Huellas -Bilingual Childcare Provider-

Dear Parents,

Today is such an important day for so many of you as you receive your children’s primary school places.

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all the very best. I know how much love, hope, and thought goes into these decisions, and how much you want the very best for your little ones.

While we often hope for a specific school, my heartfelt wish and prayer for each of you is something even greater — that your child receives a place where they will truly thrive. A place where they feel safe, happy, supported, and inspired. A place where their confidence will grow, their curiosity will be nurtured, and their unique personality will shine.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the name of the school, but about the environment that will help your child flourish in every way.

Whatever the outcome today, trust that your love, guidance, and support are what matter most in your child’s journey.

Wishing you peace, joy, and lots of proud moments ahead.

With Lots of Love,
👣 Huellas 👣
“Leaving FOOTPRINTS that will last forever”
Bilingual Childcare Provider

🧠💬 Men in Childcare & The Reality of Childminding in 2025

So… my husband is in the process of registering as a childminder so he can work alongside me—and wow, the reactions have been eye-opening.

His male friends? Shocked. Some couldn’t believe he was “giving up” his career to do this. Others asked if he was “just helping out” or “babysitting.” And it made me wonder… is it because he’s a man, and they still see childcare as “women’s work”? Or is it because he’s highly educated, and they don’t see childminding as a real profession?

Either way, it’s been a fascinating mirror to hold up to society’s assumptions.

💡 Even my husband admitted he was surprised by how much training is involved. Despite watching me work for 7 years, he hadn’t realised the depth of what goes into being a registered childminder. Now he’s got a whole new respect for the role—and even said he feels guilty for ever seeing it as glorified babysitting.

Because here’s the truth: Childminders wear every hat imaginable. We’re educators, caregivers, policy writers, accountants, marketers, safeguarding leads, play facilitators, emotional anchors, and community connectors. We manage relationships with children, families, local authorities, and inspectors. We plan learning, track development, respond to trauma, and adapt to every need that walks through our door.

And we do it with heart, skill, and professionalism.

👨‍👧‍👦 So yes—men can be childminders. And they should be. Because children benefit from diverse role models. Because care isn’t gendered. And because the more we elevate the profession, the more we challenge outdated stereotypes.

To every man considering a career in early years: You are welcome. You are needed. You are capable. And to every childminder—regardless of gender—thank you for the invisible work that keeps our communities thriving.

Let’s keep changing the narrative. 💚

There's a very important difference between "surprises" (like a birthday party or holiday gift) and the "don't tell your mom/dad" secret. The latter triangulates/confuses a child's loyalty and contributes to grooming. Know the difference.

There are seemingly small and simple phrases we use as parents that either empower or disempower children. Our words matter, and this is one of many reasons why shifting from punishment to positive parenting is so impactful.

To learn 14 other common parenting phrases to avoid, and why, join our email list here:

https://genmindful.com/pages/join-our-community

There's a name in these trousers
A name in this shirt
A name in this lunch bag
And one in this skirt

There's a name in this cardigan
One in these shoes
One in this jacket
That they're bound to lose

There's a name in this book
And a name on this tie
A name on their lips
As they're waving goodbye

And maybe today
They're a name on a list
But under the name
They are much more than this

'Cause one day you might
See that name from those shoes
Accepting a new Nobel Prize
In the news

One day you might
Need a doctor or nurse
And recognise them
As the name from that shirt

One day you might
Watch a film or a show
And see a name listed
That you used to know

Yes, there is a name
And another and more
A long list of names
That you've not met before

But there is a person
Who wants you to see,
To hear them and recognise
All they can be

There's a name in this uniform
But please don't forget
It's the name of a person
Who isn't grown yet

And there is no limit
To how far they'll aim
As long as they're shown
They are more than a name

******

It's all a bit emotional here today as school starts back! And it can be so hard to watch a part of your heart go off to someone else, hoping they'll believe in your child as much as you do.

(I have also spent so much time labelling uniform over the past week, which is why I ended up writing this!)

Much love to all # # #

Image created with Dall-E

Una divertida forma de aprender a restar con los pequeños. ✨ ¿Qué te parece si lo aplicas con tus alumnos? 🙌

This is powerful! 🙌
📷 Unknown

Kindergarten Teachers Speak Out for Children’s Happiness How can teachers bring common sense and compassion to education policy?

Don’t miss it. There will be children activities at 11:00am 🪅