The 2015 ANA Convention was an invitation to play. Over 100 nannies joined in the fun, as we played with ideas, with magic
, with friends new and old, and with a surprising collection of loose parts. We even took our VIP dance shoes to Club 23 – one of Australia’s most exclusive “indoor play centres”.
Each presenter shared a different perspective on the theme Bring Back Play, from what play is and isn’t, to how we can make space in our lives for play by chasing the right role and looking after ourselves.
I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what a ten minute first aid presentation would cover, but when Nataly stepped onto stage with her beloved CPR doll, she quickly changed my understanding of what steps to take when a child has a partially blocked airway, based on the guidelines for paramedics and emergency department staff. I can’t wait to attend her first aid sessions when she comes to Sydney.
Another conversation that wound throughout the day focused on perinatal depression and anxiety. Amanda , Sarah and Josephine brought the too-often hidden world of PND out into the light with harrowing yet hopeful personal stories and practical information about what to look for and where to go for help.
I could spend a whole day talking about what I learned, what I’ve been inspired to learn next and the moments of nanny connection I enjoyed, but do you want to know my embarrassing highlight of the value-packed event?
Honestly, in a life dominated by play dough and nursery rhymes and debates about what pyjamas Superman wears to bed, I just loved feeling like a grown up for the day.
