the gifts we bring each other....

I have been a nanny for 20 years! 
UNBELIEVABLE! 

It made me start thinking that I have been fortunate enough to share some of the "nanny lessons" with my newer to the field friends. 

We all bring gifts to the table.

An experienced nanny can 
... help you navigate the tricky dance of your relationship with the family
... connect you to groups like the INA, NAEYC or other nanny support groups
... share with you the pain and the healing of leaving a job
... translate what a family means when they say "flexible hours" or "light housekeeping" 
... show you were the hidden child friend gems of your city are
... hold your hand and understand when the days get tough
... laugh at the crazy parent stories and offer some perspective
... demonstrate what being a professional is all about

But my younger friends bring many gifts to me all the time! 

A newer nanny can
... remind me of my passion for the profession
... share with me new ideas and shake up my old ways of looking at things
... excite me 
... connect me to other nannies who are looking to be friends
... remind me of the natural gifts that good nannies have
... offer up lessons just learned from school or other training
... help me to not be jaded as I laugh at the crazy parent stories
... demonstrate what being a professional is all about

Whether we have been here for 20 years or we are just coming to the party, we have much that we can offer each other. This is why support is so important to nannies and why we must be open to the gifts we all bring. 

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