The Holistic Podcast for Early Childhood Educators
Join Victoria Edmond as she explores education and care practice, business mindset and work/life balance for early childhood professionals.
Victoria has over 12 years of experience in caring for children, programming, managing businesses and supporting educators. She’s a director, mother, early childhood educator, speaker and a fierce advocate for a big hearted approach to Early Education worldwide.
On a mission to support educators to feel inspired and confident in their own abilities, Victoria deep dives unique perspectives through interviews with a range of guest speakers from different backgrounds within Early Education.
Episode Highlights
Encouraging a Cultural Shift in FDC
Welcome back to another episode of the Big Hearted Podcast!
This week, we’re talking about something that can transform the way we work in family day care (FDC)—slow pedagogy and the need for a cultural shift in early childhood education.
So many educators feel burnt out, rushed, and stretched too thin—but what if the answer isn’t doing more, but actually slowing down? In this episode, I’ll walk you through how mindfulness, presence, and intentionality can create a calmer, more fulfilling way of working with children.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
1. Slow Pedagogy: A Mindful Shift in FDC
- Why slow pedagogy is the key to reducing burnout and bringing joy back into your day
- How slowing down allows children to fully engage, explore, and learn at their own pace
- The importance of being fully present and how it impacts relationships with children
2. Boundaries & Presence: The Educator’s Role
- The difference between reacting and responding—and why it matters
- How to hold space for children without absorbing their emotions or frustrations
- Setting clear boundaries with families to protect your time, energy, and presence
3. The Four Pillars of a Thriving FDC Business
- Children – Being truly present and fostering deep, meaningful relationships
- Business – Managing your finances and structure so you feel secure and in control
- Programming & Documentation – Simplifying your approach with seasonal planning
- Self-Discipline & Boundaries – Why taking care of yourself first is non-negotiable
4. Why Less is More
- Overstimulated children = overstimulated educators!
- The power of decluttering your environment to create deeper, more meaningful play
- Why reducing the chaos in your day helps you stay calm, connected, and in control
What's Coming Up:
- Autumn Planning Workshop – 15th February | $39
- Plan your entire autumn season in just three hours! Walk away with a clear, structured approach to programming that reduces stress and saves time.
Join the Workshop - The Big Hearted Summit – May 7-9, 2025
- This year’s theme is "How to Swing the Pendulum"—practical tools and reflective sessions to help educators slow down and simplify their work.
Tickets Available Soon! - Gold Coast Conference – June 5-7, 2025
- A unique two-day event for both educators and service staff, covering topics like slow pedagogy, child protection, and setting professional boundaries.
Get Your Ticket - The Essential Elements Course –
- The blueprint for running a thriving, sustainable, and fulfilling FDC business.
Join the Waitlist
Your Reflection Challenge for This Week
Take a look at your environment and routines. Where can you slow down? What’s one small change you can make to be more present with the children?
Small shifts lead to big transformations—for you and the children. Let’s create the cultural change FDC needs, one mindful step at a time.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Did this episode resonate with you? What’s one shift you’re making in your FDC? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for spending time with me this week. Remember, small shifts create big changes—for you and for the children.
Let’s make FDC better for us and for the children.
