Interview: Nifty Nanny

Hello and welcome to another issue of The Nanny Spotlight – an exclusive and behind the scenes look into the lives of some of the international nanny industry’s most notable rock star nannies! It’s always a pleasure to chat with these seriously inspiring career professionals, like Brittney Schering + DA Poppins, to get the lowdown on their nanny life and to share with you key tips, tricks, ideas and inspirations.

Today I’m chatting with Kaelyn Cooper, but you probably know her as Nifty Nanny – the dedicated YouTube channel for nannies. Kaelyn is a career nanny based in Sacramento, California and woah is she one busy career gal. We delved into some hot topics – like how some still don’t see this career choice as a legitimate profession, talked nanny skills, crafting and the process of making videos for YouTube.

Plus, spoiler alert: Kaelyn divulged her über secret piece of advice for new nannies (and seasoned old-hats).

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Nifty Nanny is a big advocate for letting “kids, be kids”. Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Kaelyn Cooper aka Nifty Nanny is a nanny based in Sacramento, California. Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Kaelyn Cooper
Sacramento California, United States
Career Nanny
Founder | Nifty Nanny 

Tell us a little about your background, what path led to you becoming a nanny?

In my early teenage years I was a weekend baby sitter and provided child care in the church nursery. When I started college I transitioned into a full time nanny. Fourteen years later, I am still a successful and happy nanny.

Wow that’s impressive! What are some of the major challenges you’ve faced so far?

Some people do not accept nannying as a career. I never set out for it to be my “forever job”, but I find it so rewarding that I could never give it up!

I’ve got to say, I’m in love with your approach towards caring for kids, and couldn’t agree more. Can you elaborate a little on your philosophy?

Very simply – “fun with a hint of structure!” I let the kids be kids. Some may see it that I let the children get wild and crazy, but I believe having a nanny is a treat – a freedom from parents. I do instil rules and consequences, however. When I am with the children I want it to be fun and relaxed. We make lots of mess. But they also know that with this freedom comes the responsibility of helping to clean up afterwards.

| “I guess you can say it is a Mary Poppins approach.”

So you’re a nanny but you’re also working to establish a community of support for other nannies. Tell us about that!

Yes I’m a nanny based in the East Sacramento, California area. At the moment I’m working on building a nanny audience via social media. Once I have more of a following I plan to make more weekly youtube videos on all things “nanny”. I want it to be community oriented place, and so I’m generating input from other nannies. I recently just went on a three week tour of the United States where I was able to meet with other nannies – exploring their home town, and seeing how they work as a nanny.

 

You mentioned your YouTube project earlier, can you tell us more about your plans for Nifty Nanny?

Nifty Nanny is a community, a place for all nannies to be present and get involved.
While searching YouTube, I noticed a lack of outlets for nannies. There are beauty channels, sports channels, gaming channels and so on, but no unique nanny channels. Plus, there are several nanny blogs and websites, but still not a place where you have a visual (video) medium. I am a very visual person, so it just seemed natural to make videos on what I know best – life as a nanny! So I started Nifty Nanny as a youtube channel dedicated specifically to nannies.

It’s a giant learning curve as the process of making and editing videos is new to me, but I really enjoy it. Then came Nanny Nation, which is a subsidiary to Nifty Nanny. I was going on a cross country trip and wanted to meet other nannies and get them involved with the project.

Your overall mission & vision?

I want to facilitate a safe and rewarding space online for nannies all over the world, and of any age.

| “Nifty Nanny is a community based project. It is an online outlet where nannies can meet, share experiences, tips, and ideas.”

You went on a tour across North America to interview other nannies for Nanny Nation. What was that like?

It was a great experience. I was not able to meet as many nannies as anticipated, but I am still in contact with many and plan to revisit. I want the Nanny Nation videos to serve as an invitation to other nannies to participate. The emphasis is on it being a collaborative project to benefit everyone, and not just me making and producing my own content.

Can you share an overall theme after having met so many diverse nannies?

I had the pleasure of meeting some truly exceptional nannies. I think a common theme amongst all, is just how much they love their job. Being a nanny takes a special kind of person, a sensitive and sweet person. In my experience so far, all the nannies I’ve connected with share these attributes.

What were you doing before you started Nifty Nanny?

Before Nifty Nanny I was a nanny, a traveler, and an environmentalist – all things I still consider myself to be!

What does a typical weekday look like for you?

This is a difficult to lock down because it’s always changing. I work for a few families so some weeks I have kids on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Then another week, only on Monday and Friday. It keeps me on my toes and keeps things fresh and new. I do the typical nanny duties. I drive them to soccer, tutoring, play practice and so on. I make them healthy snacks and dinners and help them with homework – well that is our school schedule. In the summer it is a different story. We are always out doing something active and fun such as swimming, biking, hiking, playing at the park, or having play dates .

How would you like to see Nifty Nanny evolve in the next 6 to 12 months?

I want to have a regular schedule for uploading videos. My aim is to provide content that is consistently appealing, relatable and captivating to the target audience. Most of all I want other nannies to be 100% part of the process!

 

Nifty Nanny enjoying the summer with her charges. Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Nifty Nanny is a YouTube channel dedicated specifically to supporting + inspiring nannies.

Your hometown’s best keep secret?

Nature! There are so many amazing nature outlets near and around the Sacramento area that most people have no clue exist. The kids and I love exploring these places. Swimming holes, river banks to fish on, hiking trails, and so much more.

Favourite thing to do with kids whilst out and about in Sacramento?

One of our favourite things is the $1 store – everything is $1! The kids eyes light up when I say they can each buy three items. It’s a great way for them to learn the value of a dollar and how to make decisions. It’s also a great place to pick up affordable craft items and prizes.

Where do you shop for supplies to produce your Nifty Nanny YouTube videos?

Funny this is the next question because the number one place would be the $1 store!! However, I am always on the look out when I am in any store. We have great crafting stores such as Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Joann’s.

Favourite travel destination?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I would have to say anywhere in Mexico. I love the people, the language, the food, and the culture.

What would be your dream creative project or collaboration?

To be able to collaborate with someone that knows how to create and produce excellent, high-quality videos. I feel I could benefit from a mentor.

Biggest piece of advice for new nannies starting out?

Always do the dishes! One of the first families I worked for, the mom said she hated when she came home to a messy house and dishes in the sink. Since then I always make it a point for the house to be as clean if not cleaner than when the parents left and always do the dishes. I haven’t had a complaint yet!

I completely agree. Ensuring mom has that blissful “ahh I’m home” feeling the second she walks in the door to greet her kids is the icing on the cake.

Nifty Nanny is all about letting the kids have fun! Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Based in California, Nifty Nanny loves getting outside with her charges! Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Connect with Nifty Nanny at YouTube, Twitter, Instagram.

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Wow thanks Kaelyn. It was a pleasure to feature you on The Nanny Spotlight, thanks for sharing with us your slice of the nanny life.

To get involved in The Nanny Spotlight, please contact me here or email me at hope(at)nannyshecando(dot)com. If you’re a standout professional in your field, be it a career nanny, sitter, childcare worker, or nanny industry professional – you could be featured next! Share your story, and connect with Nanny SheCanDo.

>>>Missed the spotlight on our previous features?

Check out Brittney Schering and Nanny DA Poppins.