What started as a personal search for a trusted babysitter has grown into a nationwide support network for families, built on trust, care and a deep understanding of family life. Founded by two mums and teachers, The Teacher’s Connections blends professional expertise with genuine care, offering babysitting and tutoring services designed to build confidence in children and reassurance for parents across New Zealand. Rooted in real-life parenting experience, they believe that children thrive when they feel safe, encouraged and understood – and that parents deserve peace of mind. Here, co-founder Kelly talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind The Teachers Connections, their biggest breakthrough, and their hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
It all started with babysitting. When I became a mum, I wanted to leave my baby with someone I could trust so I could have an anxiety-free night out. That experience planted a seed. Later, one of my babysitters, fellow teacher and mum, Jenny, contacted me. She had started tutoring but was completely overwhelmed with clients. That was the spark. We realised we could join forces as two mums and teachers, taking on the world together. Babysitting is still at the heart of what we do, and tutoring was added to help children gain confidence and succeed. Our business is built on trust, care and understanding, and everything we do comes from that perspective.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
We started very small, supporting local families with babysitting and tutoring whenever we could. Often it was juggling schedules around kitchen tables, online sessions late at night, and balancing our teaching jobs and family life. It was busy and demanding, but full of heart. Slowly, word of mouth grew, and families recommended us to friends. Today we operate across Aotearoa, offering both online and in-person services, with over 50 babysitters and more than 90 tutors.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Our biggest breakthrough has been learning how to grow while keeping our personal touch. Moving online allowed us to reach families far beyond our local area, while still offering in-person services for those who prefer it. Along the way, we also learnt new skills, including how to build a website, which gave us a platform to manage bookings, connect with families and showcase our services. Recruiting the right teachers has been another key breakthrough. Our tutors create the lessons themselves, but we carefully choose teachers who embody our ethos of student-led learning, achievement and nurture. We also know what mums want from babysitters: it should be a moment that is exciting and engaging for kids. Our babysitters are teachers themselves, experienced in supporting all children, including those who are neurodiverse. They are caring, responsible adults who make babysitting an enjoyable and engaging time, with activities like crafts, phonics and other playful learning experiences. Scaling up while maintaining quality has been a steep learning curve, but it has been incredibly rewarding.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Juggling being a mum, a teacher and a business owner is a daily challenge. We have learnt to set clear boundaries and protect family time. When we are with our students or babysitting clients, we are fully present, and when we are at home, we are fully present with our children. Some days are exhausting and overwhelming, but having a partner in this who understands the challenges of parenting and teaching makes it manageable and even joyful.
