What parents say.....
Victoria, Charlotte, Adelaide, Lucia and Estelle
babyBEings has been a huge part of my family's and my life for 5 years. I have attended class with all 4 of my children. We have found within us, the parents our children deserve, all thanks to the guidance and wisdom Fran & Levi have shared with us. Of course we are not perfect but we are 'good enough' and with the skills, tools, and knowledge we have been lucky enough to learn at babyBEings, we have the confidence in ourselves to repair any ruptures and grow alongside our children in this wonderful journey of parenting.
Jose, Claudia & Kahlei - a grandmother's perspective.
BabyBEings has imprinted on my career as an early childhood teacher and on being a grand Aunty and a Nana. It has been a life changing personal experience. My first attendance at BabyBEings was with my grand niece when she was three months old. This beautiful baby presented me an opportunity to attend these sessions. My hunger to attend showed me a way of caring which amazed me. The sessions helped me to build a relationship beyond and complementing my own upbringing. My thinking and parenting style started to change. I thought I knew it all, but discovered there's was much more to learn: kindness in the tone of voice I used; respectful touch and the open gesture of my hands; how to be present in the moment; being a worthy role model; and the ultimate key to 'just notice'. My confidence grew and my passion to keep going to the sessions spiralled faster than I thought. When my eldest daughter presented me with the news I was going to be a Nana I got butterflies in my heart. My second time attending BabyBEings was with my daughter and granddaughter, a blessing twice over. During our time at babyBEings & littleBEings we have felt loved, welcomed and the warmth of Fran and Levi. As a family we have benefited from so much, especially how talking to your baby is highly encouraged. Talking lots with my niece/granddaughter I have discovered they both listen attentively, and communicate clearly with confidence. The support at babyBEings is beyond the stars. Meeting mums, dads and other grandparents is a bond within our hearts. Learning to see and to understand the development of babies and toddlers through a different lens is amazing and not the status quo. Children benefit from adults modelling empathy towards them, and supporting their emotional, physical and social needs. Through babyBEings I personally gained more friendships, positive inspiring relationships, and toddler knowledge. I gained a lot from also attending the 'Circle of Security' and 'Non Violent Communication' workshops that were offered in my time there. My confidence at BabyBEings bloomed into patience and LOVE! x Jose.
BabyBEings has imprinted on my career as an early childhood teacher and on being a grand Aunty and a Nana. It has been a life changing personal experience. My first attendance at BabyBEings was with my grand niece when she was three months old. This beautiful baby presented me an opportunity to attend these sessions. My hunger to attend showed me a way of caring which amazed me. The sessions helped me to build a relationship beyond and complementing my own upbringing. My thinking and parenting style started to change. I thought I knew it all, but discovered there's was much more to learn: kindness in the tone of voice I used; respectful touch and the open gesture of my hands; how to be present in the moment; being a worthy role model; and the ultimate key to 'just notice'. My confidence grew and my passion to keep going to the sessions spiralled faster than I thought. When my eldest daughter presented me with the news I was going to be a Nana I got butterflies in my heart. My second time attending BabyBEings was with my daughter and granddaughter, a blessing twice over. During our time at babyBEings & littleBEings we have felt loved, welcomed and the warmth of Fran and Levi. As a family we have benefited from so much, especially how talking to your baby is highly encouraged. Talking lots with my niece/granddaughter I have discovered they both listen attentively, and communicate clearly with confidence. The support at babyBEings is beyond the stars. Meeting mums, dads and other grandparents is a bond within our hearts. Learning to see and to understand the development of babies and toddlers through a different lens is amazing and not the status quo. Children benefit from adults modelling empathy towards them, and supporting their emotional, physical and social needs. Through babyBEings I personally gained more friendships, positive inspiring relationships, and toddler knowledge. I gained a lot from also attending the 'Circle of Security' and 'Non Violent Communication' workshops that were offered in my time there. My confidence at BabyBEings bloomed into patience and LOVE! x Jose.
