Nanny Q and A With a Featured TLC Nanny

Another month for our “Three minute Q and A with TLC nannies.” Each month we are bringing  you some great Q and A with our nannies so they can share some info and insight about the nanny profession and educate others on some of the fun aspects of the job.  This month we interviewed Janet.

1) Why did you decide to become a nanny? 

The short answer is I LOVE kids!!! I’ve babysat since I was a teenager and have always loved hanging out with kids.  When I went to college the best choice for me was a degree in early childhood education!! I have worked in church preschool programs, in day cares and really enjoyed teaching kids about the world helping them grow and learn. Then I did respite for kids with autism and it was one on one and I really enjoyed seeing the difference I could make for that one family. And I liked  getting to know and interact with parents to support and encourage them too. In July it will be 6 years ago that I started looking for a nanny job and I got as far as putting in an application at TLC.  I was hired and had a set of twins for two years! I’ve done both the temp and full time permanent side of TLC.  I’m currently with another family that I got through TLC and have been with them for 2 1/2 years so far!!

2) What’s your favorite thing about being nanny?

Seeing the daily changes milestones and growth of the children and being a help and support to the parents

3) What fun activity are you forward to doing with your charge(s) this week?

Swimming, the library and story time. I’m sure at some point there will be a request for Grant’s Farm which is her current favorite place! We also love the zoo and going on playdates at friends’ houses or the park or having friends come over  and play.

4) Where do you get your ideas for creative activities?  What’s your favorite craft?

Some of them just happen.  Like yesterday we didn’t have a set plan. I had thrown out a few ideas and the dad suggested a splash pad.  The little girl thought it was so fun to pull me close to the water and try to get me wet! Most of the activities for art or sensory I get from my days at working in day care and some from the internet. I can’t pick one favorite craft.  Right now the little girl is really into finger painting and we like to use different things like a cotton swab or crumpled up paper or rolling a car through the paint.

5) Do you follow any blogs, websites to share with other nannies?  

I don’t really follow any.  There is a nanny playgroup on FB that we would love for more people to join!  We would like to be more involved with meet up groups or something but I’m not the best at suggesting things.  I’m more of a spur of the moment, “oh, we are doing ______ if anyone wants to join us” which doesn’t usually work too well.  But if someone planned or put it out there for a playdate we would come if we can!