Whats the best advice you could give a new Nanny?

Someone who is very familiar with the grade-school age, but not so familiar with the toddler age?Whats the best advice you could give a new Nanny?
Toddlers are very active and love to just run around and get into things..talk to the parents to get an idea of the child's schedule(when to eat,nap(toddlers need naps),etc.), rules and discipline for the child (what the parents do in what situation). be firm and consistant when giving consequences for things they do wrong, they will, can and do push your buttons and can get out of anything if you let them, so don't. Have lots of fun activies to do with them (painting, coloring, playing outside) hands-on activies are really great and helps them develope their fine motor skills.





Bottom line, consult with the parents on anything you are not sure about. As a parent (I'm a mother of 3) I love it when caregivers (babysitter,nanny or whathave you) talk to me about things and keeps me informed about my child. Remember, you are there to assist the parents, so keep that in mind when taking care of the children and conduct yourself in a professional manner, eventually you will need references for helping other families.Whats the best advice you could give a new Nanny?
Always behave as if you were on a ';nanny-cam';.
Be careful as to what you say and what you do with a toddler. Toddlers love to repeat what they hear, and will repeat everything. Parents of toddlers, are known for putting hidden mini-camera's around their homes, for the purpose of watching for abuse of their children. Keeping toddlers occupied is not an easy job for any adult. The parent(s) know the likes and dislikes of their children, and you should take full advantage of this information. Ask them what things their toddlers like and write them down. Read them a book, color with them, find out where and when their favorite program is on. Take a jigsaw puzzle, and draw the ABC's and 123's in order, on the back of the puzzle pieces. This way you can teach them and play at the same time. Put the puzzle together which teaches them organizational skills and concepts.
Think!!!





Ask the parent/s lots of questions.





If you don't know, ask.





You have to be in control form the very start. It is much easier to ease up then fight for control.





Toddlers are changing everyday.


Who knows what they might come up with.





Learn to fly by the seat of your pants!!!
u need to have a lot of patience. always stay calm but set the rules right away. dont let them push you around...they will take advantage of you. and dont treat them any differently than you would if their parents were there. hope this helps =]