My Journey as a Centre Manager and Mother of Four!
Hi, I’m Carley! I’ve been with G8 for almost 17 years now, starting as a lead educator and now proudly leading the team as Centre Manager at Kindy Patch Redhead. Along the way, I also became a mother of four wonderful children. Juggling these two demanding roles has been a wild ride, and l wanted to share my experiences and some tips that have helped me manage both, as well as how G8’s support has been invaluable in supporting my personal journey.
Returning to work after parental leave can be a daunting experience, it’s essential to be open with your team and leader about your needs and any adjustments you may require, such as flexible hours or a private space for breastfeeding.
The support I received from G8 when transitioning back to work was amazing; being able to bring my baby to work and receive a 50% team member discount off childcare fees made a huge difference and I felt incredibly fortunate to have a supportive team that I could trust and communicate openly with.
When you’re balancing a busy early learning centre and a bustling household, some days can feel like you’re juggling a million things at once and it isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The key for me is embracing the chaos and to find joy in the little moments, something l remind myself of daily. Whether it’s a peaceful family dinner, holding a baby or a child’s joyful laugh at the centre, these moments remind me of the reasons I do what I do. Watching my children grow and learn is a constant source of joy, just as the relationships I’ve built with my families, my team and the children at the centre are priceless.
Time management has been essential in keeping my life organised. I like to start the day by , setting priorities, and tackle any urgent matters. At the centre, I make it a point to walk around and check in with my team every morning and afternoon, which helps me stay connected and address any immediate concerns.
Leaning on support systems—whether that’s colleagues, mentors, family, friends or employee assistance programs—can ease the transition. Connecting with others who’ve had similar experiences can provide both practical help and emotional reassurance. Rebuilding your routine takes time, and having the right support makes all the difference. It’s important to remember you are not alone!
Organisation is my best friend - I use planners, calendars, and to-do lists to keep track of everything. At work, we have a set roster and clear expectations, which helps manage time off and holidays. At home, we keep a family calendar to keep track of everyone’s activities so everyone knows what’s happening and when.
It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work and family, but self-care is essential. I carve out “me time” every week—usually this is done with a good book, or listening to a podcast. Really just embracing even just five extra minutes in the car. Taking care of myself ensures that I have the energy and mental clarity to take care of others, both at work and at home.
To all the working parents out there, remember that you’re doing an amazing job! Whether you’re preparing for parental leave, navigating the return to work, or juggling family life, it’s important to be kind to yourself, stay organised, embrace the chaos and find joy in every step of the journey.
Let’s continue to support and inspire each other as we balance the incredible journey of early childhood education and parenthood.
Written by Carley
Centre Manager at G8 Education
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