Nanny Life Articles by Hope at Nanny Shecando

Run Wild and Free; NYAN Magazine

“Run wild and free.” Today I’m sharing an article I wrote for a newly founded nanny magazine in the United States. Not Your Average Nanny Magazine is a magazine that caters to parents who employ nannies to care for their children. With articles written by nannies, it helps bridge the gap of communication and understanding between employer and employee. The magazine focuses on childcare related topics and features prominent nannies located worldwide. Founder & Editor-In-Chief, Brittney Schering, is a professional nanny herself and freelance writer.

WIDE OPEN SPACES; LETTING CREATIVITY GO WILD

The art of play is important to children, allowing them the freedom to engage a curious mind. Through play they learn about themselves and the world around them. Through play, children gain the confidence to express themselves and to test the barriers of societal customs. Most of all, it gives children an outlet to put forth their creativity, to release stresses and to process emotions.

As adults we do this too. Only gone are the dolls and matchbox cars in favour of structured uses like visual arts, dance, or music. We see these as hobbies, as extracurricular activities to enjoy when we’ve got some free time, as moments to wile away a holiday.

For children, this time honoured expression of themselves is vital and holds prime place within the structure of their day. Be it playing physically or playing with objects, symbolic play or even games with rules, they follow a pathway. It’s a pathway for children to learn and grow, a pathway to explore and freedom to try on different roles. The process of play also enables children to make mistakes within a semi-controlled environment and to learn from them.

But does this play always have to follow a structure? Does it need to be scheduled into the routine with a projected forecast of learning outcomes? Can play occur in the freedom of wide open spaces? Can free play still be as beneficial? Does it still provide avenues for the development of motor skills, problem solving skills and interpersonal skills crucial to their intellectual and emotional development?

| Can children run wild and free?

Ask any child (or adult) who grew up in the countryside and they’ll answer yes. Ask any child who enjoys regular camping or fishing trips and they’ll answer yes. Ask any child who enjoys venturing off in the morning and returning at nightfall, tummies hungry but minds satisfied, and they’ll say yes.

Why? Because play occurs within any activity, so long as you have the vision (or the magic) to see the potential.

As a child I grew up in the country. We had horses, chooks, guinea pigs, a cow and at one stage a goat named ‘Nanny’. Each day we had chores, but we also had freedom. We had wide open spaces as far the eye could see.

There was a river to explore by kayak, mountains to trek, and flats to work the horses. To visit out friends house, we walked, or rode our bikes or our horses. To get the school bus, we rode our horses bareback from one side of the paddock to the other as a shortcut. In summer we’d spend all day in the pool, and winter rugged up in the sun.

| “We made our own fun, and we played all day.”

Despite the increased risk of potential dangers, these days we’d probably do the same. Except we’d have a cell phone for emergencies and not be so quick to jump in the back of the neighbour’s ute to give us a lift up the hill.

Not to be misconstrued, we had plenty of toys too. Arts and craft were fun on rainy days and rock cakes were popular in the kitchen. It was only that these activities paled in comparison to what we could play with and engage in when out in the open, with our imaginations wild and free.

Growing up in this lifestyle, we didn’t have set learning outcomes. Although we still learnt and grew and developed. We knew the value of responsibility and time management. We also knew of the fun to be had and of our own ability to occupy and amuse ourselves.

Creativity ran free. We had the benefit of free play and discovery. We had the freedom to express ourselves and forge our own paths.

As summer is in full swing for the US, and we here in Australia enjoy crisp but generally pleasant winter weekends, there are many possibilities to get the kids outside. Opportunities to let them explore their creativity outside in the wide open spaces. And whilst the notion of coaxing potentially unwilling kids out into the big unknown may be daunting, I’m willing to bet they’ll be more than happy after a few hours with their unleashed imaginations!

