minds at home
Issue 17 2015 | FREE
Getting the recipe right for our children Marching into a childcare career Blossoming partnerships
porse.co.nz Let's PORSE Magazine - Issue 17 Autumn NEW Single pages.indd 1
Making the most of every day
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Features Nurturing a special relationship .................................... 2 Marching into a childcare career ................................... 6
Let’s PORSE is published bi-annually. Over seven hundred thousand copies are distributed free throughout New Zealand. You can also check out what's happening at PORSE on our social media channels.
Getting the recipe right for our children ................... 8 Rural snapshot .................................................................... 11 Nanny intern programme proving popular ............. 12 Blossoming partnerships ............................................... 14 Why change a good thing? ........................................... 16 Dancing to her own beat ................................................ 17 Making the most of every day ..................................... 18 You can't put a price on peace of mind .................. 20 Out and about in the community ............................... 22 Getting them ready for school ................................... 24
Check out our website Disclaimer: PORSE In-Home Childcare (NZ) Ltd and Attn! Marketing PR are not responsible for the content or photos published in this magazine which have been authorised by independent Educators and families of children pictured. This magazine is prepared for the provision of information to PORSE In-Home Childcare (NZ) Ltd stakeholders. It is to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of printing.
Love to Sing - MP3 Albums ................................................ 1
Pureborn Organic - Baby clothes ................................. 13
Nappy Days - Cloth Nappy sets ....................................... 5
All For Kids Queenstown - Boosterseat .................... 15
Mocka - Table and Chairs sets ......................................... 9
Smart Play - Puzzles ........................................................... 21
Feel Good for Life - Books .............................................. 10
BreastMates - Maternity clothes .................................. 22
Please note: Let's PORSE giveaways close 31 July 2015. You can enter online at www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
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Once upon a time, over 20 years ago, an organisation named PORSE set off to be a game changer in the lives of babies, with a vision to see young babies raised in 1-1 connected relationships during the years it matters most - from conception to age three. Now, 20 years on and counting, we are starting to see an increase in the numbers of other home-based providers, but not a corresponding increase in our national workforce of Home based Educators. Sadly we feel this is partly due to lack of enablement and support from the government. As a nationwide organisation, we are committed to seeing the in-home childcare sector flourish and subsequently we are campaigning to recruit new Nannies and Educators to join PORSE and in turn expand the home-based sector. Our latest television advertisement (visit www.porse.co.nz) highlights the importance of choosing a relationship-based model of childcare because our babies and children grow up mirroring those around them. We are constantly searching for those with the heart and passion to care for our most
editor Catherine Wedd contributing writers Catherine Wedd, Alisha Neilson
creative design
precious citizens and join our current army of in-home pioneers who have been supporting
Ingrid Edwards, Tracy Andersen
our nation in raising our beloved babies.
photography
Our 20 years of experience and research have developed the latest programmes based
Catherine Wedd
on the importance of early brain development and our teams of staff, teachers, Nannies
Tracy Andersen
and Educators are committed to our higher purpose of nurturing babies and preschoolers
Niels Schipper
through the years when the blueprint for life is formed and matters most.
Stephen Baker
If you are reading this and you would like to help us on our mission to change the way we
editorial enquiries
raise our babies in New Zealand, I urge you to take action and call PORSE today.
Catherine Wedd P 06 878 3196
We are committed to keeping our vision for love, trust and respect between all human beings growing and flourishing and engaging more staff to support the matching of families with nurturing PORSE Educators and Nannies.
or E catherine@attn.co.nz
advertising enquiries Kem Ormond P 06 878 3196
My mission as Chief Engagement Officer for PORSE is to raise awareness about the
E kem@attn.co.nz
importance of relationships when raising human beings, and ensure that our teams of
Proudly printed by
passionate staff and Educators take time to share their stories about ‘why’ raising and growing little minds at home is essential for the future of our society.
Love is all there is!
Chief Engagement Officer & Ambassador of Love
Let’s PORSE is giving away 17 x Transport Zoom Along Songs MP3 Albums from LOVE TO SING valued at $270. To enter, visit us online at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
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Nanny Josie, Nikita and Andrew.
Nurturing a special relationship
Andrew Mackay never imagined that he would be a solo dad raising his three children on his own, but two years ago his life changed dramatically when his wife Louise died suddenly, soon after their third child was born. “Suddenly I was a solo dad and really felt like I was thrown in
Andrew kept his job as an electrical engineer for a Singapore
the deep end and drowning. I needed help raising Nikita who
based company, working from home in Wellington, travelling
was just four months old, but also my two older children Zoe,
to Singapore regularly.
who was twelve, and Burton then nine.”
He sought the help of PORSE when Nikita was six months old
Andrew was in two minds as to whether he should go back to
and was very impressed with how the local PORSE Consultant
work or stay at home to care for his children full-time.