Imogene & Eliah
I came to babyBEings when my daughter was 8 months old. I was young, a first time mother who wanted to get as much education on parenting as I possibly could. babyBEings completely blew me away! Not only did I get the opportunity to further my knowledge on babies, toddlers and early development, it was delivered in a comfortable, supportive environment, by one of the most passionate educators I've ever met. I learned so much more than I imagined I would! This included: how to bond and strengthen my relationship with my daughter, the best ways to support and encourage her in her development and exploration of the world, as well as strategies and tools to use in those trickier toddler moments. Our visits to babyBEings quickly became a weekly highlight, my partner making sure he was always free to come along too. We loved this time together as a family, for us to watch our daughter play and celebrate her as she developed and grew. Also being able to spend time with other like-minded parents, sharing stories and advice, and delighting in the growth of all our children, was a very special experience. Some of the advice from older parents who had a few children already, was truly priceless! These are connections that I'm sure I will treasure forever. babyBEings really was a life saver for me. Not only do I feel a lot more confident as a parent, I am a happier, more content parent than I would have been otherwise, and in turn I have a happy, content toddler. I am equipped and ready (as much as I can be) for the challenges parenting has in store for me, all thanks to Fran and Levi at babyBEings. I could not speak highly enough about this programme or the amazing women who run it. babyBEings is an absolute treasure of a programme, I truly wish all parents had access to this kind of education.
I came to babyBEings when my daughter was 8 months old. I was young, a first time mother who wanted to get as much education on parenting as I possibly could. babyBEings completely blew me away! Not only did I get the opportunity to further my knowledge on babies, toddlers and early development, it was delivered in a comfortable, supportive environment, by one of the most passionate educators I've ever met. I learned so much more than I imagined I would! This included: how to bond and strengthen my relationship with my daughter, the best ways to support and encourage her in her development and exploration of the world, as well as strategies and tools to use in those trickier toddler moments. Our visits to babyBEings quickly became a weekly highlight, my partner making sure he was always free to come along too. We loved this time together as a family, for us to watch our daughter play and celebrate her as she developed and grew. Also being able to spend time with other like-minded parents, sharing stories and advice, and delighting in the growth of all our children, was a very special experience. Some of the advice from older parents who had a few children already, was truly priceless! These are connections that I'm sure I will treasure forever. babyBEings really was a life saver for me. Not only do I feel a lot more confident as a parent, I am a happier, more content parent than I would have been otherwise, and in turn I have a happy, content toddler. I am equipped and ready (as much as I can be) for the challenges parenting has in store for me, all thanks to Fran and Levi at babyBEings. I could not speak highly enough about this programme or the amazing women who run it. babyBEings is an absolute treasure of a programme, I truly wish all parents had access to this kind of education.
Jacqui & Kees
My family and I have been involved with babyBEings for the last five years. My daughter Maria and son Kees have both attended the classes until they graduated at two years of age. My husband Wayne has also participated in the occasional class with the children and has enjoyed it also. From day one Fran and Levi have always made us feel so welcome and supported. They have both played a big part in me becoming a confident and loving mother through sharing their wisdom and guidance. Fran and Levi have inspired and stimulated both my mind and my heart. I feel that they have opened the door to such valuable information that I may not have entered if I had not attended babyBEings. I am still learning but I believe these classes have helped fill my 'parenting tool box' with many tools that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Coming to these classes has enriched so many areas in my personal life and nursing career by helping me to become a more respectful, caring person with more effective communication tools. When I reflect back to my children's infant and toddler years, the times I have spent at babyBEings have been a huge highlight with many wonderful memories. I have made wonderful friends with the other mothers who attend and have enjoyed being part of such an amazing network of support, friendship and guidance. I thank Fran & Levi so much for their dedication to babyBEings and the time they give to us parents and our special little people.
My family and I have been involved with babyBEings for the last five years. My daughter Maria and son Kees have both attended the classes until they graduated at two years of age. My husband Wayne has also participated in the occasional class with the children and has enjoyed it also. From day one Fran and Levi have always made us feel so welcome and supported. They have both played a big part in me becoming a confident and loving mother through sharing their wisdom and guidance. Fran and Levi have inspired and stimulated both my mind and my heart. I feel that they have opened the door to such valuable information that I may not have entered if I had not attended babyBEings. I am still learning but I believe these classes have helped fill my 'parenting tool box' with many tools that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Coming to these classes has enriched so many areas in my personal life and nursing career by helping me to become a more respectful, caring person with more effective communication tools. When I reflect back to my children's infant and toddler years, the times I have spent at babyBEings have been a huge highlight with many wonderful memories. I have made wonderful friends with the other mothers who attend and have enjoyed being part of such an amazing network of support, friendship and guidance. I thank Fran & Levi so much for their dedication to babyBEings and the time they give to us parents and our special little people.
