True Play Collective | At-home service

True Play Collective

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24.01.2022 Big feelings. A while ago, one of my dear friends offered me empathy after a traumatic event. "You're feeling some big feelings about this," she said, and I fixated on that. Something didn't feel right about what she'd said, but I couldn't figure out what it was. What are "big feelings"? Usually, they're emotions like anger, upset, or sadness - the emotions that are sometimes a little bit tricky to navigate. The only time I have heard "big feelings" used to describe a less "t...ricky" emotion was in relation to excitement, and then only when the expression of emotion appeared to be impeding on other people's happiness or safety. So... "big feelings" has a negative connotation for me. That's contributed to my discomfort with the term, but that's not the whole concern laid out yet. "It's okay. You're okay. You don't need to cry." People sometimes use these platitudes to quiet others (particularly children) when they cry or express upset. It's supposed to be kind and comforting, but use of these platitudes can encourage people to dampen their expression of emotion over time rather than supporting them to be honest with themselves and others about how they are feeling. "You look like you're sad. You're crying." "You seem angry. Your body is tense and your voice is getting louder." Learning to attribute the way our bodies feel to specific emotions and then being able to accurately label those emotions supports the development of emotional maturity. In addition, having someone accurately reflect how you are feeling when you're in a heightened emotional state can help you to feel seen, heard, and understood. "Big feelings" feels like the modern day "It's okay. You're okay" - there's no naming of specific emotions and no opportunity to coach emotional awareness. It's a catch-all that seems like it's kind and comforting, but it doesn't appear to allow for genuine emotional connection. Which leads me to my actual concern with the use of the term. It's a euphemism. It's something we say when something else is deemed too harsh or not quite palatable enough. If we say "big feelings" when we mean anger, sadness, upset, or over-excitement, we're implying that there's something wrong with being angry, sad, upset, or a bit too excited. There is NOTHING wrong with being angry. There is NOTHING wrong with being sad. There is NOTHING wrong with being upset. There is NOTHING wrong with being excited. I reckon it might be time to retire use of the term "big feelings". Anybody else with me?

22.01.2022 I recently made the (completely financially motivated) choice to start working again as a casual relief teacher outside of my work with TPC. It's been a challenging adjustment, though likely not for the reasons that people might expect. Supervision expectations have changed. Our nanny to child ratio at TPC is set at 1:4 for pre school-aged children. I taught in a 3-5 year old group yesterday, including over two hours on my own working with 18 children who were engaged in outd...Continue reading

15.01.2022 This National Reconciliation Week, we acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nations as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather. We pay respect to elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that this always was and always will be Aboriginal land and that sovereignty was never ceded. #TruePlay #NRW2021 #MoreThanAWord #Reconciliation #NannyWithADifference

10.01.2022 **Introducing: MERRYN. Here's what Sav (one of our members) had to say about her: "My little guy had great times with Merryn! As we hadn’t used traditional childcare before, integrating into a group was a big step for him. Merryn was warm, welcoming, and fun. She sent me a couple of really sweet updates about conversations or exchanges they’d had which really made me feel that he was being heard, respected and cared for in such a gentle and authentic way." Merryn's availa...ble for standard nannying and will be facilitating group sessions when we emerge out of lockdown.** Hi, I'm Merryn! I focus a lot on child-chosen play (which means yesterday I spent 60% of my day tied up as a "goodie" and the occasional twist that I was really a "baddie" in disguise), exploring emotions and validating feelings. I believe in inclusivity, consent, and adventures! I've spent a lot of time watching the True Play children grow and I genuinely feel so privileged and honoured to be able to love what I do. Working alongside awesome families and an amazing team of staff is the best! #TruePlay #Nanny #NannyInMelbourne #Naarm #Melbourne #TPCNannies #NannyWithADifference

07.01.2022 **INTRODUCING: Kristy. Here's what Bianca, one of our members, has to say about Kristy: "Other than my son adoring her, my favourite thing about Kristy is her ability to meet children where they are mentally and emotionally by guiding them through challenges along with providing a safe space to expand and explore. Kristy is encouraging, thoughtful, fun, kind and respectful and we absolutely love her." Kristy facilitates our Friday outdoor nannying session in Brunswick and... is also available for standard nannying work (with the help of her 4 year old daughter!).** Hello there! I am Kristy and I have been working with children for over 20 years. I am a strong believer in learning through play and the importance of both free play as well as guided activities. I also believe that love and cuddles are just as, if not more vital! I'm lucky enough to have experience with a broad range of age groups from newborn through to 8yrs old. And I also have 2 beautiful little wee ones myself who are 7 and 4. Education Status: Education Support Worker qualification plus currently studying Bachelor of Education. Other Skills: I am an exhibited painter and love to share this creativity with wee ones! Languages: I speak basic German and a little Spanish Location: Heidelberg Availability: During school hours (but open to discussion) #TruePlay #Nanny #NannyInMelbourne #Naarm #Melbourne #TPCNannies #NannyWithADifference

06.01.2022 ** INTRODUCING: Rhona. Here's what Olga (one of our members) has to say about her: "Rhona is a beautiful human with a big heart, a warm presence, and best hair colours ever! I love overhearing conversations she has with my son; she always knows what to say and how to say it to connect with him in an instant. I can tell he is always very comfortable with her. She is the best story teller too...books turn into real worlds with Rhona! We love her !" Rhona facilitates our ...Tuesday outdoor session in Brunswick and is available for standard nannying too.** Hi friends! My name is Rhona and I’m an enthusiastic early childhood teacher from Brisbane. I have 19 years experience working with children aged birth to 12 years, including 10 years teaching in primary schools. I have a wealth of professional experience in nannying, tutoring, early childhood and primary teaching, child care and babysitting. Alongside my primary and early childhood teaching qualifications, I’m a qualified children’s yoga instructor and have also run dance clubs for young children. I have a keen interest in the way children think, learn and see the world, visual arts, dance, drama, yoga, meditation and nutrition. My favourite things to do with children are singing, dancing, imaginary play and going on adventures! Children’s safety, sense of security and feeling loved are of utmost importance to me, and most people say my best personal and professional quality is my ability to form meaningful connections with children and adults, no matter who they are. #TruePlay #Nanny #NannyInMelbourne #Naarm #Melbourne #TPCNannies #NannyWithADifference

02.01.2022 Play has long been touted for its ability to support children's learning. True play isn't confined to learning-associated outcomes, though. Play can inspire connection, it can challenge pre-existing ideas, it can even be frightening sometimes. During tough moments, play is often used as an escape - a way to explore alternative realities or personas. When your movements are restricted and your ability to catch up with friends is diminished, play is freedom! From Merryn: "Yeste...rday we had many adventures: we were bad guys on the loose, rocketship pilots, juice makers, school students and people in peril! Captain Lighting here warned us of a nearby thunderstorm... but we didn't have any shelter! Time started on the clock to enclose the cubby, make a suitable shelter, and harness ourselves in while danger loomed. It came close, but we made it in the end - all thanks to Captain Lighting and their team!" #TruePlay #Naarm #Melbourne #Lockdown #MelbourneLockdown #PlayIsFreedom #ImaginativePlay #SavingTheDay #NannyWithADifference