Nanny Shecando

Supporting the international nanny industry

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box, NANNY SHECANDO

Before we dive in, let me introduce Olivia Foster, our new crafts contributor here at NANNY SHECANDO. We are so excited to have her join the team and can’t wait to get busy with the diy supplies. Just go easy on the glitter action ok, my crafts studio is still sparkling from the Christmas craft!

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box (Nanny Approved)

As a nanny to 7 creative kids, art & crafts are programmed into our schedule every day. Not only are they a great leisure activity, but they also foster the children’s learning and development.

I don’t know about you, but I could go crazy buying supplies for my arts & craft stash; filling box after box ready for a crafty week with my nanny-kids! So I’ve put together a list of 10 essentials for your craft box.

1. Paint

Painting is a creative, somewhat messy, versatile activity.

It is a confidence booster and encourages thought & decision-making through choices of colours, designs, shapes and patterns. Whether you use poster paint or watercolours, the options are endless & it is a great form of stress relief or ‘quiet time’ activity.

2. Googly Eyes

Googly eyes are an easy way to bring drawings and paintings to life or an important addition to rock people and play-doh creations.

3. Bubble Wrap

Rainy days when you’re stuck inside is the best time to bring out bubble wrap! Whether your charge is 2 or 10, they’ll be entertained for hours… or at least till they’ve popped every one. My favourite bubble wrap activities are;

> Hopscotch – cut out squares of bubble wrap and tape to the floor like a hopscotch court.

> Boots – tape bubble wrap to your charges feet like boots – optional to add paint and a large piece of paper.

4. Cotton Tips

Cotton tips are a great substitute to paint brushes.

For a mess-free activity to build fine motor skills, pour some paint into a zip-lock bag and use cotton tips to draw and/or write letters and numbers. Alternatively, use shaving cream or rice. Cotton Tips can also be used as bones for a Halloween skeleton craft.

5. Balloons

Whether I’m planning an activity, craft or just need to buy some time, balloons are a must!

Games include volleyball, tennis (rackets made from paddle pop sticks and paper plates) or simply, “don’t let the balloon touch the ground.” Balloon games promote gross motor skills, hand/foot eye coordination as well as communication skills.

For craft, fill balloons with water and use as a stamp with paint and a large piece of paper. Use as gift wrap to add a personal touch to a present.

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box, NANNY SHECANDO

6. Glitter, Gems & Sequins

I have a love/hate relationship with glitter. It seems like a good idea to begin with, but it WILL go everywhere and you WILL still find it around the house 3 days later.

For a *relatively* mess-free glitter activity, make a snow globe or calming bottle. To make a calming bottle, combine glitter/gems, warm water and glitter glue to a plastic bottle. Follow the same step to make a snow globe, gluing a small figurine to the inside of the lid. Use a hot glue gun to glue the lids shut. Mason jars are perfect for older children.

7. Pipe Cleaners

Pipe cleaners are a great alternative to string or elastic when threading beads, particularly for children aged 2+. It is easy to thread, holds its shape and can be manipulated into shapes, letters, numbers, bracelets etc. Pipe cleaner craft actively encourages concentration, hand eye coordination and strengthens the pincer grip.

8. Scissors

Using scissors is a tricky skill my NK’s (nanny kids) are always eager to learn.

Once they’ve mastered how to hold the scissors, start by rolling play-doh into worms and cutting up into small pieces. Then move onto strips of coloured card, cutting along thick straight, curved and zigzag lines.

Collect toy catalogues for children to cut out toys and paste onto a drawn shopping trolley, a letter to Santa or a simple ‘I wish’ list.

9. Large Roll of Paper

Although it won’t fit in a craft box, a large roll of paper is a resourceful tool for any arts/craft collection.

Tracing my NK’s bodies with markers is one of my go-to activities. Let their creativity run wild to decorate – paint clothing and body parts and/or apply fabric squares, cellophane, paper, etc to complete. We also identify and label body parts & hang for all to see!

