When I was a teenager, I started babysitting. I was the oldest child, and I babysat for my family, along with families from church, neighbors, friends of my parents, etc. I thought I was pretty responsible and fun, and I loved kids. This is what many people today still think of when they confuse or compare a nanny with a babysitter.
When I started Mom’s Best Friend 30 years ago, I looked for responsible caregivers with experience watching children, a clean driving record and background check, and CPR certification. But WOW has the industry changed and evolved! The nannies of today are incredible! In fact, I’ve asked our two Staffing Specialists (former nannies) to give us an overview of what it looks like to be a nanny today:
Knowledgeable about Developmental Milestones: Nannies monitor the various social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving), and movement/physical developmental milestones. They do this in order to determine whether a child’s development is on track, look for warning signs for developmental delays, and to explain children’s behavior (what is healthy development versus concerning). They also employ age-appropriate activities to reach those milestones.
Safety Conscious: Nannies are not only CPR/First Aid certified, they also understand the strategies and practices to keep the children they care for safe while outside the home and in public, and they are calm and deliberate in case of an emergency.
Builds a Daily Routine (without screen time): Nannies craft a roadmap, providing a sense of predictability, security, and stability. The comforting rhythm can reduce anxiety by providing clear expectations and fostering a sense of control. This includes activities that incorporate education, creativity, nutrition, and exercise such as:
Indoor games, arts/crafts, activities, books, music, sensory play, and curriculum
Outdoor play such as scooters, bikes, play, games, or parks
Outings such as museums, aquariums, zoos, etc.
Preparing nutritious meals and snacks
Knowledgeable about Parenting Styles: Nannies stay up-to-date on parenting philosophies to meet the diverse needs of modern families. Having this knowledge allows them to align their caregiving approaches with the expectations of parents.
Provides Household Assistance: Even the most basic Nanny job entails keeping the home tidy, loading/unloading the dishwasher, cleaning up after meals, keeping toys picked up, and doing the children’s laundry. Many also include a number of additional tasks such as grocery shopping, errands, organizing, and family meal prep (chopping, washing, measuring, etc.).
Today’s nannies are not just caregivers; they’re skilled professionals who play a pivotal role in shaping young lives. At Mom’s Best Friend, we’re proud to celebrate the dedication and expertise of today’s nannies, whose passion for childcare inspires us daily. They are the unsung heroes of childcare, shaping the next generation with love, compassion, and dedication.
