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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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>>> 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

Interview: Nifty Nanny

Hello and 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 rock star nannies! It’s always a pleasure to chat with these seriously inspiring career professionals, like Brittney Schering + DA Poppins, to get the lowdown on their nanny life and to share with you key tips, tricks, ideas and inspirations.

Today I’m chatting with Kaelyn Cooper, but you probably know her as Nifty Nanny – the dedicated YouTube channel for nannies. Kaelyn is a career nanny based in Sacramento, California and woah is she one busy career gal. We delved into some hot topics – like how some still don’t see this career choice as a legitimate profession, talked nanny skills, crafting and the process of making videos for YouTube.

Plus, spoiler alert: Kaelyn divulged her über secret piece of advice for new nannies (and seasoned old-hats).

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Nifty Nanny is a big advocate for letting “kids, be kids”. Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Kaelyn Cooper aka Nifty Nanny is a nanny based in Sacramento, California. Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Kaelyn Cooper
Sacramento California, United States
Career Nanny
Founder | Nifty Nanny

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

In my early teenage years I was a weekend baby sitter and provided child care in the church nursery. When I started college I transitioned into a full time nanny. Fourteen years later, I am still a successful and happy nanny.

Wow that’s impressive! What are some of the major challenges you’ve faced so far?

Some people do not accept nannying as a career. I never set out for it to be my “forever job”, but I find it so rewarding that I could never give it up!

I’ve got to say, I’m in love with your approach towards caring for kids, and couldn’t agree more. Can you elaborate a little on your philosophy?

Very simply – “fun with a hint of structure!” I let the kids be kids. Some may see it that I let the children get wild and crazy, but I believe having a nanny is a treat – a freedom from parents. I do instil rules and consequences, however. When I am with the children I want it to be fun and relaxed. We make lots of mess. But they also know that with this freedom comes the responsibility of helping to clean up afterwards.

| “I guess you can say it is a Mary Poppins approach.”

So you’re a nanny but you’re also working to establish a community of support for other nannies. Tell us about that!

Yes I’m a nanny based in the East Sacramento, California area. At the moment I’m working on building a nanny audience via social media. Once I have more of a following I plan to make more weekly youtube videos on all things “nanny”. I want it to be community oriented place, and so I’m generating input from other nannies. I recently just went on a three week tour of the United States where I was able to meet with other nannies – exploring their home town, and seeing how they work as a nanny.

You mentioned your YouTube project earlier, can you tell us more about your plans for Nifty Nanny?

Nifty Nanny is a community, a place for all nannies to be present and get involved.
While searching YouTube, I noticed a lack of outlets for nannies. There are beauty channels, sports channels, gaming channels and so on, but no unique nanny channels. Plus, there are several nanny blogs and websites, but still not a place where you have a visual (video) medium. I am a very visual person, so it just seemed natural to make videos on what I know best – life as a nanny! So I started Nifty Nanny as a youtube channel dedicated specifically to nannies.

It’s a giant learning curve as the process of making and editing videos is new to me, but I really enjoy it. Then came Nanny Nation, which is a subsidiary to Nifty Nanny. I was going on a cross country trip and wanted to meet other nannies and get them involved with the project.

Your overall mission & vision?

I want to facilitate a safe and rewarding space online for nannies all over the world, and of any age.

| “Nifty Nanny is a community based project. It is an online outlet where nannies can meet, share experiences, tips, and ideas.”

You went on a tour across North America to interview other nannies for Nanny Nation. What was that like?

It was a great experience. I was not able to meet as many nannies as anticipated, but I am still in contact with many and plan to revisit. I want the Nanny Nation videos to serve as an invitation to other nannies to participate. The emphasis is on it being a collaborative project to benefit everyone, and not just me making and producing my own content.

Can you share an overall theme after having met so many diverse nannies?

I had the pleasure of meeting some truly exceptional nannies. I think a common theme amongst all, is just how much they love their job. Being a nanny takes a special kind of person, a sensitive and sweet person. In my experience so far, all the nannies I’ve connected with share these attributes.

