The news is often filled with negative stories from the nanny world but INA knows that our nannies consistently provide a positive influence in the lives of the children in their care. It is our hope that this blog series will highlight those amazing nannies to our members, the industry, and the world.
Today we would like to introduce you to Kirsty Nauth-Misir. She has been a nanny for 15 years and is currently working in Sydney, Australia. She works with the agency Rock My Baby. We interviewed Kirsty and here’s what she had to say.
INA: Kirsty, what does a typical day in your life as a nanny look like?
Kirsty: I cycle 30 minutes from home to work for 9:00 am. I tidy up the kids’ morning mess of toys and breakfast things, then stock the nappy bag with supplies and prepare the toddler’s lunch before the 22-month old arrives home with my Mom Boss from dropping off the 3-year old at school. We then head to a park, play group or gym class for the morning, feed the toddler while out and back home for nap at 12.30. During the nap time I eat, and study, then begin to prepare the children’s dinner, stack the dishwasher, and do any other little jobs around the house that need to be done. After nap time, I wake the toddler up, while my Mom Boss (who works from home) collects the 3-year old from preschool. The kids have a snack and either play indoors with the doll house or cars, at a local park or with water play in the garden. Then it’s time to pack away toys, have dinner and give baths before I leave at 6:00 pm and Dad Boss comes home.
INA: If you could give other nannies one piece of advice, what would it be?
Kirsty: It is important to take time to develop your own philosophy and style of nannying. This manifests over time as you gain more experience. Make sure to figure out what’s important to you in your role and why. Then stick to your guns. If you prefer a sole charge role or working with older children but then take a job as a mother’s helper or with babies, you’re not working to the best of your ability. You will then be doing the family and yourself an injustice. Be prepared to meet the family halfway with their expectations and discuss this as much as possible at the interview beforehand.
INA: What advice can you share with those considering a nanny career?
Kirsty: I think it’s the most amazing job you can do in the childcare field. Building a special bond with a child and a family over time and being a part of the person they become is a magical thing. When you find the right match with a family, there’s nothing else like it.
If you or someone you know would like to be highlighted in our Many Faces of INA Nannies series, please find more information here or contact the office at memberservices@nanny.org.