1. What is your current nanny position?
I am working full-time for a wonderful family in Anderson. Their little girl G is 3 ¾ years old and is totally into princesses. She loves to have me play dress up with her pretending to be princesses. Her baby brother A is 15 months old, and very active. He keeps me chasing after him to keep him safe, especially now that he has become determined to climb up onto everything.
2. How/Why did you decide to become a Nanny?
My best friend suggested that I would enjoy being a nanny. We have been friends since our own children were small and we both considered those early years of our own children’s lives as some of our best years of motherhood. A family from my church was looking for a part-time nanny, and since my youngest was entering college that fall I was mostly free from the demands of my own family. And so I began my nanny career. Eventually I found another family to care for part-time that fit around the schedule of my first family. When one family would outgrow their need for my care, I would find another family to care for, thus I balanced two families for several years. Plus I acquired experience and permanent spots in my heart for ten children over the space of 8 years. This current position is my first full-time, and I love being such an important part of this family as I care for them five straight days a week.
3. Why are you passionate about working with children?
I can understand what a difficult decision that can be to entrust your children into another person’s care. I like being able to provide the parents with the confidence that their children are being cared for in the strongest sense of the word “care.” I do care and I find myself caring deeply for not only the children but also the parents. I like the families I have worked for best if I am accepted and made to feel appreciated as part of the family, as a co-parent!
One of the most fun things that I like about being a nanny is being alert for new skills or funny things they have said or done. I like telling the parents when they arrive home what I observed for that day and sharing in their pleasure of what wonderful children they have, because all children are remarkable. It always amazes me to see the changes over time. Just as there is a huge change between a newborn and a one year old, there are incredible changes between one and two, and two and three, and every year in those toddler and preschool years. I love being a part of being able to nurture and observe those changes.
4. What is a misconception in your peers and family about the nanny profession?
I often have to explain the scope of my job. I do not just stay in their home during the day watching their children. This usually includes transportation, not only to preschool, but to therapy appointments, afterschool activities such as sports practices, music or dance classes, etc. I take them out for story hour at the library, and to visit the zoo, aquarium, and the Museum Center. I also as a professional try to expand my knowledge and understanding of young children, by attending Early Childhood classes and keep my CPR current. I am so glad to be able to add my contribution to the development of their children.
5. In what areas do you currently feel challenged?
I do have a hearing loss and wear hearing aids. I sometimes miss things that they say. However the benefit that I have found is that the kids learn to speak up and also face me when we converse. This has the advantage of teaching them to speak more politely face to face in conversations with other people too. One really great benefit is they do not get away with whining or yelling, because I can’t understand what they are saying until they speak in a normal tone of voice.
6. What about CincyNanny has been a benefit to you?
It has been awesome to meet other nannies in the area. I have been able to take my little ones on play dates, and fieldtrips that I would not have arranged on my own. As more nannies become aware of CincyNanny the opportunities will expand to fit every kind of family and provide the support that we as nannies need to stay energized and fresh.
7. What is something in your life, that is affecting your life in a positive way, and therefore affecting the children in your care?
I am a grandmother now! Both of my kids have babies now that are only 2 ½ months apart. Avery, my son’s sweet daughter, is 10 months old. My daughter’s precious son, Isaiah, is 7½ months old. We love getting both babies together so we can love them both to bits. I predict the little cousins will be best friends.
8. What is a goal for the future?
I am planning to take advantage of Early Childhood classes as they are offered. That is another benefit of the CincyNanny organization. The blog keeps us informed of opportunities as they come along. For example, the Nannypalooza that CincyNanny held this past Saturday was so wonderful!!! The three workshops were spot-on for what nannies need to hear and learn from.
9. How do you refresh/prepare regarding your nanny position?
I pray for my family. On the way to work I pray that the day will go well and that everyone will be safe. I pray that God will give me the patience and wisdom to handle what will come my way that day. It is a tremendous responsibility to care for the children entrusted to me and I am constantly aware of this. My little kids bring such joy to my daily life. I lift them up in prayer and with such thankfulness that I am allowed to be part of their lives.
When I get home I usually share with my husband the highlights of my day, the funny things said or done by the kids. He likes to have that connection too. Most of my families have included both of us in their family events. I read a lot of books and I have numerous blogs that I follow. There are several that are nanny and children related. One of my favorites for recreational enjoyment is Pioneer Woman.com.
10. What changes would you like to see or questions to be answered in the nanny Industry?
I would like for the level of awareness and respect for the nanny industry to improve beyond the stereotypes common for the childcare industry. Nannies provide security and comfort for the children and their parents, after all we are caring for their most precious treasures of their lives.
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Judy, thanks so much for sharing your passion. It has been great knowing you and learning from you!
