Although being a nanny, babysitter or caregiver isn’t always the easiest job, you do learn a lot and it can be very rewarding. On Care.com’s Facebook Page, we asked our members to tell us what they’ve learned as a caregiver.
The overwhelmingly popular response was patience. Which is great because according to a Care.com poll, families think patience is the most important thing when hiring a caregiver.
Here are some of our favorite responses:
- “That you never run out of love to give no matter how many kids/families you work for there’s still always more love to give!”
~Savannah M.
- “An ability to create a song about almost anything! Emotions, blowing bubbles, gas…I sing about all of it :)”
~Shonda H.
- “I have learned how special is to be loved by other children than your own. When they see you and get excited, when they call me with a big smile on their faces, when they kiss me and say goodbye. It is such special feeling to know that I’m caring from my heart and I’m getting so much love in return.”
~Grillita R.
- “That giving love to animals is incredibly rewarding.”
~Kathleen S.
- “That just because a child is the same age as another does not mean they are capable of all the same things! Care needs to be personalized for each child.”
~Katelyn J.
- “Patience and love for the hardest ones!”
~Abigail C.
- “Kids are all different and yet all the same — they just want attention and most really do want to please you and be praised. If you can find one thing to praise them about it can turn around their day and in turn yours.”
~Kathy W.C
- “Kids will be kids, you won’t always have control of that and that’s ok. Just go with the flow as long as everyone is safe.”
~Aisha N.
- “Learn to laugh. And realize that I shouldn’t be the center of attention. That should belong to the student and the student’s family.”
~John C.
- “Innate sense of what a child needs without them asking or telling — because I have been around children for so many years that it’s just part of my being to feel what a child needs and how to help them and handle any situation”
~Chelsea P.
- “Put yourself in their shoes, it could one day by you or one of your family members. Take a deep breath have lots of patience and understanding!”
~Wendy S.
- “That they need love and understanding as they do forget and sometimes are a little cranky but we just need to love them”
~Tracy N.
- “Also a smile is also very rewarding to your patients, no matter if they or you are having a bad day 🙂 a smile no matter what will always be returned!”
~Josh G.
- “That you can love a child that is not yours, as much as your own!”
~Little L.
- “Patience, understanding, and respect”
~Rickie T.
- “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”
~Margaret E.
- “To be a good listener. And finding better ways to make them even more comfortable… physically and mentally.”
~Kim M.
- “It’s important to help them understand and to be a caring person when they find out bad news.”
~Sarah K.
- “Compassion”
~Sheila B
- “To be a good friend to them.”
~Teresa D.
- “Love. Understanding. Patience. Compassion. Strength. Respect. Gratitude. Tenacity. Hope. Faith. Fortitude. Laughter.”
~Gracie S.
- “Love….you have to love it to do it…you have to give lots of love.”
~Bernadette M.
- “That I never really grew up. I still like to play with children I am caring for.”
~Susan S.
- “The best thing I have learned is that every little action counts, from celebrating a child learning to use the potty to holding an elderly man’s hand as he cries for what he cannot control.”
~Amanda F.
- “When children trust you, they respect you.”
~Lisa M.
- “When families move, remaining in touch is nice!”
~Gabby S.
- “I have learned there are many ways to distract or redirect a child when they are upset, and do this without raising your voice. It just takes a bit more patience but so worth it.”
~Maul L.H
- “You have to mesh well with the family. It’s important to interview the family as much as they interview you.”
~Tommie M.
- “Don’t take what other people say seriously.”
~Sara W.
- “How to be a better parent when I have kids.”
~Sarah M.
- “That every child is different and special. They each have so much to offer and to teach you.”
~Carey P.
- “Working as a nurse in long term care I’ve learned that even the smallest thing can make a resident feel better, make their day and put a smile on their face.”
~Tracy G.
- “They grow up so fast, so cherish the little crazy moments, because as they get older, not only do you see the kids less, but those crazy, sweet moments are more far and few between.”
~Ashley D.
Check out more advice and thoughts from families, nannies and other caregivers.
