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Baby 'n' Beyond was founded in 2007 to provide meaningful, practical support to parents along every step of the journey, from birth to young adults, and everything in between.
We take a consultative approach. We sit down with you in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable; to first understand your pressures and concerns. We listen intently without judgement and ask questions that may help you see your situation in a different light.
To ensure you get long-term value from each session, we then discuss practical techniques and alternative perspectives for you to consider and try in your own time. A follow-up phone call or visit later helps clarify and refine what you've tried. In some situations, facilitated role plays and psycho-dramas have proved invaluable in better connecting with issues and possible solutions.
Our approach is based on our own experience raising five happy children now aged between six and 16, as well as many years working in direct partnership with parents and childhood educators across Sydney (see About Fiona Ross for more).
My passion and knowledge for children started when I was very young. I spent a lot of time with children, learning and loving the vast differences in them. Initially I took administration type jobs like receptionist, secretary and executive secretary for businesses such as major retail shopping centre management, chartered accountants, television station and various major corporations. These roles taught me organisational skills of a very high standard, crucial to my approach as a mother and wife.
I have also worked in child-care centres as an assistant and then moved on to running home based care. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, gaining knowledge that would later become an essential life-skill. I learnt so much from watching what others did and did not do and deciding if that would work or not work for me and our family. Keen to learn more, I attended many parenting classes, courses and seminars but still find myself coming back to my own intuition as a guide.
On a personal note: My husband Andrew & I were married in 1989 and we have been blessed with five beautiful children. Each and every one is different bringing wonderful gifts, amazing reactions, incredible love and Andrew & I are immensely proud of them.
I love being a mum and enjoy the challenges that come with it. I enjoy spending time with my family as a group as well as one-on-one. One of my favourite things is having a special “date” with each one of them to build on our already strong relationships.
My aim is to be a parent’s advocate. To listen intently with a non-judgmental heart, asking parents questions that will help them to see situations in a different light. To support and encourage parents in their efforts to take better care of themselves and their family. Helping parents to feel they are in a non-threatening environment. Creating a place where parents can come to find support, share experiences, feel cared for, and experience a listening ear and a compassionate heart.
The understanding that I have gleaned of the day-to-day issues, concerns and enjoyment in being a parent is lived out and tested every day in my family’s life. Balancing my needs and those of my family is important. We have loads of very practical suggestions available – it is just a matter of choosing which one works for you!!
My approach to parenting is to try and stay calm, take everything in my stride and bring a sense of humour to life that keeps a smile on my face. I aim simply to enjoy life, fulfill it to the most, love my family and help other people to enjoy their families too.
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