What to look for in a Nanny?
"I recommend a peaceful, reliable person. A good nanny would be a person who is a good observer, who pays attention to your child without interfering in his play. Many nannies find it difficult to simply observe a child, feeling that because they are being paid it is their job to entertain or "do" something with one's child. It's harder to observe than to entertain. Try to find a carer who is observant, is there when needed, and gives your child lots of time to be himself. A peaceful, gentle, accepting person is best." (pag.110 Yourself Confident Baby)
In today's childcare world, parents are looking for:
“I'm looking for a great nanny for our 8-month-old son. We are looking for someone to take an active interest in his development and well-being. Trips to the park and museums are encouraged.”
“We are looking for a nanny to take care of our 5-month-old baby boy. Must be comfortable with dogs. Job expectations include: infant care, manage baby laundry and bottle cleaning, keep baby room/play area clean & organized, light meal preparation for baby.”
“We are in need of a night nanny who can help a few nights a month. My 9-month-old son wakes up 3 times a night to feed and then typically falls right back asleep. Requirements include: Previous night nanny jobs. Folding baby laundry. ”
“We're looking for someone who will love our son, give him lots of hugs, play, sing and take him for walks. We also have a 2-year-old dog, a beagle, who is very much a part of our family and whomever works for us would need to enjoy dogs and include her on walks with the baby!”
“Must love kids! Our ideal match will meet the requirements below. Some light housekeeping is required. Animal lovers please apply. Duties include pickups and drop-offs. Some help preparing meals would be ideal. We'll need some laundry help now and again. We'll need you to handle groceries or errands every so often. Please be a fan of outdoor activities. Games are popular at our house, so we hope you like playing them too!
“We need a nanny for our 2 children. Responsibilities would include playing with our two sweet kiddos, learning gentle discipline techniques, some light tidying up and toddler meal prep. We're looking for a caregiver who likes being active outdoors. My family loves playing sports, so we hope you do too.”
And this is what most nannies are looking for and offering:
“I am looking to fill up my early mornings, evenings and weekends caring for your children! I am a very fun nanny. I love inventing creative games like reverse hide-and-seek, playing board games, and going on outings. It is very important to me that I am a positive role model for all the children I care for as well.”
“Because of my background in theater and the arts, I have always been passionate about fostering creativity and imagination in children! I am also an avid adventurer and love spending time outside, be it running around in parks or splashing in the waves!”
“I like to be active and I enjoy outdoor activities. I love arts and crafts, cooking, reading, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. I am reliable and committed to what I do. I love spending time with kids; they are such amazing little beings!”
“I have about 6 years of experience in working with children from ages 2 months to 15 years old. I love to have fun and want to be the best fit not only for you but for your child. I have no problem with easy meal prep, cleaning, tutoring, driving to ballet recitals or karate classes. I love working with children and can't wait to hear from you!”
“Fun and engaging. The ideal candidate is engaging, educated, easy-going, flexible, and someone who is a total people person with a positive personality and good values! Family has a dog so please be pet friendly!”
This is the Childcare Industry reality, and after reading all of these we can conclude that despite all the new information about the importance of the early years, parents aren’t really aware of the impact a nanny can make when caring for a young child. It looks like their main concern is that the nanny will meet the basic caregiving activities diapering, feeding, bathing, along with some light cleaning and cooking. What are the infants' needs, beyond those for food, rest, warmth and hygiene?
Recent research confirms that "The first five years are particularly important for the development of the child's brain, and the first three years are the most critical in shaping the child's brain architecture. Early experiences provide the base for the brain's organizational development and functioning throughout life. They have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities”. But how can we ensure the healthy cognitive, social and emotional development of young children?
In today’s fast paced society, there is an ever growing need for parents to see their children “happy” and having their basic human needs met. And in the other hand there is a burden in nannie’s backs to say that they are “fun” “upbeat” “outdoorsie” “energetic” “entertaining” “adventurer” “outgoing” But how those qualities really help the development of a young baby? If you ask any child development professional or early childhood educator they would probably say not so much at all.
Magda’s quote above is basically the opposite of what a nanny tends to do nowadays. Magda suggests a calm, observant and peaceful person to take care of a child. Finding that special person that can ensure the healthy cognitive, social and emotional development of the child is hard, but no longer impossible. A great nanny is someone who is respectful, patient, calm, observer, gentle, brain-hero, neuro-sculpture, that will be there to protect the first five years of the children in their care.
Below is a clear distinction between a well-intended caregiver and a knowledgeable educarer:
If you are a nanny, what is your approach? Philosophy? Or kind of service? And What values are you adding to that service when working for families? And if you are a parent what are your thoughts? Let us know! Thank you!