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As co-hosts of International Nanny Training Day, Arizona – we are excited to present to you the Nanny of the Year Nominees for iNNTD, Scottsdale. We asked what makes them Shine Bright as nannies and this was their response.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4230″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]As a Nanny, it is important that I bring that light with me to work daily. I am the light source for not only the children I care for, but the parents, and even household staff that I may work closely with. Light is transferable. That means whatever light and energy I bring into the household can easily be picked up by others. I want to uplift others and make a difference every day. Light within us can show in the form of characteristics like love, vitality, passion, enthusiasm, optimism, kindness, generosity, warmth, empathy, caring, compassion, positivity, and hope. All of these are qualities that the best nannies possess. When the light within us is strong, we are able to be authentic, fully present, and focused for the families we work with and what their needs are. We are there with families through all the ups and downs that life throws at us. Bringing our bright light to the table in moments of chaos, stress, and despair are when it is needed the most. Whether it be a blow out diaper right before professional pictures, a toddler’s temper tantrum in the middle of a 5 star restaurant, a middle schooler stressing about his science fair project, a teenager dealing with adolescent struggles, a family dealing with a death in the family or any other unexpected tragic event, we are there for all of those things and those are the moments that families really need to rely on us to be strong and be that light source.
Our light shines the brightest during dark moments, lighting the way to happier days. Nannies also shine bright when they go above and beyond what is asked of them. Yes, I am a Nanny, but I am also so much more. I wear many hats proudly for the families I work for. Dishwasher, Chef, Nurse, Chauffeur, Maid, Counselor, Tutor, Teacher, Organizer, House Manager, Travel Planner, Professional Hugger, the list goes on. My job isn’t just taking care of the children; it is so much more. I am there to help the families I work for in ANY way that I can. Whatever I can do to make their lives easier, better, or run more smooth, I will do. I take time to notice the fine details and anticipate their needs so that I don’t have to be asked to do things. I want to provide the highest level of childcare so that the parents can then fulfill their personal and professional commitments which usually leads to their own personal light growing in strength. I am there to bring light so that the family as a whole can shine brighter.
It is a commitment to shine your light day in and day out as a Nanny. I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. There are some days where I don’t feel my best, and those are the days that I have to consciously make the choice to be the light. It’s important that this light and energy is consistent, not just once in a while. You can’t grow plants by giving them light once or twice a month, and the same goes for people. It is part of my job as a Nanny to be that light source, setting the tone of great vibes in the family home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4229″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]When I think about what it means to shine bright as a nanny, I think about the gold star reward from when I was younger. The one you’d get as a reward from either your daycare, nanny or teacher. It was something to be so proud of, because you accomplished a skill, you stood out from your peers and shined bright. As a nanny, every day brings a new adventure. As the years pass, whether with a new family or the same family you watch your little one grow. Some days are really hard , other days are gold star worthy.
When thinking back on my days with previous little ones, I remember so many moments where it was a “gold star day” shining bright. The first time baby L said my name was on a weekend , and his parents were so excited ! They sent me a video of him saying it over and over again. One of my favorite activities to do with littles is to read. I like to establish a positive relationship with books at a young age. Baby L loved books from the moment I started working with his family . I recently went to visit them and he is now 4 years old reading on his own . His mom expressed how much he LOVES to read on his own and my heart just beamed . It was incredible to see how far he’d come. Another bright moment I had just recently is with my current family . It’s truly incredible to see the many different ways your little shows you they love you. S, who is now almost 1.5 and loves to run at you full force always greets me in the morning with a gasp and a huge smile . I can only imagine how the parents observe that interaction, but I kid you not ever since she’s been able to peek her head over the crib or stand that is the same reaction and it never gets old . It’s one of the ways I feel so appreciated in this field. This little human who is still learning to navigate this world, has chosen to share her joy and a little piece of her heart with me every morning. If that doesn’t contribute to the meaning of shine bright, I can’t imagine what does.
