Hope Skinner, founder Nanny Shecando

Nanny Confidential: The Nanny To The Stars

Following up from the 2015 Australian Nanny Conference live panel discussion, we caught up with Australia’s Nanny To The Stars. Philippa Christian joins us for a candid interview to discuss her book “Nanny Confidential” (review coming soon) and also to share the details of how her career came to happen.

Philippa, or “Pip” as she prefers, is one of Australia’s most highly regarded nannies and has provided her exclusive nanny services to the children of the international elite. From ditching paparazzi to cruising luxury yachts, it would seem Pip lives a life of luxury enjoying the heights of what some would say the ultimate “career-nanny” success. How does she do it? Well, we think it might just have something to do with that good old Australian genuine character. As a nanny to the Stars, Pip has her feet firmly on the ground..

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Tell us how you went from being a small town girl from Victoria to an elite VIP nanny in Hollywood?

When you put it like that it does sound a little strange but really it was just an ordinary set of circumstances that started me on a fabulous journey. I used to live in Ballarat as a student boarding at university where I was completing a degree in Early Childhood and Primary teaching. I had always been a babysitter when I lived at home and it had been a hard decision to move to Ballarat but I thought it seemed the best option at the time.

Some weekends I would visit my family in Melbourne because I suffered from a mixture of homesickness and missing my Mum’s cooking but often it would be because I had been asked to babysit by friends I had known for years. On one of these weekends, I had to oversee a sleepover for a group of young girls including the daughter of Shane Warne. Things literally changed for me overnight as Brooke asked her mum the next day if I could be their babysitter and that was that! The job soon became more than just babysitting and they asked if I would be interested in becoming their nanny.

I had to do some very hard thinking; here was an opportunity that might never come my way again, or should I continue with my studies in Ballarat? My new job took me to places I could only have dreamed of and gave me the chance to see what being a real nanny was all about. It was fabulous. Since then I have worked for many high-profile families and at the same time gained the necessary qualifications to help me with my new role as a professional nanny. It has been a roller coaster of a ride that has taken me around the world working for people I would never have imagined I would ever meet. But at the end of the day, it has made me realise that caring for children, in my hometown or far away, was the best decision I ever made.

Did you go through an agency?

No I have never worked for an agency because I was very fortunate to have found my clients through recommendations. Often I would be working in a luxury hotel in Melbourne where many international families, other times I would be offered jobs through my nanny friends in America. Australian nannies worldwide have a very good reputation. If you really love caring for children and don’t mind long hours and you have some very good references, it’s quite easy to find yourself with a great job.

What’s it like to be an elite VIP nanny?

It’s a wonderful job. Of course it can be extremely tiring and quite demanding but at the end of the day you are helping some of the best people in the world, the little ones, and that’s what makes it all worthwhile. You have to be prepared to travel quite a lot and be flexible as plans can change within hours and above all you are there to look after and protect the children. The responsibility high, but so are the rewards.

How do you balance the needs of the children, with the demands of your employers, whilst negotiating travel, time differences and heavily scheduled days?

I suppose it comes with practice, but being flexible helps enormously. Once you have an idea of what is expected of you (and this can only be gauged by getting to know the family) it becomes a case of give and take. You soon learn how to create the best balance for all concerned.

What’s your favourite travel location for working with kids as a travel nanny?

There are so many places I’ve loved travelling to with kids! Earlier on in my career while I was primarily based in Australia, I loved going to Port Douglas with families. Internationally, Hawaii has fortunately been a favourite with many families, and visiting anywhere in California (especially Palm Springs has been wonderful). Cruise ships and private yachts seem like the dream holidays (they usually are), but when working with children they can be tricky! When you work as a celebrity nanny, a lot of the time you do feel like you are on holidays due to your surroundings. I must say a few months of living in a mansion in Malibu close to the beach is always nice!

One might call you a super nanny. This term is quite common these days. Is there actually an Australian super nanny?

No, there is no Australian Supernanny. Many years ago there was ‘THE Supernanny’, Jo Frost who has now moved on. Since then the company has decided to delegate one supernanny for each country. America has Deborah Tillman as their supernanny, who is a lovely lady and who I’ve been fortunate to get to know. The French supernanny unfortunately passed away, there was also a Spanish supernanny, and a few others based internationally. In December of 2012 I filmed the official pilot for the proposed Australian Supernanny television show with Warner Bros., but the show has been shelved for an indefinite period of time.

Interesting. I’ve heard that some nannies claim to be the “Australian Super Nanny,” but how did they get to call themselves that?

There is no official Australian Supernanny so I suppose anyone using the name has a lot to live up to! The problem is that the ‘Supernanny’ title is a global trademark and so cannot be used legally unless the proper authority and rights have been agreed upon.

