The Little Things That Make a Big Difference: Turning Heartbreak into a New Chapter

After more than 16 years in early childhood education, Northern Beaches teacher Jacqueline Kaati thought she knew a thing or two about helping children find their feet. But when her beloved father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, it was Jacqueline who found herself having to navigate an entirely new chapter. What followed was an unexpected journey into writing, three published books and a powerful reminder that sometimes the smallest moments in life matter the most.

For most parents, the pressure to get their children ready for school starts well before the first uniform is purchased or the school bag is packed. There's the alphabet to master, numbers to recognise and, if we're being particularly ambitious, perhaps a little reading and writing before kindergarten even begins.

But according to Northern Beaches early childhood teacher and author Jacqueline Kaati, we might be overlooking some of the most important lessons of all.

And the good news? They don't require expensive educational toys, elaborate activities or another parenting manual telling us we're doing it all wrong.

Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation on the way to school, a walk along the beach or a few blocks scattered across the lounge room floor.

Jacqueline has spent more than 16 years helping young children learn, grow and prepare for school. Along the way, she's come to believe that the everyday moments parents barely give a second thought to are often where some of the most valuable learning takes place.

But her journey to becoming an educator, and more recently an author, has been anything but straightforward.

Jacqueline became a mother at just 17 while studying for her Certificate III in early childhood education at high school. Although she initially left school to have her daughter, she was determined not to abandon her studies.

With the support of her principal, who paid for her course, Jacqueline returned to complete her qualification, bringing her baby daughter to class while she studied alongside Year 12 students.

What followed was more than six years of juggling motherhood, full-time work and study, eventually completing her Diploma and Bachelor of Teaching after the birth of her second daughter.

"It certainly wasn't easy, but I was determined to finish what I started," Jacqueline recalls.

"I wanted to show my daughters how important it was to have a career and a qualification, and that becoming a mum doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams."

It's a determination that has stayed with her throughout her career, particularly when working with children who need additional support.

But it was a deeply personal experience, rather than anything that happened in the classroom, that eventually inspired Jacqueline to put pen to paper.

The Fridays That Changed Everything

When Jacqueline's father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at just 57, she began spending her Fridays with him.

While balancing her teaching career and family responsibilities, she set aside her days off to take her dad out, enjoying the simple pleasure of spending time together.

Those Fridays became precious.

As his condition progressed, however, caring for him at home became increasingly difficult.

Earlier this year, he moved into residential care, leaving Jacqueline heartbroken and struggling to adjust to the loss of their weekly outings.

"I had spent so much of my spare time with Dad, and suddenly my Fridays looked very different," she says.

"I would go out, bump into someone and burst into tears because I missed those days with him so much."

For anyone who has watched a loved one navigate dementia, it's a particularly heartbreaking reality. The person you love is still there, but the relationship and familiar routines you once shared can change beyond recognition.

Jacqueline eventually realised that her father wouldn't want her spending those Fridays consumed by sadness.

"I remember thinking that Dad wouldn't want me to spend my Fridays feeling sad. I wanted to do something positive with my time, something that would make him proud."

And so, she began writing.

Drawing on more than 16 years of experience in early childhood education, Jacqueline decided to share the knowledge she'd accumulated in the classroom with parents and educators beyond it.

What began as a way to channel her grief into something meaningful has since resulted in three published books, each addressing an aspect of children's learning and development.

Forget the Flashcards

Her first book, You're Already Teaching Them: How Everyday Moments Shape Your Child's Learning and Development, challenges the idea that helping children learn requires a structured educational program at home.

Instead, Jacqueline wants parents to recognise just how much their children are absorbing through ordinary daily experiences.

Take a child playing with blocks, for example.

To the casual observer, they're simply building a tower, probably before knocking it down and starting again.

But according to Jacqueline, there's a whole lot more going on.

They're developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, counting, matching, language, imagination and problem-solving abilities, all without realising they're learning anything at all.

"Parents don't always realise just how much learning happens during everyday activities," she explains.

And while many parents understandably worry about whether their child can recognise letters, write their name or count before starting school, Jacqueline says school readiness involves much more than academic skills.

