We thought we’d better introduce ourselves officially in a blog post. We are Emilie and Rosie and we met around six years ago. We were teaching Reception in adjoining classrooms and hit it off straight away. Not long after that we both went on to have our first babies, both girls, just eight months apart. Followed quite quickly by our second babies! Again we were very lucky to have two girls but this time born just five weeks apart.
We would meet up once a week at each others’ houses and drink tea whilst the girls played. Having someone to meet up with regularly that was going through the same things was a life saver at times. The girls have literally grown up together. We’ve had some really lovely times.
It was Rosie that suggested we start an Instagram account, purely as a way to structure our time at home and to save our sanity as stay at home mums with a limit to our budgets. It’s grown much bigger than we ever had imagined and whilst we’ve slowed down a little recently due to new babies, pregnancies and the small matter of a global pandemic, we hope to once again start sharing what we get up to at home.
Rosie is currently working full time as a teacher and I gave birth to my third baby in May. This time we added a boy to our gang and Rosie is due her third baby in January. The Play at Home Mummas gang is growing and we are looking forward to sharing some baby activities over the coming year.
Vicky is a qualified children’s Occupational Therapist. Not only does she sell helpful play packs for a range of topics but Vicky also offers consultation calls for parents that have concerns about their child’s development and online sensory processing workshops. She also has two young children! How she fits it all in I do not know! Read below to find out a little bit more about the lovely Vicky.
1. Tell us three interesting things about you.
1. I’m a children’s Occupational Therapist specialising in children with sensory processing and physical difficulties. I’ve worked in the NHS for over 15 years and love my job!
2. I’ve got 2 girls, aged 4yrs (nearly!) and 14 months old. They are amazing and I can’t remember life without them being here!
3. I am SO bad with numbers. When the girls start getting maths homework… I’m outta here! That will definitely be a job for daddy!
2. Why did you start your Instagram account?
When my biggest was 2yrs old, I started posting a few pictures about the games and activities we were playing at home. Friends started asking for more ideas and saying how helpful they were for their own children. So I decided to set up a separate account ‘Play for Today’ to share even more ideas! I wanted the account to be fun and educational, to not only share activity ideas but to explain WHY they were so beneficial for our kids. Lots of families really struggle to access children’s Occupational Therapy services due to long waiting lists and lack of resources, so I wanted to support these families by sharing really simple ways to develop their child’s skills while playing and having fun!
3. What’s the best thing about Instagram?
I love the community feel of Instagram! Everyone is always so happy to chat in DM’s, share each other’s activity ideas and support each other virtually through bumps in the road. I have met some really lovely people on Instagram and have found so many amazing ideas to play with my own girls! I also love getting pictures of kids playing the activities from my page and messages from parents saying that their reluctant writer is finally enjoying mark making or thanking me for 5 minutes peace while their baby is engrossed in one of our baby activity ideas! It makes me smile every time!
4. Best thing about being a parent?
My girls literally make me smile and laugh every single day! Don’t get me wrong, we also have our moments… but their little personalities are so infectious. Being a mum is the BEST!
5. Worst thing about being a parent?
Oh my goodness, it has to be the lack of sleep doesn’t it?! It is by far the biggest shock to the system when becoming a parent. You do kind of get used to it, I guess. But those rare full nights of sleep and lie ins are definitely appreciated now!
6. Top three Instagram accounts and why?
@mothercould is the ultimate account to follow for creative ideas! The ideas she comes up with from random pieces of rubbish and kitchen cupboard essentials are so good!
@allaboutearlyyears is a nursery teacher who shares activity ideas that she uses within her classroom. Her activities are all really creative and she incorporates so many physical and sensory skills into the kid’s play!
@myteachermummyandme is an early years teacher. As my biggest is getting older, I love scrolling through her account for lots of play-based maths and literacy ideas!
7. What would be your dream job if you’re not already doing it?
I feel so lucky to say that I am definitely doing my dream job already! I love nothing better than working with children and supporting them to reach their full potential. Who wouldn’t love to play all day?! My job really is so rewarding, which is why I decided to give something back to all the families that are struggling to access traditional Occupational Therapy.
