A little over a year ago I took a job as a nanny, I had spent years babysitting other peoples children and thought this would be a good way to earn some extra money. What I didn't realize at the time was how big of an impact this job would have on my life and all the wonderful things it would bring. Prior to this job I had no idea how much a Nanny truly does, but it didn't take long to realize that being a nanny is so much more than what it seems on the surface; and here's why.

I hear my name called as I walk threw the door.

There is no better feeling than that of the joy you get when you hear scream of glee that comes from a child's mouth when they call your name out from excitement.

I hear the crazy dreams and encourage them.

A child should have these crazy wild dreams that we, as adults, think are impossible but we don't want to let them know that. Children have wild imaginations and we want to preserve the innocent as long as possible. I get to encourage them to become a princess or find a unicorn in the woods and I love that.

I push away the fears and motivate them to face them.

As a nanny you hear the fears that a child has and you want them to face those fears, you have to show them that the world isn't as big and scary as it seems and that they can do anything they set their little minds too. Sometimes these things can be as small as doing the monkey bars or riding a two wheeler others times these can be much bigger issues, but nonetheless your one to take care of it

I help develope fundamental skills.

I help with after school homework, of course, but I do so much more than just that. I encourage reading and writing by taking trips to the library to find their favorite books and helping them to write their own books they spend hours creating. We practice science skills buy baking and doing fun experiments; like making bouncey balls and slime.

I am a cuddle buddy when tired.

I am protector when scared.

I am a nurse when sick.

I am a tour guide for our adventures.

Children need to burn of some engery and go explore new places and it is my job to make sure they stay safe while having fun and it is my job to come up with these crazy fun adventures to keep them occupied.

I am a seasonal celebrator.

Each new season of the year brings about new learning opportunies about seasons and holidays; we make that even more fun by adding in new crafts, movies and new experinces. So much fun, in fact, that we don't even realize that we are learning.

I am an educator.

Children's are always learning new things and developing new interests, so when I hear about these new ideas I encourage them and help them new even more about them. These interests are ever changing and such a wide array they can vary from bike riding to learning French, but you have to keep up with them and keep educating.

I am a support system.

I hear everything from the latest little kid gossip going on in their classrooms, to the fears that pop up in their heads, to the problems that have come up in their young lives. I even talk with mom to have little vent sessions that turn into life talks for all of us.

BUT...

I am NOT a babysitter.

Babysitters are here for a couple hours watch your kid and leave, I am a daily part of your child's life and in some part help you raise them.