Nanny Life Articles by Hope at Nanny Shecando

Interview: The Nanny Whisperer

In today’s feature of the Nanny Spotlight Series, we’re chatting with Orlando based nanny matchmaking service The Nanny Whisperer, who says, “we believe so strongly that a positive match based on similar values is essential to giving children an environment to strive.”

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The Nanny Whisperer
Kristen Lockaby & Sheri Wantuck
Orlando, Florida
www.thenannywhisperer.com

Tell us about The Nanny Whisperer:

Our mission is to take the nanny machining service to the next level and match not just on schedules, but on values, ideals and personality. We’re involved with every match – every nanny, every family. We are a part of the entire process from start to finish. I have an extensive background in the nanny field for over ten years and Sheri is a behaviour analyst that has worked in local schools for the last seven years.

What was the initial development phase like?

It was my dream to start my own business. I saw the faults in the process and all the things that I could expand upon. The business had been up and running in San Francisco for a year, when life happened and moved me to Orlando. The relocation presented the opportunity to bring Sheri on board to enable TNW to reach full potential.

Besides co-managing TNW, you each keep busy with your own careers as well?

Kristen Lockaby, Founder and Co-owner
I have a vast array of experience in this industry – from spending over ten years as a nanny to working coast-to-coast at nanny placement agencies. I believe children are every family’s most prized members and their care is of the utmost importance. I provide care for children, whilst developing lifelong relationships with several families based on mutual respect and care for each other. These experiences inspired me to create TNW to help other families find a childcare experience with more depth than the average employee-employer relation.

Sheri Wantuck, Co-owner
Sheri brings experience in human resources, childcare, and behaviour analysis to ensure the matching process is a positive for the family and nanny. With over 16 years of experience working with children in a variety of areas, she has seen that one of the most important decisions a family can make is who will be in the home with their children. Her professional experiences of interviewing, hiring, and working in homes and schools has helped her partner with Kristen to develop a successful method to matching nannies and families for long-term, successful matches. Sheri understands that a nanny is not just an employee, but a part of the family. The nanny is a person you trust with your most precious part of your life.

How did you come to work together on TNW?

The Nanny Whisperer Orlando started as an adventure. It was a drive across the country to start fresh in Florida. When I first met Sheri I was extremely excited. Sheri was one of the first friends I made here. We clicked over our love for food and a particular restaurant in San Francisco, which was both our favourites. I knew Sheri was going to be the perfect match to help me carry The Nanny Whisperer to Orlando. Having Sheri on board is the perfect compliment to the business. She brings knowledge of the physcology, and her own nanny experience enhances the services we provide to families. Not only do we provide families with well-qualified nannies, but we examine the potential match from the inside out and guide families along in the process. Having someone who understands personally matches and the psychology behind a relationship is the best possible combination.

What’s your time management like?

Our schedules vary and this is a bonus job for us, so we are in constant communication to help balance both our schedules and to function as a team. There are constant texts sent throughout the day and night, along with phone calls and emails.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in the set up of TNW?

Time has been the biggest struggle. Getting the word out about our service has proved difficult because it is uncommon and takes some time to explain. Once we explain the process, people are very interested and excited.

Who are your main clients at the moment?

In San Francisco, families are looking for live in and full time nannies. In Orlando, there’s more a need for part time and date night nannies.

Do you have a particular “brand” of nannies you employ?

We don’t have a pool of nannies constantly as each search is individualised to the family. Since there are so many colleges in town, the bulk of nannies are college students majoring in education.

In terms of professional development, what do you like to see your nannies take on to further their knowledge and education?

We provide a Best Nanny Practices, and Sheri trains on behaviour functions to better equip the nanny in a variety of scenarios.

How would you like to see TNW evolve in the next 12 months?

Naturally we’d like to keep expanding and have person-to-person recommendations. We are part of the nanny community and want to help it grow.

What does a typical weekday look like for you?

We don’t have typical work days! Sheri has the TNW phones and emails during the school day because she has more flexibility during the day and works until late evening. Then I take over TNW after school hours. If we are on a nanny search, we plan nanny interviews on evenings and weekends and do our phone interviews by appointment on our lunch hour.

What’s on your desk right now?

We don’t have an office so we literally can work from anywhere. Our favourite type of place of work is somewhere we can eat!

You also have a blog on my website. Tell us about that.

Blogging is a great way to connect with out clients and people within the childcare realm. It seems to be a good way to meet out clients and let them know a bit more about ourselves and for readers to see our passion in the industry.

How do you find the nanny community in America?

