Why did you become a KidStart Caregiver?
My children attended the Barnardos home-based care and learning service while I was studying part-time at university and I was impressed at the range of skills the Caregivers had to offer and the loving environment they provided for my children.

Now that I have my degree it seemed only natural to become a Caregiver. It fills a number of my goals and interests - wanting to spend more time at home with my children and following my interest in children’s learning.

What makes your day as a Caregiver a brilliant/special one?
Seeing the children develop, becoming good mates and looking out for each other. Some of these friendships, I believe, will last into adulthood.

What do children enjoy most at your place?
I would have to say the garden. I have quite a big, flat section, which the children love exploring, climbing the trees, playing in the sandpit in summer and filling it with autumn leaves in the winter. I have a vegetable garden and the children enjoy planting seeds, transplanting them in the vegetable garden, watching the plants grow and then eating the ‘fruits’ of their labour. It is also a great garden for imaginative play. Over the past few months we have been bear hunting, rescuing Pochahantas and hunting for buried treasure. I love watching them come up with new ideas and letting their imaginations take flight.

Share a single ‘Magic Moment’ since you’ve been a KidStart Caregiver.
A couple of weeks ago my 2 ½ year old, Aidan, fell in the garden and hurt himself. I sat down and cuddled him but he was sobbing uncontrollably. Two of the older children I care for ran up to us. “I know,” Maddie said and she ran into the house and came out with a stuffed toy which she handed to my son. She then did a silly dance in an attempt to get him to smile. At the same time Caleb offered to push Aidan on the swing. The tears were forgotten as his friends rallied around to comfort him. I was blown away by their thoughtfulness for a younger child.

Is there a cultural practice or celebration you enjoy sharing with the children?
Christmas has always been a magical and special time for me and I want to share that with the children. In the lead up to Christmas I have a lot of craft activities in mind and a stock of Christmas stories and music to get us into the spirit of things. We also celebrate birthdays, make party hats, cakes and have a wee party.

Read another interview with KidStart Caregiver Inoka