The Qualities Required in a Nanny
Many people assume that the main quality you need to be a nanny is a love of caring for children. However, although this is necessary, being a good nanny requires that you are also competent and capable. It can help to be experienced, flexible and organized too.
Nurturing
Good nannies are nurturing, caring and enjoy tending to other peoples' needs. They gain satisfaction from doing so, and are able to sooth fretful children, recognize when they are anxious and deal with practical care issues.
Patient
Nannies need to be patient and cope when children have tantrums and upsets, and to be gentle and understanding when children in their care are absent-minded, distracted or are finding it hard to concentrate for another reason.
Flexible
Nannies that aren’t flexible aren’t as helpful as those who are willing to work long or sometimes inconvenient hours. Being a nanny isn’t a nine to five job, so individuals need to be willing and able to adjust and adapt to fit in with the time-tables which are presented to them.
Moral
Children are vulnerable and impressionable. The way their nanny behaves in front of them can have a bearing on their own moral values later in life. They are likely to see their nanny as a role model to emulate, which is why nannies need to be made of good moral fiber.
Dependable
It’s important that nannies are reliable and trustworthy. They need to be good timekeepers who stick to schedules. Parents also need to know they can safely leave their children in the care of a nanny who will treat them well.
Autonomous
Nannies need to be self-starters who don’t have to be told what to do all the time. It’s necessary that they are able to think on their feet when required, and provide a stimulating and engaging environment in which children can learn and grow.
Communication
Communication is part of a nanny's job. They need to be able to talk easily to children and adults, and be able to liaise with parents when it comes to childcare issues.
Organized
Organized nannies manage to work within a schedule and do tasks in a timely fashion. They can also deal with several issues at once without neglecting the needs of children they are caring for.
It’s essential that nannies are kind and caring, but they also need to be organized and flexible too. The ability to nurture children and communicate with them is important and thequalitiesof honesty and trustworthiness are necessary. When an individual displays these personality traits they have what it takes to be a nanny.