What were you doing before you started Nifty Nanny?

Before Nifty Nanny I was a nanny, a traveler, and an environmentalist – all things I still consider myself to be!

What does a typical weekday look like for you?

This is a difficult to lock down because it’s always changing. I work for a few families so some weeks I have kids on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Then another week, only on Monday and Friday. It keeps me on my toes and keeps things fresh and new. I do the typical nanny duties. I drive them to soccer, tutoring, play practice and so on. I make them healthy snacks and dinners and help them with homework – well that is our school schedule. In the summer it is a different story. We are always out doing something active and fun such as swimming, biking, hiking, playing at the park, or having play dates .

How would you like to see Nifty Nanny evolve in the next 6 to 12 months?

I want to have a regular schedule for uploading videos. My aim is to provide content that is consistently appealing, relatable and captivating to the target audience. Most of all I want other nannies to be 100% part of the process!

Nifty Nanny enjoying the summer with her charges. Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Nifty Nanny is a YouTube channel dedicated specifically to supporting + inspiring nannies.

Your hometown’s best keep secret?

Nature! There are so many amazing nature outlets near and around the Sacramento area that most people have no clue exist. The kids and I love exploring these places. Swimming holes, river banks to fish on, hiking trails, and so much more.

Favourite thing to do with kids whilst out and about in Sacramento?

One of our favourite things is the $1 store – everything is $1! The kids eyes light up when I say they can each buy three items. It’s a great way for them to learn the value of a dollar and how to make decisions. It’s also a great place to pick up affordable craft items and prizes.

Where do you shop for supplies to produce your Nifty Nanny YouTube videos?

Funny this is the next question because the number one place would be the $1 store!! However, I am always on the look out when I am in any store. We have great crafting stores such as Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Joann’s.

Favourite travel destination?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I would have to say anywhere in Mexico. I love the people, the language, the food, and the culture.

What would be your dream creative project or collaboration?

To be able to collaborate with someone that knows how to create and produce excellent, high-quality videos. I feel I could benefit from a mentor.

Biggest piece of advice for new nannies starting out?

Always do the dishes! One of the first families I worked for, the mom said she hated when she came home to a messy house and dishes in the sink. Since then I always make it a point for the house to be as clean if not cleaner than when the parents left and always do the dishes. I haven’t had a complaint yet!

I completely agree. Ensuring mom has that blissful “ahh I’m home” feeling the second she walks in the door to greet her kids is the icing on the cake.

Nifty Nanny is all about letting the kids have fun! Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Based in California, Nifty Nanny loves getting outside with her charges! Photo – Kaelyn Cooper.

Connect with Nifty Nanny at YouTube, Twitter, Instagram.

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Wow thanks Kaelyn. It was a pleasure to feature you on The Nanny Spotlight, thanks for sharing with us your slice of the nanny life.

To get involved in The Nanny Spotlight, please contact me here or email me at hope(at)nannyshecando(dot)com. If you’re a standout professional in your field, be it a career nanny, sitter, childcare worker, or nanny industry professional – you could be featured next! Share your story, and connect with Nanny SheCanDo.

>>>Missed the spotlight on our previous features?

Check out Brittney Schering and Nanny DA Poppins.

The Benefits Of Toddler Craft

Given our outdoors-based Australian lifestyle and fairly good weather, we can often see craft activities as being a great way to pass the time whilst stuck indoors on an unseasonably wet or cold day. And if you’re like me, the second the sun comes out – we down tools and hit the park, all summer long.

However, craft activities really are a great way to help your toddler engage in new ideas and build a foundation for future learning. If you haven’t delved elbow deep into the craft supplies before, you should know that toddler craft time can be extremely messy. You’ll also want to be ready to pluck the grubby toddler from the crime scene and deposit straight into an antibacterial bath.

Toddler craft is no place for the likes of Lego Movie’s “President Business” or neat freaks.

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Despite the mess, and the realisation that you might just have to forgo any preconceived ideas about the end result, toddler art and craft is important. You should still absolutely let your toddler in on the glitter glue action!