The nanny community is ever changing. Being a babysitter in our younger years and passing out flyers has really changed to what it is now. To us we believe it has now come full circle in many ways. The internet sites to help people find sitters can be helpful but we take the service offline and give it that personal touch it had before it was done through a website. The Florida market is different to that in San Francisco, it seems that many families are much less aware of our service but as we educate people about how we can help them, the parents get very excited.

Will we see you at the International Nanny Conference in Mexico for 2015?

We’re not sure yet, but we’d love to go!

Your favourite things to do with kids whilst out and about?

There is so much amazing wildlife here in Florida. From the crazy looking birds to the prehistoric creatures we have in our lakes, a kids imagination can run wild here in Orlando.

Where do you find ideas and activities to do with the kids?

We have many shared boards on Pinterest although we do not have a TNW account. Both of us share ideas constantly and are invaluable resources to one another.

Your dream creative project or collaboration?

We would really love to build our community to offer support groups and classes. Educating our community and connecting people is what our business is hinged on.

What’s the best thing about what you do?

It’s hard to pick just one thing about us that is the best because there are a few different elements of the business that come together to make us stand out in our minds. Of course the personality matching is huge. We believe so strongly that a positive match based on similar values is essential to giving children an environment to strive.

Top piece of advice for new nannies?

Ask for help! Ask other nannies how they choose jobs, what make them choose that family and if it was a good job for them. Go with your gut and if you feel like the family isn’t right for you, believe yourself! It’s a serious commitment that cannot be taken lightly. This is one of the most important jobs out there and taking your time when searching for a job is essential. Make sure you are able to have good communications from day one.

Connect with The Nanny Whisperer on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

4 Components Of Good Read Aloud Books

This is post 2 of 4 in the series “Read Aloud Series”

The Read Aloud Series by author Da Poppins features all the info and tips you need to incorporate the magic of reading into your routine with kids. Click this box to see the rest in the series.

Why You Should Read Aloud To Your Child
4 Components Of Good Read Aloud Books
8 Tips To Selecting Good Read Aloud Books
6 Tips To Develop A Reading Routine

Get ready to delve into the wonder of story time again as we continue with Part 2 of the Read Aloud series. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here.

I believe that a nanny should have a good grasp on children’s literature and be able to introduce all sorts of books to their charges. But I do know that this can seem a little daunting. I walk into the children’s section of the library and think, “so many books, so little time.”

The best way for a nanny to find good books is to spend time in the library or the bookstore and just browse through what is available. I do it as an activity with the children, but I also do it on my own when I can have more time to really research. Story time isn’t just something I do now and then as a nanny, it is part of a skill I bring to the family. While some nannies are better at outdoor activities, and some are better at planning and doing crafts, I am really good at reading stories and inventing stories to entertain. Because of this, it’s an area and particular skill to being a nanny that I personally emphasise.

Story time isn’t just something I do now and then as a nanny, it’s a skill I bring to the family.

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4 Components Of Good Read Aloud Books

A good read aloud book has repetition. The best books for children, newborns to at least first graders, will have some sort of repetition. Readers will notice a repetition in the words, or theme, or even character actions. Repetition is what helps to make the story memorable.

Think about some of the classic stories: Goldilocks and The Three Bears, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and The Three Little Pigs. All of these stories have stood the test of time so well that they are constantly being reproduced. Why? Because it’s not only that parents want to share a beloved tale from their childhood with their own children, it’s that together with a clear but simple plot, and clear but simple characters who each have defined personalities, you get the repetition that grows young minds.

A good read aloud book opens vocabulary doors. Language is interesting. Kids love learning new and interesting words. All kids, not just those who naturally like to sit still, but active rambunctious children love exploring language and new words just as much. Who hasn’t witnessed that cheeky-proud grin when a four-year-old says a three syllable word the first few times?

Read aloud books should not be confused with early reading books. Early readers have short, simple sentences like Mo Willems, “Elephant and Piggie,” series, or Dr. Seuss’s, “Hop on Pop”. Early readers are books designed for kids to sound out words or recognise sight words. While early reader books can and should be read aloud, these books by definition limit vocabulary choices.

“When we limit kids to what we think they might understand, instead of just providing everyday opportunities to learn new things, we just simply limit kids.” – DA Poppins

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Key Points To Remember:

1. Look for books that have great illustrations, but also that the illustrations don’t dominate the story.

2. Look for books that have interesting, rich vocabulary.

3. Look for books that use writing devices like: onomatopoeias, consonance, assonance and alliteration, metaphors and similes.