10. PVA Glue

Glue is essential for completing a creative masterpiece. Source clear dry glue with a spout tip opening for easy application. Plus, you can even add glitter to the bottle for a little extra sparkle.

I have a love/hate relationship with glitter. It’s a good idea until it goes everywhere. #nannylife #craft

Click To Tweet

While I’ve only listed 10 essentials for your craft box, there are countless supplies you could add. Collect or invest in cotton buds, white and coloured paper and card stock, cellophane, crepe paper, wool, beads, buttons, popsicle sticks, feathers, pom-poms, wooden pegs, stickers, masking tape for easy kids crafts and activities.

Or recycle items from around the house such as toilet or paper towel rolls, yoghurt containers, envelopes, sponges, egg cartons, cereal and tissue boxes, newspaper and photographs to stock up your craft supplies. Happy Crafting!

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box, NANNY SHECANDO

>>> Do you have a craft box full of supplies at your house?

________

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.

Babysitter or Nanny? (And Does It Matter)

Babysitter Or Nanny? (Is There A Difference)

Let me introduce to you Sarah Kinghorn, a Sydney based professional career nanny specialising in infant and travel care. Sarah is making her debut on NANNY SHECANDO with a piece about what’s really in a name, and does it matter if one calls you a babysitter or nanny? To see more of Sarah, you can click here.

________

“What do you do?”

“I’m a nanny.”

“Oh, you babysit for a living?”

This statement is like adding bi-carb soda to vinegar and detergent – major internal fizzing.  So many thoughts rush through my head.

>>> If I said I built cars for a living, would you equate that to working at the car wash?

>>> Of all the terms to describe being paid to care for children, how is “babysitting” the one that gained traction?

>>> I tried sitting on babies, but the baby bit me and I called it quits.

I catch myself, though.  After all, I am so fortunate to have found a career where the work feels like play, where I contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and to the wellbeing of society, where love is a valid and integral part of my working day.

I remind myself that because I found my dream career early in life, I did not have to experience jobs that would not suit me, corporate jobs big on ambition and low on appreciation, medical jobs where one slip could cost a life, legal jobs where I may have to put aside my beliefs and values.  This means I do not understand what other jobs are like, what other job titles mean.

I once worked for a psychiatrist.  It took time for me to cement in my mind that she was a psychiatrist and not a psychologist, because although I knew there was a difference, I had no experience with matching the correct label to the correct career.  If I ever used the wrong title when talking to her, I certainly meant no offence.

So I breathe.  I smile.  I say:

“I’m so lucky to have a career I love. Nannying is very rewarding”.

I ask what they do, and try to learn a little more about the mysterious other jobs that involve tea breaks instead of tea parties.

Often, I find they ask more questions about what I do.  My job is exotic to them, though perhaps not a job they would want for themselves.  I take each question as it comes and try to answer it honestly.

My working day can be filled with mess and chaos and the absurd, and pretending otherwise doesn’t do the nanny industry or the industry of childhood any favours.  I defend my bosses from accusations of laziness and disinterest and pomp and praise their efforts both inside and outside the home.

In fact, I make a mental note to give my bosses this praise directly the next time I see them, and to thank them for respecting me as a professional.  I hug the baby I care for extra tight, for seeing me not as a babysitter, not even as a nanny, but as one of the cornerstones of her life.  I check in with my nanny friends, and try to slip in a comment about their important work.

Picasso, Michelangelo, Cezanne – painters.  The wall-painter, the subway vandal, the child who makes the fridge his gallery – are they not all painters, too?  Each is defined by their works, not by their title.  Perhaps some would prefer “artist”, or a specialist term of their own creation, but society as a whole will still put them in the painter box for easy filing and reference.

When I get caught up in declaring that I am an artist rather than a hobby painter, I have to come back to my nanny origins.  By definition, I started as a babysitter.  I would not be where I am today, taking my pick of the jobs, being paid to travel the world, if I had not first babysat.  Those parents and those children have given me gifts I can never repay, and if the consequence is being occasionally mislabeled, I will wear that mistaken moniker with pride.