8. What advice would you give to a parent that has concerns about their child’s development?
Firstly, trust your instinct. You are the expert in your child. If you have a hunch that something isn’t right, please reach out to your GP, health visitor or child’s teacher. Secondly, early intervention is key. There are lots of services available to help you and your child. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask! I get lots of messages from parents who have concerns, and they always apologise for getting in touch… there’s no need! I’d much rather chat through your concerns and help signpost you in the right direction for support, than you sit at home worrying in silence.
9. What do you hope people gain from following you on Instagram?
I really hope they get lots of fun ideas to play at home to support their child’s development, understand that play IS learning and, for those parents of children with additional needs, gain access to specialist Occupational Therapy support that they may have been struggling to access via more traditional routes. I’d love for parents to feel they can contact me to discuss any concerns about their child’s development, and I’ll always do my best to help where I can.
How lovely is Vicky? You can follow her here @otplayfortoday for brilliant ideas and lots of insight into child development.
Hayley from @allaboutearlyyears shares her amazing set ups from her early years setting. Her Instagram page has grown from strength to strength and she’s always keen to help her followers. We asked her a few questions and she was happy to let us find out a bit more about the story behind her account.
1. Tell us three interesting things about you.
I worked full time whilst doing my Early years degree full time too. Organisation & time management were key during this crazy busy time. I’ve worked as a nursery nurse for nearly 8 years before starting my degree and deciding I wanted to become a teacher. Overall I’ve worked in private day nurseries, 1:1 SEN TA, class TA and now teacher.
I can’t get anywhere without a sat nav or map 🙈 I just don’t seem to take in my surroundings about where I’m going. I tend to use the same A road to get everywhere in my city.
I like to give day trips or experiences as presents rather than actual physical objects for birthday & Christmas as time is so precious!!
Plus an extra one because I’m just as nosey as everyone else when reading these myself…I’m a middle child with 2 other sisters and only ever lived with in 3 houses (all within 2 villages of each other).
2. Why did you start your Instagram account?
I’d always take photos a set ups to remind me which ones were successful with the children and to look back on for inspiration for myself. Then finally I got fed up of having 100’s of school photos on my phone!! I only set it up as a good way to store my photos, little did I know what an incredible platform it would be to meet like-minded other people who share the passion of early years and play. I wanted to create a place to share my activities where you don’t have to spend hours setting up play trays or learning opportunities but about simple and effective learning.
3. What’s the best thing about Instagram?
110% the people on here! I have spoken to some amazing like-minded individuals. Teachers, nursery nurses, stay at home mums, occupational therapist and so many more. It’s been great CPD for me and the support is fabulous! Ive chatted to people all over the world! It’s such a positive platform with real people who share the passion for teaching and learning.
4. Best thing about working in an Early Years setting?
The children! They are so enthusiastic to learn and you are an absolute queen to them! They are in complete awe of you and build up joint mutual respect for each other and that’s when you can enjoy being silly with them! It’s like I’ve never grown up, I’m still the silliest one in my team (but the oldest!) An incredible passionate team also really helps enjoy your job.
5. Top three Instagram accounts and why?
Just 3! Wow, this is so hard! I could name so so many who have inspired and supported me! But let’s try 3….
@rachelmoffatt13 is a rainbow loving, stay at home mum of 2 and is absolutely FULL of inspiration. She’s also runs a hashtag #trayfortheday which has loads of tray play ideas 🌈
@childmindingdays I only come across Anna’s account when we both got chosen as @peggy_pip brand reps and I’m so glad I did. Anna is an incredible childminder and one of the first childminders I followed on Instagram. I find it so great to follow a range of people. Anna shares beautiful stories and such a wide range of ideas from babies to after school club children! 🌟
And how can I forget my ‘real life’ actual friend who I did teacher training with @katiesclassroom_ Katie is a year 1 teacher currently undergoing a major change in her school and going to continuous provision based learning. It’s an amazing journey to watch and share with her. Katie also shares lots of great EY’s treasures and teacher tips too 🥰
And just to sneak a few extra favourites too: @early_years_ideas and @miniwritersclub @earlyyearsoutdoor 💕✍🏻🌿
6. What would be your dream job if you’re not already doing it?
I truly love teaching. I can’t ever imagine not working with young children! I do have my dream role but would like to secure an Early Years leader position within my current school 👩🏻🏫
7. What advice would you give to a parent that has concerns about their child’s development?
• Talk to your child’s teacher or key person and see if they share a concern too.