4. Look for books that are fun for you to read. If you like a book, it’s that much easier to share!

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Next time you have the chance, go and do some research. Find a handful of new books and share some new treasures with your nanny family. Parents will notice and appreciate the positive outcomes of consistent, daily story times.

A good read aloud book opens vocabulary doors. Kids love learning new and interesting words.

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>>> How do you chose the read aloud books for your kids?

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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.

This was Part 2 of the Read Aloud series. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here. Plus Part 3 + Part 4.
You might also like Connect To Reading and our review of Hervé Tullet’s “Press Here”.

Why You Should Read Aloud To Your Child

This is post 1 of 4 in the series “Read Aloud Series”

The Read Aloud Series by author Da Poppins features all the info and tips you need to incorporate the magic of reading into your routine with kids. Click this box to see the rest in the series.

Why You Should Read Aloud To Your Child
4 Components Of Good Read Aloud Books
8 Tips To Selecting Good Read Aloud Books
6 Tips To Develop A Reading Routine

Despite not having a great deal of spare time on my hands these days to escape into as many books as I’d like, I am a keen book-worm. So it’s no surprise that I’m a big supporter of reading and of the importance of nurturing children’s literacy. I also try my hardest to encourage the same love and appreciation for books in my charges, and artfully schedule reading time into our regular routines. To kick off this Read Aloud series, I’m excited to have guest contributor Da Poppins here again (who featured in the first column of the Nanny Spotlight series).

The Importance + Why You Should Read Aloud To Your Child

I’m so glad Hope asked me to write about the benefits of reading, and of the value in reading aloud to your children. I find it has such a positive effect on children of all ages, with many encouraging results. Over the years most of the families I have met as a nanny had a routine that encouraged reading aloud. Incidentally, all of those children went on to excel at reading in later school years. Plus, I’ve also seen the positive influence of reading aloud in my own kids.

In my opinion (and shared by many others; Jim Trelease, Pam Allen, Dr. Pamela High, Norah Colvin), reading out loud is one of the most important keys for success in school, and is the best way to facilitate good reading skills in your children.

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” – Emilie Buchwald.

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The benefit of reading aloud is that it not only dramatically enhances their development and education, but that it also entertains. Another bonus to this entertainment is also that it’s free, especially if you have a library membership. And if your child is anything like me, a good book only becomes better each time it’s read!

It’s recommended that you should read aloud to your children for a minimum of 15 minutes each day. That’s 15 minutes for every child, every parent, every day. Mem Fox, author of Possum Magic and other memorable children’s books, expands on this in her ten commandments for reading aloud and suggests to start reading books to babies the moment they are born, and to keep reading numerous books every day. For babies, toddlers, and infants, it’s best to start small when reading aloud. You can break up that 15 minute block into smaller chunks between each little “That’s Not My…” book throughout the day.

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So What Does Reading Aloud Achieve?

Reading aloud to your children generates an interest in books, and fosters a love for stories and the magic of reading. As Jim Trelease puts it, reading aloud to your children is an early advertisement for books. It gives your child;

Bonding Time
The joy of reading aloud to your child is that if incorporated into the nightly bed-time routine, you can leave the events of the day behind and settle into a good book. Their freshly cleaned, pajama clad bodies can snuggle into you whilst their eyes grow heavy, and listen to the sound of your voice weave a magical story from words on the page.

Vocabulary Building
Reading aloud helps children build a stronger foundation for school success. Almost all teaching in the younger years at school, particularly in the kindergarten level, is oral. So it’s natural then that children with a larger vocabulary will benefit greater. A good read aloud book opens vocabulary doors!

Empathy
Reading aloud is a proven method to help children cope with stress and tragedy. A good story also helps draw attention to the feelings of others by bringing characters emotions, feelings and thought processes into the story line and allowing children to align themselves with their character of choice.

Knowledge Skills
A good read aloud book will not only introduce new vocabulary, but also introduce new concepts. It can help to establish a sturdy foundation for how children deal with and process issues. For example, with younger children we often rely on books to aid with the introduction of new concepts such as potty training, religious beliefs, and the rite of passage that is ‘going to school’.

Pre-literacy Skills
Reading aloud stimulates language development even before a child can talk. It also assists children in the development of wider social skills, and builds motivation, curiosity and memory. Plus, reading aloud gives children the opportunity to practice their listening skills, which is fundamental to the school environment.

A Love Of Reading
Reading aloud helps children to develop a positive association with books and reading. If you foster and environment in where your children possess a persistent hunger for knowledge, their growth, education, and acquisition of knowledge can only be enhanced. The best overall achievement in my opinion!