Let’s talk work-life balance.. The nanny lifestyle can be demanding at the best of times, but as an Elite VIP nanny do you find it event more difficult?

Luckily it has been a blessing for me to have been able to keep in close contact with my family and friends with the help of Skype calls, emails and texts. When I was working for months at a time overseas, my family and friends would always make the effort to visit me which was so wonderful. But I have to say, there really is no place like home!

Are you still working as a nanny?

I’m no longer working as a full-time nanny, although I do miss it a lot. I still visit lots of families I’ve worked for and volunteer my time if they need my services.

Do you hope to one day have a family of your own?

Having a family of my own would be my biggest dream come true. I’ve only ever wanted to be a Mum. I think if and when that day does come, it will be one of the happiest days of my life.

Tell us how the name “Australia’s Nanny To The Stars” came about.

I was originally operating under the brand “Number 1 Nanny,” but it didn’t quite fit for a number of reasons. Then as a guest on a morning show, the title the used for me was “Australia’s Nanny to the Stars’. I don’t really know to this day who came up with it, but it fits perfectly!

Do you have a business mentor that helps you with your vision and plans as you continue to take your Nanny to The Stars brand to new heights?

To begin with I didn’t have anyone helping me with any form of business. Since publishing my first book – Nanny Confidential – I have been overwhelmed with the response from the public and the number of opportunities that have presented. I’m now lucky to have a fabulous team around me, most of whom I’ve known for years either having been clients or contacts. It’s wonderful to be surrounded by caring people who share my vision and goals.

What’s coming next in 2015/2016 for you?

There are a lot of new and exciting projects to launch soon, some still secrets and others I can finally tell you about. I have a line of baby products which are all totally new ‘world first’ products – nothing like you will have ever seen before to launch very soon. Plus after the success of my first book, Nanny Confidential 2 and 3 are on their way. I have a blog that’s soon to be launched and I’m also very excited to be taking on some public speaking events. Some nights it’s hard to get to sleep with so much to think about!

// You can find Pip here: Book | Google + | Instagram | Twitter

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Wow it all sounds very exciting Pip. The elite nanny industry is certainly not for everyone, but you make it look easy! I’m thrilled to see your success, and also to have you as such a positive role model and mentor to the evolving Australian nanny industry. Thanks for joining us, and we hope to chat again later in the year.

Milbo’s Teething Jewellery Review

**this is a sponsored post

Why I Love Silicone Teething Jewellery

When I’m not doing the “just been to the gym” look, or the “lazy sweat pants because I can’t wear pyjamas to work” look, I like wearing necklaces.

Jewellery, pretty headbands, and slouch handbags are a quick and easy way to dress up an outfit and to make you feel a little bit pretty. And in my line of work, this is a much-needed bonus!

Because any one who’s spent even half an hour with kids would know – it sure isn’t pretty.

Given that I specialise in babies and toddlers, it’s not unusual to see me wearing baby slobbered glasses and sporting various forms of baby breakfast crushed into my shirt front. It’s amazing just how much snot can come dribbling out of a grumpy toddler during a 45 second temper tantrum.

In the nanny life (and the mummy life), wearing pretty clothes is always a bit risky. You’ve got to take into account the inevitable baby vomit, the tugging and stretching on the bottom of your shirts, the crusty milk moustaches, and the sticky fingered messes that will end up prodded into your eyes, mouth, hair and anywhere else within reach. It goes with the territory.

Popping on a necklace as I run out the door each morning has been the one thing keeping me closer to glam, than frumpy.

The downside to this though is that bright and shiny things are a baby and toddlers new favourite toys. So too are dangly things, delicate things, colourful things, anything remotely special to you, and really anything that can go in the mouth. Plus some things that really shouldn’t go in the mouth!

My necklaces get chewed, slobbered on, tangled up into the worst knots imaginable, and yes, even broken.

So I’ve been on the hunt for some new jewellery, something bright and colourful that I can wear to jazz up a very baby-friendly outfit. The jewellery had to meet a few essential requirements.

Baby friendly jewellery needs to be sturdy, durable, strong, bright and colourful, baby teeth friendly, pretty and yet still delicate enough to look a little more feminine than as if I had just toted an oversized freezable baby-teething chew toy around my neck.

Immediately I thought of Dinosaur Designs; an iconic Australian designer that makes luscious jewellery and home wares. Except, they’re just a little too precious and a little less baby weathered.

Which brings me to Milbo’s Designs – the Dinosaur Designs equivalent to baby-friendly jewellery – perfect for anyone working with kids.

Milbo’s have a delightful range or baby-friendly jewellery to serve just this purpose. They specialise in stylish and practical jewellery solutions for the modern mum, and in fact as I can testify, any woman who wants practical child appropriate jewellery that’s also stunning to wear with piece of mind and style both catered for.