Monique & Oscar
I have been travelling almost every week from Cambridge to Tokoroa for over eighteen months now to attend babyBEings and littleBEings with Oscar, who is my second child. What a huge difference this has made for the both of us. I have learnt a whole different way of relating with him which has helped me to better understand his needs. This has vastly improved our relationship and decreased my stress!!! Fran & Levi are such warm, lovely ladies and they have created a open, friendly environment where we can discuss our parenting journeys. I have not only learnt a lot from them and the other mums, but have really enjoyed the classes.
I have been travelling almost every week from Cambridge to Tokoroa for over eighteen months now to attend babyBEings and littleBEings with Oscar, who is my second child. What a huge difference this has made for the both of us. I have learnt a whole different way of relating with him which has helped me to better understand his needs. This has vastly improved our relationship and decreased my stress!!! Fran & Levi are such warm, lovely ladies and they have created a open, friendly environment where we can discuss our parenting journeys. I have not only learnt a lot from them and the other mums, but have really enjoyed the classes.
Anna & Eva
"BabyBEings changed my family life and my career! I attended babyBEings with my third child and wish I had the knowledge I have learnt years ago when I begin my parenting journey because it has been life changing, uplifting and empowering. Each week the infant sessions were an opportunity to learn and refuel my confidence and energy, and affirm the beautiful bond with my baby. I had previously worked with Levi in a professional manner and it was great to receive her unbiased and loving support as facilitator in the sessions. Fran has an abundance of relevant knowledge to share, and I believe both women are amazing taonga to the Tokoroa Community. BabyBEings made me curious and eager to learn, and I received a TeachNZ scholarship to study Post Graduate Early Childhood Teaching. Now as a professional Early Childhood practitioner I am able to share what babyBEings has taught me, and I am able to keep practicing and developing my journey with my own children and other children I work with on a daily basis."
“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.”
"BabyBEings changed my family life and my career! I attended babyBEings with my third child and wish I had the knowledge I have learnt years ago when I begin my parenting journey because it has been life changing, uplifting and empowering. Each week the infant sessions were an opportunity to learn and refuel my confidence and energy, and affirm the beautiful bond with my baby. I had previously worked with Levi in a professional manner and it was great to receive her unbiased and loving support as facilitator in the sessions. Fran has an abundance of relevant knowledge to share, and I believe both women are amazing taonga to the Tokoroa Community. BabyBEings made me curious and eager to learn, and I received a TeachNZ scholarship to study Post Graduate Early Childhood Teaching. Now as a professional Early Childhood practitioner I am able to share what babyBEings has taught me, and I am able to keep practicing and developing my journey with my own children and other children I work with on a daily basis."
“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.”
Andrea, Alex and Emma
BabyBEings gives you the skills to be able to observe and understand what your baby is communicating to you.
It teaches you to see your child as a free and equal human being, not a helpless baby.
What is learnt in the infant classes has a practical application in almost every situation you will face with your child.
The philosophy behind it is not ‘strange’ or ‘out there’ it is simply based on respect, kindness and common sense.
Thanks Fran and Levi, the gift that you have given to our family will continue for a lifetime.
BabyBEings gives you the skills to be able to observe and understand what your baby is communicating to you.
It teaches you to see your child as a free and equal human being, not a helpless baby.
What is learnt in the infant classes has a practical application in almost every situation you will face with your child.
The philosophy behind it is not ‘strange’ or ‘out there’ it is simply based on respect, kindness and common sense.
Thanks Fran and Levi, the gift that you have given to our family will continue for a lifetime.