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They may learn to read better, think better, imagine more richly, and become a passionate and lifelong reader. But perhaps most of all, it’s that benefit and enjoyment of spending time with them! In other words, that evening story you find yourself having to read every night, the one that’s more than likely seen better days and showing signs of over use, that book is doing your child a favour. No matter the age, or how tired they are, or how busy you are, always make time in your day for reading.

Even if it’s simply to read The Gruffalo out loud for the 100th time to the four-year-old who could recount if by rote herself, do it anyway. Your kids will thank you for it when they’re older.

Reading aloud to your children is an early advertisement for books.

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>>> Do YOU read aloud to your children each day?

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The Read Aloud Series:

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Post Holiday Funk

Hi there! Did you know I was in Japan? I was! I had three beautiful weeks travelling around some of the most gorgeous scenery I’d ever seen, eating my weight in udon noodles and developing a new-found appreciation for Japanese oolong tea. It was bliss, the ultimate rejuvenation for the soul, and the perfect timing to kick-start some healthy creative juices before the silly season kicks in. To be honest, I found it completely cleansing. In the beginning I found myself with so much more free time on my hands than I’d been used to and I didn’t know what to do with myself. But then I found my groove. My mind fluttered to life and I put pen to pager in a big way. And it felt good to get the writing flowing again. Of course now that I’m home – hello post holiday funk. Ho Hum.

But I wanted to pop in and say hi. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at the moment. I’ve been focusing on building connections. In addition to the new Nanny Industry Spotlight column on the blog, I’ve been opening up dialogues on the topic of being a nanny with key players in this industry. Plus, you might have noticed already – there’s been a few articles published that were written for other nanny agencies and magazines. I’m doing this because I’m intent on contributing to the international nanny industry. Why? Because I believe we need to see some growth. I believe that nannies could benefit from connections. From better information. From access to better resources. And I know they could benefit from better support systems. I thought, you know what, you can do something about this. “You can actively do something to make a difference.” So you know what I did? I started working away at things to make a difference. I’m still gathering all of my ducks, but I can tell you it’s exciting times. We here at NANNY SHECANDO are almost ready for the launch of an exciting new project. If you’re a nanny, baby sitter, agency, or nanny employer – you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

“You can actively do something to make a difference.” So you know what? I started.

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Have you heard about HOPE FOR NANNIES? Join the community.

>>> Your call to action: If you could do just one thing today, to make a difference to tomorrow.
Identify it + make it happen.

Interview: Lani Hopcroft

THE NANNY SPOTLIGHT

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 rockstar nannies! It’s always a pleasure to chat with these seriously inspiring career professionals. Today I’m excited to introduce you to Lani Hopcroft.

Lani and I recently met through a mutual contact (my good friend Anna over at The Corporate Kid), and I must thank her. I’ve long been saying that this nanny industry needs support, connection, friendship and community and well, Lani and I are on the same page. I managed to speak to Lani whilst she was over in London recently. She’d just started with a new family and lucky her, this new job involves loads of travel. This nanny life sure has it’s perks!

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Career nanny Lani is based in Sydney, Australia when she’s not travelling for work. Photo – Source.

At time of interview, Lani was in London with her nanny family. Photo – Lani Hopcroft.

Perks of the nanny life include breakfast at a prestigious London hotel. Photo – Lani Hopcroft.

Lani Hopcroft
Sydney, Australia
Career Nanny

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

I started nannying when I was 17. I was finishing school and my children services course, and I decided that my love for babysitting could be extended. I realised that I could be more than just “the casual babysitter.” Two days after I finished my HSC (Year 12 formal qualifications), I started my first nannying job. I was thrown in the deep end and I quickly found myself managing the home and four amazing boys all under five.

“After over 7 years in this industry, I continue to fall in love with that I do every time I think about how amazing it is. That I get the opportunity to call this job my profession!”

Do you specialise in a particular age of children or type of nanny role?

My experience varies. I have worked with almost all ages and stages in life and don’t think I could say I have a favourite. All have their pros and cons. I have cared for so many different children with individual needs, both physical and intellectual disabilities and I feel that it is what fuels me in what I do. No one day is the same as the last. I’m currently looking after a newborn – I absolutely adore him.

Can you tell us about your approach towards the role of caring for kids?

I’m able to draw upon my own family values, and mix these more “old school perspectives” with a modern-day approach towards raising children. I firmly believe that getting dirty and having fun is important for kids, but ensuring that a good education is in place is equally so. I also believe that manners are taught to children and it is up to the parents, families, and carers to impress these onto the kids. I am a firm yet fun and young nanny. Once our jobs are done, I love to get the kids out and into the sunshine or the puddles in our wellies.