@milbos_design – the Dinosaur Designs equivalent to stylish, baby-friendly jewellery. #milbos #siliconeteethingjewellery

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Milbo’s products are made from 100% non-toxic, BPA free food grade silicon (a safe, durable and environmentally friendly material). Perhaps the best thing – the breakaway clasp. No more picking up a baby to find their feet have snagged the necklace and pulled it so tight the clap has broken!

I was given the Gold Coast Geometric Mama Necklace to road test. The Milbo’s range is trendy, and yet simply understated. They’re great for a tiny hand to grasp or a little finger to play with. They’re vibrant and the perfect accessory to bring together an outfit.

Win A Milbo’s Design Silicon Teething Necklace (Mama Necklace)

// To Enter:

Leave a comment and tell us your favourite product from the Milbo’s range
Tag us (@NannyShecando) in a photo on social media (Instagram, Facebook or Twitter) and show us your #nannystyle
“Like” and “Follow” Milbo’s Design (@milbos_design) and NANNY SHECANDO (@hopeelisa) on Instagram

// Terms and Conditions:

i) 1 x Milbo’s silicone teething jewellery necklace to win
ii) Entries open Saturday June 20, entries close 7pm Sunday July 5
iii) Winner announced Monday July 6, 10am on the blog
iv) The successful applicant will have 7 days from the draw to claim their prize, if prize in not claimed, a redraw will take place
v) Successful applicant must be 18 years or older
vi) Prizes are not redeemable for cash, nor transferable

**BPA silicone teething jewellery review

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Milbo’s Design is an Australian company founded by director Jo Hutchinson. Integral to the Milbo’s product philosophy is the desire to problem solve and provide solutions for that extra dribbly baby, the super messy eater, the distracted breastfeeding bub, all the cranky teething babies and the one that was determined to pull mum’s hair every minute whilst breastfeeding. Milbo’s jewellery can be worn as breastfeeding necklaces, nursing necklaces, worn whilst baby wearing, and even by the older toddlers whilst getting those 2-year-old molars.

Checking In + Australian Nanny Conference

Welcome and hi from NANNY SHECANDO!

As I hit publish on this post, my mind is cast back to the gorgeous vista that was my ‘office’ for a few days recently – a shaded swinging hammock under the trees, beach-side in Cancun, Mexico – paradise is an understatement. With poolside cocktails, professional development workshops, sponsor expos and networking events – yep, I was at the 2015 International Nanny Association conference in Cancun. Right, now that we got that out of the way…

I wanted to pop in and say hello to you. It’s been a while. You saw a bit of me with the crafts over Easter, but I haven’t had much time with you this year. Though you have met some wonderful new additions to the NANNY SHECANDO blogging team and I’m so glad.

Olivia Foster is our resident crafts extraordinaire. Abby Sneddon our health + fitness blogger, and Da Poppins our children’s literature aficionado. Sarah Kinghorn popped in to give an exposé into her experience as a nanny vs babysitter, and Amelia Seymour of Starry Nights our resident sleep consultant expert. You’ll be seeing more of them each week on the blog.

So what’s been taking up all of my time? Well I mentioned it briefly last year, and you might have seen it in your news feeds in the last couple of months; The 2015 Australian Nanny Conference. I’m co-founding the first ever Australian Nanny Conference and can I say, I am so excited. Hosted at the University of Sydney, this inaugural event is featuring an extraordinary lineup of highly regarded and sought after speakers delivering tailored nanny-specific information and resources.

>> The Australian Nanny Conference: nannies make a difference for a living.

The 2015 Australian Nanny Conference is a 2-day weekend event designed to allow nannies to come together, to network, to exchange knowledge and to invest in your professional development on a scale previously unseen in this country.

The Australian Nanny Conference is about establishing connections and building relationships, delivering opportunities for personal and professional development, and paving the way for stronger futures for the nanny profession.

Featuring a 20+ strong lineup of the industry’s most notable and highly respected experts, this is the nanny industry event of the year.

What: the Australian Nanny Conference
When: June 13 + 14, 2015
Where: Sydney University
Headlining: Pinky McKay, Dr. Louise Porter, Dr. Pamela Douglas, Melina Marchetta, Devon Barnes, Ainslie Asquith, Bondi Planet Yoga, Back On Track Consultancy, Seana Smith, Laura Douglas + more!

By nannies, for nannies. To find out more info, to see the full speaker lineup, and to sign up to the mailing list.. come check it out here! Give me all the info on the 2015 Australian Nanny Conference.

It’s an exciting time to be in the nanny camp of the childcare industry!

