The Big Hearted Podcast

By Victoria EdmondBusiness Education Self-Improvement Careers

The Big Hearted Podcast episodes

February 18, 2025The 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! 💛
42 min
February 11, 2025The 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! 💛
32 min
February 04, 2025Encouraging 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!
49 min
January 28, 2025The 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
35 min
January 21, 2025Beyond 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
31 min
January 14, 2025Breaking Down Slow Pedagogy
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.
What I Covered in This Episode:
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
Simplify your space. Remove what isn’t serving you or the children.
Use open-ended materials that can be explored in different ways.
Give children time to practise real-life skills, like pouring water or tidying up. Mistakes are just opportunities to learn!
Start your day with a calm mindset—whether that’s through deep breathing or simply pausing to reset.
Why This Matters:
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.
What’s Coming Up:
Seasonal Planning Workshop
15th February | $39
Let’s plan your entire autumn season in just three hours. You’ll leave with a clear, actionable plan and all the tools you need to hit the ground running.
Book Your Seat Today
The Summit
A free event (with a VIP option) packed with inspiration and practical advice for educators.
Tickets availbe soon!
The Essential Elements Course
Launching in March and September. This is where we dive deep into how to create a calm, purposeful practice that works for you.
Join Waitlist here
Gold Coast Conference
Come and join me for a weekend on the Gold Coast! Incredible speakers like Kristie Day and Katrina Ashmore will cover topics like slow pedagogy, child safety, and setting boundaries with children.
Get Conference Tix Here
A Few Final Thoughts:
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.
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? Send me a message or leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for spending time with me this week. Remember, we’ve got the power to bring more calm, connection, and joy into our work. Let’s make 2025 the year we truly embrace a slower, more intentional way of working.
Speak soon! 💛
43 min
January 09, 2025 The Direction of 2025 for BHE
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
43 min
October 23, 2024The Courage to Be Authentic
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:
Owning Your Worth: Many of you shared with me that you struggle to value what you do. I dive into how that self-doubt can hold us back and what it takes to move past it. Being
Vulnerable and Leading with Heart: I get real about my own moments of vulnerability, how they’ve shaped me, and why showing up authentically as a leader matters so much. Breaking Through Limiting
Beliefs: I discuss how limiting beliefs can quietly run our lives and how I’ve worked to identify and dismantle them, both in my personal life and my business.
Celebrating Success: After 11 years of hard work, I’m finally living the dream I set out to achieve. But I also talk about how crucial it is to take time to celebrate the wins — even the small ones — along the way.

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.
45 min
October 08, 2024 Why The ABC's to FDC?
In today’s episode of The Big Hearted Podcast, I’m excited to introduce the upcoming ABCs to FDC course, a free three-night event created to support family day care (FDC) educators with practical strategies for the most common challenges.
Launching on 14 October, this course will cover everything from filling vacancies and finding work-life balance to building a strong money mindset. It’s designed to boost your confidence, clarify your unique strengths, and help you run a thriving FDC.

Here’s What You’ll Hear Today:
I’ll be walking you through what inspired me to create the ABCs to FDC and why each topic is something I know can make a difference in your daily work.

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ll cover over the three nights:
Night One: Standing Out and Filling Vacancies We’ll dive into why just posting about vacancies isn’t enough. I’ll share tips on creating a powerful first impression, showing what makes you unique, and reaching the families who are the perfect fit for your program.
Night Two: Achieving Work-Life Balance Burnout is common in FDC, and we want to prevent it. I’ll share practical strategies for managing your workload with techniques like time-blocking and batching, so you can protect your personal time and build long-term success in FDC.
Night Three: Money Mindset and Budgeting A healthy approach to income and budgeting can transform how you see your work and your worth. I’ll cover everything from pricing confidently to budgeting effectively, helping you make the most of your earnings.
Why I Created The ABCs to FDC This course is for educators like you who want clear, actionable steps to manage the business side of FDC, protect your wellbeing, and feel confident in charging what your unique care is worth. Each night, I’ll share real-life strategies and action steps you can start using right away, designed to make your role easier, more enjoyable, and financially sustainable.

Course Details Start Date:
Monday, 14 October Time: 7:30 PM (QLD) / 8:30 PM (AEDT)
Sign Up: bigheartededucation.com/abc-fdc

Join me and the Big Hearted community for The ABCs to FDC – let’s work together to make your FDC the best it can be.
I can’t wait to see you there!
16 min
October 02, 2024Taking the Family out of Family Day Care?
"Calling BS on 'Taking the Family Out of Family Day Care"
Welcome back to the Big Hearted Podcast!
In this episode, I tackle a common statement circulating within the family day care community: “They’re taking the family out of family day care.” I’m here to call BS on that. Together, let’s explore why educators have far more autonomy and power over their business than they might think, and how we can reshape the narrative around family day care.

In This Episode:
Challenging the Narrative: I dive into the reasons why I believe the statement “they’re taking the family out of family day care” doesn’t hold up. We explore how much control you really have as an FDC educator, even within the frameworks of regulations and service policies.
You’re in Control: I talk about the autonomy you have in creating your environment, structuring your program, and designing the day to reflect your values and meet the needs of your families. From the colours on your walls to how you run your routines, you’re the one in charge.
Aligning with the Right Service: It’s all about finding a service provider that aligns with your approach and values. I explain why it’s important to collaborate with a service that supports your vision and how to manage regulations without compromising on your style.
Creative Solutions to Common Challenges: Whether it’s meeting regulatory requirements or handling things like excursions and sleep checks, I show how you can work within frameworks but still bring your unique approach to the table. It’s about being innovative and flexible in your practice.
Balancing Family Life and Wellbeing: I explore how you can find balance between running your family day care business and managing the demands of your personal life. You get to tailor your schedule and approach in a way that supports your wellbeing and honours your family’s needs.

Key Quotes:
“You have the autonomy to make decisions that reflect your values – they aren’t taking the family out of family day care.”
“It’s not about the regulations; it’s about how you choose to respond to them. That’s where your power lies.”

Resources Mentioned:
Essential Elements Membership Hub: Join the waitlist for the upcoming Essential Elements membership hub, launching on 14th October. It’s packed with masterclasses, resources, and a supportive community to help you navigate family day care with confidence.
ABCs to FDC Course: Get a taste of what it’s like to work with me through the ABCs to FDC course, also launching on 14th October. Register now for this celebratory course designed to give you insights into running a successful family day care business.

Join the Conversation:
How do you approach your day in family day care? Do you feel you have autonomy over your business? Share your thoughts and join the discussion on our socials.

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Big Hearted Podcast and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more educators and parents committed to nurturing children’s growth and wellbeing.

Follow Us on Social Media:
Stay connected with the latest episodes, resources, and community updates by following us on Instagram and Facebook.
Hashtags: #bigheartededucation #bigheartedpodcast #FDC #FDCeducator #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ChildCentred #InnovativeLearning #CommunityBuilding #NurturingConnections #EmpoweredEducators #FamilyDayCare
23 min

About The Big Hearted Podcast

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The Big Hearted Podcast has been created for educators to find inspiration and gather ideas for their own educational practice and to help broaden their perspectives on all aspects from education and care practices, to business and balancing their lives.

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The Big Hearted Podcast

The Big Hearted Podcast episodes

About The Big Hearted Podcast