Whoever told you that being a nanny is a “rewarding and challenging profession that involves caring for and shaping the lives of children”, that is only part of it. The truth is that being a nanny is the best job ever!! While it may not always be glamorous, it is undoubtedly fulfilling. As each household is different, with different rules, parenting styles, eating habits, travel and leisure, etc., this is a general idea of what a typical day in the life of a nanny looks like, shedding light on some of the responsibilities, joys, and lessons that come with the best job in the world.
**Morning Routine**
Early Rise
Most full time nannies start their day early, arriving at their place of work before the children wake up. This allows for a Nashville nanny to prepare for the day ahead, while also ensures a smooth transition for the kids when they wake up. Many early morning full time nannies will arrive an hour ahead of time to pack lunches, snacks and have breakfast ready to go.
Breakfast Time
The day often begins with preparing a nutritious breakfast for the kids. Nashville Nannies always do their best to create a positive start every day for their charges, by healthy options for meals and engaging the kids in conversation. This is always a great time to talk about the day ahead while taking the opportunity to build the kids self-esteem with positive affirmations!
Getting Ready
Some Nashville nannies will help children get dressed, brush their teeth, and assist in completing other morning routines. One of the most important things nannies do every day is teach children how to be independent. It begins by introducing skills such as putting on their own shoes, zipping their pants or buttoning their shirts, depending on their age and stage of development. The entire morning is ideal for language development, self-esteem building, socialization, and sharing.
**Educational and Playtime Activities**
Structured Learning
Educational activities are a significant part of a nanny’s day. Sometimes, nannies will also create lesson plans that align with the children’s developmental stages. Reading books, practicing math, and exploring science are just some of the things that nannies do to engage kids. Some nannies will even follow school’s curriculum and bring what they are learning in preschool back home. Did you know baking cupcakes encompasses not only math and science, but art, language development and socialization skills?
Outdoor Play
We all know that getting fresh air and exercise is imperative for a child’s development. Nannies organize outdoor playtime, whether it’s a trip to the park, a nature walk, hopscotch, tag, Hokey Pokey, parachute, building obstacle courses, or playing other physical games in the backyard.
Creative Play
Nannies encourage imaginative play, such as arts and crafts, music and movement, building with blocks, or engaging in dramatic play. These activities foster creativity and problem-solving skills while allowing for emotional outlets and releasing feelings. Every moment with a child regardless of morning, afternoon or evening routines, is always a teaching moment!
**Nutrition and Meal Preparation**
Lunchtime
Preparing a healthy lunch is a priority for nannies. They often incorporate input from parents about dietary restrictions or preferences while ensuring a balanced and nutritious meal.
**Nap Time and Routine**
NapShhhhhhh
Young children require restful naps to recharge. Nashville nannies will create a cozy and comfortable naptime routine, including reading stories, singing lullabies, and ensuring a peaceful, calm, sleeping environment.
**Afternoon Adventures**
Outings and Adventures
Nannies also may plan outings that focus on culture and self expression as well as things to see up close and personal, such as visits to museums, plays, puppet shows, zoos, or libraries, to broaden the children’s horizons and provide real-life, hands-on learning experiences.
Homework
For school-aged children, some nannies will assist with homework assignments, offering guidance and support to ensure that the child feels empowered to achieve academic success.
**Evening Transition**
Dinner Prep!
Since the pandemic, nannies have started transitioning into family assistants. Nashville nanny and Nashville family assistants will also prepare and serve dinner, taking that off a busy household to keep things running smoothly. And the best of course is that they may also involve the children in meal preparation, in hopes to teach them cooking skills, one more life skill.
Family Time
Nannies often engage in quality family time, helping children and parents connect through activities like board games, reading, or discussing the day’s events.
**Bedtime Routine**
Bath and Bedtime
Nannies oversee the bedtime routine, which includes bathing, brushing teeth, and reading bedtime stories. This is super bonding time. This is creates a sense of security and comfort for the kids and also allows them to open up and share about their day.
Reflection and Planning
After the children are asleep, nannies reflect on the day’s activities, jot down notes, and prepare for the following day, which may involve lesson planning and organizing materials.
A day in the life of a nanny is filled with everything it should be and more. It’s the joy of being close to a child, but not being a parent. It’s the joy of finding something so special about the children you are caring for and making a commitment to their growth and development. Its about helping them develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Its allowing a family to be completely dependent on you to oversee and love their most precious possessions. Nannies play a crucial role in a child’s life, with blend of many other responsibilities including the whole family unit. It’s a profession that demands patience, creativity, and a genuine love for children, but the rewards of watching children grow and families bond are beyond measure.