Her latest book, Am I Ready for Big School? A Parent's Guide to Preparing Preschool Children for a Confident Start, explores the social, emotional and practical skills children need to make a successful transition into the classroom.

Independence, communication, confidence, the ability to interact with other children and managing everyday tasks all play an important role.

"Parenting is a difficult job, and I think parents sometimes feel a lot of pressure to prepare their children for school by teaching them to read and write," she says.

"While these skills are important, there are so many other things children need, including independence, self-help skills and the ability to interact with others."

It's a message that might come as something of a relief to parents already feeling overwhelmed by the endless advice about what their children should be achieving and when.

Jacqueline's third area of interest is sustainability, inspired by years of watching children discover the natural world.

Her book, Embedding Sustainability in Early Childhood Education, provides educators with practical ways to introduce environmental awareness through activities such as gardening, exploring nature and caring for living things.

And it seems her advice is resonating beyond the preschool classroom, with Jacqueline delighted to discover that her sustainability book is now being used by Diploma students studying early childhood education.

The Little Boy Who Wanted to Drive a Garbage Truck

Of course, after more than 16 years in the profession, Jacqueline has accumulated her fair share of memorable moments.

But one little boy in particular has stayed with her.

He had autism and a very clear ambition for his future.

"I'll never forget one little boy with autism who once said to me, 'Miss Jacky, when I grow up I want to be a garbage truck driver. But can you work with me so you can show me which buttons to press?'"

For Jacqueline, it was a moment that perfectly captured the extraordinary trust young children place in the adults who care for them.

"My heart melted. In his mind, I was always going to be there with him, helping him achieve his dream."

It's also a reminder of something Jacqueline feels is too often overlooked: the important role early childhood educators play in shaping children's futures.

"We're not babysitters; we're qualified professionals who play an important role in children's development and their future."

She's watched talented educators leave the profession because of its challenges and has seen firsthand the increasing demands of supporting children with additional needs.

Yet despite the difficulties, she remains passionate about her work.

A note from one parent, whose child required additional support, has stayed with her throughout the years.

"We see all you do, Miss Jacky. Keep going. The children need you."

For Jacqueline, those words have been enough to carry her through some of the hardest days.

Perhaps It's Time We All Slowed Down

Ask Jacqueline what she thinks children need more of today, and her answer is refreshingly simple.

More time with their parents, more time outdoors and less time in front of screens.

It's not that she expects families to abandon technology or somehow find extra hours in an already overcrowded day. Rather, she'd love parents to recognise the value of the time they already spend together.

Reading a bedtime story, growing a plant, taking a walk or chatting about what they've spotted at the beach can all become opportunities to connect and learn.

"These moments help build relationships, develop language and curiosity, and give children a sense of connection and belonging," she says.

"I'd love to see families slow down a little and enjoy those everyday moments together. They're often the moments children remember most, and they're also the moments when so much learning takes place."

It's a philosophy Jacqueline has carried into her own life.

Before beginning her ten-hour teaching shifts, she can often be found at one of the Northern Beaches' beautiful beaches, watching the sunrise.

It's become a daily ritual, offering a little peace and quiet before the demands of the day begin.

"My happy place is the beach. I love nature and the outdoors, and watching the sunrise has become a daily ritual for me."

And while her Fridays no longer look quite the way they once did, Jacqueline continues to spend time with her father in his care home.

Writing has given her a new purpose, but the relationship that inspired it remains at the heart of everything she does.

For a woman who became a mother at 17, fought to complete her education and has devoted much of her adult life to helping children find their confidence, becoming a published author is another achievement she hopes will make her father proud.

And perhaps there's something rather fitting about the fact that a woman who has spent her career teaching children the value of life's little moments has found a way to honour some of her own.

Because sometimes, it's the simplest things that leave the biggest impression.

Jacqueline's Books

Jacqueline Kaati's three books are available worldwide through Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions.

• You're Already Teaching Them: How Everyday Moments Shape Your Child's Learning and Development

  
  

• Embedding Sustainability in Early Childhood Education: Practical Ideas and Strategies to Inspire Young Minds and Build a Sustainable Future

  
  

• Am I Ready for Big School? A Parent's Guide to Preparing Preschool Children for a Confident Start