• Visit a health visitor. They are there to support you and offer advise.
• There is lots and lots of support out there, the sooner children receive it the quicker everyone can support the child further.
8. What do you hope people gain from following you on Instagram?
Never did I think my Instagram would grow or be as big as it actually is. When I first set it up I didn’t think I’d have 100, let alone 1000’s. I hope people will learn it doesn’t have to be elaborate sets up to get great learning from play. And having a friendly & supportive person at the end of the message who is always happy to chat
You can find Hayley on Instagram at @allaboutearlyyears. Go and give her a follow for lots of inspiring ideas.
Sasha was a teacher for ten years before becoming a stay at home mum to twins. She was shocked to find out she was going to be a twin mum but now loves the chaos of it all.
She uses her account to share healthy, allergy friendly recipes and great tips on how to get kids involved in the kitchen. She’s also just enrolled on a childhood nutrition course, so she’s clearly really invested in getting kids eating and cooking healthily.
1.Why did you start your Instagram account?
When I started baking with my 14 month old twins, my friends all thought I was mad but my little ones loved it! It was sensory and they were shoving everything into their mouths at the time so I figured that they might as well play with something edible and if possible, vaguely nutritious! I wanted to spread the word that baking with really little ones is not as messy as people think, it’s actually really fun! And I wanted to share my tips, ideas and simple recipes. During my 11 years as a teacher, I never came across a child who didn’t enjoy baking! I
2. What’s the best thing about Instagram?
There are SO many inspirational accounts and talented people on here, I’ve come across loads of ridiculously good bakers and cooks, recipe creators ( mainly parents of little ones) and really interesting, informative nutritionists. I’ve been so inspired that I’ve started a course in child nutrition. Also, when I started my account I had no idea that I was entering such a supportive, non judgmental community of parents who are open and honest and just want to make it to bedtime without too many dramas! It’s so refreshing.
3. What could be your dream job if you’re not already doing it?
A leading role in a West End musical, Failing that, I’d love to be a play therapist ( or baking therapist…if that is an actual job)
4. What’s the best thing about being a parent?
I love seeing their personalities develop. When I found out I was having twins, I was in utter disbelief and swore a lot! But I absolutely love being a twin mum, Their relationship is just amazing, They really are the best of friends and make each other ( and me and my partner) laugh every day. Double cuddles are the best!
5. What’s the worst thing about being a parent?
Mum guilt and the inability to ever switch off, I find it impossible to switch my brain off. Wine, baking and bubble baths do help though
6. What are your top three instagram accounts and why?
There are so many to choose from!
Play Hooray is a great one. Claire finds brilliant ways of making pretty much any household objects into some form of game or activity.
Doctorbowl I always get excited when she posts a new recipe because I know I’m going to save it and try it, They’re all delicious.
Goodiegoodielunchbox is another brilliant one for simple, healthy recipe ideas.
7. What do you love about baking?
I find baking so therapeutic. I used to bake a lot on Sunday evenings to help me cope with the dreaded Sunday night blues. Now, I love it because its such a positive experience for me and the twins, We chat, we laugh, we learn and we eat!
8. Tell us three interesting things about yourself that we don’t already know.
I have climbed to Everest Base Camp,
I danced at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in Weymouth.
I love festivals and can’t wait to take our little party goers with us to Glastonbury!
If you’d like to follow Sasha and see some delicious bakes she can be found on Instagram @hungry_little_bakers.
