Debbie McIvor

As Hannah and Rhona get ready to work at their Small City Families stall at next week's NCT Nearly New Sale, we caught up with one of the volunteers involved with the amazing National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and found out a bit more about her and how she got into her volunteering role. 

From her fairytale wedding, to the arrival of her gorgeous baby boy, Debbie's life has been completely changed with her new role as a mum.  As a nursery manager she's a pro at looking after other people's children and is now enjoying every minute of looking after her own, including all the new opportunities and friendships it has brought along the way!

1. Tell us the weirdest / funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work?

There's not a day that goes by at work that I don't have a right good belly laugh.  Kids say the funniest things and can sometimes be brutally honest with you. Their complete lack of a filter is refreshing and totally hilarious. There's far too many occasions to mention just one!

2. What signals the start of your days off?

The cats crying for food or Isaac waking me up. The good thing is the rest of the day is spent chilling out and making the most of our family time.  I also like to spend days off catching up with friends. Sometimes my free time isn't so much fun and will be spent writing essays because both myself and my husband are currently studying for a degree.

3. What might people be surprised to know about you?

I used to teach gymnastics to little kids, I even have a coaching qualification.  I was also a Unit Leader for guides for 10 years and took a group of girls to an international camp at Norfolk with 10,000 other scouts and guides, it was absolutely amazing!

Outwith work people might be shocked to know that I met AND married my husband in the space of 6 months! We planned our wedding in 5 weeks and it was one of the best days ever.

The best part of being a nursery manager is watching the children achieve new things every day, but the hardest part is watching them go off to school. What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

I was a waitress in a restaurant at 14, very long days and little pay, plus I was accident prone so was constantly dropping stuff or burning myself!

Who or what inspires you?

Since having a baby, it would be my son who inspires me to be the best mum I can be. I love trying to make his life as much fun as possible and filling it full of cuddles. 

Motherhood also allowed me to find an amazing group of ladies at 'bumps in the pub' and they have supported me through the highs and lows and have been a constant in our lives since.  We are definitely going to miss spending our days with them when it is time to go back to work.

Tell us about the day you’d love to live again?

Hands down my wedding day, it was amazing start to finish. Wish I could live it over and over again. 

What’s the best part about your job?

The best part of being a nursery manager is watching the children achieve new things every day, but the hardest part is watching them go off to school.

As I also volunteer with NCT the best part of this is meeting lots of lovely people and their babies. I especially enjoy crafts at NCTeenies it's so much fun! I really enjoy being able to contribute within the community as a whole.

Complete this sentence; the best things in life are….

Memories I love making them. I also love to capture them by taking a photograph, we have absolutely loads throughout the house!  Family days out are fab, the zoo or Blair Drummond safari park are a couple of our faves. 

I also enjoy spending time ticking items off my bucket list. New York done. Hot air balloon done, Italy done.... but still loads more to do!

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Debbie is the nursery manager at The Four Seasons Nursey and also volunteers with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT)

Rhona and Hannah are taking a stand at the next NCT Nearly New Sale at Bells Sports Centre on Sunday 22nd April. Find out more on our event listing >>>