As an experienced professional nanny, I am often asked about my philosophy about child rearing. This is a tough subject to speak about, simply because it is so complex! I feel that if you can explain how to raise happy, healthy kids in a few conversational sentences, you probably aren’t doing it right (although there surely is more than one “right” way to do it!). One of the keys to being an effective nanny lies in the knowledge that every child is created completely differently, and as such my approach to caring for them must remain flexible! Although throughout the years I have certainly developed a concrete set of skills and successful methods of teaching, discipline, and many other aspects of child raising, I must maintain a certain level of humility and always approach my job with the knowledge that each child has something new to teach me, and I must adapt my techniques to best suit each individual! So rather than rattle off countless paragraphs regaling you with a detailed account of my experience and beliefs about raising healthy children, I’ll just give you a quick glimpse into the ideals that have developed in me over the years that shape the way I approach nannying.

***I have as much to learn from each individual child as they have to learn from me.

***We as adults do not own children, but rather each one is already their own person whose care has been entrusted to us until they are experienced enough to take over their own care and decision-making. And in light of this knowledge, children deserve as much respect and consideration as one would give an adult.

***Always maintain an authoritative approach to discipline, rather than a permissive or authoritarian approach. Here is a link to an article from About.com explaining the authoritative parenting approach in detail: http://psychology.about.com/od/childcare/f/authoritative-parenting.htm

***Almost everything can be, and SHOULD be, a fun and positive experience!

***Three of the most important things I strive to instill in every child: Self-esteem, Respect and Empathy for Others, and a Good Attitude about Life!

***Never, ever, ignore a child’s feelings and opinions, even when it is inconvenient. For example, “Suzy I TOTALLY understand that you don’t want to put on sunblock. I don’t like doing it either! It feels yucky! But unfortunately we have to do it because I love you and I want to keep your skin healthy. We will get through it as fast as possible if you choose to have a good attitude!”

***LOVE with arms wide open.

These are just a few of the most important ideals I keep in mind when I am nannying for any child. But of course, I am always learning, just like the kids are! One of the things I love most about my career is that it constantly challenges me to become a better and wiser person! And therein, I think, lies one of the most important keys to successfully raising healthy children. Be willing to embrace the fact that you have as much growing to do as the kids! 😉