The 2015 @ausnannyconf; because nannies make a difference for a living. #ausnannyconf #nannylife

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>>> Will we see you at the 2015 Australian Nanny Conference?
(June 13 + 14, Sydney Uni)

Mother’s Day Gifts: Flower Photo Frames

It’s easy to take our Mums for granted; overlooking their selflessness and unconditional love for us. Although we should always be thankful and appreciative, this weekend we get to honour them for their patience and tireless work.

Flowers seem to be the ‘in thing’ to give and make for Mothers Day. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise because who doesn’t love receiving a big bunch of flowers!

We took to the craft room this week to create a special gift for Mothers Day. Using flowers as the base of the gift, we decided to expand a little further and get super crafty to give Mum something she’ll really be able to treasure.

>>> How To Make Flower Picture Frames

Using an old cardboard box, we made a picture frame and combined 3 different artworks to decorate. A gift for mum this mother’s day.

Ages: 4+ (with adult supervision)
Time: lots (a solid afternoon activity)

Stage 1: the Bubble Flower

You’ll Need:

Water
Paint
Dishwashing liquid
Straws
White card stock

To Make:

Combine 2 parts water, to 1 part dishwashing liquid in a small bowl or container.
Add a drop of paint and mix well.
Using the straw, blow bubbles into the mixture and then place the cardstock on top. Repeat with all desired colours.

Stage 2: the Net Stamped Flower

You’ll Need:

Paint
Cotton balls
White card stock
Onion/fruit bag netting (or similar)

To Make:

Place a handful of cotton balls into a small square of netting and fasten.
Press the bags into a thin layer of paint and use as a stamp to create a pattern across your page.

Stage 3: the Paper towel Flower

You’ll Need:

Thick, absorbent paper towel
Water
Paint
Droppers

To Make:

Combine a small amount of water and a few drops of paint in a small bowl or container and mix well.
Use the droppers to disperse the colours over the paper towel watching as they mix, creating new colours. Tip: Avoiding picking up the towel while wet to prevent the paper tearing.

Stage 4: the Frame

You’ll Need:

Thick cardboard/card-stock
Scissors,
Clear dry glue
Optional; Gems

To Make:

Using thick cardboard or cardstock cut out two squares to the desired frame size.
Cut a smaller square out of the centre one of your pieces, creating a frame.
Once your artworks are dry, draw and cut out different size and shape flowers.
Using clear dry glue, paste your flowers around the frame.
Once dry, paste your favourite picture of you & your mum between the two pieces of cardboard.

*An adult should perform step’s 1 & 2.

Supervision and safe scissors are required for step 3. Remember to cut in a direction away from your body and always be seated whilst cutting.

We took to the craft room this week to create a special gift for #MothersDay #Nannylife

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Whilst painting, we discussed why we love our mum and why we’re thankful for her. This activity was too advanced for my youngest charge, she joined in by decorating a large piece of butches paper to use as wrapping paper. So cute!

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful Mums, (and nannies) – you’re all doing an awesome job! Happy Crafting!

>>> Are you making Mother’s Day gifts with the kids for mum?

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Olivia is a career nanny of 5 years and craft extraordinaire. Having travelled Australia working with many families, Olivia now resides in Sydney and cares for 7 children aged 15 months to 1o years old. Craft + diy activities feature prominently in their daily schedule. You can follow Olivia on instagram {@oliviasfoster} for crafty ideas and activities.

Recipe: Anzac Biscuits

With Anzac day fast approaching, we’ve taken some time with our nanny children to introduce more in-depth conversations. As I typed the words “we will remember them” earlier this week whilst putting together the Anzac Day Paper Poppy Wreath DIY, tears ran down my face.

The weight and significance of those words have real meaning to me. Because of this, I’m able to understand and acknowledge that these feelings can weigh down hard on our children. And if we’re not able to explain the events, the reasoning, and the emotions properly, our kids are at risk of feeling all kinds of emotion they don’t really know how to handle.

Conversations about events such as Anzac Day can be tough for most of us to have, but it’s a special reminder to broach these topics mindfully with our children. As superstar nanny Olivia demonstrated, she used first the Anzac Day paper craft and then the process of making Anzac Biscuits as activities to do with the kids to provide opportunity to discuss Anzac Day without it being too heavy for our children.

And then well, because we can’t go past a classic, we thought we’d share these yummy classic Anzac Biscuits with you. If the kids are pulling up stools to help (we highly recommend they do), just be careful when mixing the wet ingredients. The bi-card can fizzle and sizzle and splatter if little helping hands are mixing too fervently.

>>> Click Here To Download Your Anzac Biscuit Recipe Printable <<<

To Make: Anzac Biscuits

Makes 25

You’ll Need:

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plain flour, sifted
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
½ cup coconut
125g butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1 tablespoon water
½ teaspoon bicarbonate soda