To help celebrate National Nanny Week, one of our experts and qualified Nanny, Lorna Clark, has put together a little guide on Nannies. This includes what they can and should be able to help with, that includes phone and email advice, which Lorna is available to give on her Greatvine profile.
Many families find that employing a nanny is the best childcare solution for them, here are just some of the reasons why.
Flexibility
Nannies typically work longer and more flexible hours than most nurseries and childminders so if you need help in the morning or can’t be sure you will finish work by 5.30 everyday this might be the best option for you. Unlike a late stay elsewhere a nanny can follow your usual evening routine and settle a child to sleep in their own bed, so your little one’s routine isn’t thrown out when your train is running late.
Safety
A nanny should be trained in first aid and you must be confident that your child is in safe hands. A nanny with years of experience will also be familiar with common dangers at home as well as out and about. They should be able to recommend any changes you might want to make to keep your little one safe as he reaches each developmental stage and give you lots of tips for trips further afield.
Nutrition
A good nanny will have an understanding of child nutrition and with many years of experience they will have a good repertoire of popular recipes. If your nanny has an interest in cooking they will be able to provide your child with a varied and interesting diet, from first weaning foods to after school meals, and will help you to avoid problems with fussy eating.
Behaviour
A qualified nanny should have studied child behaviour and understand why children behave in certain ways at different ages. Experience means they also have a thorough understanding of how this works in practice! A nanny can help you to set boundaries for behaviour or deal with any issues quickly and effectively, explaining how and why you might want to handle things in a particular way. With experience of many children in many situations, they should have enough knowledge and experience to adapt methods to suit your child and family.
Development
A nanny who has childcare qualifications will have been trained in early years education and has probably worked with a huge variety of nurseries and schools. They will know how to support your child’s development in every area, from the academic subjects to things like social skills. Above all a good nanny knows how to incorporate these activities into everyday life and fun games, so that children are enthusiastic about learning and have fun as they go along! Your nanny should be able to plan interesting activities at home, fun outings, (perhaps including one or two structured classes) and plenty of time for informal free play. They will be able to explain the learning opportunities in each activity and give your little one a well rounded, balanced and appropriate schedule. A good nanny will show you how to support learning and development while allowing your little one the fun of play and time to enjoy childhood.
Illness
A nanny will be able to care for your child when he or she is under the weather and with years of experience they will be able to recognise things like chicken pox. An experienced nanny can reassure you about normal childhood illnesses or act quickly if your little one does need to see the doctor. They can also take your child to routine appointments such as inoculations if you can’t take time out during the week. Having someone at home means you won’t be disturbed at work for every minor illness, which can be important since some little ones pick up every bug going and not all employers are as understanding as you might like.
Support for the whole family
A nanny is there for the whole family. They can pick an older child up from school, play with the toddler during the day and care for a new baby. Siblings grow up together, developing close relationships throughout childhood with the older children teaching the little ones. A nanny can become a valued part of a family, the person you call on when there is an emergency in the middle of the night or someone you trust to help choose a school. With professional experience and an in depth knowledge of your child a nanny can support you through difficult decisions or rough patches. Over the years many families form close and lasting relationships with a nanny, perhaps even asking her to be godmother to a new arrival. You can’t choose your family but perhaps that is as close as you get.
If you need advice from a qualified and empathetic nanny then get in touch with Lorna by phone or via our new Advice by Email service, details on her profile