Marnie has been a professional nanny for over three years, spending the last two years with her current family.
Marnie holds a Diploma in Children Services and she uses this to plan and facilitate experiences, based on the child’s interests and needs.
Marnie prides herself in her flexibility, allowing these experiences to be open ended so the children can have a chance to explore and follow a path based on their own curiosity.
We sat down and had a chat with her about her career, passions and plans for the future.
What is your current role?
My current role is full time caring for 4.5 year old twins and a 2 year old.
Don’t be shy, why are you a great nanny?
I am a great nanny because I am caring, loving, patient and nurturing towards children. I always put them first. I am reliable, trustworthy and take pride in looking after someone else’s children as well as working within their home. I build strong relationships with parents by respecting their decisions at all times and maintain strong communication. For me the details around the small activities are just as important as the big ones. I always keep parents up to date throughout the day. If we are heading out on an adventure they will always know our whereabouts and I always inform them of our daily activities and what the children achieved. I am organised, self-motivated and help out wherever possible. I always clean up after myself and the children when we have had fun making a mess.
What is your philosophy when it comes to educating children?
Children of today are the future of tomorrow, so it is important to acknowledge them and their ideas. Professional nannies need to lead by example to show children how to be respectful, patient, caring, loving, nurturing, kind and understanding of others.
Do you have any projects or goals that you work on aside from your nanny career?
Outside of my nanny role, I am studying my Bachelor of Education. (0 – 5 years) at Charles Sturt University via distance education.
What are your plans and goals for your career?
I plan to stay with my current nanny family until they no longer need me. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end but I look forward to working for many more caring and loving families, who treat me as part of the family. My longer term goals (once I complete my studies) is to work at a not-for-profit community preschool as an Early Childhood Teacher.
What’s your favourite part about being a nanny?
I have lots of favourite things about being a nanny. I love watching the children learn new things and knowing that I helped them achieve it. I love being included in and made to feel like a huge part of my nanny family, and I love the never ending amount of kisses and cuddles I am showered in every day.
Why did you join the ANA?
I joined the ANA to network with and meet other nannies. It is great to know that there is an association in Australia for nannies to turn to ask questions and receive support.
How has your ANA membership benefited your career?
Being a part of the ANA has been a great step forward in my nanny career. The ANA member Facebook page is a great resource where nannies are able to meet each other, share ideas, find jobs on ‘Job Wednesday’, ask a nanny a question in ‘Dear Nanny Friday’, read interesting nanny related articles, and find out about different courses/workshops that are made available specific to nannies. Having an ANA membership also entitles me to discounts on first aid courses, my police check, nanny insurance, and lots of fun and exciting workshops. The workshops are great for personal development. I myself have participated in a few which where I learnt a lot and I got to meet and share stories with other nannies.
I am also looking forward to the ANA Nanny Convention on Saturday 28th November in Melbourne. I highly recommend all professional nannies to attend. It sounds like it is going to be lots of fun and it is a great way to meet new people in the nanny community.