Nanny Life Articles by Hope at Nanny Shecando

The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep Book Review

Title: The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep by Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Reading Level: Preschool – 2

The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep Book Review

Have you heard recent buzz about a book touted as a “sleeping pill” for young children? The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep, written by Swedish psychologist Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin was published this year and has become an amazon.com bestseller. The book has gained worldwide notoriety with articles written about it on the Huffington Post, CBS News, and the Daily Mail. Parents are purchasing and testing out the book “guaranteed” to put children to sleep.

As I picked this slim paperback, I noticed that it’s self published. One of the things that hurts a self-published book is poor quality packaging and illustrations. Although the lack of a professional published appearance hasn’t stopped The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep from becoming a bestseller, it’s a difficult hurdle for me to step over when trying to give a positive review. The pictures help illustrate the story in a cohesive manner, but they are not the quality I generally look for and the book has an overall amateurish, homemade feel.

Here’s 8 tips to selecting good read aloud books.

This story opens with instructions: how to read the bolded words, when to say the child’s name during the reading, when to yawn, and how to create the correct environment for sleep. There is also a warning that anyone hearing the story will feel tired, so don’t read this book to anyone who is driving or operating heavy machinery.

Using the power of suggestion, lots of repetition, and word heavy pages the author taps into some of my favourite components for a great bedtime reading experience.

Many picture books currently being published are simply too short for a good bedtime story. They have one sentence per page, lack complex language, and contain overactive illustrations that actually discourage the use of a child’s imagination by dominating the book.

This book is a return to the days when stories were longer, quieter, and more relaxing. Unfortunately, it’s not really a story book – and completely misses the opportunity to be one. Here’s the low-down on why you should read aloud to your child.

Many picture books published are simply too short for a good bedtime story. #picturebooks

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The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep is not the least bit entertaining or interesting. Roger visits characters like Sleepy Snail, Heavy Eyed Owl and Uncle Yawn who give Roger and the child hearing the book suggestions on how to relax and fall asleep.

These characters have no personality of their own. Every encounter and dialog is meant to coach the child into feeling safe, relaxed and very tired.

I imagine hearing this book is like listening to a “self hypnosis” cassette tape. The author uses the same tools with the goal of achieving a specific end result.

I don’t doubt that this book will put many three and four year old’s to sleep, and if adults pick it up with that intent alone, they will reap the rewards of restful children. Not every child will respond to the repetition and sleepy themes, but those accustomed to bedtime stories will almost certainly be snoring by the end of the book.

If your bedtime reading is all about getting your child to sleep, you might want to pick up a copy. If you expect something more out of your books, give this one a pass. For more good reads, Da Poppins reviews a bunch of books on the site.

The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep – a sleeping pill for children?

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>Tell us, have you tried The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep with your children?

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Dana shares with us this The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep Book Review. Dana, Da Poppins, is a professional career nanny based in Vancouver, Washington, a graduate of the prestigious Northwest Nanny Institute and has over 20 years experience in the industry. Dana is a strong advocate for the benefit of reading and children’s literacy, is a talented scrapbooker, and writes the blog Da Poppins.

Interview: Lauren Brown (Lollaby)

In today’s Nanny Spotlight column, I’m super excited to bring you Lauren Brown, owner and founder of Lollaby Cares.

Lauren Brown
Nanny + Founder: Lollaby
Melbourne, Australia
www.lollaby.com.au

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Tell us about you and your career

After previously working in the childcare industry I decided to become a full time nanny in January 2014. I have always wanted to run my own business and I’m passionate about working with children and supporting families in the home. I have always been interested in branding and marketing so I decided to build my service behind my brand, Lollaby. The business expanded quickly and soon Lollaby was hiring nannies who helped service the Townsville community. After much deliberation and tears I decided to move the business to Melbourne as there was more opportunity.

So you’re a qualified nanny in the sense that you have your child care diploma?

I worked for a wonderful centre in Townsville called Miniversity for over 18 months. In this time I completed my Certificate III (studied with Kath Dickson Family Centre) and my Diploma (studied with Diversity Education) which I completed in September 2014.

Studying Childcare equipped me with the right knowledge and skills to take my interaction with children to another level. It taught me how to foster their development through play based learning with experiences based on their interests. I now apply this directly to my nanny profession. I make sure my time spent with the children is filled with enriched experiences that help them explore the world and learn from their surroundings.

