Nannying has been an ever increasingly popular career choice for individuals who love working with children and want to make a difference in their own lives. A nanny provides personalised care for children, which can include anything from helping with homework, preparing meals, planning activities and providing emotional support. However, nannying today is different from what it was just a few years ago. It is constantly evolving ever so slightly. Here are some of the changes we have seen in the nannying profession over the last few years:
1. Increased Emphasis on Safety
In today's world, safety has been and still is a top priority for parents when it comes to their children. As a result, nannies are required to undergo background checks. This consists of an enhanced DBS on the update system to ensure that they have no criminal history. Nannies are expected to have training in a 12-hour paediatric first aid course and CPR, as well as knowledge of safety protocols for different situations.
2. Increased Demand for Specialised Nanny Skills
As parents become more aware of the importance of early childhood development, there is an increased demand for experienced nannies who have specialised skills. For example, parents may be looking for nannies who can play a musical instrument, speak a second language or teach their child a specific skill, hobby or sport. Nannies who have training in early childhood education or nannies that have experience working with children with special needs are a few examples of some nannying skills that are often in high demand.
3. More Flexible Work Arrangements
The traditional 9-to-5 work schedule is becoming less common for both nannies and parents. Many parents are now working from home, which means that they may need a full-time or part-time nanny for flexible and/or part-time hours. Reliable and experienced nannies may also be able to negotiate their days and hours to better suit their own needs. In addition, some families are looking for professional nannies who are willing to travel with them, which can provide a unique and exciting opportunity for nannies who love to travel.
4. Emotional Intelligence
Whether you are a full-time, part-time, maternity, night, daily, live-in, live-out or after-school nanny, you are expected to have strong emotional intelligence. Nannies who can provide support during difficult (and non-difficult) times, connect and have a strong bond with children of any age on an emotional level and help children develop emotional and social skills are highly valued. Nannies who can communicate effectively not only with the children but also with the parents, adapt to the different parenting styles, and maintain a positive and professional demeanour are much more likely to be successful candidates within the nannying world. If a nanny agency has really good feedback from previous employers they will be much more likely to be put forward to suited families.
5. The Evolving Use of Technology
In addition to emotional skills, there is also the technology side of things. Technology massively changed over the past few years. It has changed the way nannies communicate with parents with many nannies now using apps to do so. They can share photos and videos of their children and even provide updates on their child's day. Some apps can help nannies with meal planning, scheduling and activity planning. Parents can also share their calendars with the nannies so they can see any classes or school activities the children may have booked. Online learning is ever present for children and schools, which requires familiarity with technology and the ability to troubleshoot any technical issues.
In conclusion, nannying today is an ever-changing but very rewarding profession. Nannies who have a passion for working with children and who can adapt to new trends and expectations will continue to be in high demand. If you are considering a career as a nanny or a parent thinking of hiring a nanny through a nanny agency, then you've come to the right place. Real Nannies nanny agency will help you stay informed and up to date about the latest trends, improve your knowledge, and provide you with information to enhance your experience.
