I’ve had so many questions from people about my experience in Australia and how I went about getting over there etc but first lets just talk about how to get into that field all together..
Firstly and most importantly – You need to LOVE children
I’m not talking about a little bit and thinking they’re cute sometimes and just about tolerable, I mean whole heart-idly love them for all their little faults, tantrums, poo’s and cries. Nannying/Aupairing is definitely not an easy ride, you’re basically learning how to be a parent, so you have to be in it 100% and know that there will definitely be rough times ahead – but also the best and most magical times of your life.
Get some experience
You don’t need a degree in childcare to be a nanny, it certainly helps to get in with an agency but it is not the be all and end all of your future career. Get some GOOD experience, and by good I mean volunteer in a primary school, do some care work, go and help your local youth center.. This looks much more appealing to families and shows you’re committed to being a great nanny to their little love bugs.
Don’t expect a ton of money
Obviously no one wants to work for free but nannying isn’t exactly a role where you earn a TON of dolla. Childcare is expensive and it’s normally why parents opt for a nanny instead. It’s important to remember that even if the family aren’t able to pay a lot, if they welcome you into their lives as an extension of their little world, that is priceless. Having a family go above and beyond for you is definitely a heart warming experience and something that makes this all worth while.
Be positive and patient!
When you have two children throwing punches, arguing over a purple crayon and another one clinging to your waist for a snack, it can get rather draining and the urges to scream and swear get to almost unbearable sometimes. But always remember that children are very impressionable they pick up on how you’re being and if you act grumpy, they will act up 1000 times more. Take a deep breath, separate the kids or find another purple crayon, get the kid a snack and carry on like you’re absolutely on top of your shit (even if you’re crying inside – dw nap time is around the corner).
How to apply
Like I said before, if you’ve got childcare qualifications then that’s fantastic and an agency will SNAP U UP in a heartbeat.. but for people who are just starting out there are some amazing websites that you can sign up to instead. I found my family through Greataupair.com but I know tonnes of people who use aupairworld.com and childcare.com – do a bit of research to see which site is best for you. Greataupair is for people who ONLY want to work abroad, you can’t apply for jobs in your country. Childcare.com allows you to find jobs near you which might be more convenient if you’re just starting out on your new nanny adventure.
Take your time
This is a big one.. Having lots of families messaging you, begging for you to join them is really a lovely thing – it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling and makes you feel super excited for the fun adventure ahead. BUT SLOW DOWN. Finding that unicorn family takes time, you need to look at all the pro’s and con’s of working with each family. It’s so hard to know what you’re looking for when you rush into things, you end up being miserable and wishing you never started this journey. The rest of this blog post is the things you need to take into consideration once you’re seriously looking for your perfect family.
– Location
Are they super far away from anything, do you need to constantly travel by car or public transport to get to anywhere.
– What they’re prepared to offer you
Remember how it’s not all about the pay, but about whether they will go the extra mile like cooking you dinner after a long day or dropping you home after your shifts if you don’t have access to a car.
_ How much time off you’re going to get
Important! Don’t work 70 hour weeks unless you are prepared to and they offer you overtime money.. no one wants to be overworked. Looking after kids is hard and you need a break so make sure you get enough YOU time before you go crazy!
_ What they expect of you
Do they want you to do all of their housework, their personal laundry, all of the cooking for not just the kids but them too.. make sure you know EXACTLY what you’re going into before it becomes awkward and you don’t feel appreciated.
– Your allowance (for children’s activities, eating out, travel)
I was so lucky with Mike and Libby, if I asked for extra money to take Eliza to a ballet show or Nick ice skating, they would always hand it over. You’re going to need to take the kids out at some point so make sure it’s not you putting your hand in YOUR pocket.
Being a nanny is the best job I have ever had, teaching the kids how to be better little people and having a positive influence is so rewarding. The hugs after the tantrums, the drawings they make – just for you, all these lovely things make it magical. And best of all EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. IS. DIFFERENT!
I wish you all the luck finding your unicorn family, and I’m so excited for you to start that new adventure – go for it!
SIMPLEOCEANSOUL 