So here’s a few ideas to get the kids into the outdoors to run wild and free:

lace up | grab your hiking boots and head off to the mountains for a day of bush walking. For the truly adventurous, put together a scavenger hunt of ‘must find’ landmarks or items whilst out on the trails

rough it | pack your camping and fishing gear and head to your nearest dam, lake or waterway for a night spent under the stars. Bonus points if you catch dinner!

go country | load up the car and make your way into the countryside. Maybe even do a weekend farm stay if you’re feeling brave. Introduce the kids to life in the country and farm work. If you’re game, I can assure you they’ll soon be taken with the fun to be had on off-road four-wheel motorbikes.

picnic luncheon | collect some delicacies into a picnic basket and set yourselves up for a day in the park. Take a football and a frisbee and engage in a little friendly competition.

sea change | if you’re lucky enough to be by the coast, hit the beach for a day in the sun. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and sun hats! Take a camera to photograph or a notebook to draw the different eco-systems you find living by the beach. More bonus points if you go home and research them later. If that’s not your thing, take the surfboards, boogie boards or snorkels and explore the water – Marco Polo sees a new level of difficulty when encountering rolling ocean waves.

And for those times when big, wide open spaces simply aren’t available (or for the car journeys en route) remember to pack a “busy bag” of child appropriate activities to keep their creative side flowing and plenty of free-play happening. And most of all, have fun yourself!

This article appeared first in published and digital print in Not Your Average Nanny Magazine, July Issue, 2014.

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What’s your favourite outdoors activity, and how do you normally get the kids outside?

Linking up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT.

What I’m Wearing This Winter

Not sure what you should be wearing to work this winter?

As I mentioned last week when I was talking about how the fashionable professional nanny should dress, kids are messy and clothes get super dirty. They’re also at risk of being damaged and permanently stained sometimes. So given that kids are super active and life as a nanny is fast-paced, practicality and comfort usually win out. This means gym clothes and tracksuits are perfectly acceptable most days.

However, that aside, it’s still important to put some thought and planning into your outfit. When winter comes around, I prefer to stick with comfortable materials that can be layered, are durable, and ready to wear. Here’s what I’m wearing this winter.

Nanny Style Series: Winter Fashion 2014

a winter beanie | a warm winter beanie is a great item to have tucked away in your nanny (or diaper) bag. If you’re anything like me, you like milking every last second in bed under the warm blankets before starting your day. Of course this means time spent in front of the mirror each morning is minimal. Pull on a beanie to keep unruly ‘bed hair’ in place when you’re required to report for duty on those early crisp winter mornings.

dark shades | go au naturel and make-up free with oversized sunglasses during the day. Because you’re worth it!

an oversized t-shirt | throw on a top that’s light weight and comfortable material to be wearing all day. Something that’s durable and sustains the mess that comes with working with kids and yet still looks professional enough to be seen wearing at the school pick-up.

a warm scarf | a good quality knitted scarf, like this weave knit snood, will make sure you’re warm at all times. When kids are bounding all over you and you’re in an out of jackets and jumpers, a constant warm material around your neck and shoulders will make sure your core body temperature is controlled.

baby friendly jewellery | jewellery can be a difficult accessory to get right when considering the most appropriate attire to wear when working with kids. Over the top bold pieces are too much and anything dangling is a disaster waiting to happen! Finding the right baby friendly jewellery, like silicone jelly necklaces for example, are a great way to jazz up your outfit whilst also keeping things practical.

comfortable jeans | a good pair of jeans is always a safe bet. They’re the ultimate fashion piece and can be dressed up or down. They’re also practical, generally sustain all kinds of wear and tear and keep you well covered in the cold.

winter jacket | warm jackets are tricky when working with kids. I find I’m usually so busy running around that anything too warm is going to make me hot and bothered. A good light-weight jacket is great because you can throw it on and off as you go about your day running errands. It’s best to make sure it’s washing machine friendly as it’s guaranteed to get dirty sooner than later. Something with plenty of pockets also comes in useful.

the vest | is probably my favourite fashion piece during the winter months. I love being able to throw one on over a long sleeved shirt and know that my back will be warm. It’s great because it means you’re arm movements aren’t restricted – essential when toting around babies and toddlers on your hip all day!

comfortable shoes | wearing ballet flats and converse shoes are probably one the best perks of the nanny job. Being able to get around in comfortable shoes that allow you to chase after a toddler and kick a ball in the backyard is a must!

