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PODCAST

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast

Aoife Murphy & Jenny McCarthy

Hosted by sisters-in-law Aoife Murphy and Jenny McCarthy, Little Steps, Big Futures is your go-to podcast for insights into Early Childhood Education and parenting.Aoife, now a stay-at-home mom to two boys, and Jenny, who is furthering her career in her new role at ChildPaths, share practical tips, real-life stories, and expert advice drawn from their experiences as former Early Years Professionals. Whether you"re a parent or an educator, this podcast is packed with relatable moments and useful

education parenting

All Episodes

30:23

When Drop-Offs Get Tough

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/10/22

In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny chat about the ups and downs of school life, from Theo’s sudden change in drop-off confidence to how those emotional mornings can hit parents harder than we expect. They also dive into a common frustration for many families: the short time children get to eat their lunches in school. It’s a heartfelt, honest conversation about emotions, empathy, and advocating for the little things that make a big difference in children’s days. Support us: https:/...

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32:05

Finding Balance

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/10/08

Aoife and Jenny catch up about Theo’s first month in preschool, sharing the little moments, surprises, and milestones that come with this big transition. From the excitement of new routines to the bittersweet feelings of sending your child off for the first time, they explore the joys and challenges of early childhood from a parent’s perspective. They also reflect on their past experiences as educators, talking honestly about the demands and overstimulation that come with working in early ye...

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32:21

The Power of Routines

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/09/17

In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny talk about the importance of keeping a routine, both at home and in the classroom. From the comfort of daily rhythms to the way routines help children feel secure, they share honest reflections (and a bit of real-life rambling) on what routines look like in practice. Whether you’re a parent or an educator, you’ll find encouragement and practical takeaways for building rhythms that work for your family or classroom. Support us: https://www.instagra...

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33:42

The First Day: Starting Preschool Together

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/09/03

In this episode, Aoife and Jenny dive into the big transition of starting preschool — what it feels like for children taking those first steps and for parents learning to let go a little. They share the ups and downs of this milestone, from first-day jitters to moments of pride, and offer ideas on how families can make the process smoother for everyone. Along the way, they also explore the thoughtful choices parents face when it comes to sharing these special moments online, and how to ...

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56:21

Big Changes to Aistear: What Educators Need to Know

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/08/20

In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny chat to Dr. Gillian Lake from ChildPaths, who sponsored this episode, about the recent updates to Aistear and what they mean for Early Years Educators across Ireland. They dive into how ChildPaths has adapted its software to stay fully aligned with the revised framework — including the new Learning Record feature that reflects the four parts of the cycle of reflection: Noticing, Nurturing, Responding, and Reflecting. Dr. Lake also shares how ChildPath...

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14:30

Mini Episode: Chaos Behind the Mic

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/08/13

Some people record in peaceful studios with perfect soundproofing. We, on the other hand, recorded this one in between a toddler wrestling match, a crying contest, and several suspicious crashes from the next room. It’s 14 minutes of pure multitasking magic as Aoife juggles mute buttons, crisis management, and an actual conversation with Jenny. Come for the chat, stay for the chaos — and maybe feel a little better about your own Monday. Support us: https://www.instagram.com/little_steps_big_f...

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27:40

Summer So Far

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/07/25

Aoife’s back from five weeks in Ireland — a trip filled with toddler chaos, sickness delays, and the full-on reality of travelling with two kids. Meanwhile, Jenny’s gearing up for her well-deserved holiday, enjoying the calm while Aoife's been deep in the mayhem. We chat about the week we missed, the juggle of summer life, and what’s coming next. It’s honest, messy, and very us. Support us: https://www.instagram.com/little_steps_big_futures/ https://www.facebook.com/littlestepsbigfutures

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33:29

Holding Space for Recovery

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/06/25

In this heartfelt episode, Aoife and Jenny sit down to reflect on the emotional journey that follows birth, the part we don’t always talk about. Aoife opens up about her two very different birth experiences, sharing the raw and real emotions that came with each — the joy, the grief, the guilt, and the healing. Together, they explore how recovery is about so much more than stitches and sleep. It’s about the quiet moments when you question everything, the invisible weight mothers carry, and the...

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31:43

Play Is a Right, Not a Reward

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/06/11

In this episode, Aoife and Jenny dive into the UN’s new International Day of Play and why it’s more than just a celebration. They discuss play as a fundamental right, not a luxury, and explore why it's still being overlooked around the world. While applauding the UN for spotlighting play, they also ask the big question: why do we even need a day to remind the world? Join them as they unpack what play truly means for childhood, development, and global equality. Support us: https://www.instagra...

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34:20

Oops, We Skipped a Week—Let’s Catch Up!

