Few jobs are as rewarding, or as challenging, as being a nanny. Every day is a new adventure, with new problems to solve and benefits to reap. Still, this isn’t a suitable occupation for everyone. If you’re considering a new career as a nanny, here are a few of the qualities you’ll need to be successful.
- The Ability to Stay Calm in a Crisis – Whether it’s a small one or a complete catastrophe, you’re sure to encounter at least one crisis each day. It’s imperative that you stay calm and are able to function in the midst of chaos, because your charges will pick up on your stress and become even more frustrated.
- Patience – Good nannies have the patience of a saint; if you’re able to approach behavioral issues in a calm and patient manner, you’ll find yourself at the top of the in-demand heap in no time.
- A Sincere Love of Children – This should go without saying, but it’s probably the most essential quality a nanny can possess. If you don’t truly enjoy the company of the smaller set, working as a nanny probably isn’t the best career path for you.
- Firmness and Fairness – Those wide eyes and dimples can soften the strongest resolve, but the ability to be firm and fair when dealing with disciplinary issues is non-negotiable. Children who know that they can charm their way out of trouble will only adhere to the rules when it suits them, which will lead to chaos.
- Flexibility – When you accept a post, you’ll probably work out a written nanny agreement with your employers. This will typically cover your anticipated schedule, but it’s important to have some flexibility where this is concerned. Unexpected events will invariably crop up, and your employers need to know that they can count on you.
- Ability to Improvise When the Schedule Collapses – Structure and routine are essential for kids, but even the best schedules have to be tossed out the window sometimes. When this happens, the best nannies are able to keep things running smoothly.
- A Slow Temper – Nannies that shout or lose their cool are likely to find themselves looking for a new post, especially if it’s a regular occurrence. Keeping your cool, even in the midst of a behavioral nightmare, is one of the most important abilities to have.
- Strong Communication Skills – Busy parents who spend the majority of their day away from home will rely on you for news about the progress and events in the lives of their children. You’ll have to be able to communicate these things clearly to your employers to keep them in the loop.
- Physical Fitness – Working as a nanny is physically demanding, so you’ll need to be in reasonably good shape. Chasing little ones around, playing games and keeping the household running all require a high energy level.
- Ability to Soothe Stressed Parents – Because your employers are likely to be busy professionals, part of your job will invariably be calming them down and diffusing jealousy when they feel that their children are closer to you. It’s important not to take this personally; instead, view it as proof that you’re doing a good job and that you’ve bonded well with your charges. Reassuring parents that their children love and miss them when they’re away is just another job requirement for nannies.
In addition to having the right mindset and personality traits, it’s also a good idea to be CPR certified, have first aid training and some previous experience working with children in some capacity. Qualifications and requirements will vary from family to family, but these are almost always at the top of the list.
