Are you struggling to cope? Are you finding it hard to deal with your child’s challenging behaviour? You don’t have to do this alone. Jessie Buttons has always been fascinated by children’s behaviour. She knew from a young age that her life and work would revolve around children and families. She has worked with children for over 20 years both as a registered teacher and a high profile nanny. Her business Harmony in the Home is all about supporting you. Her mission is to educate parents, nannies and educators on why children behave the way they do. She wants to pass on the knowledge she has gained through her own experience, in order to create harmony in the home.
What inspired you to set up your business
I was inspired to make a change in the lives of families after constantly witnessing parents who were struggling with their children’s behaviour.
I feel their frustration, but when time outs and consequences don’t work, home life is really challenging. Parents love their children but a lot of the time they don’t know what they don’t know, and I’ve made it my life purpose to give them ideas and solutions that lead them along an easier path. In my experience much of the unwanted behaviour is just a reflection of a child’s inner worth. When this behaviour is met with punitive discipline it evokes a feeling of shame and only leads to more bad behaviour.
I am also deeply moved by the suicide rate right now in our country. My heart is constantly pierced as I read these stories and hear of young people taking their own lives. I always ask myself; “Why do our young people feel that the world is better off without them? Why do these beautiful souls sink so low they feel that harming themselves or taking their own lives is the only way out of the mire?” We must teach our children who they are and why they are valuable, and it starts in the home. Every child deserves to be understood and valued for who they are, not just how they behave or preform.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I trained and worked as a preschool teacher, then travelled the world for many years working as a nanny for high profile families. After nannying for many children of different ages, cultures and personalities, I witnessed all sorts of behaviour challenges. And my toolbox of strategies grew and grew.
After working around the world, I spent three years in Sydney managing a Montessori Preschool. It was there where I really started observing the differences in children. A Montessori setting is child-led, meaning children have the freedom to learn and explore in their own way. It was here I observed closely the different natures of children. This intrigued me and that’s where my research started on what nature each child fell into and what they needed to feel balanced and happy.
It came naturally to me to give advice and suggestions, and it wasn’t long before friends and family encouraged me to start my own business. With the goal of creating harmony in the home I teach parents about the nature of their child, and how their child can grow and be happy if their home environment if supportive.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Not long ago I fostered a very complex, behaviourally challenged child who was dosed up on many different medications just in an attempt to help regulate some of his behaviour. Although I agree there is a place for some medications, I knew there must be an alternative option as the side effects were saddening. I began researching natural forms of medicine and what I found was a game-changer.
An essential oil company from America, called doTerra, provides the highest quality essential oils and natural plant-based medicine that support our bodies to function at their best.
The quality and integrity of these products are outstanding and the results I have witnessed over the past year are very exciting. Feeling good and behaving at our best starts with how we feel, and what our bodies are exposed to makes a huge difference.
I noticed an immediate improvement in his agitation and emotional regulation. His sleep patterns improved (as did mine) and his digestive system regulated, but best of all he had something that he could use to support himself and his own feelings. There is nothing more inspiring than witnessing your child name an emotion they are feeling and reach for a safe, effective natural solution.
Working with doTerra, I’m honoured to be partnering with a company also referred to as a humanitarian organisation. They are involved globally in breaking human trafficking cycles, teaching young women about their bodies and hygiene, and improving farmers’ livelihoods. It sits well with me that in using doTerra products in my business and at home I’m helping to improve the lives of those less fortunate than me.
