In this article, we want to draw your attention to the feelings of a nanny. Usually, this matter is not discussed, but the range of a nanny’s feelings at the initial stage of getting to know a family is quite broad. Often, it’s not just positive emotions; a nanny may experience a range of emotions she hasn’t felt before (anxiety, uncertainty, trembling, an excessive desire to be liked, etc.).
Therefore, we've prepared several important recommendations for nannies on how to successfully adapt to a family:
During the initial stages of communicating with parents, be sure to bring a notebook with you to write down all the important things the parents tell you about the child. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting something, and parents will appreciate your responsibility and interest.
We recommend starting your introduction to the child with a toy. You need to pique the child’s curiosity, and parents’ primary concern is that you find common ground with their child. Bring a small, soft toy (around 20 cm, non-aggressive animal) and attach it to your waist or hand. Get to know the child through this toy in a playful manner, come up with a name, start describing it, and share an interesting story about the toy. This fun method will engage the child, reassure the parents, and boost your confidence.
Believe in yourself, your abilities, and your professionalism.
If you feel anxious, nervous, or like you don’t know how to behave, allow yourself to leave this state on paper. Take an album or some paper, nice pencils, or paints, and create a drawing that represents your emotions. This can be abstract scribbles, spots, shapes, or a picture—anything that helps you release your tension. All the emotions you’re experiencing are important, but if this is an interesting and safe way to let them out, so why not give it a try?
If you don’t like drawing or it’s not your thing, take a ball of yarn (choose a color and size that makes you comfortable) and wind it from one end to the other until you decide to stop. It’s a simple way to gather your thoughts and emotions into one.
Wear pastel and warm colors and opt for a consistent outfit at the beginning to make the child accustomed to your presence in their space.
And of course, don’t expect too much from yourself.
Remember that even super nannies need a little time to get used to a new environment before unleashing their magic. Take each day as it comes, be open, use these recommendations, and you will undoubtedly see the results in your interactions with both the parents and the child!
Remember that even super nannies need a little time to get used to a new environment before unleashing their magic. Take each day as it comes, be open, use these recommendations, and you will undoubtedly see the results in your interactions with both the parents and the child!