She is the queen bee of momhood and has been kissing einas, wiping bums and loving her Busy Bees since 1998.
Janette de Necker – fondly known as Nettie – and her mom, Ouma Greta have dedicated their lives to help moms go back to work knowing their tiny tots are being nurtured and loved as they would be at home.
“I was born to work with children,” said Nettie who runs the Afrikaans/English bilingual preschool Busy Bees in Ballito.
“They are so honest, forgiving and easy to please. We can learn a lot from them.”
While Nettie is a single mom of two boys, 20-year-old Jano and 18-year-old Pieter, she said she feels like most of Ballito’s teenagers are her children.
“It is so strange to see my first group of kids now in matric, driving cars and being adults.”
She said while working with children is the most rewarding job, it is an emotional one as well.
“The first three months are always tough for everyone – me, the child and the parents. We all have to learn to trust each other and create a routine to make the children feel safe and the moms relaxed about leaving their child in my care.”
To help get this process started, Nettie gives the parents some tips before their child starts at Busy Bees.
“I always go back to the advice a psychologist once gave – play out the new routine with a car and toys to show the children what will happen.
“This helps them visualise and understand that mommy will drop me off in the car and will come back to pick me up again. And always tell them you love them.
“I send little updates to the moms – photos or videos of their little ones having fun to reassure them that everything is OK.
“The most important thing is that the children know they are loved unconditionally and that there is always a hug waiting for them.”
Nettie said teachers can make or break a child and their relationship with school.
“I loved preschool and I remember my first preschool teacher clearly.
“Teachers have a very big influence on children and my goal is to start their schooling life loving their teacher and their school so that they will feel comfortable and give their best.”
To find out more about Busy Bees contact Janette on 083 983 2350.
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