How do you implement these teachings into your nanny profession?

I plan a program for my nanny clients similar to one you see in the childcare industry. I use videos and photos to document the children and observe their learning outcomes in the home. I use the Early Year Learning Framework to explore these milestones and share our experiences with Mum and Dad via USB or email. This way all those cute moments are captured forever and provides reassurance for working parents.

What made you transition from more structured childcare to offering childcare services in the home as a nanny?

The Childcare industry is very heavily regulated and I found most of my time was spent updating paperwork and cleaning rather than one on one time with the children. Although the regulations and standards are necessary, I wanted to work more closely with children. I started babysitting on the side for families and found I was bored once the kids were asleep so I started cleaning the house and doing the laundry. After seeing the impact this had on families I saw an opportunity to market this service on a larger scale and when I found a full-time nanny opportunity, I took the leap.

I have always wanted to run my own business and by becoming a nanny I was able to combine my passions into a service that was sought-after and built a brand on it. I love being my own boss and being able to creatively explore my passions.

How would you describe your approach towards the role of caring for and nurturing children?

When it comes to working with children, I believe that a child’s early years develop a large part of who they are, what’s important to them, and how they view the world. Children need to be supported, involved, and safe in the world around them and this is built by fostering strong relationships with each one of them. I believe the key to building this relationship is through active communication and exploring the world beside them, rather than above them.

Children supported, respected, and loved will grow to replicate these values to make a positive influence to the community around them. I love to customise an experience based on individual interests and this encourages confidence in their abilities and personality. I believe children play a main role in their play and development journeys and encourage this through independence in our time together.

I also believe it’s our role as adults to teach the younger generation about the impact we have on the environment. I work alongside the children to help the practise sustainability and make them aware of the role we all play in looking after the planet.

Part of your service offering is to see that the home is well provided for so that the parents can fully attend to their careers is that correct? How do you balance the care for the children as well as the ongoing house maintenance and housekeeper requirements?

I get an expectation for what support the family needs and prioritise the house work at the beginning of the day so I can map out the most productivity around our planned activities. I also believe if I’m on the clock I should be working, so I rarely stop. This way my time flies and I know that when my clients return home they have nothing else to do but put their feet up.

Most of my housework is done during nap-time but it also spills over to my time with the children. This is on purpose as I believe children playing by themselves plays a vital role in how they develop. If you stand side by side doing everything for a child, they’ll never learn to do things for themselves and this is the same with entertaining them.

Children need to learn to entertain themselves and it’s important for them to know that being alone is okay. I use my Diploma and experience to facilitate experiences that allow for solitude play so the child is free to explore their creativity, abilities, and imagination. In saying this though the children are always in my vision and I only attend to the house if the child is content.

>>> See: Lollaby Homemade

Does your experience working for Vodafone (in a past life) help you to market your business + services?

I am so grateful for the skills and experience I was exposed to when working at Vodafone. I managed some stores throughout Queensland (mainly Townsville) over six years and in this time I was trained in leadership, sales, marketing, people management, conflict resolution, customer retention and just general business operations. Every single one of these skills play a huge role in the way I manage my brand and my business.

Children need to be supported, involved & safe in the world around them #nannylife

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Long-term goals for the growth and development of Lollaby?

I have some very ambitious goals! I’m very passionate about helping women return to the workforce post baby. The role of a nanny is much more than just babysitting and the influence a good nanny can have on the home is invaluable. I want to create a real WOW experience for Lollaby customers where they really feel like they are in two places at once.

I want to connect with other nannies and empower each other to lift the standards in the industry to reach our full potential by networking and collaborating together. I want to build a workshop to help teach women how to market a nanny service and run a successful business from their laptop. I also want to bring more professional development opportunities to the nanny industry.

The biggest success you’ve experienced so far?

This job has so many rewards, it’s so hard to choose one. I love how much my role grows over time with the family to be so much more than a nanny. I’m a friend to my clients, trustworthy role model for the children, lego engineer, kitchen extraordinaire, personal assistant, family coach, artist, taxi, counsellor – the list goes on.