Linda Postma found suitable candidates and how the PORSE
“I thought about being a stay-at-home dad and giving up work but in hindsight I am pleased that I decided to carry on working
Programme Tutor Susan Rudd helped him through the emotional process of choosing a nanny.
because I think it has been healthy for me to have my work
“It’s amazing how much you take your partner's or wife’s
and my own identity.”
opinions for granted. Usually I would have my wife helping
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With Josie there was an instant connection. She has an infectious energy and an extremely bubbly personality, which was so nice to have around the household after everything we had been through. Says Andrew. make childcare decisions, but all of a sudden I was making
“It was amazing to watch Josie with Nikita. I was very aware
them on my own, so I was very grateful to have the help of
that she needed a stable female presence in her life and Josie
Susan.
really is that person.”
“We interviewed a few candidates and I would use Susan as my
“Josie says I had just got back from living overseas when I
support person to bounce ideas off. Is she too inexperienced?
first met Andrew and Nikita. Originally I had only planned on
Is she too experienced? Do we need someone more energetic?
being back in New Zealand for a short time but after meeting
Would she bond with all the children and get on with me?”
Nikita I was in love. She has stolen my heart. We had an instant
Eventually, Andrew chose Josie Coe who was the perfect fit for his family. “With Josie there was an instant connection. She has an infectious energy and an extremely bubbly personality, which
connection and I knew that this was the right family for me." “Being a nanny is not like any other job where there are rules and regulations. You become part of their life, part of their family. Helping raise someone else’s children is such a big
was so nice to have around the household after everything we had been through,” says Andrew. “She also had the right intuition for the ways of the household, which was essential as I’m often distracted and not a great communicator.” After Josie started, laughter echoed through the house and the 23-year-old immediately developed a close relationship with Andrew’s children.
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Andrew admits that being a solo dad isn’t easy. “Constantly finding the right work/life balance is always a challenge. For example do I decide to do the housework, send an urgent work email or do I sit down with Nikita and read her a story? “I’m always conscious about the children having a female presence in their lives. Sometimes I may not show as much emotion and understanding as a mother would so this is where Josie steps in and is so great." “She has become a really good friend to Zoe and helps her with advice on girl's stuff and when the children need to dress up for parties, Josie is amazing. She will bring around her dress up wardrobe and they have heaps of fun. Andrew travels a lot for work, so his parents in-law often stay while he is away and the children and Josie adapt to a different dynamic in the house. “I don’t think everyone could deal with this kind of change and all the different family and friends coming and going all the time, but it seems to work really well for us.” “Nikita will often get upset when her grandparents leave but Josie is amazing at helping her understand the situation. She takes her to the airport and explains it all to her.” Josie has been with the family for over a year now and has enjoyed witnessing all the special milestones in Nikita’s life. “She was just sitting when I started, then she crawled in my first responsibility and I feel really lucky to be involved and part
week on the job. I was also there when she walked. I try hard to
of their journey and watch Zoe, Burton and Nikita grow and
capture these special moments on camera, that way Andrew
develop.”
can send them out to his wider family and friends so everyone
Josie says she doesn’t feel like a nanny a lot of the time.
can be close and a part of her life which is really special.”
“I feel like more of a friend to hang out with. Zoe and Burton are such great helpers, they are both extremely kind and thoughtful and love Nikita to bits.” PORSE also ran a session on grief counseling for the family and Josie, which Andrew says was really helpful to discuss the topic together. “It is important for the children to grow up still knowing their mother, so Josie tries to include her as much as she can. Of course Nikita won’t remember her mother but at least we can help her grow up “knowing” her with a sense of belonging and understanding. “I really like in-home care because it gives Nikita stability in her life. She has one carer who she has developed a close relationship with and I believe it is giving her the right nurturing, love and support.” Andrew has plenty of support from his own family and Louise’s parents who are always popping in. “For a lot of people this would seem disruptive, always having to cater for different needs, but Josie has really taken this element of the job in her stride.”
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Flower Bouquet
Craft Idea
Rosette Flower
Cut an A4 sheet of paper lengthwise into 3cm or 4cm wide strips. The wider the strips the larger the flower. Starting at the short edge, fold each strip back and forth at 1cm intervals (creates a concertina). You can round the edges of the flower if you wish by cutting a curve on the tips. Join two or more strips together with glue or double-sided tape, eventually making a ring. Flatten the ring so that one side forms the centre and it fans out into a circle shape. Glue the centre so it will stay in place – hot glue works best. Cut out a small circle to make the centre of your flower (you can also use card, felt, buttons and sequins), glue in place. Glue a stem to the back of the flower using a straw or stick. Cut a few leaf shapes out of paper and stick to the stem.
Flower Holder
Take a square piece of card (18cm x 18cm) to make a cone shape. Secure with tape. Punch two holes in the sides at the top and thread ribbon through so that it can be hung. Place your flowers inside the cone adding twigs, bunny tails, or other flora!
