NANNY OF THE MONTH
MARCH 2024
MILENA
What made you become a nanny?
I find it a pleasure to work with kids. Their playful energy and genuine curiosity make every moment with them a delightful adventure!
What are the essential qualities you must have to be a nanny?
You have to be patient, reliable and organised. It’s also very important to be compassionate, have good communication skills and be safety-conscious.
What’s your favourite pastime or activity?
Apart from being a nanny, I also have a career in the animation industry so my favourite pastimes involve creative pursuits like painting, drawing and pottery. It's fulfilling because these activities are also enjoyed by children, which enhances my work satisfaction as a nanny.
What’s your favourite recipe or thing to bake?
Any simple and fun recipes that you can make with kids and let them be involved in cooking. Things like pizza, muffins and chocolate chip cookies are always a favourite.
Name your favourite story book.
The Children of a Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren (the author of Pippi Longstocking).
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding experience in your career so far?
Being a nanny allows me to play a crucial role in a child's development, fostering strong bonds and making a positive impact on their lives. It's rewarding to witness their growth, creativity and joy, while also having the opportunity to contribute to their learning and well-being in a nurturing environment.
What is the best piece of advice you'd pass on to families looking for a nanny?
The most important things to look for in a nanny for your kids are trustworthiness, compassion, compatibility and (of course) experience.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
Growing up in a small town surrounded by many children of the same age was an incredible experience. Having many friends and residing in a safe environment allowed us to play together for hours every day.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible.’”
OCTOBER 2023
ANITA
What made you become a nanny?
I moved to the UK in 2001 and one of my first jobs was based in Oxford nannying newborn twins; a brother and sister. I nannied for the family for around two years before moving to London and working in the Marriott Hotel. I’m a people person and I love to help others so thought I would enjoy being in a hotel environment but I quickly realised my passion was nannying.
Watching children grow up and develop is an incredible thing. I love having the opportunity to teach kids so many things, so eventually I ended up splitting my time between the hotel and part-time nannying for another family and that’s how I got back into nannying.
What are the essential qualities you must have to be a nanny?
Definitely a love for kids and strong family values.
I grew up with a big family but, with the exception of my niece, most of them are back home in Hungary. My niece has a toddler a similar age to my son, so knowing they’ll grow up together is wonderful and so important to me. When you’re a nanny, you become part of the family and develop a love for them so I think family values are an important quality and it’s something that’s been apparent in the families I’ve worked for.
It’s also important for a nanny to be supportive and patient so you can understand childrens’ behaviour and teach them how to be a better individual.
What’s your favourite pastime or activity?
Oh, it's 100% being outdoors. Whether that’s at the park, in the garden or a playground, hiking, playing outside, having a game of football or even jumping in muddy puddles if the parents don’t mind.
I love to be outdoors and active and I can’t wait to teach my son how to ride a bike and use a scooter when the time comes!
If it’s not possible to get outside, then I also love to play games, do puzzles and read books when I’m caring for kids.
What’s your favourite recipe or thing to bake?
Oh, yes. Banana Bread is my ultimate favourite and it’s nice to mix things up sometimes with different variations of nuts if children can have them.
If it’s not nuts then sometimes I opt for other treats like chocolate chips or blueberries but I have a very good recipe that everyone loves. My husband even says my banana bread is better than his mum’s!
Name your favourite story book.
I’ve always loved The Gruffalo. I find it funny and charming and I like that it reminds us of how gullible we can be. There’s also a more recent book called The Lion Inside which is a tale about a mouse and a lion who teach each other valuable life lessons and become great friends. The story has a really great moral to it so it’s one I would recommend and love to read to children.
Another great read is a book called Invisible String which is particularly good for any children who struggle with separation anxiety.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding experience in your career so far?
Lots of the children I have cared for are now at university, travelling, have boyfriends and girlfriends, and one is even in the army! But, thinking about the children I’ve worked with, all are kind, successful, polite, ambitious and smart people who want to do something with their lives and it’s nice to think I played a role in who they are today.