Janice and Ethan
Fran and Levis' 'BabyBEings' and 'LittleBEings' experiences and parenting classes have been lifechanging. For a new Mother with an Early Childhood Degree and loads of experience with young children and babies, I found myself with an extremely unhappy and unsettled baby. Fran & Levis' support and guidance throughout this difficult time in our lives was invaluable. Their gentle yet unwavering support and assurance meant the world to me. They focus on letting the baby BE as nature intended and to develop at their own pace without parental expectations or pushing. My little boy is almost three now and I know without a doubt that the two and a half years of regular classes has had a profound effect on both Mother and Son and for this I will be forever grateful. In fact I am looking forward to baby number two and will most definitely be going back to learn and experince more with my second child. Also, as I continue my career teaching young children in Early Childcare Settings, I am able to utilise their knowledge and advice with both other teachers and parents and of course - most important of all - the babies I care for.
Janice McDonald - Happy Mother and ECE Teacher
Fran and Levis' 'BabyBEings' and 'LittleBEings' experiences and parenting classes have been lifechanging. For a new Mother with an Early Childhood Degree and loads of experience with young children and babies, I found myself with an extremely unhappy and unsettled baby. Fran & Levis' support and guidance throughout this difficult time in our lives was invaluable. Their gentle yet unwavering support and assurance meant the world to me. They focus on letting the baby BE as nature intended and to develop at their own pace without parental expectations or pushing. My little boy is almost three now and I know without a doubt that the two and a half years of regular classes has had a profound effect on both Mother and Son and for this I will be forever grateful. In fact I am looking forward to baby number two and will most definitely be going back to learn and experince more with my second child. Also, as I continue my career teaching young children in Early Childcare Settings, I am able to utilise their knowledge and advice with both other teachers and parents and of course - most important of all - the babies I care for.
Janice McDonald - Happy Mother and ECE Teacher
Lisa, Daniel & Joe
I have attended both BabyBeings and LittleBeings with my two sons and throughly enjoyed being part of this little community. I come away from each session having learnt something new or thought about a common developmental stage/behaviour in a new positive way. It is always a highlight of my week to come along and talk to Fran, Levi and other mums in such a supportive, non-judgemental environment.. I feel fortunate to have been part of this group and can 100% say that my boys have benefitted from the new skills and knowledge I've learnt along the way. Lisa MacDonald, mum to Daniel and Joe.
I have attended both BabyBeings and LittleBeings with my two sons and throughly enjoyed being part of this little community. I come away from each session having learnt something new or thought about a common developmental stage/behaviour in a new positive way. It is always a highlight of my week to come along and talk to Fran, Levi and other mums in such a supportive, non-judgemental environment.. I feel fortunate to have been part of this group and can 100% say that my boys have benefitted from the new skills and knowledge I've learnt along the way. Lisa MacDonald, mum to Daniel and Joe.
Rose and Noah
BabyBeings for me has been an invaluable resource as a first time mum and has definitely impacted on how I parent. It is a welcoming beautiful enviroment with two lovely ladies who make you feel immediatly comfortable and supported.
I have taken away so much information and ideas from the classes; the readings and demonstrations make so much sense and really make you think about the different ways we parent today.
It has been a joy coming to this series and watching my baby explore and learn new things about his body and the environment. I would definitely recommend BabyBeings to every new parent.
BabyBeings for me has been an invaluable resource as a first time mum and has definitely impacted on how I parent. It is a welcoming beautiful enviroment with two lovely ladies who make you feel immediatly comfortable and supported.
I have taken away so much information and ideas from the classes; the readings and demonstrations make so much sense and really make you think about the different ways we parent today.
It has been a joy coming to this series and watching my baby explore and learn new things about his body and the environment. I would definitely recommend BabyBeings to every new parent.
Nicky, Owen and Lucas
"We have two sons, both of whom attended Baby BEings with Fran and Levi. Our oldest son Owen attended for two full years and our youngest son Lucas attended until my family moved to Hamilton and it was not possible for us to attend any more.
We found Baby BEings to be a wonderfully rich and supportive learning environment for both of our children and for us as parents. Both Fran and Levi are highly skilled and well-respected for the beautiful work that they do with the Pikler Philosophy and the culture of respect when being with young children, and understanding their needs. Fran and Levi are passionate about what they do and have volunteered many thousands of hours, personal resources and continually upskill themselves with courses they attend in their own time to bring the very best of their skills and knowledge to families.
