If you missed my guest post from last Saturday on Jessica's Blog you can read it here today...
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The Life Of A Nanny
People seem to have lots of questions about nannies so I'm going to format this Q&A style in case you're just looking for a specific topic. I'll talk about the most commonly asked questions but feel free to ask any that I miss.
How Many Children Do You Nanny?
4
Girl 8 [M]
Boy 5 [C]
Girl 3 [M] & Girl 3 [B] TWINS! :)
How Did You Get Started Nannying?
My mom has had an in-home daycare for 25 years & I have TONS of experience but in the end I always find my jobs by word-of-mouth. For those of you interested there are several websites you can list profiles with & I believe families call & set up interviews with you.
What Is The Best Part Of Your Job?
Raising little ones! Seeing children grow up & mature is the best miracle in life!
What Is The Most Challenging Part Of Your Job?
I would have to say discipline. When it comes down to it these children aren't your own so sometimes you have to handle certain situations differently than you want to/would do for your own children.
What Are Your Normal Nanny Duties?
These vary depending on your contract. Right now I cook [breakfast & lunch], clean, & do laundry & dishes daily. I also do things like change bedding each week & give the kids their baths.
Do You Travel With The Children?
Yes! I would go crazy if I couldn't! We go to several Parks & Pools, the Zoo, the Museum, the Botanical Center, the Science Center, Garage Sales, Jumpin' Jacks, Pump It Up!, Chuck-e-Cheese, Ice Creams Shops, the Library, Farmer's Markets, Living History Farms, Incredible Pizza, Malls, Garage Sales, Wee Read/Story Times & walk/bike rides! We LOVE to be busy!
Oh..We also go to dentist & doctor's appointments!
What Is A Normal Day Like For A Nanny?
Ha! Well any 'parent' knows that there is no normal day! Here is a general schedule we run by but no day is the same! With 4 kids you HAVE to be flexible!!
7:45 - arrive
7:45 - 8:15 - Breakfast, dressing, brushing teeth etc.
8:20 - Mack gets on bus
8:30-10:00 - Kids play - I clean up house & start laundry - We read a lots in the mornings too
10:00 - Morning snack [always fruit or yogurt with water]
10:15 - 12:00 - Park or Library time
Noon - 1:00 - Lunch [flip laundry]
1:00 - 1:30 - Bath time & Brush Teeth
1:30 - 3:30 - Girls take a nap - Carter & I play. I also finish laundry & clean in the afternoons.
3:30 - Girls get up & start to play [lately outside]
4:00 - Mack gets home
4:15 - 4:30 - Snack time
4:30-5:30 - More play time [outside!]
5:30 - I go home
Do You Live With Your Family?
I do not. For the most part one parent or the other is home each evening with the children.
Do You Do Anything Differently Than The Parents?
I do not allow the TV to be turned on. I know it sounds harsh but we have plenty of toys to play with & creative children's imaginations.
*My only exception to that is if we all sit down to watch a movie together in the afternoon for a 'special treat' [like a storm outside].
How Much Money Do Nannies Make?
This varies heavily depending the the city you live in, number of children, if they provide housing/car, & the hours per week. I live in Iowa, nanny 4 children, have my own home & car, & work an average of 50 hours a week & make more than $30k a year.
Well..That's a wrap. Thanks for reading my fist guest post & please check out my blog if you have any questions!