Tell me, what’s your favourite winter wardrobe item? Are you a jeans or tights lover?

5 Things You Should Never Fudge On Your Nanny Resume

Continuing the theme of “the professional nanny”, today I’m sharing 5 Things You Should Never Fudge On Your Nanny Resume. Because, I’m telling you, I get it. Landing a job can be tough sometimes, especially if you’re looking mid season after all the positions have been filled. You need to pay your bills, you’re missing the kiddie interactions and worried about having too much of an unexplainable gap on your resume that screams “sketchy”. But I assure you, when it comes to writing your nanny resume, these 5 Things You Won’t Want To Fudge.

5 Things You Should Never Fudge On Your Nanny Resume

1. Don’t stretch your experience with varying ages

Whilst it’s part of the job to be familiar with all ages – in most cases nannies should be knowledgeable from new-born to adolescence – sometimes it just doesn’t happen. Your last three families all had school age kids and the only time you’ve been close to a baby was that time you babysat for a friend? The ‘baby’ was actually two years old and already asleep.

Some circumstances you can’t control. But don’t fudge it into more than it was. If interviewing for a position with a baby, the parents will appreciate your honesty rather than finding out two days into the job you’ve actually got no idea. If you are unsure or inexperienced, it won’t take long for the parents to see through your fumbled attempts at preparing formula and swaddling. Plus, honesty from the get go will probably sell you more than pretend experience will.

2. Don’t pretend to be a domestic house goddess if you’re not

The quickest and easiest way to create problems between you and your employers is failure to perform duties according to expectation. Even if you’re a super nanny and the kids adore you, failure to cover all aspects of the task will cause problems. If your employers expect light housework duties and you’re not doing them, they’ll be debating whether their financial investment is worthwhile. Seeing as there are many different types of nannies and that you should define what type of nanny you are, it’s perfectly acceptable to elect not to undertake these tasks. It’s also reasonable to stipulate your interpretation of “light housework”. Just make sure everyone is on the same page.

3. Don’t talk up your cooking abilities

A solid understanding of healthy eating, meal components and the importance of children’s nutritional guidelines are essential. But not everyone can be a master chef. Especially when you’ve got to multi task. However, if your idea of cooking is microwaved Mac n Cheese, don’t proclaim to be able to cook. Instead push that you’re willing to learn and will readily follow a recipe.

4. Don’t spin stories into happy endings

The interview process is rigorous. Families interview countless applicants and size them up according to individual ideals. So I understand that the need to sell yourself is crucial!

However, don’t pretend you left your last post of three months for positive reasons if they weren’t. Whilst job commitment is highly valued and a random three months raises eyebrows, it’s only natural that not every nanny will fit every family. Explain that you gave it your best shot but that it didn’t “gel”. This shows prospective employers you’re serious about getting it “right” and speaks volumes to your character.

5. Don’t commit long term if you can’t

This last one can have major consequences to your reputation long term. If you’re looking for a career that lets you go to work everyday and enjoy the playground as your office, the nanny job is for you. It’s also a decent interim job between career moves, travels or further studies. I’m sure you’ve realised that flexible hours, fun activities, and a reasonable income are alluring qualities.

Nonetheless if you know you’re going to travel in a few months, or that you’re likely to get bored and move on soon, don’t lead employers on. Committing to a long-term position and then breaking contract will hurt the children, your employers and ultimately your reputation. Instead, maintaining complete transparency with potential employers will be of greater benefit because the nanny community talks!

Are you interviewing for jobs and still waiting for call backs? Email me, I can help.
Are you a parent and not sure where to start with hiring someone to care for your littles?
Email me. I got this!

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For more on the professional nanny, check out these links:

Linking up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT

The Professional Nanny Style Series

Ladies Fashion In The Workplace

Fashion in the workplace is a serious issue, especially when it comes to working with children. It’s also not just a concern for nannies. School teachers, childcare workers, and healthcare professionals must all consider their attire before leaving the house. Why? Because, as with most jobs, the clothing has to fit the demands. However, unlike most other jobs that place emphasis on the professionalism of the put-together ladies fashion attire, if you’re working with kids you must also consider the practicality. Simply put, kids are messy and clothes get dirty and ruined.

