Early Childhood Helping yourself help others

I want to start by saying thank you for continuing to work through this pandemic. I see each and every day how essential the early childhood sector is to Victorian families at this time, whether their children are attending our services on-site or are engaging in early learning programs online from home.

Yes, we support the children and the families, but I have spent some time reflecting on how I can support myself and my own family and colleagues through this difficult time.

With the situation changing from day to day, uncertainty can make us feel as though we have no control over our lives. Making the time to support ourselves and each other is integral to our wellbeing.

At the beginning of this term, I started to teach my class about gratitude. Doing so reminded me that if we do make the time to practice self-care, it makes it easier to continue to offer the vital support that the children and families require.

Self-care can be taking a moment and breathing deeply, journaling, painting or drawing. Just doing one thing each day that nurtures and honours our wellbeing can make the world of difference.

I am so proud of our sector for continuing to work in such a professional manner; it inspires me every day to know that we are part of a strong collective.

My fingers and toes are crossed that we will all be back on-site in Term 4.