Nanny Jess

We recently came across the book My Shadow Is Purple at the library, and it has quickly become one of our favourites.
What I love most is the beautiful way it explores gender stereotypes in a way that children can so easily understand. It opens up conversations about identity, individuality, and the freedom to simply be yourself.
The message is simple but powerful, you don’t have to choose a box to fit into. You can follow the path that feels right for you, embrace all the parts of who you are, what makes you unique and shine in your own way without changing any part of you.
It’s such a beautiful and meaningful read for both children and adults alike. I will be adding this to my resource collection.

So… what colour is your shadow?

Park Adventures

One of our favourite things to do as a family is exploring new parks and playgrounds. We’re so lucky to have so many amazing new spaces popping up around Donnybrook over the last couple of years.
This weekend we checked out two little gems — Lavender Rain Park Playground and The Glide Park Playground — and both were a big hit! We loved the nature play elements at Glide Park, and the giant climbing tower at Lavender Rain was definitely an adventure.
Mr 5 was convinced it looked just like a giant pineapple 🍍 and honestly… I can see it too!

So… I did a thing.

I was interviewed by ABC News about the outdated domestic worker rule around superannuation — and it’s a conversation that seriously needs more attention.

Did you know that nannies are classified as domestic workers? Under the current rules, if they work less than 30 hours per week for a single family, employers are not required to pay superannuation.

The problem is that many nannies work across multiple families to make up full-time hours. Even though they may be working well over 30 hours a week in total, they often miss out on super entirely because the system doesn’t reflect the reality of modern nanny work.

This rule is outdated, unfair, and leaves many hardworking carers without the retirement savings they deserve.

Nannies play a huge role in supporting families, raising children, and keeping households running — they deserve the same protections and financial security as other workers.

It’s time for this rule to change.

Check out the link here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-09/super-law-denies-some-domestic-workers-retirement-contributions/106606612?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

Ready for this beautiful new chapter ✨

Stepping into this role with a full heart, and an open mind. I am so excited for the difference I will make in the children I get to nurture, guide and inspire each day. Kindergarten is such a special time — big feelings, brave firsts, tiny hands learning big things.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to create a space where children feel safe, seen, supported and celebrated. Here’s to new beginnings, meaningful connections, and making a difference one little learner at a time 🤍🌈

Look at these amazing spots!!
There’s a few on the list we need to try. 🥰

⭐️ Toddler-friendly playground guide for Melbourne’s northern suburbs ⭐️ Some of my favourite playgrounds in the northern suburbs that have been designed for or have areas within the playspace that are toddler-approved 👏🏼 🚻 Toilet 🚰 Water tap ♿️ Accessible 🚴‍♀️ Traffic park 😎 Shaded seating 🍔 BBQ 💦 Splash park 🏀 Basket Ball Court 🔒 Fully fenced ☕️ Cafe in close proximity ___ Mill Park All Abilities Play Space, Mill Park 📍40 Morang Drive, Mill Park Mode Park Playground, Kalkallo 📍37A Cilantro Street, Kalkallo Central Park Trillium, Craigieburn 📍30 Rosette Parade, Craigieburn Cross Keys Reserve, Essendon 📍1A Bridge Street, Essendon Kendon Park Playground, Wollert 📍1240W Edgars Road, Wollert HM Dowd Reserve, Pascoe Vale 📍11 Rhodes Parade, Pascoe Vale Traffic Park Playground, Craigieburn 📍65 Elevation Boulevard, Craigieburn Macleod Village Playground, Macleod 📍Birdwood Avenue, Macleod Granite Hills Community Playground, South Morang 📍160 Cravens Road, South Morang Harmony Park, Coburg 📍187-195 Gaffney Street, Pascoe Vale Willaroy Park Playground, Donnybrook 📍 21 Willaroy Boulevard, Donnybrook Citadel Park Playground, Glenroy 📍134 Cardinal Road, Glenroy Livvi’s Place Anzac Park, Craigieburn 📍Central Park Avenue & Aitken Boulevard, Craigieburn Bundoora Park All Abilities Playspace, Bundoora 📍River Red Gum Avenue, Bundoora Community Bank Adventure Playground, Wallan 📍Cnr Northern Highway & Queen Street Wallan Highlands Lake Playground, Craigieburn 📍 Corner Craigieburn Road & Waterview Boulevard, Craigieburn __ 💬 Let me know if you have any other suggestions or some of your favourite playgrounds 📌 Save this for later 🩷 Follow @kids.crew.melbourne for more family-friendly activities #melbournewithkids #melbourneparks #melbournemums #familyfriendlymelbourne #melbournekids

A truly beautiful day at Werribee Open Range Zoo 🦁🦒
Getting out and about, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking up moments that remind you how special simple adventures can be. From lions roaming nearby to spotting an ostrich, a rhino, and of course the ever-graceful giraffes — the close encounters made the day unforgettable.

A day filled with laughter, happiness, and pure joy ✨

😍😍

Enjoy a relaxed summer evening with a family-friendly movie outdoors 🎬

Our Outdoor Movies series is back, with free screenings in local parks across Banyule.

Bring a rug or picnic, settle in and enjoy an easy night out that’s great for both kids and grown ups.

See what’s showing, where and when:
https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/OutdoorMovies

It’s that time of year again, first aid update time!!

Staying current with first aid training is such an important part of my role when working with children. Children grow, environments change, and best-practice safety guidelines evolve, so regular refreshers ensure I’m always prepared to respond calmly and confidently if the unexpected happens.

From everyday bumps and scrapes to more serious emergencies, having up-to-date skills means I can provide the safest care possible and give families peace of mind. Lifesaving skills aren’t just a requirement, they’re a responsibility I take seriously. ❤️

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lifesavingskills keepingchildrensafe