I’ve spent the majority of my nannying career with four main families and could have happily stayed with each for years but you only stay as long as the children need a nanny. Even long after leaving, the children have continued to keep in touch and send well wishes every so often. For example, when I had my son, I didn’t expect to receive congratulations from the children (now grown ups) that I used to look after. It was so nice to receive kind words from them and definitely a very rewarding part of being a nanny.
What is the best piece of advice you'd pass on to families looking for a nanny?
Definitely don't compare. I’ve been very lucky because I have always been the first nanny in every single family I worked for but I know it can be challenging coming in after another great nanny.
Some families have asked to send the CV of their future nanny to me for review so I always try to remind them they must be patient and give the new nanny a chance to prove what she can do without comparing to past nannies. It’s important to remember that every child is different and every nanny can bring something different to a family, so if you think the nanny is right, give them a chance to do things their own way and prove they’re capable.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
Being outside and playing and in Hungary in deep snow during the winter. I’m talking about 2-3 metres of snow and minus 15 temperatures but my siblings and I would be kitted up with our snow gear and we’d stay outside until our mum called us in for lunch or dinner.
You were never distracted by fancy things like phones like kids do nowadays and we lived in such a safe neighbourhood so we were ALWAYS out there playing and enjoying the outdoors.
Do you have a favourite quote?
I think the Audrey Hepburn quote’ “There is nothing impossible. The word itself says "I'm possible.” is a very good quote.
My husband is South African and you often see signs in South Africa saying “you only live once, so live it” and when we got married there was a coffee shop that had a sign saying “You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough.” So that is another favourite of mine.
AUGUST 2023
EVA
What made you become a nanny?
Caring for children as a nanny has always come naturally to me. Growing up in a family with four siblings, I, being the eldest, took on the role of looking after my younger brothers due to the significant age gap. After moving to the UK years ago, I resided with a family in Hertfordshire and took care of their two daughters. Subsequently, during my time in London, I pursued child development studies through the Open University and gained experience in nurseries and primary schools. This allowed me to contribute to activity design aligned with the national curriculum, focusing on creative and play-based learning. I've been dedicated to nannying in London for nearly two decades. My passion for art led me to earn an MA in Illustration Authorial Practice, during which I explored the influence of stories on childhood development.
What are the essential qualities you must have to be a nanny?
What qualities are essential for a nanny? The foremost requirement is a genuine passion for the role. Dedication, attentiveness, patience, and personal growth are crucial to nurturing a child's development. A skilled nanny not only benefits the child but also contributes to the overall family dynamic, as a family unit is a strong entity. Humour, creativity, and a positive attitude toward life can significantly impact the family's well-being. Staying informed and preemptively addressing safety concerns is vital, along with nutritional expertise and the ability to cook wholesome meals. Encouraging open dialogue about emotions is important too. Establishing a solid routine and maintaining effective communication with parents are both pivotal aspects of a successful nanny career.
What’s your favourite pastime or activity?
Drawing is a true passion of mine. I pursued a degree in Illustration from the University of Middlesex back in 2009, and since then, I've embraced drawing as a secondary career path. Alongside this, I find immense joy in crafting and illustrating stories in collaboration with children. I've undertaken various projects in the past, delving into topics like mythology and the creation of graphic novels with kids. Additionally, I relish reading picture books to children while sparking interactive discussions by asking questions and exploring the visuals together.
What’s your favourite recipe or thing to bake?
For me, it's definitely French pancakes! I've yet to come across a child who doesn't adore my pancakes. It's often a delightful treat during school holidays. The kids take great pleasure in assisting with the cooking, arranging the table, and selecting from a variety of toppings.
Name your favourite story book.
A charming tale titled "Mrs. Armitage, Queen of the Road" follows the journey of a woman who is gifted an old car from her cousin, along with a birthday card. This heartwarming story, written and illustrated by Sir Quentin Blake, comes highly recommended!
