #SlowPedagogy #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EducatorLife #TeachingWithPurpose

Your roadmap to implementing Slow Pedagogy in 2025 is here! I’ve mapped out a year filled with inspiring events, practical planning sessions, and essential elements to help you create meaningful learning experiences. 📅 Key Dates to Remember: 🔹 Seasonal Planning Sessions – Starting 15th Feb 🔹 Essential Elements Mini Courses – 3rd March & 20th October 🔹 Swing the Pendulum Free Summit – 7-9 May 🔹 Dream Lead Play Conference – 5th & 7th June 🔹 Future Planning for 2026 – 1st November Early Bird Tickets finish on 31st January! Don’t miss out on securing your spot at the best price. Come be part of the fun at www.bigheartededucation.com, and let's make 2025 a year of meaningful, joyful, and intentional learning together! #SlowPedagogy #IntentionalTeaching #BigHeartedEducation #PlayBasedLearning #TeacherLife #ProfessionalDevelopment

Early Bird Ends Soon! Are you ready to connect with like-minded educators, learn from Australia and USA's top experts, and recharge your passion for your FDC? Don’t miss the chance to save on your ticket to the Big Hearted Education Dream Lead Play Conference. 🗓 Early Bird pricing ends 31st January – secure your spot today for just $250 for a single day ticket, or $400 if combining Service and Everyone day. DM or Comment DLP, and I'll get the link to you! #Bigheartededucation #DLPConference #BHE #FDC #FDCEducator

I was just tagged in a post asking about solutions to this yard. I want to be clear, that this pictures shows just a fraction of a space. So this is a disclaimer, that without seeing the entire space, I can only comment on this section! Educators need to work WITH the service they are aligning with, to ensure that any modifications are in line with that particular services policies. That being said, these are my thoughts. #bigheartededucation #fdc #fdceducator #helpfultips

Schemas as an adult… are you still playing with them without even realising it? Could these patterns of behaviour be more than just skill-building in early childhood? On a deeper level, maybe they bring us joy too. Are you unconsciously tapping into schemas in your daily life? Reconnecting with joy in our everyday practices is such a simple yet powerful way to nurture ourselves. Just quietly… good thing there weren’t any kids around wanting a turn! #BigHeartedEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Schemas #JoyfulLiving #ChildhoodPatterns #EducatorLife #PlayfulLearning #AdultSchemas #FindingJoy #EarlyYears

What are you waiting for? The Dream Lead Play conference is going to be a huge part in the process of helping you give yourself permission to SLOW DOWN! When we gather in person, magic just happens! The speakers have been hand selected because they have done the hard yards and have the skills to share with you. It takes so long to learn things by trial and error, when you have expert guidance, growth and change are SUPERCHARGED! Comment or DM 'DLP' and I'll send you everything you need to know! #bigheartededucation #earlychildhoodeducation #fdc #fdceducator #dreamleadplayconference #DLPConference