Our sons flourished and were free to develop emotionally, mentally and physically (as were we as parents!) while being fully supported by Fran and Levi and the other parents and children attending. This is partly due to Fran and Levi's skill and teachings, and also because of the gentle and non-judgmental environment that they have created and nurtured. With the knowledge we gained from attending Baby BEings, we were able to continue this way of life at home and set the foundation for developing strong and respectful relationships with our children for the rest of their lives. As parents, we could not ask for more than this. I cannot recommend Baby BEings enough to other parents and families, and it was with a sense of grief (and still is) that our family was unable to continue attending. The South Waikato District is absolutely blessed to have Fran and Levi doing what they do - we cannot recommend them enough and urge other families to start your parenting journey with Baby BEings. Nicky and Louis Khoo
"We have two sons, both of whom attended Baby BEings with Fran and Levi. Our oldest son Owen attended for two full years and our youngest son Lucas attended until my family moved to Hamilton and it was not possible for us to attend any more.
We found Baby BEings to be a wonderfully rich and supportive learning environment for both of our children and for us as parents. Both Fran and Levi are highly skilled and well-respected for the beautiful work that they do with the Pikler Philosophy and the culture of respect when being with young children, and understanding their needs. Fran and Levi are passionate about what they do and have volunteered many thousands of hours, personal resources and continually upskill themselves with courses they attend in their own time to bring the very best of their skills and knowledge to families.
Our sons flourished and were free to develop emotionally, mentally and physically (as were we as parents!) while being fully supported by Fran and Levi and the other parents and children attending. This is partly due to Fran and Levi's skill and teachings, and also because of the gentle and non-judgmental environment that they have created and nurtured. With the knowledge we gained from attending Baby BEings, we were able to continue this way of life at home and set the foundation for developing strong and respectful relationships with our children for the rest of their lives. As parents, we could not ask for more than this. I cannot recommend Baby BEings enough to other parents and families, and it was with a sense of grief (and still is) that our family was unable to continue attending. The South Waikato District is absolutely blessed to have Fran and Levi doing what they do - we cannot recommend them enough and urge other families to start your parenting journey with Baby BEings. Nicky and Louis Khoo
Jacqui and Maria
"I have been taking my daughter Maria to BabyBEings since she was six weeks of age. I strongly believe that Fran and Levi's classes have enriched my parenting experience as a new mother. In the last two years of attending BabyBEings, I have gained parenting knowledge that will influence the way I parent for the rest of my life. This knowledge has enabled me to build a strong child-parent connection with Maria. Most importantly, I have discovered the value of slowing down to observe and enjoy the uniqueness of each stage of my daughter's development from newborn to toddlerhood. Maria and I have enjoyed every moment of BabyBEings, it has been such a valuable experience".
"I have been taking my daughter Maria to BabyBEings since she was six weeks of age. I strongly believe that Fran and Levi's classes have enriched my parenting experience as a new mother. In the last two years of attending BabyBEings, I have gained parenting knowledge that will influence the way I parent for the rest of my life. This knowledge has enabled me to build a strong child-parent connection with Maria. Most importantly, I have discovered the value of slowing down to observe and enjoy the uniqueness of each stage of my daughter's development from newborn to toddlerhood. Maria and I have enjoyed every moment of BabyBEings, it has been such a valuable experience".
Theresa, Liam & Ewan
This is truly an inspirational philosophy that I have had the opportunity to attend with both my sons. Fran and Levi have done a wonderful job in creating a nice relaxing atmosphere; their support and guidance is incredible.
When I moved back to Scotland I missed the classes but I was able to keep in close contact with Fran, via email, for guidance on any issues. When returning to New Zealand a year later I was thrilled to be able to continue with the classes as Liam became a toddler. I valued having classes every week as a great opportunity to meet other like-minded parents, make friends and feel well supported. I also attended any workshops Fran offered to improve my parenting skills and especially benefitted from the toddler workshops she provided and the Circle of Security Training.
There are many aspects of the classes that I love including:
1. Silent Time, where you can just stop and notice. When you take the time you notice the small things, which may seem so little but mean a lot. With the busy lives we lead these days it can be very difficult to do this, but it is so rewarding.
2. The emotional wave, wow! This was such a learning curve for me and helped me actually understand what was happening with my toddler's emotions, know how to support him, and cope with them myself in a much better way.
