By Belinda Nolan
AFTER 11 years taking care of other people’s kids, Tereza Mez has become known as Brimbank’s Supernanny.
The St Albans resident has tackled her share of tantrums and tears and has mastered the art of transforming temperamental toddlers into adorable angels.
The secret is all in the entertainment.
Ms Mez runs Family Day Care, a child-minding business she started in her home more than a decade ago.
Since then, she has built an impressive repertoire of activities and outings designed to keep the grizzles at bay.
“Parents always ask me why their kids behave for me when they don’t behave at home,” Ms Mez said.
“But after 11 years in the business, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
“The truth is I spend all day playing with them.
“You definitely have to plan a lot of activities to keep them occupied, because if you don’t, you’ll be in trouble.”
After more than a decade in the playroom, Ms Mez is going back to school.
The mother-of-two was recently awarded a scholarship from the State Government to complete her Certificate III in Children’s Services.
“My kids are grown up, so they probably find it amusing their mum is going back to school, but they’ve been really supportive,” Ms Mez said.
“Apart from my English and spelling … which they tease me about.”
The only problem for Ms Mez will be finding the time to study.
“That’s still a question mark,’’ Ms Mez said.
“At the moment, I’m doing my homework and assignments when the kids are sleeping, but whether they are any good remains to be seen.”
Ms Mez was among more than 200 early childhood educators who shared in the government windfall of $973,000 to complete their qualifications.