Throughout your career you are hopefully experiencing so many moments that shine bright and are imbedded in your mind as great memories to look back on. I have had the honor of working with some amazing families throughout my 10+ year career. Each family playing a huge impact on my life as a nanny, memories being made, gold star moments. Being a nanny takes over your life, and I mean this in a good way. It shows you the world in a completely different light, and teaches you lessons you may not realize right away. Shining bright as a nanny means to never stop learning, to continue loving and learning from the little ones in our lives. It means standing up and out for the future of the next generation. It means becoming apart of another persons life and their memories. It means so many other things I don’t think I’d have enough time or words to truly capture . But if I can continue to experience this truly rewarding and bright career, then I know I am making the world a better, brighter, more shinier place and I’m truly grateful to be in a position to do so.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4231″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]I think to Shine Bright as a nanny can mean many different things, but for me personally, it means to help the children shine bright. Each and every child is different, unique, and special in their own way. I feel like it’s my responsibility and privilege to help these children grow and reach their full potential. If I can change and adapt to each child’s needs and likes individually, then I will not only bond with them, but help them reach their milestones and goals. Instilling confidence, self worth, encouragement, happiness, gratefulness, and a love for learning, I truly believe is what can make a child shine bright. The families I have worked for have all become a part of my family, and I want the best for my nanny kids. Shining bright as a nanny to me is more than just watching kids. It’s about being a part of and helping raise another generation of human beings. Whether it’s teaching the alphabet, teaching manners, or teaching children to be kind to one another, it’s all a vital role for the future. Children have actually been the ones to teach me more about life than anyone! I’ve learned so much and gained such a greater understanding for life just through working with them. I’ve been so blessed to have also been a nanny for children with special needs. Some of those times are when I have felt I was shining brighter than ever before in my life. Patience and love are the key to shining bright yourself, and then in turn you will see your nanny kids shining bright. If I can give back a little, if even only for a short couple years, by helping these children not only succeed, but also exceed in life, then that sincerely is shining bright as a nanny. Learning how to change lesson plans to cater to a specific child, or learning how to make sure every child feels loved and included, or even learning how to make learning time fun for a child, to me is being a successful nanny. This world can already be a scary and unkind place, I want to make sure all my nanny kids know that we are in this together. I was lucky enough to be a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and had a wonderful little girl for my ‘little sister.’ Although I wasn’t technically her nanny, I still believed she helped me to shine bright as a nanny. She wasn’t in the best of situations and learning how to be there for her really helped me grow as a human being. I’ve met a lot of adults that think they only have something to offer to kids, but the truth is I believe that kids have so much to teach us if only we would pay attention and listen. Children are really what makes us shine bright. Being a nanny is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life. I feel like I shine bright as a nanny, when I see my nanny kids shining bright, full of life, happiness, and love.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4233″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Shining bright as a nanny means that I get to be my best self while doing a job that I absolutely love. I get to share my love and experience with a family who trusts me with their most prized possessions. I get to use my education in Early Childhood Development every day. I get to be the person the kids run to with a smile and hug in the mornings, the one who shares in their excitement to tell me about what happened last night/over the weekend. I am responsible to the safety and well being of children who are not my own, but who I love like my own. I’m the one they run to when they are hurt, afraid, or just need a hug. It means being responsible, understanding, caring, and willing to give and receive love.
It can be hard coming into a family, not exactly knowing your place/the family dynamic. A good nanny is a team player, a self starter, and a good communicator. They find their place and help make everyone’s lives run a little more smoothly. It’s being so excited to share in so many new experiences; first teeth, first words, first steps, learning to ride a bike, making new friends, etc. I get to see the world through a child’s eyes, full of pure joy and wonder. Every day is different, and the kids are always growing, learning and exploring.
