Meet the CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Me and my family 2012
Kiddirama first opened its doors to children and families back in 2013, when Suzanne's second child was still a babe in arms.
"Since birth, I took my children to various baby and toddler groups. However, I often felt embarrassed whenever it came to sit-down story or song time sessions. Even before they learnt to walk, they could not sit still."
It was then, Suzanne decided to set up her own classes, creating more interactive story telling sessions that included lots of movement to songs and various creative activities.
"I love the fact that kids can get up and move around at will, singing and dancing, playing and swaying, stretching, rolling, shuffling, crawling, walking, running, grabbing, holding... it really makes my day and puts a big smile on my face absolutely every time!"
However, like Suzanne, many parents may angst over their child's development.
"During sessions, whilst some kids stay routed within the story space, others are dippers, preferring to venture in and out. I tell worried parents that it's perfectly normal, that all children learn and engage in so many different ways."
Suzanne attained a Degree in English, Drama and Literary Studies at Middlesex University, before going on to complete a Masters in Drama & Movement Therapy (Sesame) at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
More recently, she completed a number of courses at the Renaissance Training Academy, including a course on 'Body Language', 'The Science of Happiness', 'Art Therapy', 'Baby Massage' and a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
For over twenty years Suzanne has worked across the board, in theatre, television, schools, with charities and community groups, as well as taking the lead on a number of government initiatives such as the Sure Start programme.
"I have always found stories and drama to be such an invaluable tool in almost any learning environment. I have used and adapted a variety of tools and methods in drama, to train adults in a professional capacity right through to unlocking deep and profound emotional issues within a therapeutic environment."
Despite her skills and over twenty years experience working with children and families, Suzanne quickly came to realize that having a family of her own is a whole new learning experience.
"Raising a family is not text book. Everyone's situation and experiences are different. Whilst 'How to' books and education are all very important, they cannot teach you how to survive on very little sleep, or sometimes none at all. You simply have to adapt and learn on the job."
Suzanne wrote and illustrated 'Baby Bear and the Night Sky' whilst surviving on very little sleep. Talking to other parents, she was amazed by just how many other families shared similar stories.
"Whilst I did try and follow much of the advice, there was always some reason, as to why my children couldn't sleep. One had eczema as a baby and sleeping seemed to aggravate the itching."
"My second child had what I called 'the cough'. Again, sleeping or laying down would aggravate his incessant cough and no amount of cradling, rocking, patting, pumping or inhaling seemed to work. Not until he got older and gradually grew out of it."
"Along with the usual coughs, colds, nightmares, teething, growing pains, bed wetting... you name it, my kids had it all - any bedtime routine I tried to establish, had to be tossed right out the window."
However, there was one thing that always seemed to help settle the children down at night and that was a story.
"I love stories, my kids love stories and when they were younger, I made up stories about Baby Bear and her adventures. Some of the songs included in the Baby Bear book, have helped get my kids to sleep!"
Admittedly, it has taken Suzanne many years and a whole lot more tears, to work out that raising children does not have to be a battle.
"Whilst you may approach it like one - where by you plan, strategize, negotiate, deliberate, communicate, build your defenses (i.e. network of support) and be prepared for whatever comes at you, I realized that I was not at war with my kids and did not have to keep on pressing that explosive button."
After going on a Positive Parenting course, it really helped Suzanne look at herself and see what areas she could improve upon.
"It is so easy to point the finger and blame the kids for 'making me feel stressed' or losing my temper."
Despite the many explosive buttons and boundaries the children seem to push, it was a change in tactic that made a difference.
"I learnt and am still learning, that I am not and can never be the perfect parent. Therefore, recognising my own irks, as well as learning to take ownership, responsibility and accountable for my own behaviour, I can see continual progression and positive results in myself and my children."
From very early on, Suzanne realized the importance of friendship, talking, sharing, meeting people, building a network of support.
"It takes a village to raise a child and being around others really helps me and my children get through, particularly the most challenging times."
Like most parents, staying at home can mean getting bogged down with the endless mound of domestic chores.
"I sometimes have to grab the kids and walk out the door. Just leave the mess behind and go have fun with the kids - just me and them. Or meet up with other parents and families. It really helps me to maintain a healthy balance."
Suzanne has been writing stories and putting on plays since she was a child.
"I absolutely love writing stories for children and then bringing them to life in anyway I can imagine. It is my 'go to' that helps me unwind, leaves the chaos behind and gets me tingling with such a flow of creative energy."
And as much as Suzanne love stories, she also loves drama and games.
"My star sign is Leo so I love drama! But only the healthy kind of drama - not the kind you see in soap operas! I also love having fun, playing games. I am a child at heart and love the fact that my job gives me the opportunity to keep that part of me alive."
But making time to play can be a challenge!
"I don't believe that our ability and love of play evaporates as we age, it simply gets squeezed out by other things like paying the bills and keeping ones head above water."
Suzanne truly believes that there should be no age limit on having fun and keeping active.
"When it comes to games and drama there are simply no limits. Ones imagination is such a vast and often unexplored place. But if we try make more time for it, I'm sure many more of us would see vast improvements in our lives."
Coming up with a page on the website dedicated to games was simply the next step.
"Stepping into the wondrous world of story, drama, games... can all offer such a wealth of experience and you do not have to pay a penny or travel miles to get it. It is all around us.. we just have to first imagine it, then make the time to enjoy it. I sincerely hope that you enjoyed reading my story and will enjoy all the activities Kiddirama have to offer too. Thank you and see you soon!"
