About Me

Hi, I’m Joe 👋

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!

🌸 Why This Matters to Me

Intergenerational relationships have always been important in my life—long before Butterfly Buddies existed.

My family and I lived in California for 8 years, and when my children were little, we made the decision to move back to the UK.

I remember saying through tears to my mum: “I just want them to know their grandparents.”

That feeling never really left me.

👶 My Background

I spent 5 years as a stay-at-home mum before working in pre-schools and as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school.

I absolutely loved working with young children.

But something stayed with me…

Children have so much to say. So many stories, thoughts and questions.

And yet, so often, the adults around them are just too busy to really listen.

💡 The Moment Everything Clicked

After watching Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds, something just made sense.

Care homes are full of people with time. Time to listen. Time to connect. Time to care.

And children bring something truly special into those spaces—energy, curiosity, joy.

It felt like something that should exist.

🌱 How It Started

At the time, I was working as a childminder.

So I started small.

I began taking the children I cared for into a local care home… and something quite special started to happen.

Connections formed. Smiles appeared. Moments that felt genuinely meaningful.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we kept going in whatever way we could—singing through windows, sharing pictures—because those connections mattered.

💛 What Keeps Me Going

To this day, nothing beats walking into a room and seeing what happens when generations come together.

The smiles. The conversations. The unexpected moments.

It’s simple—but it really matters.

🌼 If You’re Thinking of Coming Along…

You don’t need to be “a certain kind of parent” or have a super confident child.

You don’t need to know anyone.

You can just come as you are.

And you’ll be welcomed.

💬 A Little Invitation

If this resonates with you— if you like the idea of your child growing up around older generations, or being part of something a bit more meaningful—

I’d love to meet you.

👉 Come and try a session