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding experience in your career so far?
They are many! I remember one of the moments in my career has been when I've had the privilege of engaging with grandparents and being part of the family gatherings and celebrations. On one
remarkable occasion, I was invited to a party in Paris. The family went the extra mile by arranging a taxi to pick me up from the station and booking me a room in a boutique hotel at the centre of Paris. Even treated me to a glass of champagne upon arrival. I supervised the children during the event, which turned out to be an enchanting night. The following day, I had the opportunity to explore the Louvre before taking the train back to London.
What is the best piece of advice you'd pass on to families looking for a nanny?
In my opinion the trial period should extend to a month, in this way you can ensure everyone is happy and have time to reflect before they sign a contract.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
Certainly! I have numerous cherished childhood memories. Although there are too many to detail here, I was fortunate to enjoy plenty of outdoor playtime during my early years. I was surrounded by many friends with whom I played, and interestingly, many of those friendships endure even today.
Do you have a favourite quote?
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
MAY 2023
LUCY
What made you become a nanny?
After leaving school I trained at a Montessori school in London and after 10 years teaching I decided to become a nanny. I love bonding with babies and particularly like working with children aged between 0 - 3 years old but I do still regularly babysit for a 13-year-old I worked with. She seems very reluctant to part with her nanny, even at this age!
What are the essential qualities you must have to be a nanny?
Patience and flexibility
Kind and caring nature
Always give a bit of leeway. Children love a bit of negotiation but at the end of the day you’ve got to be able to let them know who is boss.
Confidence and an ability to think quickly in a tricky situation.
What’s your favourite pastime or activity?
I really enjoy walking and always try to take the children I’m working with outside and spend time picking up and admiring natural things like leaves, sticks and stones. I also really enjoy reading with children and taking them to music classes which are both pastimes I enjoy outside of my work as well.
What’s your favourite recipe or thing to bake?
Banana pancakes which are just 1 egg and 1 banana mashed together! Spinach and sweetcorn muffins and fish pie are also favourites.
Name your favourite story book.
Yes, I have a few!
And, of course, The Tiger Who Came to Tea which is an old favourite for everybody.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding experience in your career so far?
I have been very lucky and looked after many lovely children but a real stand-out moment was seeing one of my former children get a place to study at Oxford University. Meanwhile, her brother still likes to take his old nanny out for coffee while studying at Westminster School. I was also fortunate enough to have joined this family on a skiing trip to Zermatt which was another highlight.
What is the best piece of advice you'd pass on to families looking for a nanny?
One of the things I always say to parents is that you have to be able to walk out of your front door feeling that your child or children are in safe hands. You can go and do your job and I can do mine, without exception.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
I was fortunate enough to be brought up in the countryside and have lots of fond, childhood memories playing with my brother and two sisters on a farm in North Wales.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Happiness lies in being privileged to work hard for long hours in doing whatever you think is worth doing.”
Being a nanny involves long hours and I really enjoy being with children and seeing what funny things they come out with so I naturally felt drawn to this quote.
APRIL 2023
TÜNDE
What made you become a nanny?
I love children and have always been surrounded by babies so I’ve looked after them since my teens and early adulthood. My mother was also a successful nursery teacher for over 30 years and I always looked up to her and admired what she does, so it runs in the family but nannying felt like a natural fit for me.
What are the essential qualities you must have to be a nanny?
You must be kind, extremely patient and have good stamina to keep up with their energy. It’s also essential to be there for them when they need you and most importantly, you must be able to communicate with them on their level.
What’s your favourite pastime or activity?
There’s a lot of crossover between my personal life and the activities I do with children.
I absolutely love being outdoors, whether it’s doing something lightly active like wandering along a beach, or something more energetic like having fun with the children on their trampoline or playing football in the park.
I try to encourage children to get outdoors when they can or to do an obstacle course inside if it’s raining so they’re away from our high-tech world and using electronics. Most parents are on the same page as me in that regard, so TV is reduced on weekdays when they have school so there’s no such thing as children sitting in front of their devices or a tablet during the day.
