This is a re-post from Regarding Nannies. If you missed part one you can check out part of it on our blog or click here. Enjoy
Today we are going to discuss how to introduce HM into your current nanny position. Why would you want to do this? The children in your care may be getting older and there’s a chance of your hours being cut back or you losing your job all together. You are noticing things around the house are suffering as a result of the work schedules of the parents, and you feel you have some time to step in and help. Being proactive in one of the great qualities a HM should have. Seeing something that needs to be done or anticipating a need is a great trait to have.
To see the rest of Kellie's article click HERE.
5 Ways to Invest in a Child
This article is from Positive Parenting. Some of the thoughts are directed toward parents alone but most are very applicable for us nannies. Enjoy
What does it mean to invest in a child? What type of “investments” are most important? What is the best way to go about investing in them? Here are five ideas anyone can follow:
What does it mean to invest in a child? What type of “investments” are most important? What is the best way to go about investing in them? Here are five ideas anyone can follow:
- First of all, we all have something to invest, whether it be time, energy, money, or a combination thereof. Sadly, these days, with long work hours, time with our families is precious and scarce. And it is paramount if we are to succeed with our children. But how do we do it? What if we’re struggling ourselves? How can we give energy to our kids if we don’t have any left at the end of the day? What if we don’t have any money? Many people today have suffered job losses which have been financially devastating to their families. What then?
The Importance of Independent Play
"Becky, will you help me tie this cape?" six year old Marissa asks.
"Sure, honey! What are you up to?"
"Oh, I can't say just yet. I'm not done planning," she responds.
This is typical play at our house -- totally child-created. As these children have matured they have sought positive ways to express their independence including creating their own activities and games and their own style of independent play.
True independent play is child-directed and child-driven, from their ideas to their outcomes. Nevertheless, children developing activities and play scenarios need to know that adults are close at hand. By keeping safe, appealing play materials within easy reach, and granting the freedom to use them, we can help children grow toward independence. The children could access items that were age appropriate and parent/nanny approved. As their interests and abilities developed we increased the items that were available to them.
Becky Kavanagh wrote this article 13 years ago when her charges were very little. She has now had the privilege of watching the little girl grow into a confident and independent young woman. Becky's insight into the minds of children is fantastic. Click here to read the rest of her article posted on Nannies from the Heartland.
Presenting Nanny Jean
Each month you will get a change to meet one of the many nannies that are part of The Nanny Alliance of Wisconsin. Today you get to Jean Tameling who has been a part of our group for 5 years.
Why did you become a nanny and how long have you been one?
When I was in high school I was interested in teaching young children, I knew I could be a positive influence in children's development. After earning my bachelor's degree in early childhood education I taught kindergarten for one year and then moved to Milwaukee to be a nanny for a newborn. The nanny position lasted 19 years, caring for 4 children. Today I have 28 years of nannyhood!
What is your current nanny position like?
Currently I care for a 7 year old girl in Mequon. I have been with the family for 7 years. This full time position includes being a family assistant as well as a nanny.
Volunteering at the child's school and helping with homework, driving her to activities such as choir rehearsal, swim team, gymnastics to name a few. Other job duties include cooking for the family, running errands.
Why do you enjoy what you do?
I love children! I love their innocence and love of learning and love of life. Everything around them is new and exciting and I get to be one of the most important people in their growing years to help them build a foundation for life experiences. I also enjoy being a nanny because parents have trusted me to help them raise their child. It is definitely a team effort raising a child, it takes family, home, school, and community, it does take a village! How fortunate I am to be a part of this child's village.
What is one of your most memorable moments as a nanny?
There are so many especially after 28 years but one that comes to mind is when I asked a 3 year old what my whole name was, she so sweetly, lovingly, gave me her last name. That is the highest honor, to be so special in her life that I too shared her family's name.
What is your favorite activity or place to go with your charges?
These days I would have to say I love a good long car ride. You can find out so much about a 1st. grader's day and their thoughts. Favorite place would have to be the library, borrowing books and being open to learning, adventures and imagination through the written word and pictures of course.
What is one way you would like to grow as a nanny or what is one thing you would like to learn more about for your nanny career?
One way I would like to grow as a nanny is to volunteer more. I would really love to go to another country and be immersed into the culture and help mothers and children who are in high risk situations, educating and nurturing. I know in my heart there is so much to do.
Household Management
Do you consider yourself a household manager? Do you go groceries shopping, run errands or take messages? Then at least some of your job description is a "household manager's job. Check out the start of a great series from Regarding Nannies on Household Managing 101.
By Kellie Geres, Regarding Nannies Development Team
Today starts a new series on Regarding Nannies. I will be introducing you to the wonderful world of Household Management. I have been a nanny for almost 23 years. With all the families I have worked with, I have held some type of household management responsibilities. With each job the responsibilities became more and more, but I found I like this role I have assumed over the years.
I have been in my current position for over eight years. When I started the kids were 8 and 10 years, they are almost 16 and 18 – soon to be headed off to college! So what does a busy household with two teens, one who now drives, do? The savvy employer approaches the savvy nanny and the two discuss their mutual needs of the job, the expectations, and the changes and come to the conclusion that what this family needs is not a nanny / household manager but a full-charge Household Manager and “Responsible Adult” around when the teens are at home. An agreement is reached, a new contract is worked up and both parties continue doing what they do best …. Screeching halt! After 22 years, I found it VERY difficult to take off the nanny hat. It was very difficult for me to not remind (or nag as Teen 1 and Teen 2 like to call it) the kids to do their homework and stop being on Facebook or a million other little things I would do for them. They are 15 and 17. They can start doing things for themselves, and assume the responsibilities and consequences of their actions.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
Teaching Children Humility
A great article from nanny.net about teaching children humility. Enjoy.
It seems today that many kids have a bad attitude about things and toward others. Arrogance among young people seems like it is on the rise, and for many of us parents it may be our fault. When the kids were little and said smart aleck things perhaps we let it pass and thought it was funny or amusing. What was cute witty sarcasm then now gets under our skin and causes us to cringe in public when our child comes off as a know-it-all or snob. A nice slice of humble pie is now in order. But what can a parent do to convince their kid to take a bite? Here are some ideas.
- Talk about the importance of humility. Sometimes kids don’t understand what humility really is. Unfortunately people often see humility as a weakness when in reality it is a strength. Some of the greatest people in the world are those who have tasted their share of humble pie.
Please click here to read the rest of the article.
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