3. But the greatest gift was leaning about anticipation/participation and respect which I am able to adapt to many relationships in my life.
We are privileged to have this in our community and I thank Fran and Levi for all their time and commitment in doing a wonderful job.
This is truly an inspirational philosophy that I have had the opportunity to attend with both my sons. Fran and Levi have done a wonderful job in creating a nice relaxing atmosphere; their support and guidance is incredible.
When I moved back to Scotland I missed the classes but I was able to keep in close contact with Fran, via email, for guidance on any issues. When returning to New Zealand a year later I was thrilled to be able to continue with the classes as Liam became a toddler. I valued having classes every week as a great opportunity to meet other like-minded parents, make friends and feel well supported. I also attended any workshops Fran offered to improve my parenting skills and especially benefitted from the toddler workshops she provided and the Circle of Security Training.
There are many aspects of the classes that I love including:
1. Silent Time, where you can just stop and notice. When you take the time you notice the small things, which may seem so little but mean a lot. With the busy lives we lead these days it can be very difficult to do this, but it is so rewarding.
2. The emotional wave, wow! This was such a learning curve for me and helped me actually understand what was happening with my toddler's emotions, know how to support him, and cope with them myself in a much better way.
3. But the greatest gift was leaning about anticipation/participation and respect which I am able to adapt to many relationships in my life.
We are privileged to have this in our community and I thank Fran and Levi for all their time and commitment in doing a wonderful job.
Nada, Troy, Melinda & Zita
Baby BEings is an opportunity I have been lucky enough to be involved in and it has simply changed my life. I am a mother of four and have attended these classes with three of my children. They have not only taught me how to parent more effectively but also how to BE in a community, a sports team, a family, a sibling, a child, a wife and a student.
The skills I have learned by attending baby BEings classes have been transferable in all walks of life. I have developed an understanding and a respect for individuality, especialy for my children. There is no such thing as one size fits all and just knowing this gets me through each day.
The classes I have attended include: BabyBEings (infant), LittleBEings (older baby & toddler), MummyBEings (pre-school), Circle of Security Training (night classes), 2 x Toddler Workshops (night classes), Before Baby Class (night classes)
Every class that I have attended has been my choice and with no expectation of payment. These classes are solely there to support parents and children grow together and understand each other. Every person who attends has a mutual respect for each other because they are all there for the same reasons. Personally I have developed relationships with other parents and children that I feel will last a life time. BabyBEings provides a safe environment for children and parents emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually; the facilitators do an amazing job at making you as a parent feel safe and secure and helps you pass this on to your child.
It is very hard to put into words what the classes can do for you, and I could write a three page essay on what specifically I have gained from it. All that I recommend to anyone having a baby is to attend these classes, you can take or leave whatever information you choose to, but with an open mind, your relationships will change for the better, starting right in your home.
Baby BEings is an opportunity I have been lucky enough to be involved in and it has simply changed my life. I am a mother of four and have attended these classes with three of my children. They have not only taught me how to parent more effectively but also how to BE in a community, a sports team, a family, a sibling, a child, a wife and a student.
The skills I have learned by attending baby BEings classes have been transferable in all walks of life. I have developed an understanding and a respect for individuality, especialy for my children. There is no such thing as one size fits all and just knowing this gets me through each day.
The classes I have attended include: BabyBEings (infant), LittleBEings (older baby & toddler), MummyBEings (pre-school), Circle of Security Training (night classes), 2 x Toddler Workshops (night classes), Before Baby Class (night classes)
Every class that I have attended has been my choice and with no expectation of payment. These classes are solely there to support parents and children grow together and understand each other. Every person who attends has a mutual respect for each other because they are all there for the same reasons. Personally I have developed relationships with other parents and children that I feel will last a life time. BabyBEings provides a safe environment for children and parents emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually; the facilitators do an amazing job at making you as a parent feel safe and secure and helps you pass this on to your child.
It is very hard to put into words what the classes can do for you, and I could write a three page essay on what specifically I have gained from it. All that I recommend to anyone having a baby is to attend these classes, you can take or leave whatever information you choose to, but with an open mind, your relationships will change for the better, starting right in your home.