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/05/30

Life got busy (again!), but we’re back with everything you missed—doctor runs, family chaos, and fresh news on the childcare scene in Ireland. It’s a little bit of everything, just like life with little ones. Grab a cuppa and let’s catch up! Support us: https://www.instagram.com/little_steps_big_futures/ https://www.facebook.com/littlestepsbigfutures

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35:46

The Preschool Search Begins

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/05/08

In this week’s episode, Jenny chats with Aoife about her recent experience touring a preschool for her little boy, Theo. Aoife shares what the visit was really like — from first impressions and key questions to those gut feelings that are hard to ignore. They talk through the emotional side of preparing for this next big step, what stood out (both good and not-so-good), and whether Theo was offered a spot. It’s a real and relatable look at one of parenting’s big early decisions. If you’re thi...

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30:02

Episode 100!

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/04/24

Wow… 100 episodes. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. What started as a simple idea has grown into something truly special—thanks to you. Every conversation we’ve had, every guest who’s shared their voice, and every single one of you who listened, supported, and encouraged us along the way… you’ve made this journey what it is. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you. 💖 Here’s to the memories we’ve made, the lives we’ve touched, and the many more steps we’ll take together. This episode

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36:26

From One to Two: More Love, Less Sleep

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/04/11

In this episode, Aoife and Jenny get real about the shift from one child to two. Aoife shares what life’s actually been like since baby number two arrived—more chaos, bigger emotions, and double the love. Jenny weighs in as the proud (and sometimes overwhelmed) auntie, offering her take from the sidelines. Whether you're thinking about a second or already deep in the juggle, this one’s packed with honest moments, laughs, and the kind of chat that makes you feel less alone. To every parent na...

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41:29

Starting Out in Early Childhood Education

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/03/26

In this episode, Aoife and Jenny share their personal experiences with college placements and the exciting journey of starting a career in early childhood education. From navigating placements to offering valuable tips for success, they dive into what it's really like to begin a career in this rewarding field. Whether you're just starting or looking for insights, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you get ahead. Support us: https://www.instagram.com/little_steps_big_fut...

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35:47

Mind Your Words: Shaping Positive Language for Kids

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/03/13

In this week's episode, Aoife and Jenny explore how young children naturally use descriptive language — and when words like "fat" start to carry negative meanings. They discuss examples from popular books and TV shows, like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Peppa Pig, and the subtle impact these messages can have on kids' body image and self-esteem. Should we avoid certain words or teach children to use them with kindness and respect? Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on fostering positiv...

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39:25

The Power of Play

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/02/26

In this episode, Aoife and Jenny talk about The Power of Play—why it’s more than just fun and how it shapes a child’s development. From building coordination and creativity to strengthening social and problem-solving skills, play is at the heart of learning! They’ll explore different types of play for various age groups, share simple low-prep activities, and discuss how to balance independent and interactive play. Tune in for practical tips and fun ideas to make playtime both meaningf...

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32:53

Post-Christmas Catch-Up

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2025/02/06

Join Aoife and Jenny for their first episode of the new year as they catch up after Christmas! They chat about the holiday highs, the back-to-reality moments, and what’s ahead for Little Steps in 2025. Tune in for a relaxed and fun start to the year! Support us: https://www.instagram.com/little_steps_big_futures/ https://www.facebook.com/littlestepsbigfutures

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27:26

Toddler Tantrums: Surviving the Meltdown Moments

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2024/12/10

In this episode of Little Steps, Big Futures, we tackle the rollercoaster ride of parenting two-year-olds—specifically, those infamous tantrums! From understanding the triggers behind the meltdowns to practical strategies for managing them, we share advice and real-life stories to help you navigate this challenging stage. Plus, Aoife opens up about the many days she cried alongside her toddler, reminding us all that we’re never alone on this journey. Whether you’re looking for tips, reassuran...

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23:58

The Changing Landscape of Childcare in Ireland

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2024/11/26

In this episode Jenny and Aoife, examine the latest developments in the childcare sector in Ireland, focusing on the concerning rise in service closures. What’s driving these closures, and how are families and educators being affected? We discuss the challenges facing the sector and what this means for the future of childcare. Listen now to stay informed and be part of the conversation shaping the future of early years education.Support us:https://www.instagram.com/little_steps_big_futures/ht...

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30:47

Remembering Loved Ones with Littles

Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast ·

2024/11/12

In this heartfelt episode, Aoife and Jenny explore gentle ways to keep memories alive, using examples from our own lives, like stories of Jenny's mom and the boys nana, Nana Kay. We’ll discuss how to share simple memories, introduce activities that build connection, and answer questions toddlers may have as they start to understand loss. Through traditions and small rituals, you’ll find ways to honor a loved one’s memory while respecting a child’s emotional needs. Support us:https:/...

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112 results

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