Have you faced any major challenges in your nanny career so far?

Whilst I have maintained a great relationship with almost all of my families, I have had to resign from positions because I felt that I just wasn’t the right fit for them. It is important to know that it is ok to do this as a nanny. Otherwise our quality of care will suffer and we become unhappy in our placement.

You recently just started with a new family. Why the change?

Today marks one week in my new position and I have never felt more comfortable in a job. The family is amazing, they operate as a team. They work together as well as with me to make sure that everything is done and that the child has the best opportunity to grow and develop. I’m looking after a 4 month old boy who is divine!

So you’re in London right now as part of your work. How’s that?

Yes – I am in London right now and loving it! London is an amazing place for both big kids and little kids. Hyde Park is full of amazing creatures and humans. From the Queen’s horses and all the Queen’s men (haven’t spotted Humpty yet), to squirrels and Pippa Middleton running on the track, it has been a beautiful place to picnic in the autumn sun on the grass.

What’s it like to be with The Corporate Kid – an Australian based nanny agency?

The Corporate Kid contacted me on behalf of the family I now work for and did all the inventory work. What was a very quick process was also a very rewarding one. Anna was there for me every step of the way to make sure I was feeling good about the career move. Being part of the T.C.K team is a good feeling, you know you have support to ask any question and have it answered it with respect.

In terms of career progression, do you stay in contact with your previous nanny families?

I have a fantastic and ongoing list of families that I have babysat and nannied for. I always take the time to do causal babysitting for them as it’s an amazing feeling to see how much my previous charges have continued to grow and learn! I try to take the kids out to the movies here and there, so I don’t just up and walk out of their lives. I think moving on from one job to another and leaving the kids is the hardest part of being a nanny.

The shopping in London is said to be amazing! Photo – Lani Hopcroft.

Lani has a modern approach to raising children with “old school” values. Photo – Lani Hopcroft.

What’s your take on the current nanny industry in Australia + the community?

I feel that in the last year there has been a boom in the “community feel” within the nanny industry, particularly in Australia. I have met many nannies and we all seem to go through the same things, and it is really helpful and comforting to know that there are others just like me. It’s comforting to know that if I have a question, some one will answer it.

Although there are so many groups and places we as nannies can go, it is a lonely job at times. There can be hours where you do nothing but sing and talk “baby talk,” but I am so lucky that all of my families are amazing and we get along really well. We can chat here and there and communicate during the day with the funny antics of the kids and enjoy a professional, and amicable relationship.

I wholeheartedly think there is a difference between being a nanny in Australia, and a nanny in other countries. I’ve seen documentaries from all around the world, and I think we have it very good in Australia. Some other places treat their nannies with respect, but not the same kind of respect we benefit from here. We become part of the family.

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

I love getting the kids in my care down to the beach. I think it is so important to make them aware of the water – to be water safe and to learn and understand our limits when it comes to water play. I am a strong swimmer, and yet I have a vivid memory of being pulled from the bottom of a pool when I was a young child. The sooner the kids become safe and confident around water the better!

Where do you shop for tools of the trade?

I tend to stroll shops and draw inspiration from what I find. Think Spotlight, RiotArt & Craft and cheap dollar stores. I also use Pinterest. I love DIY projects that I can do with the kids. I recently made soy candles with a little girl I was caring for – perfect Christmas gifts!

Favourite travel destination?

Even though being a nanny can be quite isolating, I really just love being on a deck chair in the middle of a quiet beach. Ice cold grapes and a good books top it off. Wherever that’s on offer, I’m there!

Best thing about what you do?

The simple fact that I love what I do! Every day is different and poses new challenges and it means that I don’t actually get bored. I love that I get to watch little humans grow. It’s something that a parent only really experiences once, but as a nanny you get to experience this process with each new family.

Best piece of advice for new nannies starting out in this industry?

The dream opportunity is waiting for you. Don’t be scared, we all start somewhere!

Connect with Lani Hopcroft on Instagram + Pinterest.

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>>> Have you ever travelled with your nanny family?

If you’d like to participate in The Nanny Spotlight, please email me. If you’re a rockstar in your field, be it a nanny or sitter, childcare worker, primary teacher, nanny industry expert, nanny agency or children’s author – I’m looking to hear from you!

The Nanny Spotlight
Brittney Schering; NYAN Magazine
Nanny DA Poppins; Northwest Nanny Institute
Kaelyn Cooper; Nifty Nanny

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