However the biggest reward is being welcomed into homes and treated like family by so many wonderful people. Some of the friendships I’ve made will be lifelong and I always stay in touch with clients (especially on Facebook). I see some of my nanny kids to be my closest friends! It’s amazing to be with the family through all the different milestones and watch all the children grow up.

Do you have a mentor that helps to guide your business pursuits?

My first client, Kellie Walters had a huge impact on me jumping into all this head first. Kellie is an exceptional business woman and she spent a lot of time helping me let go of all insecurities and overwhelming hurdles. While I was her nanny Kellie gave my ideas and business model a lot of attention and it was great to have such an experienced and worldly view on how to run a successful business. I’m also truly blessed to be surrounded by some pretty exceptional friends as mentors.

Your take on the nanny industry and community?

I am a part of a wonderful community down here in Melbourne and through Facebook I have connected with some truly inspiring professional nannies. I believe that with the current spotlight on the profession, the industry is about to be given the chance it deserves in being a viable solution for working families. The community as a whole is very supportive but still challenges me to better myself.

How would you like to see the industry evolve?

I want to see better employment standards for nannies. Whether they are contracted or employed they shouldn’t have to fight so hard for a decent wage. I would also like to see both nannies and families educated on how to create strong working relationships in the home. Both parties need to accept the role they play in the arrangement to ensure that the nanny works hard and in turn is appreciated and respected.

I want a nanny career to be a viable option for those who love to work with children. It is an ideal scenario for so many girls who are currently in the childcare sector. I hope to see qualifications introduced along with standards, policies and procedures so that we can be taken more seriously.

What’s your favourite thing to do with kids whilst out and about?

Exploring a new environment – that is in theme with a big interest. Whether it be a big trip to the zoo with an animal lover, a schedule bin visit for the garbage truck fan, or just walking through the park for the bird watcher.

Do you have a favourite shop for tools of the trade in the nanny life?

My favourite project to complete with children, it’s setting up a veggie garden so Bunnings is my go to. As for arts and crafts you can’t go wrong with a low budget so Kmart and The Reject Shop have my vote!

Can you recommend a super kid friendly café that caters to both little tastes and big tastes?

The Jelly Bread Cafe
Barkly street, West Footscray

It’s not much to look out from the outside but while waiting for a coffee one day I noticed a sign on the back door saying “The Big Backyard.” I went outside to find a wonderful environment for children to get lost in their imaginations. A home corner set up in an old caravan, veggie gardens, guinea pigs to feed with all the green grass and plenty of tables and chairs for Mum and Dad, and the Nanny.

The Strand
Townsville

This is Townsville’s waterfront that spans over 5 km. It’s filled with lookouts, playgrounds, cafes and of course – the beach! Just take down the kids bikes and scooters and have a fun exploring.

Indulge us in a little whimsical dreaming: in 5 years you’ll find me…

The successful author of a well loved children’s book, running my own professional workshops tailored to entrepreneur nannies and hopefully a Mum myself.

Tips for a new-to-the-industry nanny?

Work out your philosophy and seek out a family that is compatible to you. Once you find the perfect fit give them the WOW factor – jobs can be temporary so you want strong testimonials. Try to find like minded nannies to connect with as the job can be lonely. Plan your time to manage your workload efficiently. You don’t want to burn yourself out or create unrealistic expectations for a family in what you’re capable of.

Finally, make sure you are in it for the kids. The rewards are in the little moments and if your heart is where it should be, it’s the most rewarding job in the world.

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If you’d like to participate in the Nanny Spotlight Series, please contact me. Now taking submissions. If you’re a superstar nanny, childcare worker, primary school teacher, expert nanny agency, or offering informative services to benefit this industry, I want to hear from you!

Review: From Babysitter To Business Owner

If you work in childcare, it’s probably because you love working with children.

This is true for me, but I’ve found working with parents makes my line of work even more satisfying. Even while I enjoy and understand the importance of fostering relationships with parents, it’s often easy to get involved in other ways to grow my company.

That is why, for me, Patricia Dischler’s book, From babysitter to Business Owner, was a timely and influential read. In it, she helps readers see parents as more than just consumers, but also assets and strong voices that can help owners build a stronger program.

>> Book Review: From Babysitter To Business Owner

Along with this parent-partnership emphasis, Dischler shares much more advice from her own experiences. Other highlights from the book include her focus on professional attitude, ambitions, and presentation. She makes a strong case for keeping an internally focused mindset, arguing that, more than anything else, the business owner’s goals and self-improvement is what will propel his or her business forward.

