Nanny 911

NANNY 911

One of the most common questions I'm asked when I explain I run a nanny agency is "What do you think of that Nanny 911 show?" The first thing that I do is to explain that the role of the nanny is not to put themselves forward as a child expert and advise parents on how they should raise their children.

The role of the nanny is, in fact, to support and uphold the decisions and values of a family and work in with them however and wherever they can. It is, after all, up to the parents how they would like to raise their children! However, these shows are not without their merit. Whether it's 'Nanny 911' or whether it's 'Super Nanny', there are some common themes to the advice that is given, and some helpful tips:

Routine

All children respond well to routine, but it becomes especially important if you are struggling with a child's behaviour on a regular basis and they are not responding to your correction. Nannies and parents alike may balk at 'Super Nanny' Jo's daily schedule, but you'd be surprised at how secure routine makes children feel. It is especially helpful if there are particular times of the day that have become a battle zone - such as meal times or bedtimes. Routine helps children to know what to expect.

Consistency

Most of us are familiar with the "time out" disciplinary technique and 'Super Nanny' Jo's "naughty step", but what is most important is consistency. If we discipline a behaviour we don't like some times and not others, our children become confused and the boundaries are not clear, and so we continue to battle with the behaviour. Consistency can be tiresome, especially in the beginning - but the results are worth it.

Speaking with our Children

Most of us will testify to getting better results from our partners and spouses when we discuss a matter rather than shouting and hollering at each other! Well, the same applies to our children. Not only does shouting make for a constantly unpleasant and tense atmosphere for everyone to live in, it simply doesn't work. Children do not listen to it - they switch off. You'd be surprised at how getting down to eye level with a child, lowering your tone and calmly and simply explaining the behaviour you don't like or the behaviour you would like to see, produces results.

Praise

When parents are tired, and energy levels are low, giving praise can seem like the most difficult thing to do.  Yet your encouragement and praise of every little bit of achievement - particularly for the usual conflicts you have with your child - can avoid lengthy and exhausting battles.  Like all of us, your child responds to encouragement and praise, and it is such a positive experience for them, they want to continue with the behaviour you are rewarding.  Making a fuss of a child and praising them with words and smiles and claps for what they have eaten on their plate, or for sleeping through the night without coming in to mummy and daddy, or just for sitting on the potty (not necessarily with the result you are wanting!) encourage children to continue and have a far better result than constant coaxing to do what you are asking them to do.  Wherever possible, focus on your child's good behaviour and their small achievements and give them lots of praise.

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