About Me
My Heart
Hi, I am Joe and I set up, and run Butterfly Buddies Baby and Toddler Groups at Care Homes in and around Reading.
It's just me. No big brand. No big budget.
Just a BIG heart for bringing generations together and a desire to make the world a better place!
My family
I have 2 teenagers (nearly 19 and 17!!!) but it only seems like yesterday that they were toddlers! Both were born in California where my husband and I lived for 8 years. We moved back when they were little partly because I wanted them to have a relationship with their grandparents. I remember crying on the phone with my Mum saying "I just want them to know their grandparents!!" So, you could say intergenerational relationships have always been important to me!
My journey
I was a stay at home Mum for 5 years and then I began to work in a pre-school and then as a Teaching Assistant in a local primary school.
I LOVE working with little ones but I was increasingly struck by how many wonderful stories they had to tell but how few adults there were that were able to give them enough time to listen!
After watching the amazing documentary "Old People's Home for 4 year olds" I had a light bulb moment! Care Homes are full of people who have time on their hands and would embrace the joy the children could bring.
As a childminder I began to take the children I cared for into my local Care Home and started an intergenerational toddler group. Even COVID couldn't completely stop our connections as we sent in pictures and sang songs through the windows! Coming out the otherside of COVID I knew I wanted to do more and so Butterfly Buddies Intergenerational baby and toddler groups were born!
My Mission
There's nothing I love more than bringing generations together and seeing the joy flood the Care Home lounges I visit!
I now run weekly and fortnightly intergenerational Baby and Toddler groups in Care Homes in and around Reading. Click here to find out where.I also run amonthly Pre-school/Nursery sessions at a Care Homes.
Want to get involved and make a difference too? Check out how you can book a session by clicking here.