I am also passionate about arts and crafts so I always do it with the children. Interestingly boys like it just as much as girls and there’s so many elements of it that you can use as opportunities for teaching.
I think it's very important to constantly stimulate children because it can help you to measure their development as they grow up and support their learning. I also believe in providing children with a routine as it ensures they have time for an activity or homework which is so important as I’ve seen children in the past who’ve had difficulty sitting still to do their school work.
The more effort is invested by parents and nannies, the easier it will be when it comes time for children to start school.
What’s your favourite recipe or thing to bake?
I can make brownies but I’d say I’m more confident cooking than baking so I usually lean towards that and there’s a Hungarian dish which is a favourite even with fussy children. It’s a creamy chicken dish made with soured cream but it’s always a smash hit!
Name your favourite story book.
It’s hard to pick but my favourite (out of many) is The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson. It’s such a fun story that focuses on being kind and generous to others so there’s lots of great messages in there.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding experience in your career so far?
Over my 15-year career I’ve been lucky enough to make life-long friendships and relationships which have been very rewarding.
But the real highlights are: when you see a baby smiling back at you or just taking their first steps, children reciting the words back at you that you’ve taught them, getting good grades in school or doing well in exams you helped prepare them for. Even just getting a hug at the end of the day - it’s all important and rewarding to me.
What is the best piece of advice you'd pass on to families looking for a nanny?
This was a hard question but I’d say families should try to look beyond just the qualifications a nanny has and find someone who truly feels like the right fit for their family.
Where possible, have the nanny do a trial period to get to know the children and see how the dynamic is as an interview only tells you so much but you can see after a couple of hours of interaction whether there’s a positive relationship there.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
When I was 10 my family and I went to a Christmas fair in a neighbouring city and spent the day exploring markets and little stalls. At the end of the day we all cosied up in a little cafe at with big windows looking outdoors and it started snowing, which was so beautiful. I’ve never seen snow like it - the snowflakes were huge and I was surrounded by family, which was so magical and has always really stuck with me. Even to this day my sister and I still reminisce about that day!
Do you have a favourite quote?
As someone who moved from Hungary over 15 years ago I’ve had my share of challenges but I think this quote from Nelson Mandela summarises my journey perfectly: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”
MARCH 2023
KATYA
What made you become a nanny?
I've always loved being around children so I was always babysitting when I was younger and eventually opened my own nursery in London; that’s where my career began.
Eventually rules changed and my lifestyle changed so I moved away from teaching and became a nanny instead, which I’ve always felt is seriously rewarding. I love helping children to learn and grow which in turn helps me to express my creativity and my own imagination.
I was adopted when I was 5 months old and know that if I hadn't been, I might have moved from one foster family to another foster family. I was lucky to have been adopted by parents who loved me to pieces, especially my Dad; nothing is too much for me, I want to help children in whatever way I can. I feel that it is my calling and it’s what I've been brought here to do.
Throughout my career, I’ve been able to help so many different children from all walks of life. I looked after a little girl with Downs Syndrome for many years and a little boy with ADHD and walking difficulties for 15 years and I absolutely loved both experiences.
I love to see the smiles on children’s faces and the sense of achievement when they've done something they didn’t know they could. To me, that is worth its weight in gold.
What are the essential qualities you must have to be a nanny?
To be a successful nanny, I think you need to be able to develop a sense of trust with the family and promote a child (or children)’s sense of wellbeing. Those are at the top of my list.
The ability to stay calm in stressful situations is definitely a priority too. If a child hurts themselves and the parent is beyond themselves or doesn’t know what to do, there’s no chance they or the child will be able to stay calm if a nanny isn’t calm.
In addition to that, a nanny must also be patient, positive, kind and have a genuine love for children. It’s imperative a nanny takes the time to understand the family's dynamic and preferred disciplinary measures as well.
What’s your favourite pastime or activity?
