Hi, everyone! My name is Gretchen Gatan Fragada. I’m a writer and editor based in Metro Manila, Philippines. Welcome to Greta’s Junkyard, a blog I started in 2013. This is where I dump articles on my favorite things — mostly fashion, beauty, travel, and lifestyle. Sometimes, it also includes life updates and milestones!
If you’ve been following me for a while now, then you know that I’m a wife to Cayo, a fur mom to Booboo and Bellatrix, and a first-time mom to a toddler daughter named Cambria. Recently, I booked the services of Inna Circle and let me tell you — they are an absolute game-changer especially among busy parents.About Inna Circle
In a nutshell, Inna Circle is an online platform that provides access to their childminder members for flexible and on-demand childcare services. Each session ensures a safe, fun, and engaging experience for children.
I remember seeing them on social media back in 2022 when I was still working a full-time job while also being a full-time, hands-on mom. At that time, they had just launched and didn’t cater to my area yet. However, they eventually expanded to the whole of Metro Manila. I even followed them on Instagram at @innacircle.ph in case I needed to book their services someday.
Childminders You Can Definitely Trust
When Cayo and I decided to have a baby, we were intentional about being hands-on parents and not hiring a nanny. This is because, on top of both working from home and having household help who tends to the daily cleaning and laundry, we live right next to Cayo’s parents and about 10 minutes away from my parents.
So whenever I have an event or urgent meeting, or when Cayo and I want to go on a date, we can easily leave Cambria with either set of grandparents. It’s such a blessing. I will always consider myself privileged to have this kind of arrangement. But I know that not all parents have this same luxury — and that’s exactly what Inna Circle hopes to offer.
Their Childminders have solid backgrounds — some of them are even child development or early education students/graduates. Most of them are trained in first aid, too. Additionally, Inna Circle does thorough background checks so rest assured that their Childminders can be trusted.
Our Session with Childminder Robin
Recently, I booked a trial session with Inna Circle’s Childminder Robin so that I could work on pending articles for my blog and The Metro Edit, a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine where I am the editor-in-chief.
Ms. Robin arrived right on time at 10 AM and immediately made a connection with Cambria, who was so eager to be playing and spending time with a new face. As soon as Ms. Robin entered her room, Cambria started showing off all her books! And so Ms. Robin indulged her and read as many as Cambria wanted.
Ms. Robin even brought coloring books and so after reading, they colored. Eventually, Cambria wanted to head downstairs and play in the living room. Before I knew it, it was time for lunch!
As the primary caregiver of Cambria ever since she was born, it felt surreal to be eating lunch in peace. I didn’t have to feed Cambria either because Ms. Robin did everything for me. She washed Cambria’s plate and utensils after, too!
After lunch, Cambria wanted to play with her new set of clay, and again, Ms. Robin indulged her. They spent an hour making animal shapes and snowmen. While all of this was happening, I had done so much work already.
Nap time was a breeze. Ms. Robin simply gave Cambria a cup of milk and rocked her to sleep in her room.
I was able to finish all my pending work by the time Cambria napped. I even had time to watch my favorite show and unwind.
Looking Forward to Booking with Inna Circle Again
Our session with Ms. Robin ended as soon as Cambria woke up from her nap at around 4 PM. By then, I had finished my show and gotten a quick massage using my electric massage belt. It felt so wonderful to have Ms. Robin around that when we said goodbye, I instantly felt separation anxiety.
Before she left, I got the chance to talk to Ms. Robin about herself and the other children she takes care of. She’s a single mom with six children and has worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker in Dubai for seven years.
Getting a Much Needed Break
It’s undeniable that we moms play a pivotal role in our families. We often put the needs of our children and loved ones first before our own. However, it’s crucial for us to recognize the importance of self-care and the positive impact it can have on our overall well-being. Embracing moments of personal time not only rejuvenates our minds and bodies but also empowers us to be more present and resilient in our caregiving roles.
Inna Circle provides a supportive solution, offering a trustworthy environment where our children can thrive while we attend to our other responsibilities or indulge in self-care activities. By prioritizing our needs, we can ultimately create a healthier and more balanced family dynamic.
Ask Me About Inna Circle on Instagram
If you have any questions about Inna Circle or our session with Childminder Robin, don’t hesitate to follow me on Instagram @gretchengatan and send me a message. I hope you enjoyed reading my article! Until next time.