The Big Hearted Podcast

What if the stress, guilt and fear you experience in Family Day Care aren’t simply things you have to learn to live with?

In this episode of the Big Hearted Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and PSYCH-K® facilitator, Gemma Honeyball, to explore a modality that I was initially pretty sceptical about.

After finally experiencing a PSYCH-K® session for myself, I noticed a significant shift in the way I responded to something I had been struggling with personally. What surprised me most was just how simple the process felt.

That experience got me thinking about Family Day Care educators.

So many educators carry guilt around saying no, setting boundaries, charging fees and having difficult conversations. There can also be fear around programming, documentation, compliance, visits from the department and the feeling that what you’re doing is never quite enough. Over time, carrying all of that can become exhausting. Pasted text

Gemma and I explore how subconscious beliefs may influence the way we respond to these situations, and how PSYCH-K® is designed to help people work with those beliefs without necessarily having to revisit every experience from their past.

We talk about people-pleasing, guilt, boundaries, compliance anxiety and burnout, as well as what actually happens during a PSYCH-K® session.

I also share my own experience of the process, including the changes I began noticing in the days following my first session.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, I know I shouldn’t feel this stressed about this, but I do, this conversation might give you something interesting to consider.

An educator named Jane left a comment that stopped me in my tracks: "I don't know if I ever share my values." If that hits you the same way it hit her, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I unpack:

I also talk about what's coming at Dream, Lead, Play '26, two days in Sydney, Friday 11 September for Leaders and Saturday 12 September for Educators, with Emma Rattenbury, Nicole Halton, Sammi Jaeger and Maree Kirkpatrick. Tickets are $250 and if you learn even a handful of things from any one speaker, that investment pays for itself within a week.

Grab your seat at bigheartededucation.com/dreamleadplay26.

From my big heart to yours.

Finding the right family is about more than filling a vacancy. It's about building a partnership that supports children, families and your business.

In this episode, I share my top tips for interviewing new families and explain how to make families feel welcome while finding out whether they're the right fit for your service.

We cover the questions every family day care educator should ask about sleep, separation, behaviour guidance, family values, illness, communication and fees. I also share why being clear about your expectations from the very beginning can help prevent challenges later.

If you've ever accepted an enrolment that didn't feel like the right fit, or want to feel more confident during family interviews, this episode will give you practical strategies to help you attract families who align with your values and your approach to early childhood education.

Are you an early childhood educator considering a move into family day care but feeling unsure where to begin? 

In this episode, I unpack everything I wish educators knew before starting their family day care journey. From understanding the regulatory requirements and setting up your home environment, through to choosing the right service and developing a sustainable business mindset, I walk you through the realities of becoming a family day care educator.

I also challenge some of the biggest myths surrounding family day care and explain why I believe it is one of the most rewarding pathways in early childhood education.

Whether you're feeling burnt out in long day care, looking for more autonomy, or wanting deeper relationships with children and families, this episode will help you decide whether family day care is the right next step for you.

Running a family day care service means wearing many hats: educator, business owner, administrator, accountant, and future planner.

In this episode of the Big Hearted Podcast, I sit down with Shannon Knight from Ledger Management, a former family day care educator turned accountant, to unpack the financial side of family day care.

Together, we discuss the common mistakes educators make when managing their finances, why understanding your numbers matters, and how simple systems can help you build a sustainable and profitable business.

We dive into tax deductions, superannuation, GST, pricing, profit, insurance, assistants, WorkCover, and the financial mindset shifts every educator needs to make to create a thriving family day care business that supports both their present and future selves.

This conversation is practical, honest, and packed with actionable advice that could save educators thousands of dollars while helping them feel more confident about the business side of family day care.

Whether you're new to family day care or you've been operating for years, this episode will encourage you to stop treating your service like a hobby and start treating it like the valuable professional business it truly is.

Resources mentioned:

• Ledger Management Family Day Care Services:
www.ledgermanagement.com.au/familydaycareservices

• Shannon Knight – Ledger Management

• Family Day Care Tax Guide eBook (available via the link above)

Please remember: The information shared in this episode is general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Always seek advice specific to your personal circumstances.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• 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

• Children in the Pictures – Spotify
• Casefile: The Silk Road Episode

“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.

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?

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 💛

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 💛

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 💛

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!

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

• 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

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.

• Helicopter to Hands-Off – A practical training on stepping back and fostering independence in children. Starts 4th March! - Register Here

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!

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! 💛