Shining bright as a nanny also means that you keep calm and composed in tough situations. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies, like some people think. It’s hard. Days can be long. Kids don’t always cooperate. But as their nanny, you need to be that calm, consistent voice of reason that they need. You are there to be fun, plan activities, play and be goofy, but also to keep them safe and teach them right from wrong. Sometimes I think of myself as the ‘mean nanny,’ but then I think about how happy, caring and loving the children are, and am reminded that they need the firm boundaries along with all the fun. I’ve come to have a great balance of learning and playing, where the children are having fun and at the same time are learning boundaries, manners, etc.
I am a huge believer that books are such an important part of life, especially my own. I am a book lover and have tried to pass that along to all of the children that I’ve cared for. It’s so exciting seeing a child develop a love of reading.
I’ve been so lucky with the families that I have been able to work with in my 10 years as a nanny. I truly love all of the children that I’ve cared for, and can’t imagine my life without any of them. I still get excited to see the children I used to care for, and it always seems to go right back to how things were when I was caring for them. I am excited for every birthday, graduation, soccer game, and am even more excited when I am able to attend any of these.
I love that I am able to have a positive impact on the life of a child, and hope that they always see my best self. I love that they learn something from me, and that they know they will always have another person on their team, rooting for them and loving them, even if it is from afar.
Shining bright as a nanny also means that I am always learning. I am always looking for new ways to stimulate the minds of the children I care for. I attend learning events like INTD and INA. I take courses online for things like sleep training, positive reinforcement, family assistant training and more. I’m always checking for updates to CPR, first aid and AED training. As a nanny, I want to be as best prepared as I can for any situation, and want to be able to offer informed opinions if needed. This has always been appreciated by the families that I’ve worked with.
I first got into nannying as a way to get out of my hometown, to ‘see the world.’ I figured i’d do it for a couple of years, then continue on to something else. I started as a live in nanny, which was such a great experience. I was really welcomed and became part of their family, and still consider them family today, 10 years later. Being their nanny made me fall in love with being a nanny. I never imagined when I started that I’d still be doing this 10 years later, but I am so happy with the career choice that I’ve made.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4234″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]I have been nanny for a little over 7 years now, however this year has been by far the most challenging year for me yet! I think what it means to “shine bright” as a nanny is having the ability to understand the complexities of your role. You have to know when to step in and take charge, and when exactly to step back and take direction. Working in someones home you quickly learn their family dynamic, their likes, dislikes, and daily routines. Nannies are the glue that keep a household running. When you start working for a family, you don’t just become apart of their lives as an employee, you become a member of their family. A few months bosses decided to separate after 10 years of marriage. This has been a very hectic and messy process, so as you can imagine it has been difficult for their 3 year old to process. It has been a very delicate dance balancing their their wants and needs, while still being able to speak up for the best interest of their child. It has been important for me to be there for their sweet boy as his only normal in his life right now. Each day I am with him I make sure that he knows he can rely on me for anything whether he needs some encouragement, or a little extra help on the potty I am there for him! I have made it my responsibility to make sure both parents understand how important his emotional needs are. I have learned what it truly means to be the rock for a family. There have been days where all he wants to do when I get into work is hug and cry on my lap, as much as I want to cry along with him, I stay strong and remind him how loved he is. I am his security blanket. I am very grateful that both of his parents have been open to suggestions I have given them along the way to help this transition in their family dynamic a little smoother. I have worked for three very different families and each has taught me something new; How to always wear your heart on your sleeve, be professional through everything even when it gets awkward and uncomfortable, and to never be afraid to speak up for what is right. I think what it means to “Shine Bright” as a nanny is being able to come in to work every day with a positive attitude and a smile on your face no matter what the circumstances are. It’s the ability to show love and respect to your bosses when you don’t always agree with their decisions. You are the shoulder to cry on, the listening ear, the speaker of truth, and of course the unbiased opinion for everyone in the family. This year has taught me how having a nanny can truly benefit a family, and how much we are really needed outside the daily day-to-day tasks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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