I used to play tennis semi-professionally and I’m a keen swimmer so this is something I love encouraging the children I look after to try. In my experience, children love tennis and swimming and I've now taught two children to swim.
The little boy with ADHD I looked after wouldn’t allow other people to touch him, which made it challenging when he had swimming lessons with an instructor. Although I’m not qualified as a swim instructor myself, I had built up enough trust with him that he’d let me hold him and I then became the person who taught him to swim. I also taught another little girl who was absolutely terrified of putting her head underwater (even to wash her hair) and now she’s taken to swimming so well she’s like a dolphin!
When the weather permits, I love being outdoors and doing nature trails with the children. While working in Vienna a few years ago, I took the little girl I nannied to one of their beautiful parks and we picked flowers and collected branches and leaves to create a little bird’s nest for Easter. Obviously we couldn’t use real chicks so we placed those little yellow Easter bonnet chicks on it and she absolutely loved it!
I’m also a big fan of arts and crafts as a rainy day activity. I’m hopeless at drawing (ponies are particularly difficult) but I’m very capable when it comes to crafts!
What’s your favourite recipe or thing to bake?
Strawberry muffins have been a big hit with both children and their parents! It’s an easy recipe and children love to make these with me because the strawberries have to be squashed so kids have a fun excuse to get their hands dirty.
I know some families worry about mess, even if they know you’ll tidy up after yourselves and other families are very carefree when it comes to mess but I think it's important that a child doesn't mind getting their hands dirty.
The Spanish chicken recipe from Annabel Karmel is also delicious. It’s intended for children yet all the parents seem to eat it, so I have to make double the amount!
But the parents like my cooking too and when they're coming home at eight o'clock at night from a busy working day, it's like a godsend for them to have food already ready that they can eat too.
Name your favourite story book.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr.
I love it because the little girl I looked after with Downs Syndrome referred to it as ”Katya and my book” which used to bring tears to my eyes. I was with her for seven years and she insisted nobody else was allowed to read it to her and even used to hide the book on days I wasn’t there.
I was able to take her to see the theatre show and it was so magical to see the look on her face when suddenly this story we had read together came to life.
I've taken two children to see it and the look on their faces is always amazing so I would say this is my all time favourite book and it’s a great choice for every reader.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding experience in your career so far?
Probably my experience with Alice, the little girl with Downs Syndrome. I was the person who taught her to write her name, to say her ABCs and to count and I was with the family for seven years.
Even though I've not been with the family since 2019, still to this day she asks “is it a Katya day today?” and not a day goes by where I don’t feel so proud of what she's achieved and her parents are so proud that I was able to help her achieve all that she did. Luckily we’ve kept in touch throughout COVID and while I’m working with another family now, I visit from time to time and FaceTime when I can.
What is the best piece of advice you'd pass on to families looking for a nanny?
Children are the best judge of character from the moment we walk in there. As a prospective nanny, you have to get on with the parents as well but children are so honest when they're little so their judgement can be very telling.
If they come up to you and they sit on your lap or they play with you, you know you've got a good match. But if they don't click with you, it’s pretty likely you’ll have a harder time settling in.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
My adoptive father died when I was 11, so every childhood memory I have with him I cherish and these are always in my mind.
All the lovely things he did with me I try to bring into my work as a nanny and teach children that every moment with your parents is special. I encourage children to show their parents how much they love them by doing small things like making a Mother’s Day card, a card for Daddy’s birthday or an anniversary card. These will become memories that live with the children forever and ever, as will the things parents have done for them and the activities done together.
What’s your favourite quote?
To take children seriously is to value them for who they are right now rather than adults in the making. I can’t remember where the quote originated but I truly believe it. Sometimes parents forget to let children be children and I think they NEED to be children, so that’s an important piece of advice.
FEBRUARY 2023
KARLA
What made you become a nanny?
I came to London when I was young looking for work to support my family back in Brazil. I’ve always really loved being with children, so when I found the opportunity to work with children, I just went for it and haven’t looked back since!
