For a few months now, Lizette Geukens has been working at Babypraktijk Ilse to support me in my work. For about six hours a week, Lizette is a welcome enthusiastic new recruit. With a background in (youth) care and a warm heart for children, she is the perfect addition to the team at Babypraktijk Ilse. She likes to tell you how our paths crossed several times.
13 years ago in the baby spa
The first introduction between us was 13 years ago, when Lizette’s daughter had just been born and Lizette took her for a baby massage course. “That was the first time I walked in on Ilse,” says Lizette. “The nice thing is that now that our daughters are in high school, they are friends with each other. That’s how I came into contact with Ilse again. She invited me to visit her, as she now had her own baby practice at home. I loved it so much! I jokingly said that if she was looking for another intern, she could ask me. That’s when the ball started rolling!”
Lizette works in care – she has a part-time job where she works with children who exhibit difficult behaviour, often with autism. “Caring for children is something I have always loved, and still love,” she says. “I also have three children myself and some godchildren that I adore,” he said.
A good click
So from her work and own interests, she already had some overlap with baby practice, but to master the specific knowledge, she dived into the subject matter and also gained practical experience. “In a few months, I attended the Shantala baby massage training and learnt a lot from Ilse,” she continues. “She gave me a way into the baby language and also gave me the opportunity to watch a lot in practice and do it myself.” She even did this for six months to properly prepare herself to work independently soon.
Lizette believes it is important that there is a good click – both in terms of personality and work experience – and there certainly is. “We get along very well,” she says of this. “There is room for a chat or a joke and we both know what we want. When it comes to the work, I bring a piece of experience from my own life and work experience. I enjoy the work so much that I would have liked to do it voluntarily.”
Confidently helping parents
Lizette had set herself a goal when she started at Babypraktijk Ilse – she has now achieved that goal. Does she have any new goals? “Initially, I thought it was important to make sure I had mastered everything,” she says. “I was coached well in this by Ilse. I wanted to reach a level of self-assurance with which I could speak to parents. Some parents have specific questions and then I think you should be able to answer them without hesitation. I can do that now.”
In short, Lizette is ready. Her next goal? “Having fun – and keeping it – and enjoying it. Together with Ilse I want to create something beautiful,” says Lizette.