Lisa is a Speech and Language therapist. Every time I see one of Lisa’s posts or watch her stories I come away having learned something new. She shares the theory around learning to talk and it genuinely is fascinating stuff. We’ve loved finding out a bit more about Lisa and how she got started on Instagram.
1. Tell us three interesting things about you.
* I own about 50 statement necklaces – it’s been a long standing obsession and I’ve collected for about 10 years, I pick what necklace I want to wear each morning and arrange my clothes around that!
* I am allergic to Wheat and Dairy – which means a lot of the really good foods are not allowed! But things are better than they used to be as many years ago my main options were ricecakes and apples!
*I worked for the NHS for 8 years before I started as an Independent therapist “Peachy Speech”. I loved being part of the NHS and only stopped when I developed an overactive Thyroid and couldn’t juggle the boys, the commute and the hours with the health stuff too. I needed something more flexible to fit amongst school runs and to be more local, so private work allowed me to do that. I miss being part of a team and having a peer support group the most!
2. Why did you start your Instagram account?
I’d thought about running a page ever since I had Jack and was on maternity leave. I even created the page and the name during that first year but I didn’t actually post anything until Maxton was almost a year old – 3 years later! A lot of what supports early communication can be slotted so easily into everyday life. It really breaks my heart that all the preventative support for speech and language has had to be pulled (usually due to funding) and it means that a lot of families with early concerns are left to wait until they can access a service when their little ones turn 2-3 years old. I wanted to create a place to share easy activities and strategies that could be added into everyday life, almost as a way to fill that gap. The account has evolved from there really, I did have a spell of being drawn into quite elaborate play set ups and lost my way a bit with why I was doing it! But certainly, more recently I’ve felt a much stronger sense of what I want to share – strategies, theory, information that offers educational support and then easy activities that link to these.
3. What’s the best thing about Instagram?
By far the best part of Instagram is meeting people. I’ve got a handful of people I’ve never met before but message or interact with most days and can actually say I have real friendships growing with, which is something really amazing! I also love hearing from families that have tried stuff out from my page. I think within parenting we very rarely get feedback on the job that we are doing. It’s not like in an office when you get an appraisal and emails of congratulations for presentations you’ve done. So when I get a message from someone saying I’ve supported their little one say their first words, or use a sign for the first time, or they no longer need their referral because they’ve been able to support skills at home, it’s the best best best bit of feedback and just brings me such joy!
4. Best thing about being a parent?
Has to be watching a little personality grow and develop. I love looking back at Jack and Maxton as babies and matching some of the traits they had then to the humour and characteristics they have now! Watching them grow into grown ups is going to be amazing.
5. Worst thing about being a parent?
Oh the sleep deprivation!!!!!!! Enough said on that!
6. Top three Instagram accounts and why?
Susie from @resolvetoplay
I love following Susie because she shared such brilliant activities but also love her honest stories including her boys. She’s so relatable as a parent and her passion for play and making education fun is clear in all that she shares. I also love how supportive Susie is of other accounts, she inspires me to buy from small businesses and share other peoples account more to support other people who are sharing their knowledge with fellow parents!
Gina from @andbreathe_challenges
I love to follow Gina because each month she sets a different challenge and encourages such a sense of community. They are always so positive and often include an element of mindfulness and I just love being part of them. Gina’s stories are always real and insightful into working parenthood too and she manages to share the highs and lows without ever seeming like she’s complaining.
Becky from @beckys_treasure_baskets
Becky is so creative, she shares so many amazing ideas and they include such a variation of targets from story telling, spelling, arts and craft, numeracy and sensory play. I find her account so inspiring but not intimidating or unachievable which I think it a really hard balance to get!
7. What would be your dream job if you’re not already doing it?
I can’t imagine not working with children and families so it would need to include them somewhere! I worked in preschools as an assistant and really really enjoyed seeing the same children everyday and being such an important part of their lives for that year – so I think either a preschool teacher or I love the idea of play therapy and using play to support vulnerable children and their emotional development.
