In this episode, Aoife and Jenny talk about why Little Steps, Big Futures went quiet for a few weeks and why sometimes rest is not a choice, it is a necessity. Between illness in their families and winter weather chaos, capacity was low and pushing through did not feel right. Aoife shares the reality of an ice storm with small kids. No school, no preschool, no outdoor time and routines disappearing overnight. They talk about cabin fever, nervous system overload, and letting go of expectation...
Feb 10
36 min
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny chat about easing into the Christmas season and bringing the focus back to what really matters. Instead of getting swept up in the pressure for perfect gifts and perfect moments, they talk about choosing connection, presence and simple traditions that kids remember long after the toys lose their shine. Whether it’s baking, reading Christmas stories or just slowing down together, Aoife and Jenny remind us that the magic comes from the time we give, not the thin...
Dec 3, 2025
27 min
In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny chat about the ups and downs of school life, from Theo’s sudden change in drop-off confidence to how those emotional mornings can hit parents harder than we expect. They also dive into a common frustration for many families: the short time children get to eat their lunches in school. It’s a heartfelt, honest conversation about emotions, empathy, and advocating for the little things that make a big difference in children’s days. Support us: https:/...
Oct 22, 2025
30 min
Aoife and Jenny catch up about Theo’s first month in preschool, sharing the little moments, surprises, and milestones that come with this big transition. From the excitement of new routines to the bittersweet feelings of sending your child off for the first time, they explore the joys and challenges of early childhood from a parent’s perspective. They also reflect on their past experiences as educators, talking honestly about the demands and overstimulation that come with working in early ye...
Oct 8, 2025
32 min
In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny talk about the importance of keeping a routine, both at home and in the classroom. From the comfort of daily rhythms to the way routines help children feel secure, they share honest reflections (and a bit of real-life rambling) on what routines look like in practice. Whether you’re a parent or an educator, you’ll find encouragement and practical takeaways for building rhythms that work for your family or classroom. Support us: https://www.instagra...
Sep 17, 2025
32 min
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny dive into the big transition of starting preschool — what it feels like for children taking those first steps and for parents learning to let go a little. They share the ups and downs of this milestone, from first-day jitters to moments of pride, and offer ideas on how families can make the process smoother for everyone. Along the way, they also explore the thoughtful choices parents face when it comes to sharing these special moments online, and how to ...
Sep 3, 2025
33 min
In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny chat to Dr. Gillian Lake from ChildPaths, who sponsored this episode, about the recent updates to Aistear and what they mean for Early Years Educators across Ireland. They dive into how ChildPaths has adapted its software to stay fully aligned with the revised framework — including the new Learning Record feature that reflects the four parts of the cycle of reflection: Noticing, Nurturing, Responding, and Reflecting. Dr. Lake also shares how ChildPath...
Aug 20, 2025
56 min
Some people record in peaceful studios with perfect soundproofing. We, on the other hand, recorded this one in between a toddler wrestling match, a crying contest, and several suspicious crashes from the next room. It’s 14 minutes of pure multitasking magic as Aoife juggles mute buttons, crisis management, and an actual conversation with Jenny. Come for the chat, stay for the chaos — and maybe feel a little better about your own Monday. Support us: https://www.instagram.com/little_steps_big_f...
Aug 13, 2025
14 min
Aoife’s back from five weeks in Ireland — a trip filled with toddler chaos, sickness delays, and the full-on reality of travelling with two kids. Meanwhile, Jenny’s gearing up for her well-deserved holiday, enjoying the calm while Aoife's been deep in the mayhem. We chat about the week we missed, the juggle of summer life, and what’s coming next. It’s honest, messy, and very us. Support us: https://www.instagram.com/little_steps_big_futures/ https://www.facebook.com/littlestepsbigfutures
Jul 25, 2025
27 min
In this heartfelt episode, Aoife and Jenny sit down to reflect on the emotional journey that follows birth, the part we don’t always talk about. Aoife opens up about her two very different birth experiences, sharing the raw and real emotions that came with each — the joy, the grief, the guilt, and the healing. Together, they explore how recovery is about so much more than stitches and sleep. It’s about the quiet moments when you question everything, the invisible weight mothers carry, and the...
Jun 25, 2025
33 min
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