How to Build a Rewarding Career in Childcare

Nurturing moments: A rewarding career in childcare brings joy through simple walks and shared discoveries.

Are you considering a career in childcare? That's fantastic—you won't be disappointed!

Get ready to be cherished, worn out, covered in mysterious stains, have pockets filled with various items, and somehow always have a snack available.

Childcare is among the most fulfilling professions, trust me on this. However, it genuinely demands endurance, plenty of patience, and a great sense of humour.

If you are ready to embark on this adventure , here's how to build a fulfilling career.

Embrace the Chaos ( and learn to love glitter )

Children are little whirlwinds of energy, emotions, and, unfortunately, glitter! It somehow spreads everywhere, and you'll keep finding it for weeks afterward.

Regardless of whether you're a nanny, nursery practitioner, childminder, or play worker, you'll encounter sticky fingers, crayon-covered walls, and plenty of wet clothes. If you can embrace this and find humour in it, you can anticipate receiving unconditional love, amusing remarks, and hilarious quirks in return.

Get the Right Qualifications

Parents cherish their children more than anything and seek someone who does more than just sing "Baby Shark" on repeat. Investing in proper training is key:

• A Child Care or Early years qualification - so you can confidently explain why building a tower is actually brain development, how and why! Both you, and the parents of your charges will feel assured and confident.

• A Paediatric First Aid Certificate is essential. No matter how vigilant you are, children still manage to trip and fall over nothing.

• Safeguarding training. Another essential certificate to ensure every child is safe, happy and secure.

Develop a Poker Face

Children are hilarious and will say the strangest things at the worst moment .

" My baby sister can crap !" "What? Oh, Clap ! Of course"

If you can keep a straight face through these moments, congratulations - you're childcare material.

Master The Art of Distraction

Most under twos have the attention span of a goldfish on caffeine ! One minute they are happily playing , the next on the verge of a catastrophic meltdown because their sandwich was cut the wrong way.

What do you do ? Redirect of course , pull on all your resources ,calmness and reasoning, with a back up plan of funny voices, dance parties, songs and stories work wonders.

Build Your Reputation

Word of mouth and great references are everything in this line of work. Parents will recommend you if you :

• Show great initiative and always have a plan

• You are never late

• Their child adores you and you them

• You engage, educate, nurture and think out of the box

• You put their safety before anything

Set Boundaries

It is easy to give 100% in this job but do remember it can be ' full on'. Taking a break is crucial.

You are not failing if you allow your charge to have some independent play time whilst you sip your well earned coffee!

Remember why you do this role

Indeed, it can be chaotic, tiring, and frequently sticky, yet it is also brimming with laughter, milestones, and moments that remind you why you cherish this job.

For example, when. a child finally ties their shoes for the first time since you showed them, or remembers to say 'please' to another child, or gives you a big hug just because!

A career in childcare is not just a job - it is simply a journey of shaping little lives while collecting hilarious stories along the way.

Grab your patience, your snack stash, your best bedtime story voice and repertoire of nursery rhymes - it's going to be a rewarding ride ahead!

For Further information on becoming a Nanny , please get in touch for a chat.