nanny, babysitter, au pair, household manager, family assistant, child care professional
There are lots of names but defining ourselves as nannies is not as easy as one or two words. The work that we do is difficult, challenging and vastly different from family to family. One of the problems with having an industry that is unregulated is that we have no official definition. Once we establish a credential, the answer to this question will be clear. The standards will be set.
In the meantime here are few definitions from nannies and agency owners who attended Nannypalooza.
What is a nanny?
A person with education or experience working with children who takes care of others' children in their own home. In a day a nanny might take on the roles of mom, dad, nurse, psychologist, teacher. A nanny is someone who nurtures children in a fun, safe, caring,learning environment so they emerge as confident, intelligent, caring individuals.
Childcare provider,activity director,teacher, beautician,nutritionist,chef,hygienist, nurse,performer,entertainer,arts-and crafts instructor,dance partner,chauffer, personal shopper,detective,confidant, companion, counselor,coach,bodyguard,tutor, cheerleader,boo-boo kisser,potty trainer, listener,lifelong influence and shaper of the future!
A nanny is:
a person whose interest and expertise is for working with children and whose personality, character and skills are well suited for the job.Nannies come from many backgrounds, educational and skill levels and there is a need for them at every level, from entry level to true professional
A professional who provides a loving nurturing environment for her charges to grow and develop. She engages them to discover and learn using teachable moments in play to direct their learning. A nanny recognizes the unique and individual differences in all children and challenge and stimulate them to meet their individual needs.
A nanny is a professional in-home caregiver whose job is to support both the children and parents. Keeping the children's best interests in mind, she works hard to maintain a safe and positive environment for growing, both emotionally and physically.
A nanny is a person who gives her heart away to a family who needs it. A nanny cares for and nurtures a whole family by providing exceptional care for the children, therefor giving peace of mind to the parents who love those children.
The person in the house that serves as a support for everyone in the house. Every nanny is different, but we are all there for the same reason, to help the family get through the day with as few meltdowns and bumps as possible!
A nanny is a warm and loving person who is great with children. Someone who helps a families home and family life run smoothly. A nanny give parents support and advice when needed. A nanny is a teacher and a friend to the children they care for.
A nanny is a caregiver working in partnership with the parents to nurture, educate, encourage and raise the children in her care. She is an advocate and voice for the children to the parents and conversely for the parents to the children. She is a confidant and safe place as well as a consistent boundary keeper.
A Nanny takes care of the entire child (ie. educating and general nuturing) in the home as a PROFESSION, not "just a job". We take pride in our work and as in other professions, we constantly work to keep our education on current philosophies and trends up to date! We are also responsible for the wellbeing of the entire family unit.
A nanny is someone who has a true passion for working with children. They are a teacher, a nurturer, a partner in parenting, a coach, a peer, a role model and a student themselves, always eager to learn and grow in their profession.
What is a nanny?
email us your answer at info@nannycredential.org
