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Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Intimate Insider: Visions for revolutionising Child Care

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips
Sarah Blandiago reveals how her 19-year nannying career challenges the low societal value placed on childcare.
The episode features an interview with Sarah Blandiago, a nanny and childcare worker with 19 years of experience. Host Oni Bletcher introduces Sarah, who also runs Move Make classes combining kids yoga, meditation, and craft. Sarah describes her work as a mix of childcare, nurturing, and education, influenced by child psychologists like Magda Gerber and Janet Lansbury. She discusses the low societal value placed on childcare, comparing it to undervalued professions like nursing and teaching. Sarah explains how she has shifted from a task-oriented approach in her youth to a more holistic, relationship-focused method. She details the RIE approach, which involves respecting children as individuals and using direct communication. Sarah talks about handling toddler tantrums by allowing emotional expression rather than distraction. She shares her use of contracts with families to set boundaries, a change from her earlier career. The conversation covers challenges like building trust with children and navigating differences with parents. Sarah mentions a social media incident where a mother was triggered by her opinion on dummies. She discusses trends in childcare, such as the move towards natural toys and kids yoga. Sarah reveals her vision to start a nanny agency in the Northern Rivers, offering holistic care and training based on the RIE approach. She emphasizes encouraging children's individuality and leading from the heart. The episode concludes with information on how to find Sarah online.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation about shifting from child care checklists toward trust, connection, and uninterrupted play.

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond traces Sarah's move from checkbox-led child care and nannying toward a practice shaped by trust, close attention, and real relationship with each child.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want childcare to feel more human, with room for trust, connection, and play that children are allowed to lead.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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