8. What advice would you give to a parent that has concerns about their child’s speech?
Trust your instincts. In my experience parents are almost always right. If you have any concerns pop to see your local SLT or HV for advice and reassurance. You will always be the expert on your own child, there is no one in the world that knows them better than you do. So lay out your observations to a professional and ask them to provide the theoretical knowledge they have to either confirm or dispel the concern with follow up support and care afterwards.
9. What do you hope people gain from following you on Instagram?
I really hope they gain ideas for play at home, knowledge about speech, language and communication skills and above all reassurance that we as parents are all in this together! I share my knowledge on communication because that’s what I know! But I use Instagram to learn about behaviour, psychology, phonics and writing because those aren’t what I’m expert at! There will always be someone that is thriving in an area you are struggling and vice versa, because we all have different specialisms. I try and follow accounts that lift me where I’m struggling, and I try to offer stuff that will lift others where they may be….
What a lovely interview! If you’d like to find out more about what Lisa does go ahead and give her a follow @peachy_speech.
We have followed Becky since we joined Instagram. Her ideas are brilliant and often use things we all have around the house. From treasure basketsand tuff traysto sink playandsimple craft ideas, Becky’s feed provides something for all children. Read below to find out alittle more about Becky.
I started my account nearly 5 years ago! I set it up because I just wanted to share play ideas and treasure baskets I did with my own children 🙂
2. What inspires your ideas?
My boys inspire my ideas – what they like and are interested in, what they might be doing at school, and also the different times of year!
3. What are your top tips for storing all your bits for your activities?
Top times for storing! Ekkk!! I wish I was more organised!! My items are all in boxes everywhere! I have a lot outside in my garage and some in my kitchen. I would always look what you have first if you want to set up an activity before you go and buy anything new.
4. What would be your advice to parents who don’t know where to start with play?
I would always just keep it super simple! Don’t overthink it! Don’t look on Instagram and feel you need to do it all and have it all! Go with the flow and just have fun and enjoy!
5. Best thing about being a parent?
I just love watching my boys grow and learn and discover new things! And also when they love and give cuddles!! And they come say “I love you” – best thing ever!
6. Worst thing about being a parent?
Worst thing is the mum guilt! I always have mum guilt about something.
7. Top three Instagram accounts and why?
This is super hard as I love following some many amazing accounts!!!
I love @imaginationtree – I have followed her from the start and just love everything she does!!!
I love @Childcare_adventures – following what she does as a childminder and all the things she gets up to!
I love @Mothercould as everything she does is so super simple!
8. What would be your dream job?
My dream job… I have a few but the top two: I’d love to be a play therapist in a hospital or I’d love to be a midwife!
If you don’t already follow Becky you can find her on Instagram by clicking here.
Which child doesn’t love a box?? Shaun and Martin have taken the humble box and given it a makeover with their super cool stickers. They have used their creativity to get kids away from their screens and playing again which is something we love @theplayathomemummas!
Having worked together in the creative industry for many years and created brands for other people, we really wanted to create a brand of our own.
Like everyone, our hallways were filling up with Amazon delivery boxes, which our kids love to transform into fun things to play with.
At the same time, we were also concerned about the amount of time our kids were spending in front of screens, versus hands-on play. So, we saw an opportunity to bring together all that waste packaging and creativity (colouring-in, stickers, craft, etc) and created Punkbox.
We want to promote reusing stuff we throw away and encourage creative play. We do that by creating fun products that enable kids to turn delivery boxes into things, like cars, fairytale castles, pirate ships, and even fridges! We are also partnering with great brands like Micro Scooters and Freddie’s Flowers, providing stickers in their boxes, as well as downloads from our website, giving kids even more opportunities to have fun with these brands and their packaging.
2. What’s the best thing about Instagram?
It’s a brilliant visual media and we are all about stickers and colouring-in. It’s also a great forum for kids to share their creations.
3. What would be your dream job if your not already doing it?
We count ourselves very lucky. We are being creative, promoting reuse and hopefully bringing some joy into kids’ lives through our products. It doesn’t get much better than that!
4. Best thing about being a parent?
Shaun – being able to be a big kid again.
Martin – sharing the wonders of the world with my kids.
