Name:
Rebecca Gower
Location:
Central Coast, NSW
How long have you been a nanny?
I started my career in childcare 11 years ago when I completed a year as an Au Pair in the USA. To this day, I am still very close to this family and consider my now grown up charges, life-long friends. Over the next decade I worked as a casual nanny and babysitter for many different families via agencies and private advertising. I have now taken on a permanent role with one family part time, and I have fallen head over heels in love with my charge.
Now don’t be shy, why are YOU a great nanny?
Families love me because I am flexible and easy-going. I love leaving a home tidy and organized, kids jumping with happiness and meals prepared or ready to go. I also try to be available when needed and adaptable in my starting and finishing times or duties.
What is your philosophy when it comes to taking care of children?
I am not a hover-nanny. I would prefer children make their own mistakes and learn from them than hover around preventing mistakes. I believe in sharing positivity, I’ll look for a positive in everything and I aim to inspire can do attitudes. I am creative and always searching for different activities, crafts and projects. I am a fun nanny; I want my charges to feel like it’s a treat to have me around. I choose to learn through play. And importantly it’s imperative to me that my charges eat a healthy and balanced diet, play outside and get plenty of physical activity.
What is your current role?
I am currently nanny for one enthusiastic, adventurous and charming 18 month old boy. I work alongside their au pair about 30 hours per week.
Do you have any projects or business you do on the side?
As well as studying and working, I also run my own online boutique store called Flamingo Tease. We specialise in handmade children’s clothing and craft kits for kids and adults. Find us at www.flamingotease.com or on Instagram: @flamingotease_kids.
What are your plans and goals for your nanny career?
I would love to see a nanny specific and nationally recognized qualification become available, but until then I have decided to undertake Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care, and any other interesting professional development workshops or courses I can get my hands on!
I am unsure where I would like my career to go from there, however I do have interests in infant sleep and could perhaps see myself specializing in some kind of infant care.
What’s your favourite part about being a nanny?
Every day I find myself in awe of children’s minds. Kids have a perspective on life that is simple and innocent and can leave your reeling stupefied. Just the other day I said to Mr2: “What day is it today?” After a short pause and careful consideration he replied: “A beautiful day!” What an amazing perspective to share day in and day out.
How has your ANA membership benefited your career?
I was super excited when I first heard about the ANA. Being a nanny in Australia has for so long been looked at by the general public as a job that requires no qualifications and something that someone partakes in for ‘pocket money’. To have a voice like the ANA speaks highly of the professionalism of the nanny industry. I could not wait to join, to be a part of that voice and to start reaping the rewards. And the rewards are many!
Since joining the ANA I have met so many other like-minded professionals. We share advice, inspiration, ideas and build on our networks and resources. Just mentioning that I am a member of the ANA in interviews has placed me in leaps and bounds a over other. By being a member client’s categorise you as passionate and professional. And on top of all this we receive discounts on our nanny liability insurance, first aid courses and more which far outweighs the cost of the membership.
Is there anything else you would like share with the ANA community?
Being a nanny can be a hard industry to work in as most of the time you’re in your own. Facebook groups have been so rewarding for me especially during nap times. It’s great to have a forum to share ideas, experiences, tips, advice, struggles and all things nanny related (and even not-nanny-related NNR). Join me and other nannies at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ausnannyforum/
Follow Rebecca and her projects:
Instagram – @flamingotease_kids