MEET NANNY NATALIE!

1. What is your Current Nanny Position? 

I am currently nannying part time for a wonderful family in Finneytown.  I’m caring for triplets!  The triplets are all girls currently about four months old.  I care for them Monday through Fridays 8 am-12 pm.  They are not identical triplets so they each have their unique facial characteristics and their individual personalities are already shining through.  

2. How/Why did you decide to become a Nanny? 

I decided to become a nanny for several reasons.  The first and foremost that you could probably guess is that I love kids.  I’m a graduate of Elementary Education and earned my masters in Art Education.  I also recently settled back in Cincinnati after living in South Carolina for a while and doing some international travel for three months this year.  Before moving from Cincinnati I had my own photography business but found myself starting from scratch when I moved back.  I’ve never been able to take a job that wasn’t fulfilling so part-time nannying has been the perfect fit for me.  It has also allowed me to continue devoting time to my photography business.  My usual weekday consists of spending time with the triplets in the morning, going to my studio in the afternoon and teaching art to kids a few evenings a week.  I love spending time with the triplets every morning.  I miss them over the weekends but love seeing how much they’ve changed when Monday comes around. 

3. Why are you passionate about working with children? 

I simply love to be around children.  I am frequently inspired by what children say and do.  They give me new perspectives on life and my art/photography.  I am constantly reminded by children how much better life is when I am able to see it through their eyes.  I feel so fortunate to be in these young baby’s lives.  They are such precious gifts from God and feel energized from being around them.   

4. What is a misconception in your peers and family about the Nanny profession? 

I’m honestly not really sure what misconceptions they might have.  They haven’t shared any with me except the surprise when I assure them taking care of triplets is not as hard as they might think.  I really enjoy it and it’s just a matter of staying calm and trying to time everything right so each child doesn’t need the same thing at the same time.  But if you ask me this question once they start crawling- I’m sure my answer will be completely different. 

5. In what areas do you currently feel challenged? 

I feel challenged in simply remembering how quickly the triplets’ habits and needs change.  I try to stay cognisant of the fact that their needs can literally change overnight.  It is so amazing to watch these girls grow and develop as quickly as they do.  I love it!  And while taking care of triplets isn’t as hard as I thought it would be, it’s definitely not the easiest job I’ve ever had.  It takes multi-tasking to a whole new level for me.  I enjoy the beautiful chaos it can bring but the only time I don’t like it is when I can’t always give each baby exactly what they need when they all need it at the same time.  Unfortunately no matter how much I coordinate and time things, a child’s needs can’t always be anticipated. 

6. What about CincyNanny has been a benefit to you? 

I’m honestly not sure I’d be nannying today if it wasn’t for CincyNanny.  Greta is one of the most reassuring people I’ve ever worked with.  She has prepared me for every step of the way with solid advice, important information about how the world of caregiving works, and anticipates how I might be feeling along the way, giving me a sigh of relief that I’m not alone in what I’m feeling or challenged with.  Greta even called me the first week of my nanny job to see how I was doing and reassured me that I would soon adjust to the job more and more as time went on.  Her encouragement really lifted me up at a time when I was feeling stressed about the beginnings of my job.  As Greta assured me, I’m able to enjoy nannying entirely now that I’m used to the daily schedule of the triplets.       

7.  What is something in your life, that is effecting your life in a positive way, and therefore affecting the children in your care? 

The biggest thing going on in my life outside of nannying is preparation for a return trip to Mumbai, India.  I am going there in February 2010 with about 35 people to bestow love on girls who have been rescued from the sex slave industry.  This is one of several ways I feel God has called me to use my teaching and photography talents He’s given me.  We’re going to India through the International Justice Mission organization and Crossroads Community Church.  We’ll be going into the aftercare homes working with social workers and the rescued girls to teach them photography and continue building relationships with them.  Believe it or not, sex slavery and all forms of slavery exist right here in our country too.  I’m involved in educating people about many forms of local slavery.  I’d also be happy to answer any questions I can about it for you.

8. What is a goal for the future? 

My goal is to continue to build my relationship with the family I’m nannying for.  I feel so blessed to have them in my life and even though I’ve only been working for them for a few months now, I can’t imagine not being a part of these girl’s lives in some way even years down the road when they’re going to school and don’t need me as their nanny anymore.  

9. How do you refresh/recoop/ prepare from and for your Nanny position? 

I give myself more “me” time than I did in the past during the evenings and weekends.  I enjoy snuggling up to a good book and going to bed earlier during the week.  I also enjoy working out and eating well to keep myself in good shape and good health.    

10.What changes would you like to see changed OR questions to be answered in the Nanny Industry? 

I’d like to see a continued growing community of fellow nannies to talk to.  Perhaps a blog just for nannies to log onto to ask each other questions and give suggestions and support to one another.  

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Closing Notes

Thanks so much, Natalie, for sharing your experience!

Nannies, please leave positive comments for Natalie and encourage her!

If you are a Nanny living in the Cincinnati, we’d love to hear your story!

If you’d like to know more about Natalie’s trip or feel called to donate to her fundraising for this mission trip there’s a few easy steps to take: go to www.crossroads.net/mumbai go to the left hand side and click on “Donate” type her last name “Hager” and it will take you through the steps. This is of course a tax deductible donation. If you would like to contact Natatlie, please email Greta to connect with her, gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com.