She also gives helpful tips on how to create and maintain a sense of confidence in the midst of a learning curve. And if you need guidance for continuing education, dealing with stress, or getting support, that’s all there too.

Even if you’re not a professional running a daycare out of your home, I believe this book is beneficial for anybody wanting to understand effective communication, professionalism in the workplace, and best practices for making any kind of business successful.

This book will forever be on my bookshelf to reference for the rest of my working career. I owe a huge thanks to Patricia Dischler—I almost feel like she verbalized my professional aspirations and then created a handbook to help me achieve them.

Find From Babysitter to Business Owner here.

>>> Have you read Patricia Dischler’s book? Do you have a fave business guide?

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Rachel Aren is the proud owner and founder of In Rachel’s Care – a Chicago based babysitting and nanny placement agency. Rachel is a small town girl from Michigan, a graduate of Grand Valley State University (go, Lakers), a parenting book junkie and an Enneagram enthusiast.

How To Determine School Readiness

Today we’re joined with the ladies from Back On Track Consultancy. Having met Donna and Angela at the 2015 Australian Nanny Conference where they presented a fabulous session on school readiness, I couldn’t wait to get them here on the blog to share their knowledge and tips with you.

Build it up, build it up, build it high. This is about how to determine school readiness, so keep reading! We have been sending children to school from preschool for over 20 years now and we also work in conjunction with the teachers in these schools. We will endeavour to give you a little insight into what is needed from the ground up.

Developmental Differences Due To Age Variance

The NSW government has made it extremely hard for parents to make the decision to send to school or not. It is perhaps one of the most important decisions some parents are faced with so far in their child’s life. If a child turns 5 before 31^st July then they legally can attend school. Other parents are holding their children back until they are just about to turn 6, which is also legal as long as they are in school before they turn 6.

What is happening is that teachers are dealing with a classroom of new children with the potential to be 18 months difference in age. One teacher with 30 children in a class can spell disaster for those children who are not yet ready to take on the challenge of learning within a school environment as they get left behind. Anyone in the Early Childhood profession knows that there is such a huge developmental difference at this age.

The Foundations To School Readiness

There is an analogy that we at Back On Track, Early Childhood Professionals use to explain to parents, carers and nannies what the expectations are for starting school to enable that child to thrive. It starts just like the foundations of a house.

In our terminology, the foundations are exactly the same as a child’s Social and Emotional development. Things like conflict resolution, using their words to ask questions, being able to sit and be attentive in a group situation, taking turns and working cooperatively with other peers.

We are asked every year, that if a child can write his name and count to 20 they must be ready. In fact, no, that is incorrect. It can be a little confusing but think about this. You may have the smartest child who can read some words, write their name and count to 50 but if they do not have the foundations that are secure and strong, then eventually something will cave in and crumble and all the important formal and cognitive learning that is taking place in the classroom will just not happen.

#SchoolReadiness starts like the foundations of a house > Build it up high! #nannylife

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6 Essential Components to Determine School Readiness

With this in mind, for anyone who spends time with a 4-year-old, here are some questions that may assist you in knowing if a child is ready for school or not, which are all indicators of the foundation work.

>>> Can your child:

1 // Separate from his carer?

2 // Look after their belongings?

3 // Share your attention with others?

4 // Listen and share ideas with you and other children?

5 // Concentrate for about 10 minutes without losing concentration?

6 // Start a task and finish it also?

If you have answered yes to these questions, then it is clear that the child is exhibiting all the crucial developmental milestones that will support all other forms of formal learning.

I’m not saying that being able to write your name and count to 20 is not important. However, a child who is ready for school will be demonstrating an interest in counting, numbers, words and writing. It is age appropriate for these cognitive abilities to start to expand and develop.

Proper Guidance Ensures Success From The Start

We at Back On Track guide parents into making the right decision for their child so that they are starting them in a school environment with the potential to be successful from the start. We also suggest ideas that you can do in the home environment to extend your child based upon their interest and needs.

We wish you all the very best in the decision-making process and leave you with this very popular song that is sung in preschools and childcare centres every day.

>>> How are you preparing your child for school?

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.