Let’s PORSE is giving away 5 x TotsBots Easyfit Storybook OSFM nappies plus liners, wet bag and wash powder from NAPPY DAYS valued at $250. Enter at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
Are you a member of your local Parents Centre - 50 across the country? Because Parents Centre isn't just for expectant parents! As well as our renowned childbirth educational classes we also run a wide range of parenting programmes aimed to help you negotiate those rewarding, yet challenging, early years. From conscious parenting programmes through to 'hot topic' focus nights on toilet training, baby sign and developmental stages.
Go to our website to contact your local Centre to find out about programmes running near you. www.parentscentre.org.nz
Where parenting is everything!
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Deacan, Cooper, Carol, Kavya and Sophie.
Marching into a Childcare Career Educator Carol Tarrant is not only a hero in her children’s eyes, she’s also a national hero having climbed through the military ranks to make history as Zealand’s first ever Māori female major in the Army. The self-confessed ‘out there kind of woman’, has always been
“I had both my children while I was in the Army but I knew I
a go-getter and growing up in Gisborne as one of six children,
couldn’t soldier on as a professional officer and be a full-time
she quickly learnt to grab her opportunities with both hands.
Mum, so I left and started in-home childcare. I’ve always loved
Needless to say when Carol was accepted into an all female
kids and figured if I had my own children at home why not
basic Army training camp in Christchurch straight after she left school in 1979, she jumped at the chance. What followed were
have a few more and make a career out of it.”
20 years of dedicated service, a stint as Company Commander
That was a few years ago and since Carol started as a PORSE
of troops at Linton Army Camp and a tour to Singapore as one
Educator, she’s never felt more fulfilled. “I’ve got the best job
of the Logistics Officers in charge of the withdrawal of New
in the whole world! I’m so passionate about children’s learning
Zealand Defence Forces from South East Asia.
and ensuring they can learn in a safe, nurturing environment,
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A child is like a butterfly in the wind. Some can fly higher than others, but each flies the best it can. Each one different, each one special, each one beautiful. but I also really believe in the home-based childcare model.
crusts as paddles. They gobbled them up and
There’s a magic to the one-on-one connections I have with
couldn’t get enough of the hoe (paddles)!”
my children.”
jokes Carol.
Carol’s approach to childcare couldn’t be more different from
When she’s not ad-libbing stories in funny
her regimented army persona, but it did teach her two things:
voices or thumping out a tune on her ukulele,
organisation and the importance of ‘having a plan B’.
Carol thanks her lucky stars for having the privilege
“I used to be extremely disciplined with time, but working
to work with children.
with pre-schoolers has certainly mellowed me.
“The kids make me take stock of myself and that’s lovely
Yes it’s still a military operation going out but I guess I know
achieve something and the delight in their eyes when it finally
a thing or two about logistics (she winks). I’m now far more
clicks for them, that really does it for me.
relaxed and know that no two days will be the same.” There’s truth to that statement when you see what a week
that a child can do that. My biggest buzz is when I see them
Above, Carol shares with us a favourite quote she uses to inspire her to be the best Educator that she can be.
entails for the five children in Carol’s care. The vivacious 54 year old runs a practical-based programme where children are taught life skills with a focus on social competence by being out and about every day, and engaging in the many activities that are available in and around Matamata. Whether it’s heading to Hamilton Zoo or checking out the local donkey and goat farms, Carol’s schedule for the children is jam-packed full of interesting outings, designed to be both educational and fun. “I love taking the children out and about and seeing them experience different learning environments. Socialising children broadens their horizons and draws out their personalities but I’m also always thinking ‘what can they learn here’ and encourage them to be courteous and well mannered.” Former Army Major Carol keeps her pint-sized troops in line with her trademark good humour and enjoys getting their ‘atten-TION’ by incorporating her own Māori culture into her programme. “I sit on the Matamata playcentre committee as their bicultural advisor. I love teaching the children Māori waiata and numeracy and little catch phrases like ‘horoi ō ringaringa’ which means wash your hands, it’s so cute when you hear the littlies impersonate me at meal time by saying ‘hoi a inga inga everybody’. “I discovered a great way to get the kids eating their crusts, I took them to the Waka Ama (Outrigger Canoe) - National Competition on Lake Karapiro recently, and when we got home I cut their sandwiches into waka shapes and used the
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Wellbeing and Nutrition
Getting the recipe right for our
children
Claire Turnbull and Zac Shepherd.
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Internationally acclaimed nutritionist and writer, Claire Turnbull has been advising parents about healthy eating for years, but she says it’s only after becoming a parent herself that she truly understands the challenges parents face in encouraging their children to eat the right foods. Mother to 11-month-old Zac, Claire is now experiencing the trials and tribulations of children’s eating behaviour. As a nutritionist Claire knows how important it is to be in the driving seat when it comes to food choices. We asked her for some advice on how to get our little ones eating well.
