My Life As A Teacher Caregiver

A few weeks ago when I prepared for National Nanny Recognition Week, the idea of having a story time of nanny books popped into my head. What would prove to be the challenge was finding picture books for young children that used the term “nanny” instead of babysitter. There aren’t many.

Then the internet search engine gods smiled down on me, and Ernestine and NannyO’Dear appeared.  When I read descriptions of the book online, I thought “oh not only is it a book with a nanny, it’s a book that nannies can embrace." If Linda Ravin Lodding was in front of me I think I would have hugged her and then kissed her feet.

As a long time nanny, I can say there have been times in my past where I worked for people like Ernestine’s parents. I am not going to deny that as a teen I wasn’t like Ernestine, but I can say it was a personal choice. And, I did have down time once in awhile, that I enjoyed so greatly. I also can say I had a father who felt that we didn’t need to be constantly going here, there and everywhere. He liked staying home to read his books. He actually wanted to hug the DMV people who said we passed our driver’s exams as it meant he didn’t have to chauffer us anymore.

As a childcare professional that has continued taking professional development course work, I know the value in exposing children to all types of things in the world. But more and more what is lost is allowing children to explore their own backyards, parks, and trails through play.

“Play is the highest form of research”, according to Albert Einstein.

A few summers ago I was in a nanny position where I had to take my charges in for a physical examination with their new pediatrician. This was after several weeks of our going on nature hikes, walks in the neighborhood, visits to playgrounds, and more. The doctor looks at their banged up knees with various bumps, bruises, and scrapes in various stages of healing. She said, “Well, look at those legs. Tell me about this.”

The children excitedly proceeded to talk about trips over logs and stones, wipeoust on bikes in the driveway, going down slides to fast, bumping into things on the jungle gym, etc.  To them these injuries were scars of honor of a well spent July, complete with smiles and shrugs of “oh well” .

The doctor said to them, “I bet you have fun.” They looked at her confused with expressions that said did you miss everything we just told you? Then the pediatrician looked at me and said, “Good job nanny. I don’t see enough legs like theirs anymore.”

I think of how society has plugged in, to computers, TV, Ipods, gaming systems,etc. We see statistics all the time on obesity in children and adults. Health issues rising related to all of that.

We see parents feeling like they need to compete with the neighborhood to make sure their toddler is getting into the right classes and programs. Babies who can barely walk and talk.

I believe in a playful learning approach to my time as a caregiver to children. As a nanny it’s not always easy to get this viewpoint across to some parents. Yes, I do care about the best interest of children. That is my job, and that is my mission. Play is in the best interest of children.

To see in print the book, The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister by Linda RavinLodding, it embodies what I believe is so vital for children. It’s done in such a fun way. I loved the idea of losing track of what you are supposed to be doing, when, and where. I get being that nanny who needed to juggle it all. I understand the child saying no to it all, and the caregiver supporting her in her decision!

The illustrations by Suzanne Beaky are fabulous. My charges love them. To us they added so much to the written words I read to the children. They are colorful and funny. I also am pleased to announce that when I was in a vintage store recently I came across a hat that looks very similar to Nanny O’Dear’s. It now sits on my mantle at my home.

This is a great book for children and their parents. Also, when a nanny colleague looked at it the other day she smiled and said, "I must get a copy of this book too."