I truly believe, the more we individual nannies make a name for ourselves, the more we can define our shared professional name.

But for now.

What’s in a name? Sometimes, not as much as we think.

What do you do? “I’m a nanny.” Oh, you babysit for a living?” #nannylife #careers

Click To Tweet

Babysitter Or Nanny? (Is There A Difference)

>>> How do you respond when called a babysitter?

10 Back To School Tips For Nannies

10 Back To School Tips For Nannies, NANNY SHECANDO

If you’re working with a school aged child or your little one is about to start school (my middle child is starting kindergarten this week, exciting), these 10 back to school tips will ensure you stay organised for the school year. 

1. Do A Dry Run Of The School Drop Off

You can expect that MB has already been through this with the kids. They’ve done the morning routine and the mad dash to school only to forget a lunch box or a school hat! But it’s also important for you to go through the process with the children. Because even if MB is taking Miss 5 to school on the first day, chances are you’ll be doing the rest of the school drop offs. Ensure that your nanny child understands that you’ll be doing it sometimes as well as mummy and that it’ll be just as good!

2. Agree On A Drop Off + Pick Up Spot

If your nanny kids are old enough and comfortable to be dropped off, agree on a usual place so that they always know where to find you. If some days you’ll be driving your car and others the nanny car, make sure the kids know how to recognise them. Or if you’re still walking into school to collect like I am, decide on a meeting spot within the pick up area so that they don’t have too much trouble trying to find you amongst a group of other adults.

3. Introduce Yourself To The Teacher

Most teachers will appreciate it if you make the effort to introduce yourself to them. Explain that you’re the child’s nanny or carer and that you’ll be picking up the kids most days if not all days. This way even if you’ve already given the school the paperwork authorising you to collect, the teacher will be able to put a face to the name. Plus, with an introduction, you’ve got a segue to chat with the teacher about how your nanny child is settling in to school, and they’ll know who you are when you sign your kids homework diary and readers.

4. Ensure You’re On The School Contact List

Often times the parents register the children into school enrolment and their contacts go into the database. But if you’re the one who’s going to be collecting an ill child from the school sick bay or calling to advise that your nanny child won’t be at school, make sure your details are in the database too. That way the school can have you as first point of contact and direct communication without delays. Tip: join the school newsletter mailing list. If your employers are like mine, they’ll yell out to you that it’s “no rubbish lunch box day” or “Super Hero dress up day” as they run out the door in the morning. Ensure you’re always in the loop by accessing the information first hand.

5. Check Out The Classroom

If you’ve got children starting school for the first time, chances are you might have a few teething problems in the beginning. If you’ve got a good understanding and vision of the school setup, you can help to transition the kids at home after school hours. Simulate a school environment at home to play games and do homework to help your nanny kids adjust easier in a comfortable and secure environment. Tip: I discovered a brilliant new kids app recently for iOS devices. Bizzi Brains have created an app to help your kindergarteners or prep kids settle into school. “I Learn” will have your child ready to make the most of school. During the game they’ll need to pick up pencils and books to put them away such as they would have to do in the classroom, and at lunch times they find themselves in a social setting with other kids. You can even insert your own faces to overlay the girl or boy, the parents and the teacher within the game. You can find I Learn in the app store.

6. Introduce Yourself To The Other Parents + Carers

I’ll admit, school drop offs and pick ups are not my favourite. I spend the time uncomfortably on my phone not really connecting with the mother cliques. But if you can take the plunge and muscle in on that mums group, playdates will be much easier to organise! Tip: make a list of mums/carers names, phone numbers, address, and the corresponding kids names so that playdates, school sport, and extra curricular activities can be easily planned.