Craft activities encourage your toddler’s creativity and imagination. And by simply sticking some milk bottle tops to a toilet roll and calling it a car, your toddlers are honing their fine motor co-ordination, their social skills, and even the process of using colours to convey emotions.

Allowing your toddler time to craft is vital to their growth and development.

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Of course, when talking about babies and toddlers under the age of two getting their hands on things like paint, there are some concerns. Choking hazards, toxins, non-ingestables and harmful substances that will stain your freshly painted walls are worth thinking about beforehand. To minimise the risk, and to ensure that your toddler is maximizing their benefit without coming into harms way, there are a number of precautions you can take to ensure the craft activity is toddler approved.

For example, most store-bought paints, glue and play dough are not baby friendly. But you can very easily make your own baby-friendly, non-toxic edible paints and glue using simple pantry items such as corn starch, baby rice cereal and natural food dyes.

How To Make Edible Finger Paint For Your Toddler

Corn starch, baby rice cereal and natural food dyes make perfect toddler approved craft materials!

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The full article, complete with the 6 most crucial points for making the most out of this toddler approved art activity, and the edible finger paint recipe is over on SitterCycle; Crafts For Those Under 2.

**This post appeared first online at SitterCycle, written and contributed by Nanny Shecando

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At SitterCycle our mission is to improve the lives of families, nannies, and professional care givers through supportive education, resources and community. SitterCycle professional development classes certification programs are address the rigours of childcare and promote successful working relationships between nannies and the families who employ them.

How To Make A Nut Free Zone

Finding suitable alternatives for allergy free foods to send your child off to school with can be difficult. Especially if your child does not have any nut allergies, and you must simply comply with the school’s rules (even if they are with the rest of the children’s best interests in mind).

Being sensitive to the allergy risk of the other students, there are a number of great ways to ensure the lunchbox is nut and allergy free. When schools become a “nut free zone” this means that snacks must not be made with nuts or manufactured in a plant with nuts. Whilst most of the products made with nuts are fairly obvious, usually featuring the word “nuts” within the name, there are others that may be a bit more sneaky and fly under the radar.

Fruit + vegetables, dips + rice crackers are perfect nut free lunchbox options

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To Make A Nut Free Zone:

The best way to be sure that your products don’t contain any nuts is to read the labels and packaging information. Most brands will mark their packaging with a specific allergen list, or will issue a warning such as “may contain traces of nuts” or “made in a plant that contains traces of nuts” or “process shared equipment with nuts.”

However, it’s important to remember that not all manufacturers will be so cautious and transparent with their labels and packaging. Labelling requirements will be determined by the specific health regulatory systems within your area.

For ideas to pack into your child’s lunch box, you can always be safe with fruit and other grains. To help you create a complete Nut Free Zone, here’s a list of nut free alternatives for your school lunch box.

Fruit & Vegetables
apples, bananas, baby carrots, oranges, watermelons, cucumber, bell peppers grapes, strawberries, peaches, plums, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries and cantaloupe

Other Snack Options
cheese cubes + graham crackers, cheese + fruit kabobs, ham + cottage cheese lettuce wraps, yoghurt squeezes and frozen yoghurt tubs, raisins and dried fruit mixes, cereal and snacks, teddy grahams, fruit smoothies and protein shakes, carrot + celery sticks with hummus or tahini dips, homemade savoury muffins or fresh fruit mixed muffins, rice cakes with apple butter, kale hips and corn + tortilla chips with salsa.

> For alternatives when baking, you can explore grains such as quinoa and quinoa flour, pumpkin seeds, ground black beans, flax grain and chia seed flour and even organic tapioca starch.

> And if like me, you have kids that manage to only eat peanut butter, a great alternative is Sunbutter Sunflower Seed Butter. It has a thick, creamy, peanut buttery taste that will spread perfectly onto apple slices or onto crackers and keep your little ones satisfied.

Your guide to a healthy school lunchbox – this is a nut free zone!

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>>How do you make a “nut free zone” for your lunch boxes?