Starting a job as a nanny soon, nervous pls help

[nannymcphee]

Hi

I have landed myself a job as a nanny to my friend who has two little ones under the age of 5. Her children are 1 yr old and the other is 4. I can't get registered as a childminder as there are too many under 5, so she is employing me as her nanny to work from her house.

I've done nannying in the past but never taken my children along.

I also have two under 5 (aged 4 and baby) so am lucky that I can look after my baby and look after hers.

So it will involve nursery pick up and drop off, her eldest is there full time, my eldest part time.

My husband had a go at me saying I wouldn't be able to cope.

Now I am panicking, how will I manage with so many kids.

I really am having doubts if I can do it.

Does anyone with experience of childminding have problems coping with numbers.

Please can you advice..

thanks
ms nervous!!

[tasha]

Of course you can do it...silly man! Actually I find the more you have the easier it is most of the time!
Tasha

[tasha]

Don't forget that if it doesn't work out with your friend...you could still register & look after 1 under 5 and 3 5-8 year old & over 8's (depending on the space in your house)!
Tasha

[nannymcphee]

Thanks for your advice, I know I can do it I am just scared. Even had a nightmare about it. Didn't help that another family member jumped in and said what hell it would be.

Nice and supportive family members I have. NOT!!

[sarahnev707]

Some days I have a baby, 2 under 3s, a 4yr old classed as 5 as she's at school and a 7 yr old - plus my own 2 and bfriend's 2 arrive from school - it's like bedlam!!

Bfriend is registered so I'm never over numbers - and he cooks which takes the strain off me in that department.....

But it's fun and they are all great and get on - most of the time! When it goes wrong, baby is popped into the travel cot for safety, toddlers are split up or a short DVD/TV programme goes on, my 2 are sent to their room, 4 and 7 yr olds get a toy they haven't played with for ages to keep them busy and I make a cup of tea!!!!

You will find your own way of doing things.... just be ultra organised - have a theme in mind for when there's a gap in the day, go out for a lot of bracing (tiring) nature walks, as soon as the babies are asleep or it's quiet, pre-prepare food and stick it in the fridge, don't get talked into doing any housework (ever!) and take lots of time out to sit and talk to the children - read with them, colour alongside them, enjoy their company and get to know them as well as you can - that's where the joy of our job comes in! I love being able to think I haven't missed a bit of my children's childhoods!

Sarahx

[custardcream]

Of course you can do it, some days i have 4 1yr olds all together(I have a variation), some days its organised mayhem but its great.Go for it, it will be great fun and rewarding.