5. Worst thing about being a parent?
Shaun – seeing them grow up way too fast.
Martin – sleep deprivation and diminishing bank account.
6. Top three Instagram accounts and why?
1.Play.hooray – Play hooray are all about creativity and making things with kids
2.Our Kids Social – Our kids social run amazing workshops that actively encourage creativity and reuse for kids
3.zygote_brown – for their amazing cardboard creations
7. What advice would you give to others thinking of starting up a business?
Starting a business is tough. Don’t underestimate the effort, time and challenges you will meet along the way. Talk to as many people as you can about your business idea and do your research to see if there is a market for your service or product.
The ups are hugely rewarding, but the downs can be difficult, so above all else, make sure you have fun. Easier said than done sometimes, but if it isn’t fun, it’s unlikely to succeed!
If you are looking for an alternative gift for kids or your after some box inspired play get following @punkboxtribe immediately!
What we found interesting about @buddiesbabiesandbiscuits is that it’s run by two friends, Nicky and Sue!Just like Rosie and I, they share a variety of activities for their children. Science, craft, play and even food inspiration fill their colourful feed! Continue reading to find out more about the story behind @buddiesbabiesandbiscuits.
1. How did you meet?
We met through a local group of mums having a second child at the same time.
Then we kept in touch and both had our third child within a few weeks of each other!
2. Why did you decide to set up an Instagram account?
We had both just had our third child and found that we weren’t doing as much with the kids generally! So we thought this would be an incentive to do more activities with them. We also were finding it a bit lonely being on maternity leave again. We initially found it made us meet up with each other more frequently but then discovered that there was an entire community out there of like minded and really friendly people!
3. What are your favourite play set ups and why?
Sue loves the sink plays particularly. Scope for any theme mixed in with lots of mess! The kids love them.
Nicky enjoys the arty or science based things. Her kids will play with any fizzy or colour changing things for enough time to drink an entire cup of coffee. Sometimes even with a biscuit.
4. Best thing about being a parent?
The hugs, love and laughter. It’s never quiet when you have three! You just have to embrace the chaos.
5. Worst thing about being a parent?
The days when nothing goes right no matter how hard you try. Or when you feel ill and have to get on with it all anyway. It can be really isolating without good friends.
6. Do you homeschool or have you ever considered home schooling?
It’s something Nicky periodically considers. But I’m a bit of a worrier and I worry that I couldn’t cover all the subjects well enough.
It’s something that fills Sue with horror. But mainly because she doesn’t have the confidence in her own abilities or the time to organise the resources.
We both totally respect anyone who does!
7. Top 3 Instagram accounts and why?
Resolvetoplay. Susie is the most lovely and supportive Instagram friend out there. Love her stuff! Caraflorence. Cara does such fabulous science and play stuff. We learn a lot from her! Muddlypuddly. We love Avvy’s fabulous mix of science and nature and outdoors. In fact we would both quite like to live with her.
8. What would be your dream job if you aren’t already doing it?
We’d be selling kids books!! Sue has written loads (for fun) and Nicky loves to do illustrations. We’ve published some parodies of some famous books on our blog. Check them out.
We hope you have enjoyed finding out a bit more about Nicky and Sue! If you don’t already follow them their Instagram @buddiesbabiesandbuscuits and blog are full of ideas for parents!
Rosie and I love to bake with the girls so we love an account that celebrates that. Laura shows simple ways to get baking with little people without the stress or complete destruction of your kitchen. Not only that but Laura now has a fantastic range of baking boxes, baking subscriptions and party bags. She does all that whilst looking after her two children! What a woman!
