Follow back to basics footsteps to become empowered to be able to support and nurture your baby to their full potential. Using intuition, modern research and ancient wisdom discover how you can give your baby the best start in life. We spoke to Dr Suzy McCleary of Barefoot Parenting to learn more about her business.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
My passion has always been looking after children, and as a former children’s nurse I have always been inspired by the resilience, gratitude and positive outlook on the world they have, no matter what adversity they are facing. Children can always find the good in any situation.
Unfortunately as a doctor of Chinese Medicine over the last 18 years I have seen a decline in our children’s health. From the emergence of chronic illness at a much earlier age, to skyrocketing behavioral problems and anxiety amongst our kids. Parents are stressed out, becoming more disconnected from their children and nature has become the forgotten playground. Inspired by the work of Richard Louv (Last Child in the Woods) and Angela Hanscom (Balanced and Barefoot) as well as my littlest clients in my clinic, I created the Barefoot Parenting Blueprint. An online program for new families to provide them the skills, tools and knowledge to take the care of their children back into their own hands. With a focus on natural healing, listening to your gut and trusting your instincts as well as returning to basics, I aspire to give parents the skills to give their children the best start in life and stem the tide of chronic illness and poor mental health amongst our children today.
It has also been through my own personal journey, treating my own children, that I discovered that there was so much information that was not readily available for new parents, so that they were informed and able to make the best possible choices for their family.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Initially my business began through my private practice educating new mums and dads one on one. I would also give free talks at the local library to help empowered parents to make informed choices. Growing up in a small country town and now living in rural Australia, access to baby classes and information sessions is often limited. It was after the changes that I saw, not only in my clinic but in my own family after implementing much that I had learnt, that I then decided that I needed to get this information and simple practical steps out there to try and help empower as many families as I could. Parents didn’t need to do everything that I said, but at least they would be informed and able to make to make an educated decision for their family.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Being able to help families in rural Australia and beyond that were unable to make an appointment as a private patient. Time and distance are two of the greatest barriers to knowledge. Many of my clients don’t have time to scroll the internet or travel to larger regional centers to engage in classes and attend information seminars. Having all the research, study, clinical knowledge, classes and information available in one location was a huge benefit to so many families.
