At Family First Travel Nannies we value values. We hand select care givers, looking not only at experience and background, but also seriously examining humility, relational intelligence and hunger for growth. When these qualities are strong in a nanny or manny, we can assure families that they will be comfortable knowing that their children will grow up in a healthy, safe and stimulating environment. We found these qualities in Ashley, one of our STAR nannies. We asked her a few questions so you could get to know her better. 
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1.) What does being a nanny mean to you?
 
I have so many answers, it’s hard to find one place to start. To me, in short, being a nanny is more than just a job—I believe a nanny is there to make families lives easier. Of course, my charges are always my number one priority. I thrive off of being able to bond with them, grow with them, and being able to help educate them through exploration and creative experiences. 

2.) What was your favorite memory with your last family/child?
 
One of my favorite memories with one of my most recent families was being able to bring my charge to “watch” the solar eclipse. He was only around 17 months at the time, so he really had no clue what was going on. However, he got his own pair of glasses and swooned everyone in the vicinity. We both lived in heart of Yale so many of the professors, lectors, students, and other professionals were out. There wasn’t a person that wasn’t smiling after watching him dance around with his glasses on. He’s probably one of the most hysterical kids I’ve ever met, his mom still sends me videos of him dancing. 
 
3.) If there was one skill/lesson you could teach a child, what would it be?
 
Independence! In my personal experience, it’s something I find lacking more and more in our future generations. While I am a firm believer in carving out good chunks of time for doing activities/play together – I am just as big of an adovocate for those things to be done independently. As a current nanny of three under four (and my travel family has twin toddlers!), independence is often the key to making it through the day. I have found this sets up my charges, our day, and myself for success. 

4.) What are the most important items in a “Nanny bag/diaper bag”
 
Wipes! Oh my goodness, I can ever get my hands on enough wipes. And I mean more than just good ole’ baby wipes, you should have baby wipes and sanitizing wipes. I’m by no means a germaphobe, but who knows what your little one will get into on your next adventure. Some other top items for me are: a change of clothing for each child, multiple diapers, access to “easy” toys (paper & crayons, teether, book, etc..), snacks/a premade bottle, and a stuff for minor injuries such as bandaids and neosporin. 
 
Oh and for myself! Adult snacks (although most of time this is also goldfish), change of clothes, and 1-2 water bottles.
 
5.) Is there somewhere you are looking forward to going with one of the families you work with?
 
Yes! I just recently got back from California with a family who asked me to come on their next trip: Turks & Caicos. I’m beyond excited to spend this time with them! They’re a fantastic family with three amazing kids. I’m currently living in Connecticut, so it’ll be treat to be in the warm weather in the middle of our winter. I’m still growing in the travel nanny world, but I’m confident that my career will continue to expand with Family First Travel Nannies!
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To book your proactive and engaging nanny, please fill out our Family Application or call 1-844-740-8875
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Travel Nanny, Nanny
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