A letter to my younger self

To my younger self,

I can't fault your enthusiasm and dedication, but you don't know everything so please listen to me because what I have to say to you is important.

Firstly, I know you love working with children and have read all the legislation, written your own policies and founded a pretty good childminding business, but your knowledge is not great enough to be an early years advisor or inspector, not yet. Your bordering on arrogant confidence will get you nowhere, so seriously, just shut up and study. Studying is the best thing you could do; it will open your eyes and broaden your perspective beyond that which you could ever anticipate. It will show you that your knowledge is so small in comparison to the knowledge that can be gained, and it will show you that being a graduate is far more than just a piece of paper.

Secondly, paperwork is not the be all and end all. It's good to have paperwork in place, but keep it simple and concentrate on actually interacting with the children rather than trying to constantly audit everything. There are times for allowing the children to freely explore their environment, and there are times to interact and explore it with them. Those moments when you begin to extend their world and possibilities are the most exciting and rewarding moments that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Thirdly, it is okay to move on. You may feel stuck in a job role you created for yourself and feel very proud of, but letting go is okay to do. In fact, it's beneficial. Some people may be upset or hurt by your decision, but if you are as dear to them as they are to you, they will understand and support your decision. Learn to work as part of a team. Learn to understand and accept the views of others in a humble and kind way. Learn to accept that you have much to learn, and absorb all you can from those around you who are inspiring.

And finally, enjoy your children. Yes, the balance between work/study/family is tough, and I am not saying it will ever be easy. But you have to take those moments to capture the beauty in your children and enjoy them for who they are. If you find that you are becoming stressed and pulled in too many directions, put the books down and hug your children. They will need it as much as you!

Love from me.

Research proposal: children moving house

Something happened at Preschool a while ago which struck me, and has remained with me since. I was conversing with a small boy who had moved house over the weekend, and as he came into Preschool he had a very big smile on his face. I asked what it was like at his new house. He responded excitedly, "I've still got my two cats!" He then lifted up his jumper to proudly display his favourite avengers t-shirt - "and I've still got the same favourite t-shirt!"

What struck me, is that no-one had prepared the child for the idea that when we move house, our possessions go with us. Having mentioned this story, I've had feedback from several others of a similar scenario with other children - in fact, one child had thought her parents were leaving her behind on her own in the old house until they explained the process in more detail!

So, to that end, I have decided to investigate this particular transition as part of my BA (hons) Early Years final module with the Open University, which requires me to do a literature review on a subject of my choice and then plan a research project. The outcome of my research will result in a book to add to my 'Transition Story Books' range (see www.transitionstorybooks.co.uk for more information), with the intention of providing children with a fuller understanding of moving house and avoiding attaching negative emotions to this transition. In this way, not only will the research hopefully unpick the feelings children have about moving house within the write up, but it will also prompt positive action within the Early years sector and enable a smoother transition for children and their whole families as a consequence.

If you would like to contribute any stories relevant to this subject, please contact me on est19@uni.brighton.ac.uk, thank you.