As a first time parent, what have you learnt? While I have talked to parents about children’s eating behaviours for years, I understand more than ever how much they learn about food from looking at what you eat and your response to them eating. Just because Zac screws up his face when he tries a new food, doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t like it. Sometimes we can over interpret what babies are doing. We put a lot of focus on how they eat, but there should also be focus on how we as parents respond. Children are influenced by our behaviour. It’s easy to assume babies don’t like strong flavoured food like olives and onions, but they can do. It is all about training their
with pureed fruit and vegetables at five months because that is when Zac became interested in what I was eating. The official recommendation is not before four months but by six months.
palate to like strong flavours. Food is just food to a baby. If they
Babies are born with enough stored iron to last them the first
see you're anxious they can use this to manipulate the situation.
six months of their lives but after that, it is important to include
It is best not to get too emotional about it. You aren’t a bad parent if you can’t get them eating vegetables. Children go through phases of being difficult.
What are the biggest risks as parents when it comes to teaching our children how to eat well?
iron-rich foods including pureed meat. It is important not to overdo the fibre when they start solids too – starting with baby rice is good and you can gradually progress to higher cereals (like oats) as the months pass. Too much fibre can be hard for your baby's gut to handle in the early days.
As soon as you allow your child to take control of the situation, you are in for a challenge. Its best to have a positive attitude when it comes to food - it is no fun fighting with your child! Try to look at the bigger picture and keep calm. Fighting at the dinner table is often more about the child wanting control rather than anything to do with the food. If
Let’s PORSE is giving away 2 x Hudson Kids Table and Chairs Sets from MOCKA valued at $149.95 each.
5 piec set - ch e air stack s
a child were actually starving hungry, he would eat anything! It really can be as much about behaviour as it is about food. When you are stressed and tired it is easy to give your child what he wants but remember, you are the adult – you can take charge.
What advice would you give to parents starting their babies on solids?
To enter, visit us online at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
Don’t start your baby on food too early as their tummies are fragile and are not developed enough to handle it. I started
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What are some food traps to watch out for as a parent? Many types of yoghurt are full of sugar so buy unsweetened yoghurt and instead use fruit to sweeten it.
Suffer from
veggie aversion?
Extract from Claire's book: “Feel Good for Life” If you have never been a lover of vegetables or if you have children who just can’t abide them, the good news is this can
Cereals can be a trap. When babies are old enough, make
change. Each of your taste buds is replaced about every two
porridge with rolled oats and milk or formula and add a
weeks and over time you can train them to accept new tastes if
couple of tablespoons of pureed fruit or a couple of slices
you are persistent.
of mashed banana. Zac started on this at about 8 months. Using mashed banana or pureed apple can work well in some recipes as a sweetener without needing to use lots of sugar. Add a piece of cheese with the fruit. The fat and protein in the cheese avoid the sugar high you can get with fruit. It can be very easy to overdo the salt so be mindful – don’t add salt to cooking and remember things like marmite and soy sauce are very high in salt. Check the back of food labels. Babies' kidneys can't handle a lot of salt. Drink water or milk and avoid fruit juice. If your kids do have the odd glass of juice, dilute it with water as much as possible. If you are having something sweet after dinner – have yoghurt with fruit or blend up a frozen banana with a teaspoon of peanut butter to make an ‘ice cream’.
What are some good lunchbox ideas? Lunch box staples: Sandwiches made with wholegrain bread or wholemeal wraps filled with shredded
I like to take the slow and steady approach to vegetable eating
chicken with lettuce, tuna with
with kids who are super fussy. Simply try getting them to lick
mashed avocado and veggies
a vegetable, hold it and take one bite each and every day.
on the side.
Keep with the same vegetable for a while if you can, rather
Wholemeal pita with hummus
than mixing it up too quickly - introduce new ones over time. If
and/or shredded chicken and
possible avoid getting emotional, angry or frustrated - just as
grated carrot.
long as they take one bite and swallow - let it go. Then repeat
Individual veggie frittata or veggie meat loaf.
- again and again and again and... yes again.
Pick and mix lunch: Roasted veggie wedges (e.g potato/ kumara/carrot/parnsip) with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices or carrot sticks and a boiled egg. Falafel patties and veggie sticks.
In time (and it can be a long time), it will help them to accept the taste. This process can help them to build up an acceptance for a range of vegetables.
Healthy lunch box snacks: Cubes of cheese with a handful of grapes. Unsweetened yoghurt with added handful of frozen berries or a chopped banana. Wholegrain crackers sandwiched with cheese. Plain popcorn. Fresh fruit chopped into bite sized chunks/wedges or mini pots of fruit packed in juice. Healthy homemade baking.
Let’s PORSE is giving away 4 x Feel Good For Life books from Claire Turnbull valued at $39.95 each. To enter, visit us online at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
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Rural Focus
Educator Denise with Ruby, Jethro and Abrie.
Rural snapshot
Pulling together and ‘making your own fun’ are par for the course for a close-knit group of rural Stratford Educators. Denise Smillie’s been with PORSE for 11 years and five years ago became a PORSE Professional. Denise graduated to become a PORSE Professional five
“We are really close friends and in small areas like Stratford
years ago and as she poses for the camera it’s clear to see
that’s a big advantage. When we all get together we’re like
her serene outlook has positively rubbed off on her PORSE
one extended family which makes it feel more personal, and
children: siblings Abrie and Ruby Wellington and Jethro
the children love having so many other children to play with!”
