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When The BUZZard conducts interviews at the Kingswood Clubhouse, it’s notable that a significant part of its guests comprise families with kids of all ages.
This trend proves that the fabulous facility also serves its dual purpose as a community centre, and that on-site eatery La Famiglia is aptly named, indeed. But do these residents know that there’s an educational expert in their midst, with all the tools required to gear youngsters on the oft-rocky road to successful learning? Kingswood local Tracey Yates has been counselling parents and children on site since making the estate her home six years ago.
Creating curiosity
The ages of children in Tracey’s care typically range between four and 14 years old, but ideally she likes to catch ’em early. ‘If you start helping at a younger age, you’re assured of better outcomes. The process of fostering life-long learners often starts by creating opportunities for curiosity,’ she says.
Tracey’s career includes teaching for two decades at Bryanston Pre-primary and St Peter’s Boys Preparatory in Joburg. ‘I loved the boys, so full of energy and humour. These were mainstream classes, but many of the learners’ emotional needs weren’t being met.
‘Struggling to manage socially or deal with conflict, they would withdraw when things became too much, such as a subject being too challenging. Our brain will always choose to be emotionally safe before it can explore or learn.’
Tracey started exploring psychology-informed education, allowing her to see the bigger picture from both a teacher’s and a counselor’s point of view. Depending on the needs of the family and child, Tracey can offer therapeutic play methods, parent consultations, or counselling sessions.
With this deep understanding of child development, Tracey brings a unique blend of educational expertise and therapeutic knowledge to support families. Her approach combines passionate understanding with evidence-based practices, ensuring that each child receives the individual attention required to thrive. Her qualifications include a Master’s in Psychology and BA in Communications degree, with post-grad certificates in Education (ECD and foundation phase), and Therapeutic Play Skills. She is listed as a specialist counsellor in play-based intervention.
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Homework for parents
Believing that parents are their broods’ first and best teachers, Tracey also acknowledges that raising a life-long learner can be overwhelming. Her interactive parent workshops aim to awaken children’s potential and discover how to positively shape their educational journey.
Areas covered include hands-on strategies to fuel early learning support; building early literacy and numeracy skills; and teaching practical ways to create a home environment that fosters natural curiosity and secures emotional foundations.
‘Equally important is understanding how to build your child’s confidence to face challenges at school by developing calmer, more secure children. The workshops also allow you to connect with other parents and share experiences.’
One such a three-hour workshop was hosted at Tracey’s Kingswood home on Saturday 14 March, but she also presents sessions at local schools to educators she regards as first responders. ‘This is a big passion of mine, as teachers can truly appreciate the challenges faced by children and their parents.’
Calling Kingswood home
Tracey’s husband Greg often works in far-off destinations such as Maputo, and their son Connor is a third-year student at Stellenbosch University, after having matriculated at Glenwood College. But how did they end up in George and living happily ever after at Kingswood?
‘My sister moved here two years before us, but Connor was actually the catalyst for our relocation back in 2020. With Greg being away a lot, the option of living in a safe estate with a garden big enough for two dogs was an easy choice.’ The four-legged family members in question are golden retrievers Rollo and Lilly, aged five and six respectively and loving their twice-daily walks. ‘Rollo isn’t trained as a therapy dog, but brings comfort and happiness,’ she says, adding that he sometimes escorts her on visits to the George oncology unit.
‘When first arriving in George, we integrated through our church. Then the clubhouse opened and I realised the vast extent of people living here – it really helps to create a sense of community at Kingswood.’ Tracey believes in keeping her body as healthy as her mind, so swims lengths in the Planet Fitness pool thrice weekly, and adds Core Pilates sessions to her exercise routine.
Travelling is also a priority, with a trek to Kruger Park an annual highlight. Welcome breaks Finally, it’s a year of big birthdays for Tracey’s family, with son Connor turning 21 in October and mom planning a special treat for her Big Five 0. ‘I’ve been a fan of Andrea Bocelli’s music for as long as I can remember, so we’re forever grateful to have secured tickets for his concert in Tuscany on 12 July!’
Now that sounds like a proper break from the serious business of preparing kids for a life of happy learning. Call 072 378 6654 or email tracey@ mylittlelight.co.za and check out www.mylittlelight. co.za for further information.