7. Have A “School Folder” For Each Child

Does your fridge overflow with school notes? Keep a folder for each child easily accessible in the kitchen or study to pop their school info into. I use a ringed binder with plastic sleeve inserts. I store all of the notes they bring home, excursion details, a copy of the school uniform policy, school contact info, teacher outlines, homework diaries, lesson outlines and key term dates. I also store school receipts and school fee info. That way the information can be easily found and categorised during the school year and you’ll never forget an excursion or sports day!

8. Maintain A Family Calendar + Schedule

For a lot of nannies, family and household management plays a big part. Particularly if you work for large busy families. Keeping track of their whereabouts, events, meetings, and school functions can make or break a household during the school year. I love these large family calendars from Kikki.K. Each family member gets a column and their activity gets written down. Tip: if you’ve got nanny parents that work long hours or do lots of travel, this is a way for them to glance at the calendar and easily know what their children are up to.

9. Memorise The Daily School Requirements

It’s hard enough getting kids out the door with their lunch and clean teeth without having to remember what day is library day, which day is sports uniform day, and which is homework day. Familiarise yourself with the daily school requirements and pop a reminder into your phone calendar and the family planner calendar. Tip: I like to scan the day’s events in the morning from my phone calendar just before I arrive so that I can hit the ground running and not forget that overdue library book.

10. Make Lunch Boxes The Night Before

Ok so this is my special little secret that I’m sharing with you. It sounds simple. It is simple. Make the school lunches the night before. Either whilst you’re un-packing bags and making afternoon tea, or whilst making dinner, prepare the lunch box and pop in the fridge for the morning. But won’t the sandwiches go soggy? We do a Bento Box style lunch box and 95% can be prepared in advance, leaving time to quickly chop some fruit and cut a sandwich in the morning.

Now if you’re well prepared, and have tag teamed with MB to ensure that your nanny child is ready for school, you should be set for the first day. But in order to survive not just the first day, but the rest of the year with ease, these 10 back to school tips will help you transition the family household into the school year.

Getting kids to school on time is hard enough without having to remember what day library day is! #backtoschool

Click To Tweet

10 Back To School Tips For Nannies, NANNY SHECANDO

>>> Are you ready to go back to school this week?

Interview: Brooke Nelson (Nanny Spotlight)

In today’s episode of the Nanny Spotlight Column, we’re talking with Brooke Nelson  – a now Sydney, AUS based professional nanny. With a background in early childhood and education, and truly life changing experiences working overseas as a travel nanny, Brooke shares her experiences with us.

Brooke Nelson, Nanny Industry Spotlight, NANNY SHECANDO

Coogee coastal walk, Brooke Nelson, NANNY SHECANDO
Coogee coastal walk. Photo: credit

Brooke Nelson, NANNY SPOTLIGHT

Give us 5 words to describe you; Brooke the nanny:

Fun, enthusiastic, loving, dedicated, dynamic!

You have a background in early childhood development, tell us about that.

Working with children was something I always knew I wanted to do. I studied my Certificate III in Children’s Services while I was still at High School. I then went on to do my Bachelor in Primary Education.

So you’re also a teacher?

I have worked as a Primary School Teacher (K-6) in Bathurst and Sydney and studied at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.

Is there a particular reason why you’re currently working full-time as a nanny and not as a teacher?
(Not that we don’t think that’s awesome!)

Moving from the country to the city meant more opportunities. When I moved to Sydney I discovered nannying and fell in love with it! It allows me to still follow my dream of teaching and caring for children but in a more informal and relaxed environment.

I find nannying such a rewarding career, as I am able to make more of an impact on children’s growth and development through the individualised attention nannying allows. I also love the close relationship you build with the children; you often feel like you become another member of their family!

Because of this experience, do you feel you can better understand the role of a nanny and the key importance they bring to in-home childcare management?

Yes, nannies can make a big difference to children and their early development. I have found tutoring in preparation for school is highly beneficial to the children, and it really boosts their confidence.

Do you like to bring in the early education aspect to your daily nanny work?