Dixon. Denise says her children inspire her and the close friendships she’s made with fellow Educators in her area has ignited further passion for her job. “Living in a small community, it’s been really important for us to work alongside each other and have a strong support system. I pass on my experience and we often back each other with new ideas and strategies.”
The group enjoy the changes of scenery that meeting at each others houses provides. “It almost doesn’t feel like we’re working sometimes because we’re all so close and the kids are all really happy. That was a key reason for me joining PORSE, because of the way we promote those secure attachments, the children feel secure without their parents
Michelle Andersen, Lynlie Rogers and wise head Denise enjoy
around. If we can produce
getting together and catching up with the other PORSE
happy, confident, educated
Educators in their area as much as they can.
children we’re setting them
Thirty-year-old Lynlie has just returned to being an Educator after having her fifth child and says the support she gets from
up well for future learning,” says Michelle.
her PORSE peers is invaluable.
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Nanny Intern Programme
Proving popular
The PORSE Nanny Intern Programme is proving to be a popular career choice for many young people around the country and it’s also helping dozens of kiwi families – providing an affordable childcare option. Mother of two, Alannah Holt says her PORSE Nanny Intern
breastfeed Poppy in between clients and also had the flexibility
Kasey was an enormous support after she discovered her
to take Clint to his chemotherapy treatment.
husband had brain cancer. “Finn was just two and I was pregnant with Poppy when we found out that Clint had brain cancer. It was a very emotional time getting Clint through so having the support in place for
NIP's families only have to pay an hourly training rate of up to $5 rather than $14 to $25 for a fully qualified nanny. “The Nanny Intern programme is very affordable and it meant
our children was crucial.”
I could still work. I loved having Kasey around and developed
Alannah approached PORSE and was delighted to find Nanny
us anymore, we still like to catch up from time to time,” says
Intern, Kasey Sanders who bonded immediately with her family.
Alannah.
“We were lucky to find Kasey as she was so natural with the
The NIPs course also provided an attractive career pathway for
children and they developed an instant connection. The Nanny
Kasey who has gone on to study a Bachelor of Education
Intern Programme (NIPs) was an affordable option for us and
and is now in her first year of the degree.
a close friendship with her. Even though she doesn’t work for
meant I could work from home and enjoy the benefit of a nanny without having to stress or worry.” Having a Nanny Intern meant that Alannah could run her beauty business from home. She could
Finn, Nanny Intern Kasey, Poppy and mum Alannah.
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“I always wanted a career in early childhood. When I saw the PORSE NIPs poster at school I wanted to do the course and it really has set me up well. “I had the ability to work with children in a home environment and apply what I had learnt in the classroom. I can now build on this experience.” Kasey says she enjoyed working with a variety of ages and says it was good to have Alannah as a mentor. “Seeing the development of Finn and Poppy was amazing. I found it great having a parent there to nurture and teach me. Alannah gave me so much good advice that I could apply.” She would say - “Maybe if you do it this way the child might respond better.” “With three year old Finn, he wasn’t much of an eater at dinner time, so Alannah showed me how to positively encourage eating for consistency and with Poppy she gave me lots of tips on how to settle a baby. “I found the hands-on practical side of the course fantastic and learning how to deal with different age groups was invaluable.” Kasey says she always saw herself working in a job with children because they are her passion.
“The NIPs programme is such a great course because it gives you hands-on experience and a taster of what being a Nanny is like. It helped me decide the direction I wanted to take.” PORSE Education and Training General Manager Erin Maloney says they already run the NIPs courses in Auckland, Wellington,
The Holt family celebrates with Kasey on the NIPs graduation day.
Christchurch, Tauranga and Hamilton and this year have introduced courses in New Plymouth and Palmerston North. “The traditional nanny role is still very popular in New Zealand homes and is particularly prominent in the main cities. We are pleased to now be offering more youth an exciting career opportunity." “It provides an attractive career for 17 to 25 year olds and it’s also affordable for families who can enjoy the benefit of a nanny for 20 hours a week.” Over the 20-week course the interns work through the National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3). On top of the 20 hours practical experience, they spend a day a week in the classroom, including lessons in early brain development, attachment theory, and care routines,
Let’s PORSE is giving away 5 x Sets with singlet, hat and booties from PUREBORN ORGANIC valued at $53 each set. To enter, visit us online at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
right through to hearing from the Plunket Nurse.
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Cian, Programme Tutor Victoria, Clara, Alexa, Educator Jenny and Piper.
Blossoming partnerships
As well as families and carers’ relationships flourishing at PORSE, so too are bonds between Programme Tutors and Educators. Educator Jenny Martin’s PORSE children often excitedly queue
As part of her role, Victoria makes around three visits to
at her front door, eagerly waiting to greet Programme Tutor,
Jenny every month. She assists with individualising PORSE
Victoria Campbell, giving a welcoming committee like no other.