1. Tell us about how bakefulplay started.
When my family relocated to Somerset where we knew nothing and no one, I had a somewhat naive idea to start a cake business. Having been a busy secondary school teacher pre baby no 1 and then being plunged, somewhat accidentally, into stay at home motherhood, I was struggling with a loss of identity and trying to create something that was mine amid the chaos of Smalls, house renovation and loneliness. What with all that and then getting pregnant with baby 2, working on bespoke celebration cakes that took 3 evenings 7-1am just wasn’t feasible and I realised I was trying to do it for all the wrong reasons. I resolved to accept my new role and to try and find more purpose and satisfaction in the day to day. Having followed some lovely play accounts on insta I started sharing what I could do well – baking with the littles. I started a blog with the idea of creating a recipe book for my children and posting a weekly bake. It grew from their. A partnership with Our Sensory Kids, recipe subscriptions and now my own shop and a little growing business. It’s astonishing and wonderful and I love that it gives me reach beyond the four walls of home, a creative outlook, some financial independence and a way of combining real me and mummy me.
2. What’s the best thing about Instagram?
Without doubt the community. It’s like the best bits of a staff room. The supportive, creative, positive and relaxed chat that goes on in DMs and groups begins the scenes is where the real magic of Instagram lies.
3. What would be your dream job if your not already doing it?
I’d really like to be Emma Thompson.
4. Best thing about being a parent?
Snuggles and the smell
Of their heads.
5. Worst thing about being a parent?
The guilt.
6. Top three Instagram accounts and why?
These are the ones I love for me rather than play / kids
@fiveminutemum – for great ideas but mostly for honest reality that makes me feel like we’re in it together.
@itsmadebyleah – for her lovely things, lovely chat and beyond lovely sausage dog.
@mattadlard – for cakery and fun. Also has a very cute pooch called Cookie.
7. What do you love about baking?
Baking for myself is my mindfulness. It’s totally absorbing. I’m rubbish at Yoga. I’ve tried. My brain just doesn’t calm in silence, it needs occupying. Baking and cake decorating gives me total focus and calm and therefore headspace from the general noise of life.
Baking with my children is just heaven. Sharing something I love and working as a team. All sitting around the same bowl. It’s a kind of messy calm. It offers time for proper chat. Real together time.
8. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?
Don’t wait for it to be completely picture perfect and exactly as you have it in your head. Get something ready and go. Be brave. You’ll learn so much by doing. You need real live feedback to grow.
If you want advice on how to get baking with kids or are after a lovely gift for a special little person @bakefulplay is the account to follow!
Emily from @earlyobserver is really passionate about early education and that is clear from her instagramaccountand her answers below. If you work in the early years or you have young children her account is great for inspiration.
1. Why did you start your Instagram account?
My passion for early years! I wanted people to feel fired up about how important these early years are and how we can have a great impact in a child’s life through sharing ideas and talking about different topics.
2. What’s the best thing about Instagram?
I love that it’s such a great visual tool to share new ideas. That it’s like microblogging, sharing information in an instant that allows people to gain information on the move.
But I think for me the best thing is it has enabled me to meet so many amazing people who have helped me with different things along the way and inspired me to try new things.
3. What would be your dream job if your not already doing it?
Ooh well I did actually want to be a tv presenter! But now I think it would be looking at doing more public speaking about early years and if I couldn’t do that then a chocolate tester!
4. What is it that you love about working in early years education?
That we have such a great impact on the children’s lives and we can help them to build a strong foundation for their future.
As Novak Djokovic says:
“Building a solid foundation in the early years of a child’s life will not only help him or her reach their reach their full potential but will also result in better societies as a whole.”
5. What would you say are the main challenges within education at the moment?
That early years is still not taken seriously, that it’s seen as a wishy washy stage in a child’s life! Also that early years isn’t funded correctly – but I think that goes for a lot of things at the moment!
6. What are your three favourite Instagram accounts and why? Thechildcareguru Jamie is inspiring, full of knowledge about early years and a genuinely caring person! Plus you need to check out the books that she is having published this year!
EYFS4ME Kerry is so passionate about early years and shares so many fantastic ideas to use within your practice.
Naturalsimplechildhood her account is gorgeous and being a forest school leader I love all the natural elements she uses in the children’s play
And an extra one justinkrausephotography
– my lovely husbands photography, as I think he is blooming amazing at his job!
If you want to find out more about Emily go and give her a follow @earlyobserver
1. Tell us about how bakefulplay started.
The Play at Home Mummas 