Young Explorers Family Day Care

📖 The FDC Diaries | Part 3

What I Had to Unlearn as an Educator

The rushing. The guilt when I slowed down. Feeling like every moment needed to be filled. Thinking I needed to move children onto the next thing instead of simply letting them play.

Leaving long day care didn’t automatically make those habits disappear. Some of them have taken time to recognise — and even longer to unlearn.

These days, I measure a successful day very differently.

Sometimes slowing down doesn’t mean I’m doing less.

Sometimes it means I finally have the time to do more of what mattered all along — be with the children.

Today at playgroup we enjoyed a little music and movement activity… and it turns out the educators were just as keen to join in as the children 😂🎶

A bit of fun, lots of laughs, and another great morning spent together at playgroup.

When you’ve read The Gruffalo so many times you don’t even need the book anymore… 🤣📚

At this point, I can genuinely read the entire thing off by heart.

And yet, somehow, they’re still just as excited every single time.

Educator life — we all have that one book. What’s yours?

educatorhumour readitagain earlylearning thefdcdiaries

📖 The FDC Diaries | Part 2

Learning That I Don’t Have to Look Busy

Does anyone else ever feel guilty for sitting down as an educator?

For me, it wasn’t just about being used to a busy environment. It was also that feeling of constantly being watched, judged or wondering whether someone thought I was doing enough.

It took me a long time to realise that sitting with children, observing their play, listening to them and simply being available isn’t doing nothing.

I don’t have to look busy to prove that I’m a good educator.

Being present is part of the job too.

📖 The FDC Diaries | Part 1

The Things Educators Carry From Long Day Care

You can leave long day care… but sometimes it takes a little longer for long day care to leave you.

The rushing. The endless list of jobs. Always thinking about what needs to happen next. And somewhere amongst all of that, trying to find enough time to simply be with the children.

Sometimes you don’t realise how much of that you’ve carried with you until you finally have the opportunity to slow down.

This week, I’m talking about some of the things I’ve carried with me — and what I’ve had to unlearn along the way.

A beautiful day at home spent outdoors.

Today was all about fresh air, sunshine and plenty of time to simply play. The children enjoyed exploring our outdoor space, following their interests and making the most of the beautiful weather.

Sometimes the simplest home days are the best — unhurried play, happy little moments and lots of time outside.