What are the essential qualities you must have to be a nanny?
I would say the two key qualities you need to be a nanny are patience and a caring nature. Sometimes children may get angry or have moods that will test your patience but you must have patience and remember that they are just learning.
What’s your favourite pastime or activity?
I love music and to sing - it’s actually how I learned English. When I first came to the UK I barely spoke a word of English but by listening to music I was able to pick up a lot of the language, so singing is still a favourite activity of mine.
I love to play music when I’m looking after children too! I find they love songs and dancing and it’s great to put on a song that fits with a moment, like when children are fighting with teddies and you play “Eye of the Tiger”, they just get it and they love it!
What’s your favourite recipe or thing to bake?
Easy! Salmon, mashed potato and veg - it’s a dish I love and most of the children seem to love it as well.
Name your favourite story book.
Bedtime stories are not as common in my home culture, so I still have many books to discover but I think the “Little People, BIG Dreams” books are so lovely and give children some great role models to look up to!
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding experience in your career so far?
Becoming part of the family is always the most rewarding part as a nanny. Even if you move on from a family eventually, you have such a wonderful feeling when you keep in touch because there’s a real connection there.
What is the best piece of advice you'd pass on to families looking for a nanny?
Find someone who matches your energy. Every family is different, so my best piece of advice is to try and find someone who feels like a good fit for your lifestyle.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
I just loved being outdoors playing with friends. As a child, I lived across the street from five other girls and we would always be out playing or baking or something. By the time my parents called me home in the evening, I would be covered in earth from being outdoors all day (which I suppose is a sign of a good day!).
Do you have a favourite quote or expression?
“Happiness is never-ending when children are playing and pretending”. Playing with friends brought me so much joy in my childhood so I think this saying is so true - it’s beautiful seeing a child’s imagination come to life through play.
JANUARY 2023
IWONA
Starting this month, we are introducing a new Nanny of the Month feature, shining a light on some of the wonderful nannies working with us and we are kicking things off this January with our first Nanny of the Month, Iwona.
What made you become a nanny?
I moved to the UK almost 18 years ago with a 4-year-old daughter but I come from a big family originally, so I’ve always been surrounded by kids and all my jobs in London have involved children.
My career started off at ELC and Mothercare in Brent Cross but the highlight was always being around children rather than making sales. I’ve always said that kids are more fun than adults, especially as they get older, and working in both stores just showed me how much I loved working with kids.
From there I started the journey off as a babysitter and supported others as a Mum’s helper before eventually working my way up to becoming a nanny!
What are the essential qualities you must have to be a nanny?
To be a good nanny, a person must be:
Resilient
Caring and careful
Witty
Positive
Very confident as a person
Able to stay calm in stressful situations
What’s your favourite pastime or activity?
Both in my personal life and when I’m nannying, I absolutely love being outdoors. My favourite pastimes are to go out for walks with the children I’m looking after or to do scavenger hunts which are so fun and when you’re outside.
It’s also great to do scavenger hunts with children indoors and around the house if or when you can’t get outdoors.
What’s your favourite recipe or thing to bake?
Banana bread! I’ve been baking it for years and it’s always something children love.
Name your favourite story book.
I have a couple - The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr and The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding experience in your career so far?
For me everyday is a success and feels rewarding when the children you work with are contented, safe and thriving but I must say being selected as Nanny of the Month is also a real highlight.
What is the best piece of advice you'd pass on to families looking for a nanny?
Always listen to the children - they’re the best judge of character and will be a good indicator of whether a nanny is right for you.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
When I was younger I loved playing outside in the snow during the winter and collecting different flowers during the summer. That’s why I love being outdoors nowadays too. Even when it’s raining it’s nice to get outdoors and see the views and find something interesting.
What’s your favourite quote?
Don’t worry that children don’t always listen to you, worry that they’re always watching you. I heard this in a role model workshop years ago and it’s always stuck with me - I think it’s a great quote and so important when you’re working with children.