Suzanne
"Since birth, I took my children to various baby and toddler groups. However, I often felt embarrassed whenever it came to sit-down story or song time sessions. Even before they learnt to walk, they could not sit still."
It was then, Suzanne decided to set up her own classes, creating more interactive story telling sessions that included lots of movement to songs and various creative activities.
"I love the fact that kids can get up and move around at will, singing and dancing, playing and swaying, stretching, rolling, shuffling, crawling, walking, running, grabbing, holding... it really makes my day and puts a big smile on my face absolutely every time!"
However, like Suzanne, many parents may angst over their child's development.
"During sessions, whilst some kids stay routed within the story space, others are dippers, preferring to venture in and out. I tell worried parents that it's perfectly normal, that all children learn and engage in so many different ways."
Suzanne attained a Degree in English, Drama and Literary Studies at Middlesex University, before going on to complete a Masters in Drama & Movement Therapy (Sesame) at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
More recently, she completed a number of courses at the Renaissance Training Academy, including a course on 'Body Language', 'The Science of Happiness', 'Art Therapy', 'Baby Massage' and a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
For over twenty years Suzanne has worked across the board, in theatre, television, schools, with charities and community groups, as well as taking the lead on a number of government initiatives such as the Sure Start programme.
"I have always found stories and drama to be such an invaluable tool in almost any learning environment. I have used and adapted a variety of tools and methods in drama, to train adults in a professional capacity right through to unlocking deep and profound emotional issues within a therapeutic environment."
Despite her skills and over twenty years experience working with children and families, Suzanne quickly came to realize that having a family of her own is a whole new learning experience.
"Raising a family is not text book. Everyone's situation and experiences are different. Whilst 'How to' books and education are all very important, they cannot teach you how to survive on very little sleep, or sometimes none at all. You simply have to adapt and learn on the job."
Suzanne wrote and illustrated 'Baby Bear and the Night Sky' whilst surviving on very little sleep. Talking to other parents, she was amazed by just how many other families shared similar stories.
"Whilst I did try and follow much of the advice, there was always some reason, as to why my children couldn't sleep. One had eczema as a baby and sleeping seemed to aggravate the itching."
"My second child had what I called 'the cough'. Again, sleeping or laying down would aggravate his incessant cough and no amount of cradling, rocking, patting, pumping or inhaling seemed to work. Not until he got older and gradually grew out of it."
"Along with the usual coughs, colds, nightmares, teething, growing pains, bed wetting... you name it, my kids had it all - any bedtime routine I tried to establish, had to be tossed right out the window."
However, there was one thing that always seemed to help settle the children down at night and that was a story.
"I love stories, my kids love stories and when they were younger, I made up stories about Baby Bear and her adventures. Some of the songs included in the Baby Bear book, have helped get my kids to sleep!"
Admittedly, it has taken Suzanne many years and a whole lot more tears, to work out that raising children does not have to be a battle.
"Whilst you may approach it like one - where by you plan, strategize, negotiate, deliberate, communicate, build your defenses (i.e. network of support) and be prepared for whatever comes at you, I realized that I was not at war with my kids and did not have to keep on pressing that explosive button."
After going on a Positive Parenting course, it really helped Suzanne look at herself and see what areas she could improve upon.
"It is so easy to point the finger and blame the kids for 'making me feel stressed' or losing my temper."
Despite the many explosive buttons and boundaries the children seem to push, it was a change in tactic that made a difference.
"I learnt and am still learning, that I am not and can never be the perfect parent. Therefore, recognising my own irks, as well as learning to take ownership, responsibility and accountable for my own behaviour, I can see continual progression and positive results in myself and my children."
From very early on, Suzanne realized the importance of friendship, talking, sharing, meeting people, building a network of support.
"It takes a village to raise a child and being around others really helps me and my children get through, particularly the most challenging times."
Like most parents, staying at home can mean getting bogged down with the endless mound of domestic chores.
"I sometimes have to grab the kids and walk out the door. Just leave the mess behind and go have fun with the kids - just me and them. Or meet up with other parents and families. It really helps me to maintain a healthy balance."
Suzanne has been writing stories and putting on plays since she was a child.
"I absolutely love writing stories for children and then bringing them to life in anyway I can imagine. It is my 'go to' that helps me unwind, leaves the chaos behind and gets me tingling with such a flow of creative energy."
And as much as Suzanne love stories, she also loves drama and games.
"My star sign is Leo so I love drama! But only the healthy kind of drama - not the kind you see in soap operas! I also love having fun, playing games. I am a child at heart and love the fact that my job gives me the opportunity to keep that part of me alive."
But making time to play can be a challenge!
"I don't believe that our ability and love of play evaporates as we age, it simply gets squeezed out by other things like paying the bills and keeping ones head above water."
Suzanne truly believes that there should be no age limit on having fun and keeping active.
"When it comes to games and drama there are simply no limits. Ones imagination is such a vast and often unexplored place. But if we try make more time for it, I'm sure many more of us would see vast improvements in our lives."
Coming up with a page on the website dedicated to games was simply the next step.
"Stepping into the wondrous world of story, drama, games... can all offer such a wealth of experience and you do not have to pay a penny or travel miles to get it. It is all around us.. we just have to first imagine it, then make the time to enjoy it. I sincerely hope that you enjoyed reading my story and will enjoy all the activities Kiddirama have to offer too. Thank you and see you soon!"
Suzanne
Website: kiddirama.com . Email: [email protected] .