Programmes for each child and family, and supports Jenny
Since Victoria started making her visits nine months ago, a unique rapport has developed between not only her and
through her career pathway by offering guidance along with new and innovative teaching strategies.
Jenny’s children, but between the two women themselves. For
Jenny admits she’s a sponge and loves to absorb as
Jenny, who’s been a valued PORSE Educator for six years, the
much information as possible. As a result, she has a
friendship has been an added bonus.
terrific programme running for her children that promotes
“Vic is brilliant, she’s such a breath of fresh air and the kids love her. I know that if I have any problems I can call her or get her over to give advice, she’s always full of great ideas and supports me. I guess together we just click.”
independence, self-exploration and achievable success. Jenny’s littlies are encouraged to wash their own hands, make their own healthy food choices and push their own physical boundaries. Climbing trees in her backyard presents challenges that Jenny describes more as calculated-risk taking, but never dangerous.
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I enjoy visiting Jenny because she is so passionate about her work with children and is always keen to learn more. I love that she asks great questions and wants to be pushed further. “At my house the children aren’t limited by rules, and they thrive on it. It’s good old fashioned ‘free play’ like kids used to do, because if a child is stimulated during playtime outside they’ll be more open to learning inside,” enthuses Jenny. The parental feedback Programme Tutor Victoria receives, only adds credence to Jenny’s theories about child’s play. “Jenny’s families love her to pieces and feel like their child is part of her family. In fact Jenny’s such a valued member of PORSE, often other Educators will contact Jenny for advice on how to set up similar home environments,” says Victoria. Matching Educators with families used to be the role of PORSE Consultants, but since the organisation launched its new ‘Game Of Love’ concept this year, it’s now the task of Programme Tutors to make the all important ‘love matches’ Victoria says. “I like to think parents get more value from my visit notes now that they know me. But additionally when families are walking in off the street seeking childcare, we can act straight away, using the knowledge we have of our Educators to more effectively match people. It’s a win-win that
Let’s PORSE is giving away an Adventure 3 in 1 Booster Seat from ALL FOR KIDS QUEENSTOWN valued at $128. To enter, visit us online at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
appears to be working.”
The New Zealand Multiple Birth Association Supporting parents with multiples If you’re expecting or raising twins and triplets, or supporting multiple birth families, the NZMBA can offer you a helping hand. To find out more about the NZMBA and your closest Multiple Birth Club contact us today.
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www.multiples.org.nz Call us on 0800 4 TWINS ETC
23/04/2015 2:22:25 p.m.
Longstanding Educators
Educator Nicky with Lily, Arlo and Jahsya.
Why change a good thing? Nicky Keefe wouldn’t swap her job as an Educator for all the money in the bank, and that’s a telling admission from a woman who once had a career in banking. It’s been 14 years since the grandmother of two, joined PORSE.
These days Nicky has a full schedule caring for seven different children. Her days are
“I always imagined I’d go back to the bank once my own three children were at school but when the time came, I couldn’t pull myself away from the children I’d come to love. I regard some of the families I’ve worked with, as my closest friends.”
packed full of stimulating
Managing her own business from home has enabled Nicky
children are so impressionable so if I can teach them things like
the luxury of watching her own children grow and develop,
how to be well mannered and eat politely and to be a kind and
activities including daily baking lessons, painting, bike rides and walks to the park as well as plenty of water play at the local water park. But aside from all the fun, Nicky’s very serious about instilling good manners and self help skills in her littlies. “Never underestimate the importance of good manners. Young
whilst earning a fulltime income. She says the enduring
caring friend, then I’m doing a good job.”
friendships she’s made along the way have been the ultimate
“I would say 99% of the children I have cared for I have had
perks of the job.
from babies right through to school age, so naturally, I’ve
“Kody and Tia Ward were among the first children I looked
been very protective of each one of them and treated them
after, and being around the same age as my own two boys, the four of them became like siblings. We still holiday and enjoy barbeques with their family and it’s been really cool to see them grow up as teenagers and form such close attachments
just like my own. Often I think children learn from and listen more to people who aren’t their parents, and I don’t treat that lightly. My fulfillment comes from helping produce happy, confident young Kiwis with a healthy sense of resilience.”
with each other,” says Nicky.
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Dancing to her own beat
Describing herself as a 'Groovy Gran', Maggie Sargeson loves dancing to Bon Jovi and so do her girls who thrive off her positive energy and fun. The longstanding Tauranga-based Educator was never able to
“I don't believe in locks on cupboards and gates as it is my job
have children of her own but her work as a nanny in London
to educate the child in self restraint and safety. I do believe in
and with PORSE has more than filled that void and given her a
not doing things for them but with them.”
lifetime of happy memories. She has been with PORSE for nearly 13 years starting as a Nanny and more recently as a Educator since returning from the UK with her Kiwi husband, Tim. Maggie's passion has always been under fives and especially babies, including working with Down's syndrome children. At just five foot tall Maggie is by no means a push over and her
Just observing two year old tots Honor and Maria, currently in Maggie's care, it is clear to see they are endearingly independent, very well behaved, happy and confident children. Maggie turns 65 this November and plans to retire to spend more time with her husband Tim who has early onset Parkinsons but also do some voluntary work in the community.
