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! 💛

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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! 💛

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.

Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away

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.

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.

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! 💛

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:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just need a reminder that you deserve to love your work, this episode is for you.

"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."

"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."

Let’s make FDC better for us and for the children. Big love, and see you next time!

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:

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.

"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."

"Slow pedagogy isn't about doing less—it's about giving children more time, more trust, and more opportunities to truly learn."

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.

"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."

"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

Hello, my lovely listeners!

This week, I’m talking all about slow pedagogy—a mindful, intentional approach to early childhood education. It’s about clearing out the clutter, creating calm spaces, and giving both children and ourselves the time and freedom to truly thrive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in your life—both physical and mental—this episode is for you.

Decluttering Your Space and Mind
I recently tackled a big decluttering project, starting with my office and then moving on to my linen cupboard. Let me tell you, clearing out that chaos has completely changed how I feel and work. The clarity I’ve gained has inspired me to think about how this idea applies to our family day care environments. Less clutter means more focus—for us and for the children.

What Slow Pedagogy Really Means
Slow pedagogy isn’t about doing things at a snail’s pace or cutting back—it’s about being mindful and truly present. It’s about seeing the whole child: their emotions, their spirit, their physical needs, and their thoughts. These little people aren’t just here to tick boxes or get “school ready”—they’re complex, wonderful beings, and we have the privilege of supporting them during this formative time.

Why Less is More
Having too many choices can overwhelm children (and let’s be honest, adults too). I’ve found that reducing the number of resources on display can encourage deeper, more imaginative play. Plus, it makes tidying up a lot easier! Let’s stop overstimulating children with cluttered environments and instead focus on curating fewer, more purposeful materials.

Mindful Preparation is the Key to Presence
The magic of slow pedagogy starts long before the children arrive. It’s all about preparation. When we take the time to organise ourselves—whether that’s planning meals, sorting resources, or creating a calm headspace—we are set for being fully present with the children. This isn’t just about running a smooth business; it’s about showing up with a clear mind and an open heart.

Let’s Rethink “School Readiness”
I’ve got strong feelings about the concept of school readiness, and in this episode, I share why I think it’s time we ditch it. Instead of rushing to meet some arbitrary standard, let’s focus on what really matters: nurturing relationships, fostering independence, and supporting children’s emotional and social development.

Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away

When we slow down and focus on what really counts, we create an environment where children feel safe, connected, and free to explore. But here’s the thing—it benefits us too. By letting go of the pressure to “do it all,” we can rediscover the joy in what we do.

Seasonal Planning Workshop

The Summit

The Essential Elements Course

Gold Coast Conference

Slow pedagogy is more than just a trend—it’s a way of being. Whether you’re decluttering your home, simplifying your learning environment, or pausing to truly connect with a child, small shifts can make a big difference.

Your Challenge This Week:
Have a look around your space. What can you let go of? What isn’t serving you or the children in your care? Declutter one area and see how it feels to have a bit more breathing room.

Did this episode resonate with you? What’s one thing you’re going to try in your family day care setting? Send me a message or leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!

Speak soon! 💛

Welcome to Season 4 of the Big Hearted Podcast and the beginning of an inspiring 2025!

In this first episode of the year, we take a reflective look through what’s to come for Big Hearted Education, with an overarching focus on slowing down and swinging the pendulum back to a simpler, more intentional way of working and living.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode Slowing Down for 2025 Exploring the concept of "swinging the pendulum back" and simplifying our work with children. Why less is more: prioritising presence and connection over busyness and comparison. How stress impacts relationships—especially with the children we work with—and how to create calm, joyful spaces.

A Journey of Connection and Inspiration as I briefly touch on my solo travel adventure across Canada, the US, and Mexico, meeting inspiring educators, attending workshops, and connecting with like-minded professionals. Highlights include visiting outdoor forest schools, attending ECE conferences, and bringing incredible ideas back to Australia!

Exciting Plans for 2025 Professional Development Programs: Helicopter to Hands-Off opens the doors to The Essential Elements in March with fresh perspectives and bonuses! Revisiting this course? Learn how to deepen your understanding and celebrate your progress.

Big Hearted Summit – May 7-9, 2025: Theme: How to Swing the Pendulum – practical tools and reflective sessions to help educators slow down and simplify. Incredible speakers, including Kristin Day, Ade Hoffman, and more. New format: Q&A sessions the week after to allow for more thoughtful engagement.

Inaugural Big Hearted Conference – June 5-7, 2025: A unique two-day conference on the Gold Coast, designed for both service staff and educators. Speakers will address challenges specific to family day care, such as remote leadership, child protection, and professional boundaries. VIP opportunities for in-depth learning, connection, and celebration.

Seasonal Planning Days & Intentional 2026 Planning session: Quarterly planning sessions to align your work with your values. Then, in November, the chance to map out your non-negotiables and create a balanced, intentional year for 2026.

Reflection & Intentionality in Practice The push for 2025 is not about doing more—it’s about finding joy, embracing simplicity, and focusing on the "why" behind your work. An exploration into slow pedagogy, reducing overwhelm, and reclaiming child-led play.

Key Takeaways

I share a personal look at the challenges faced in recent years—from bushfires to COVID to personal hardships—and how these experiences have shaped my vision for Big Hearted Education. This year is all about slowing down, simplifying, and finding alignment. If you’re ready to step back, reflect, and make space for what truly matters, this is the year to join the Big Hearted community!

Links & Resources

Join the Essential Elements Waitlist (March launch): https://www.bigheartededucation.com/waitlist

Big Hearted Summit (May 7-9)

Get Early Bird Tickets for the Big Hearted Conference (June 5-7): www.bigheartededucation.com/conference

Access Seasonal Planning Sessions: https://www.bigheartededucation.com/autumn-planning-2025

If you have ideas for future podcast episodes or topics you'd like explored, feel free to reach out via DM or email. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—here’s to a big-hearted and intentional 2025! 💜 Big Love, V xxx

Personal Growth, Vulnerability, and Embracing Limiting Beliefs

In this week’s episode of the Big Hearted Podcast, I’m coming to you from my hotel room in downtown Vancouver, and it’s going to be a personal one. After receiving an email from my coach, Tina Tower, asking for feedback on her coaching program, I found myself reflecting deeply on my own journey — not just as a business owner but as a person who’s had to work hard to truly value myself. I share my experiences of overcoming limiting beliefs, the struggles I’ve faced in 11 years of running Rainbow Bridge Family Day Care, and how I’ve had to fight to believe in my worth. I talk about why it’s so important for educators, especially those in family day care, to recognise the immense value of what we do for children and their futures.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

This episode is all about being honest with yourself, doing the deep inner work, and believing in your ability to make a real difference. Whether you’re an educator or someone navigating your own personal journey, I hope my story helps you feel less alone and more empowered to dream big.

Follow my journey: Keep up with my travels on Instagram and Facebook.

Don’t forget: 2nd November is our next seasonal planning day! I’ll be joining you from LA.