I was talking with a friend recently (she’s also a nanny and the owner of this nanny agency). It was a freezing cold winter day and so we agreed that it was a puffa jacket and converse kind of day. Which when you think about it, is something pretty special. Because there are very few jobs where you can get away with turning up at work in tracksuits, or gym clothes, or lazy oversized pullovers.

The general rules for your attire when working as a nanny can be pretty fickle. Gumboots, sloppy joes, and warm winter tights are all fine but heels aren’t? Yes you can wear gym clothes but a plain tank top is not advised? Confused? Actually, it’s pretty simple.

| “Dress for comfort, dress for practicality, dress for the weather, dress to show your employers that you know what you’re doing and to show your kids that you mean business.”

Whilst in some cases it may be appropriate for nannies to wear gym clothes to work, there are times where it may not always be the best choice. You should consider your surroundings, the wishes of your employers, the planned activities for the day and the demands of the job.

For example, I used to work with boys (full-on active boys aged seven and four years of age). Given they were highly active kids, most of the time I could get away with gym clothes. Almost every afternoon we were at a different sporting activity and if we were at home, you could find us kicking a ball around in the backyard or playing ‘stacks on’. Gym clothes allowed me the freedom to jump in and join the boys in their activities to be hands-on; an essential part of being a nanny.

On the other hand, some situations might give you the freedom to wear a more ‘put together’ outfit. For example, you may work with girls that are more at home doing craft activities and DIY indoors. In this case, you’re likely to be safe with a professional ensemble of jeans and a crisp shirt.

In your nanny career, when considering ladies fashion and professionalism, there are a few key points to remember when putting together your nanny outfit.

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The Professional Nanny: Things To Remember When Styling Your Outfit

be professional at all times | whilst you might be able to get away with wearing tights or gym pants at work, make sure you still look presentable. This means no offensive language printed on clothing materials, no visible body art or tattoos and no visible inappropriate body piercings. Key Point: be sure to limit your makeup. Instead keep it light, minimal and fresh!

dress appropriately | it’s important to take into account the nature of your work. This means if you’re working with kids (boys or girls, active or not) ensure your clothing suits the demands. Light summer dresses and skirts must be modest and your cleavage should be hidden at all times. If you think you might find yourself in a situation that prevents your from participating because of your fashion choices, don’t wear it!

consider your surroundings | as fashionable and stylish as you may be, we all have those days when we want to go to as little effort as possible with our appearance. But if you know you’re set for a day of parent teacher interviews at school or a day of running important errands, it’s best to leave the sweat pants for another time and instead dress in smart casual attire.

the children’s ages | kids are messy and dirty, especially babies and toddlers. As I mentioned in The Nanny Life (5 Things About My Job), they sneeze on you, wipe their snotty noses all over you, they get dirty and it seems like they’re always covered in food. Whether you’re simply carrying kids around, or in the direct line of fire from a baby having a food tantrum, at some point you’re likely to wear it. Just as most other professions have a work wardrobe and causal wardrobe, should too should you. Leave your sunday best for Sunday!

accessories | as always, minimal and modest is best. Whilst it’s important to teach children about how to treat personal belongings and to look after special items, dangly earrings and over the top jewellery are not great accessories for life working with kids.

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The key points: make sure your clothes are practical and appropriate at all times & be prepared for your clothes to be ruined, stained, ripped, and stretched out of shape.

What’s your take on ladies fashion in the workplace? Have you ever had a favourite clothing item ruined beyond repair at the hands of your littles?

images from Seed Heritage. this is not a sponsored post, I just think that currently, Seed gets the balance right between practicality and professionalism**

Children’s Birthdays: My Favourite Things

One of the best parts about being a nanny (in my opinion) is the children’s birthdays.

Birthdays have always been one of my favourite celebrations. Not for the material reasons, but as a time for family to come together and enjoy the moment. This year I was super excited to celebrate the birthdays with the kids I nanny for. Partly I think it’s the excitement and the party games and the pretty decorations. Hello balloon confetti! But mostly it’s because I feel incredibly privileged to be able to share in the special moments. Moments that are most often reserved just for family members.