Maggie with Maria and Honour.
children soon realise that she’s in charge. “If something needs dealing with then we do, and move on. I think children these days are too smothered by parents. As their role models we need to be very much aware of our own actions and behaviour and give the child routine, boundaries, socialising, and of course lots of praise and hugs."
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Making the
I wanted to employ someone with an open mind, who I could train. Looking after a family with a special needs child is intimidating, but kudos to Felicity, she’s taken the role on beautifully and has come a very long way with us. Says Vanessa
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most of every day It’s a privilege to be caring for Sadie. It sounds cliché but it’s an honour to nurture and provide the love and care that this child deserves, because she’s living a hard life. Says Felicity At first glance Sadie Wells looks like a beautiful, healthy five year old girl with her whole life ahead of her, but Sadie is anything but healthy – she has a rare and severe brain formation disorder called ‘Lissencephaly’ which means she will never walk, talk or eat on her own. What can be picked up in ante-natal scans if you’re specifically looking for it, wasn’t diagnosed until Sadie was four and half months old. That’s because Vanessa didn’t suspect anything was wrong with her baby until she realised Sadie couldn’t hold her own head up or make eye contact in the months following her birth. “Initially it was misdiagnosed as constipation but when Sadie had a severe seizure at Plunket one day, we were sent for an MRI and before we knew it we were in Starship Children’s Hospital.” Sadie spent the next seven days in a constant state of seizures, some of which lasted up to 40
Vanessa with Nanny Felicity and Sadie.
minutes, until her medication took hold. “We were told by the specialists that Sadie would be blind, deaf, deformed and wouldn’t live past the age of two, now she is five and starting school,” says Vanessa, fighting back tears. It was starkly obvious to Vanessa and husband Tom that this was a journey they couldn’t tackle alone. They started the search for an in-home carer and had several before they found PORSE nanny, Felicity Wall. Vanessa admits she’s disarmingly ‘black and white’ about Sadie’s condition, call it a coping mechanism, it’s brutal but honest. “I’ve always had a strong personality - when Felicity started I said ‘here you go, Sadie’s probably going to have six seizures while you’re here but have a good day! It is what it is
Everyone’s agreed we want to make every day a happy one for Sadie because none of us are sure how long she’ll be with us. I like to keep her entertained and pampered with foot spas and toenail painting to remind her that she is alive.” Felicity is not only Sadie’s sole charge carer three days a week, she also has Sadie’s younger sister Pippa (three) for two days a week. While coordinating outings can be tricky, it’s manageable. “PORSE run playgroups are difficult to get to because Sadie sleeps a lot during the day, but I have my regular Programme Tutor visits and know that support is only a phone call away,” says Felicity.
so you might as well make light of it.”
Felicity is constantly updating her first aid skills but admits her
Felicity appreciates Vanessa’s direct approach.
‘on the job.’
training in special needs care has been picked up while learning
“Being matter-of-fact about things normalises the situation
“Sadie is now at Fairhaven School two days a week and
and information is actually communicated more effectively that
absolutely loves it. She's now so much stronger physically since
way. I’ve always felt like Vanessa has trusted me and despite
I started a lot of tummy time. The way she can move her neck
the perception that this might be an unenjoyable job, I really
and body and the strength in her spine is incredible. I think
do enjoy it.
a lot of that can be credited to the one-on-one care PORSE
“Sadie is great company and very sweet. When she’s having a
provides.
happy day that gives me a good buzz, feeling like I’ve made
For Sadie’s family it’s a gruelling road, but the bumps and
a difference in her world.
twists and turns, are all worth it says Mum Vanessa.
porse.co.nz
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Educator Vicki with Zen and his mum Elizabeth.
You can’t put a price on peace of mind
Holding down a fulltime job and parenting on her own hasn’t been a walk in the park even for fiercely independent Elizabeth Ghio-Tuita but she’s getting through, and thanks to the support of PORSE her son Zen is thriving. Almost 12 months ago things could have worked out very
when his needs were so great. He was used to regular outings
differently - when young Mum Liz (right) was struggling to
with us and attending our playgroups and was so settled, it
afford her PORSE in-home childcare payments for Zen, she
really was a most upsetting time,” recalls Vicki.
had to make the heartbreaking decision whether to put him into daycare. For Zen’s Napier-based PORSE Educator Vicki Campion, the thought of losing the little boy she’d treated as her own since he was five months old, was a devastating wrench.
