The International Nanny Association’s 29th Annual Conference in Los Angeles featured a stellar line of of workshop presenters and early childhood experts.
Training to help a nanny balance professionalism and self care was presented by Stella Reid (AKA Nanny Stella) and Dr. Lindsay Heller (AKA The Nanny Doctor). These smart, savvy and witty ladies are intimately aware of the challenges nannies face every day on the job. Lindsay make time in her schedule to Skype into conference, and the result was magic.
This super duo addressed issues almost any nanny could relate too and offered not only ways to recognize burnout but also ways in which to address it proactively and hopefully avoid it altogether.
Lindsay and Stella gave us ideas for self care based on what what Stella liked to call SPICE. having our Social, Physical, Intellectual, Communicative and Emotional needs met first to ensure a nanny has the ability to give fully and professionally to the children in our care. They also gave some great tips on recognizing special circumstances in advance, those that we should be aware of going in that would likely be high stress situations. These included positions with extreme travel, working for celebrities or those with chronic illness and dealing with loss.
Every Nanny in the room left with something, be it a burnout checklist, ideas for exercise and relaxation or simply ways to remain professional throughout all the ups and downs. Stella and Lindsey’s overwhelming message and the one that resonated with me as I left…. A Nannies health is her wealth!
Lindsay Heller, known as ‘The Nanny Doctor’, has been working with families and nannies for more than a decade. In addition to being a licensed clinical psychologist, Lindsay was a well-respected nanny for over 10 years in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Lindsay works with families and agencies through her unique and specialized consulting services to help each family find the best nanny for them. She aids, not only in the interview and hiring process, but also with the important transition of introducing a new person into the household. She stands firmly beside each of her clients throughout their journey and custom tailors a plan of action for each individual family. No nanny issue is too big or small for her!
Stella Reid (AKA Nanny Stella), known best for her role in the popular TV show “Nanny 911” has positively impacted the lives of families all over the world, with her expertise and passion as a solution-based family consultant. Stella is a real-life British Nanny, and is regarded as one of the top authorities on parenting. Parents reach out to Nanny Stella for her no-nonsense approach to family structure. Children love Nanny Stella for her genuine concern, and her loving discipline. The boundaries that Nanny Stella sets creates happy and secure children; as well as a family dynamic that fosters harmony in the home. Nanny Stella teaches families and caregivers the tools needed to find balance, and produce a loving environment.
A special thank you to INA 2013 NOTY Joanne Barrows for contributing this workshop review.