In the past I have tutored some of the children I nanny for, so have developed programs of work for them. However, mostly I find a lot of informal lessons take place- children are naturally inquisitive about the world, which usually leads to us doing different activities based on their interest at that time. For instance, we’ll read books, do some baking, role-play, have some outside adventures and some arts and crafts, all based on a certain topic.

I also like to keep a diary of what we have done in the day, as well as emailing photos to the parents of the fun we have had.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, or face, during your nanny career?

Leaving a job after becoming so close with the children is always difficult. Thankfully I have managed to keep in touch with most families I have worked for. It’s amazing catching up with old families and seeing how much the children have grown!

Brooke Nelson, NANNY SHECANDO, London, TRAVEL NANNY

Brooke Nelson, NANNY SHECANDO, Nanny Industry Spotlight

What’s your take on the nanny industry and community?

The Nanny industry is gradually developing in Australia. It is great to have support groups such as the Australian Nanny Association and the various nanny agencies out there. I have found there to be an amazing, supportive and friendly nanny community in Sydney, which makes the job so much more enjoyable.

How would you like to see the industry evolve?

There is big potential for the nanny industry to evolve in Australia, and I am looking forward to it becoming regulated in all areas so that we are always provided with fair conditions and the career is given more credibility.

Tell us about being a nanny overseas!

Nannying overseas was an absolutely amazing experience! First I was a summer au pair in Spain, where I nannied and taught English to two boys. Living with the family was the best way of experiencing the Spanish culture, as well as expanding my Spanish vocabulary. It was a massive culture shock for me, as there were not many English speakers in the village, however I enjoyed the challenge and gained so much from the experience!

Afterwards I moved on to the hustle and bustle of London, and nannied for two gorgeous little English boys. London has a great nanny community and I made some really lovely friends who made the role even more enjoyable.

While living in Spain and England I had the opportunity to travel all around Europe and had the most amazing adventures! Living and working overseas was the time of my life and I would recommend it to everyone!

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

Doing the coastal walk Coogee to Clovelly. I love living in the Eastern Suburbs!

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

Beach days are always fun – going for a swim, building sand castles, eating icy poles, singing silly songs. Sydney is an amazing place to be a nanny!

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

I like getting creative with the kids and going to the art and craft shops like Riot, Eckersley’s and Spotlight.

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

Melonhead in Coogee is great as it has a variety of different fresh juices and smoothies that the kids love.

NANNY SPOTLIGHT, NANNY SHECANDO, Brooke Nelson

Brooke Nelson NANNY SHECANDO Sydney Eastern Suburbs

Brooke Nelson, NANNY SHECANDO, Greece, Travel Nanny

What’s next up on the list of your “big target goals”?

The youngest of the two beautiful girls I nanny for is off to school this year, so my next goal is to get a new fabulous nanny role!

What’s the best thing about what you do?

Nannying is more than just a job to me. Bonding with the children, seeing them learn and grow, and their little personalities develop is a really special experience.

Favourite travel destination…

Turkey! Istanbul is a magical city, and the Turkish south coast is a dream to sail. Hawaii and the Greek Islands are also favourites!

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

Travelling the world as a Travel Nanny, an ESL Teacher in Asia, or settled in Sydney with a great Nanny or Teaching role (and travelling often!) I am an adventurer at heart!

What would you say to a young new-to-the-industry nanny? Any hot career tips?

Smile and stay positive! Never stop learning and improving yourself as a nanny. Nannying has its challenges, but overall, the role is so incredibly rewarding!

Brooke Nelson, Nanny Spotlight, NANNY SHECANDO

Brooke Nelson, Travel Nanny, Nanny Industry Spotlight, Nanny Shecando

Connect with Brooke Nelson
Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

________

>>> Would you consider being a travel nanny?

