Being a nanny is more than just caring for a family’s children. Here are 10 reasons, which may give you an idea as to why being a nanny is more than just a job.

1. Interaction with children – Children will spend most of their day with the nanny. Nannies have the opportunity to give them extra attention when needed. Children need a nanny who can become a friend, listening to their thoughts and fears.
2. Assist in sibling relationships – In some cases, a nanny will establish an older sibling relationship with the children she watches. Interaction with the children should prove as a positive example of how brothers/sisters should treat each other. Nannies may encourage positive interaction between the siblings, which will last throughout their life.
3. Learn about healthy family communication – A nanny should retain information and learn from each position she takes. Some families create healthy environments where communication is the key. Much can be learned from a family who is able to hold on to a close-knit feel while keeping a busy schedule.
4. Child advocates – The most important job of a nanny is to protect the child in their care. A nanny is there to care for and speak for the child. If a nanny becomes aware of anything which is concerning, she should contact child services immediately.
5. Encourage parents – Often times, parents feel guilty for the lack of time they are able to spend with their children. A nanny should always include the parents in the events of the day. Help them to feel a part of their children’s lives as much as possible.
6. Learn how to have fun again – Adults need to learn how to see the world from the eyes of a child. They naturally view it as a huge playground. Quite often adults do not see the fun that lays before us. Allowing a child to help you learn to laugh and play again is an amazing experience. We can learn a lot of from our little bundles of joy.
7. Teaching children life coping skills – Experiences in life are not all positive and enjoyable. Life ‘happens’ while we are least expecting it. Whether it is loss of a grandparent, parent or someone who is important in their life…be prepared to assist the children to deal with loss and change. Ignoring a life-altering situation is not healthy. Listen to the children. Let them know that their thoughts are important.
8. Help parents enjoy their family – When the parents return home at the end of their workday, let them receive a warm welcome. Lots of hugs, kisses and I love you’s is a much better greeting than crying and complaining. It could easily set a positive tone for the family’s evening.
9. Saving parent’s sanity – There will be days when a parent is not able to handle family situations along with the events of their day at work. A nanny should be able to recognize this and step in to assist the parents. Don’t create or allow “drama” to impact the children. Help the children to give their parents quiet “alone time” when needed.
10. Learning the importance of a family environment – Learning to work together in a family environment should teach respect, consideration and generosity. While working with a family, a nanny should be a part of educating the children on how to work as a team. Dishwashing, folding clothes and even dusting can be made fun. Children can be made to see the importance of their tasks and have pride in their work when it is completed.

Being a nanny requires a special attitude, which is taken to work with you every day. You have an opportunity to mold young lives to become kind, loving and accepting adults. The family will watch their nanny as she experiences the highs and lows of day-to-day life with them. Hopefully they will  look at their family’s growth and be thankful for their nanny’s assistance.