Back in April we had a busy month. In the space of seven days we strayed from the norm for a non-traditional Easter egg hunt, did Anzac Day commemorations, and enjoyed four birthday celebrations. Yes, that’s right, I said four! Baby Viv turned one, Miss6 moved up to Miss7 and The Twins turned 12. Oh hey pre-teen adolescence stage, you’re going to be fun!

The week of endless cake and candles just happened to fall bang in the middle of school holidays. Whilst we tried to do most of the shopping online beforehand, I still found myself trawling the shops at the last-minute with a pram and a begrudging child. One of the more memorable items on the wish list had me fanatically trying to track down a particularly rare species of fish to match the aesthetic of the other fish already in the tank. Yep, true story. We also had to restock the elusive candles and matches, which had no doubt fallen victim to abyss that is “that cupboard” in the kitchen. I’m sure you have one too!

| “Making children’s birthdays special!”

This year the girls gave me quite a challenge for their birthdays. As well as the usual rattling off random items onto their wish list based on whichever ludicrous T.V. advert they’d just sen, I’d suddenly been promoted from nanny to cake pâtissier. Because apparently baking the trusty never-fail muffin recipe and banana bread each week implied that I was in fact a pastry chef. Of course I accepted the challenge with grace and gave it my best shot, although I don’t know if I’ll be volunteering my services for the task again next year. It might just be better to leave it up to the professionals.

So I know all of this happened way back in April, and ermahgerd we’re already in July. Seriously, how is it July already? My plans are way behind schedule and I’m freaking out! But just as I had the opportunity to share in the special family moments and celebrate the birthdays, and just as I have celebrated many milestones on seemingly ordinary days prior, I also want to invite you in and share these with you too. If only so I can get some feedback on where I went wrong with these epic cake fails!

1st Birthday Milestones

Baby fingers got to the icing before we could snap a picture!
Baby Viv’s 1st birthday was a pretty special moment for us. I’ve cared for this little precious girl since she was 7 weeks old and I’m thoroughly attached, perhaps overly! I was there when she first giggled, when she first could hold her head up and when she began scooting around on the floor. I was there that time she was feeling adventurous and fell off the couch giving me a heart attack!! And I’ve been there, day in day out, in the never ending battle of power over food and eating preferences. So it was truly special to be there to celebrate her 1st birthday with the family too.

We decided on a handbag cake for her special day. Baby Viv has long had a penchant for hand bags, sparkly things, pretty colours and anything that can be put over her head. From an early age she’d play with my scarf as I rocked her off to sleep and now that winter is here she’s enjoying them once again!

The 7th Birthday

Much to my panic and horror as I thought ‘how on earth am I going to make that?!’ Miss7 requested a puppy dog cake for her birthday. Miss7 and her puppy Beansie have a truly gorgeous relationship, and she and her sisters are very lucky to grow up with the benefit of pets. They truly provide so much love and care, not to mention responsibility. And I admit, I too am quite take with little isha-beansie-puppy-hat as she is lovingly referred to.

In the end I think the cake didn’t turn out too badly. Athough after 7 eggs, 1.5kg of flour, an entire evening in the kitchen, and a whole lot of chocolate icing I think I was happy to accept any attempt.

The Twins: Double Trouble Birthdays

A few days later it was time to don my chef hat once again to whip up something for The Twins. Thankfully they’d made it somewhat easy for me by requesting an old favourite; these Holey Moley Gooey Chocolate Brownies. I did make a short lived attempt to suggest that maybe brownies weren’t “birthday” enough, but I didn’t put up much a fight as they stood their ground. I did have fun with these though. Because given that we were all drowning in chocolate easter eggs (and by this stage completely done with gorging ourselves on birthday cake), I decided to melt some chocolate down to put into the brownies. The result was amazing, if I do say so myself. I threw some chocolate ganache and icing sugar of the top with some sprinkles and ta-da; the Birthday Brownie Cake was done!