Tag: mother

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Reflecting on the Incredible Women in Our Lives

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, we have been doing a lot of thinking about the role of women not only in our personal lives but in our professional lives too. With around 97% of early childhood educator positions filled by women, working in childcare we are frequently reminded of the wonderful women we are surrounded by.

While not all women become mothers, all mothers are women. This Mother’s Day we celebrate mums, aunties, grandmothers as well as all the special female role models in our lives and the lives of children. This certainly includes all the special early childhood educators who support and guide children, and also provide support to mums who are often juggling children, work, family and other commitments.

Each day in centres we see so many mums dropping off their children before heading to work, study, to organise the family home and run errands in support of their families. We see educators coming in to work to provide loving care for many children, some who arrive after getting their own children sorted for school or care.

Among all these women we are continually in awe of their caring nature and willingness to learn and help. We see women with incredible commitment to their families, their work and supporting those around them, and we see the heart and passion by which they are driven. This Mother’s Day we’ll be celebrating you all and sending out a big THANK YOU for all you do.

Next week, we’re going to be in the presence of many women who do incredible work in shaping the next generation at ELAA’s 2019 Early Childhood Education Conference held in Melbourne over May 17 and 18. (If you haven’t registered yet, there is still time: click here).

Bonkers Beat will be sharing the message of ‘Empowering Educators to Create Pathways to Children’s Wellbeing’ in the conference poster exhibition. Galina is looking forward to seeing all the friendly faces so make sure you come and say hello to Galina and Bonkers the Monkey! In fact, those who visit us will even get a special gift from Bonkers. If you can’t make it along to the ELAA Conference, hopefully you can join us at our upcoming free event in Melbourne, ‘7 Stones’. Click here to claim your free spot now.

Speaking of gifts, to help celebrate Mother’s Day and all the incredible women in our lives, please enjoy access to our Bonkers Beat Mother’s Day poem here. Many children enjoy performing this poem for their mums on Mother’s Day or reciting it together at your centre’s Mother’s Day celebration.

 

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Fun

Mother’s Day is here this Sunday 13 May, and that means it’s time to celebrate the mums in our lives. In childcare centres many of us have a morning or afternoon tea with mums attending centres to take part in some art and craft — this is always a fun way to celebrate, but what else can we do to make Mother’s Day extra special?

Last minute Mother’s Day ideas

Teach children a poem: While you won’t be at children’s homes with them on Mother’s Day, it doesn’t take long at all for children (especially the older children) to learn a little poem to recite for mum. Enjoy this special gift from Bonkers Beat the Monkey – our poem ‘My Mum’: Access here.

If you haven’t yet had a Mother’s Day event at your centre, a group performance of this is always lovely for mums!

Breakfast in bed: It doesn’t have to be complex to be a thoughtful and much-appreciated gesture for Mother’s Day. A grown-up will have to lend a hand but for the most part, children can manage these:

Fruit kebabs

Fancy breakfast toast

Granola parfait

Create something special from the garden: Nip to the garden and pick some flowers for mum. A hand-picked posy will be sure to put a smile on mum’s face!

Make a crown for the Queen of the family: If a quick craft is what you’re after, this printable crown is perfect for Mother’s Day. Simply print, colour in and decorate and join together!

A questionnaire about mum: Mums love to hear what their children have learned or gain insights into how they see the world. This questionnaire for kids is all about mum and is a guarantee to give mum a laugh or even make her tear up! Print here.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums, grandmothers, aunties, step-mums and other wonderful female role models in children’s lives!

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6 Ways to Make Mums Feel Special this Mother’s Day

It’s almost that special day in May that we all celebrate mums and mother figures in children’s lives! Making sure mums feel special this Mother’s Day on Sunday 8 May is easy with these six ways.

1. Create something to treasure

Many mums like jewellery, so why not make a real craft activity out of it and help children to make the beads and paint them for a bracelet or necklace for mum! Make them, bake them, paint them, thread them and VOILA a beautiful keepsake for mums to cherish over the years! Head here for instructions.
Other ideas are this gorgeous egg carton art, some lovely icy-pole stick photo frames or colourful tissue paper flowers.

2. Write something thoughtful

Homemade cards are a must (try this handprint card!). Help children to write something thoughtful by prompting them with questions like ‘What is your favourite thing to do with mummy?’, or ‘What makes your mummy special?’.

3. Make it personal

Mother’s Day can be a different, personal experience for many children. Don’t forget that sometimes mum may not be present, so aunties, grandmothers, step-mums and other mother figures may be more appropriate for some children.

4. Invite mums to celebrate

A Mother’s Day breakfast, morning or afternoon tea is fun for everyone! Plan ahead, let families know and keep it simple. And our next two suggestions make this even more enjoyable!

5. Make mums something yummy

These Jam Drops are a simple treat for children to help make for mums, aunts and grandmothers visiting the centre. Of course, there are the classic scones, fruit kebabs and many other options to explore.

6. Sing a special song

You may like to help children learn this short Mother’s Day poem as a special performance element for your Mother’s Day celebrations. It is always loved by children and mums! We’re sure you’ll find it is sweet and meaningful for every kind of mum. We always recite this poem with actions – they are quite obvious but if you’re not sure, create your own!

There you have it – six ways to make mums feel special. Happy Mother’s Day!

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