12 Nanny Bag Essentials For Summer

12 Essentials To Pack In Your Nanny Bag For Summer, NANNY SHECANDO

(When Working With Kids) The summer school holidays mean fun times for all. Whether you’re ducking onto a ferry for a trip to the museum, heading to a summer tennis camp, picnics in the park, or on route to a beach-side getaway, these 12 nanny bag essentials for summer are must pack items when working with kids.

1. Sunscreen

Make sure it’s SPF 50+ and re-apply every three hours. We love the Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids spray on sunscreen for beach and pool.

2. Hats

No hat, no play right? We love these fun wide-brimmed bucket hats from Cotton On Kids. Super cute + perfect for being in and out of the water, and trudged though the sand.  Tip: Nanny, don’t forget your hat too!

3. Water Bottles

Make sure you stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water whilst out in the heat. Go with a metal water bottle that keeps your water fresh, and colder for longer. Tip: 7 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Summer Holidays.

4. Beach Towels + Swimmers

Even if you don’t plan on going to the beach, it’s always good to have the option. You never know when you might drop in on a friend to cool off in their pool, or when the golf course sprinklers suddenly present to good an offer to refuse. Tip: don’t forget the swim nappies for the little one too. We always wear sun safe rash-shirts for extra protection!

5. Cocobella Kids

Coconut water is the ultimate thirst quencher, and gives you that burst of “pep” right when you need it most. The new kids range means nanny is happy, and kids are happy without the sugar loaded options from regular kids juices.

6. Snacks

We love berries & fresh fruit with plenty of antioxidants for a juicy burst of healthy goodness. Organic, additive free fruit squeezies are also staples in our nanny bag.

7. Scooters, Skateboards, Bikes + Helmets

Ok so these don’t necessarily fit in your nanny bag, but they’re summer essentials. Throw them in the back of the car or hang them off the handles of the pram and you’re ready to go!

8. Skipping Ropes + Tennis Rackets

These on the other hand, most likely will fit in your nanny bag. How long has it been since you skipped the Double Dutch Jump rope game? Go on, I dare you.

9. First Aid Kit

We highly recommend you take a travel first aid kit with you on your summer adventures. For every day use, you’ll need bandaids, stingoes & aerogard, chapstick, aloe vera lotion to soothe sunburnt skin, hand sanitizer, allergy medication, plus a twist-to-cool travel ice pack. To clean up melting ice creams, sticky fingers and dirty feet, baby wipes or wet ones are must haves too. Tip: make sure you’ve always got a few “ouchy” lollipops for desperate measures.

10. Large Portable Sun Shade

Or a beach umbrella, either works. When on-the-go, set up anywhere in peace of mind + without having to trudge tired kids around in search of shade. If you don’t yet know this trick, you’re going to love it. Tip: baby powder helps to remove unwanted sand from sticky hands without having to wash it.

11. Inflatable Pool

Do you have a baby or toddler that isn’t yet ready to join their older siblings in the big waves? An inflatable pool will keep them happy and cool at the beach and make it significantly easier to cast your careful eye over all the children at once.

12. Extra Plastic Bags

No matter your plan, it’s likely you’ll end up in search of water to cool off in the summer months. So you’re going to need a bag to store the wet clothes afterwards and to protect your nanny bag essentials from becoming water-logged.

Summer time in the #nannylife means it pays to be prepared. Here’s your go-to “nanny bag” packing list.

Click To Tweet

Of course to store all of this, you’re going to need a durable, sturdy, weather proof, beach proof, well-tested carry bag. We reviewed our favourite baby bag. {Click Here To See} But stay tuned, more in the ultimate nanny bag coming later in 2015!

These 12 nanny bag essentials for summer will ensure your summer spent with the kids is hassle free + prepared whilst out & about with the kids. Meaning you can stay safe this summer, enjoy the warm weather, remember to slip, slop, slap, and most of all; have fun!

12 Essentials To Pack In Your Nanny Bag (When Working With Kids), NANNY SHECANDO, SUMMER

>>> What are YOUR nanny bag essentials for summer?