“I remember thinking if I can prevent that from happening then I’ll do whatever it takes to continue the relationship.” PORSE prides itself on its relationships and after several meetings and offers of supermarket and nappy vouchers between consultant Pip Thompson, Vicki and Liz, care was
“At the time Zen had built up such a strong connection with
able to be continued. Something Mum Liz will be ever grateful
me and the other two children here, I just couldn’t imagine
for. “I declined the vouchers because I hate asking for help!”
him going into a centre and being with a number of carers
quips Liz.
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PORSE is very whānau orientated and I’m so appreciative they were prepared to cater to mine and Zen’s needs. Pip was extremely considerate of my situation, and worked out my options and made things so much easier. Says Liz. Now two years old, Zen is with Educator Vicki Campion five days a week from 7:30-5:30pm while Mum Liz works to reduce smoking in Māori youth, at Napier’s ‘Te Kuenga Hauora', admirable work for a young woman who grew up without any positive role models or parents from the age of 16. “Vicki and PORSE are like the family I never had. They’ve provided a real sense of security for Zen and he knows Vicki so well I’m pleased to say he actually now calls her Mum too!” jokes Liz. While Liz can’t be there a lot of the time for son Zen due to work commitments, she keeps updated with his progress and development through regular online updates Vicki provides. “It means I can still be part of Zen’s childhood and I don’t miss out on anything. PORSE have taken the worry out of the equation for me. I know Vicki treats Zen like her own, she’s my friend and I trust her implicitly.”
WORTH A READ... The Whole-Brain Child Revolutionary Strategies to Nuture your Child’s Developing Mind By Daniel Siegel & Tina Bryson Got a toddler who refuses to cooperate? Confused by your child’s meltdowns over the smallest things? Want to parent your newborn in a way that nurtures and supports their developing brain? ‘The Whole-Brain Child’ may be the book for you. Dan Siegel (internationally acclaimed neuropsychiatrist and author) and Tina Bryson (parenting expert and child/ adolescent psychotherapist), both parents themselves, have written a book for parents and carers which explains the intricacies of children’s developing brains in an
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accessible and easy-to-understand way. Personal examples and cartoons to illustrate key points plus 12 truly useful hands-on practical parenting strategies (with catchy names like ‘Name It to Tame It’ and ‘Engage, Don’t Enrage’) equals a parenting book you can expect to dip into time and time again for strategies for parenting children 21from 0-12 years.
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porse.co.nz
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Out and about in the community
PORSE Educators and Nannies love getting involved in community events and taking their children out and about. We have a wide range of activities and events available across the country. It’s hard to beat Wellington on a good day and plenty of mums and babies made the most of the long summer by taking part in a series of PORSE coordinated ‘Out and About’ buggy walks. The events - run by PORSE and several of Wellington’s Community Recreation Centres - have been operating for five years in some areas and aim to promote awareness of the outdoors and healthy living. Wellington PORSE Community Team Coach Monique Simonsen-Crombie says it’s an initiative to get people moving and hopefully connecting. “Getting mums together and forming relationships while doing something active for themselves fits with our PORSE philosophy. Mums getting out and enjoying nature with their
Let’s PORSE is giving away 2 x maternity top and cargo pants sets from BREASTMATES valued at $125 each. To enter, visit us online at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
babies is great for their wellbeing and ultimately, their souls.”
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PORSE community teams host regular PlaySchools and outings across the country. They are designed to provide a safe, social, educational and curriculum-based setting which encourages our children to explore and interact with others. Contact PORSE to find out how you can connect to these local events in your community.
minds at home
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0800 023 456 porse.co.nz/locations
23/04/2015 2:22:52 p.m.
Getting them ready for school
At PORSE we believe a child’s transition to school is a critical part of their journey to a lifetime of success. So we have responded to research that has identified a need
belonging is fostered through relationships and a nurturing
for more robust Transition to School programmes for our
environment. Research shows that ‘no significant learning
three to five year olds. For Life Education & Training has
can occur without a significant relationship’ (James Comer,
developed a school readiness programme that prepares
1995).
children and supports our Educators and Nannies in understanding more about what is involved in successful transitions. This programme helps identify the experiences, activities and opportunities that will support children on their school readiness journey.
Children in the care of a PORSE Educator or Nanny are supported to learn social competencies such as resilience, perseverance, trust, confidence and responsibility. The Transition to School programme is focused on these core competencies being role-modelled by PORSE Educators and Nannies who develop
Our transition to school programme is currently being rolled
secure, connected relationships
out nationally to PORSE Educators and families, highlighting
with children in small groups where
the important role that they play in preparing the children in
one-on-one support and
their care for a school environment.
guidance is a given.
We know that the predominant component to successful
.
transition is having a sense of ‘belonging’ within the classroom and the wider school environment. This feeling of
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0508 FOR LIFE (367 5433)
23/04/2015 2:22:58 p.m.
Work, play and earn at home with p rse
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We need Educators in your area. You can work from home, be independent, have flexibility.
minds at home 0800 023 456 porse.co.nz
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