Role of a valuable nanny

“Your work with children is not just a job, but a “calling.”  You are conscious of favouritism, divide your time and give quality attention to all.  You have a great sense of humour.  You talk to our children with respect and interest and receive the same back from all of us.   You are patient.  You wouldn’t think of yelling or talking down to our children; there are other ways of correcting.  Our under-age children are never left unattended even for a second.  They are not ignored, while you are having a personal telephone conversation.  You praise our children to offer and reinforce wanted behaviors.  You offer a positive environment.   You lovingly correct their misbehaviour.  You set the highest examples for your own behavior, speech, manners and morale behavior because you understand that children mirror their environment.  You take genuine interest in our children.  You challenge them.  You put planning into the day.  You understand or learn how children develop self-confidence and do what you can to boost this. You are proud of your work as a nanny.

If you have a behavior issue, you research and present ideas.  You read books on child care and share your techniques – ones that work and ones that don’t work, for each child.  You partner with us.  You never let yourself become bored or complacent.  You stimulate the children’s’ creativity – you educate them.  You read lots of books to them each day and have the children tell stories back to you.

If they read, you encourage them to read to you.  You encourage musical appreciation and make time to listen to our children play piano.  You involve the children in daily chores, as they are capable of assuming them. You do not use slang language and correct the children or their friends if/when you hear it.  You do not do everything for our children; instead you encourage them to have responsibilities and to feel proud of their contribution.  You reward with encouragement, love and positive talk.  You emphasize what the children can do instead of what they cannot do; you empower them.   You expose them to activities at which they will achieve, and do not expect them to do things that they are not ready to do; you have great intuition and common sense.  You look for opportunities to boost each child’s self esteem.  You know we recognize that your job is just as important as ours (really more important!)

Your job is a difficult one at times, we know this; you have our support.  You see what needs to be done and do it along the lines of our family philosophies..  We value your “initiative” as you learn what our routine is.  You communicate with us – we can’t change what do not know.  You feel comfortable to suggest ideas that you have, to us.  You communicate well with us – we don’t hear your concerns from neighbours – you tell us first – honesty and integrity is a basis for our mutually strong relationship.  You are discreet about our family information.  You are not overly sensitive about things that the children may say to you, but correct and teach them without tearing away at their self esteem.  You are in control but empower our children with choices.   You expose your feelings to the children so that they may understand how you feel and why.  You are an achiever, a positive thinker, self-motivated and enjoy giving of yourself in this IMPORTANT, PROFESSIONAL ROLE AS A NANNY.“