What do you write in your first post? I’ve heard writers say that the beginning and ending of a book are the hardest to write, and I’m guessing the applies to blogs, too. I hope this isn’t too boring.
I’m Amy. I grew up as a navy brat, traveling around the US every few years. I was a quirky child- my mom says I was “an odd little duck”. I think I just always had too many ideas in my head! As a kid, I loved to read, craft, love on fuzzy critters, dig around in the dirt, play board games, and write stories. In high school, I was in band, choir, and theater. I think I’m just allergic to boredom, really. I got my BA in K-12 Music Education. My primary instrument was the french horn, but I don’t have much time to play it now. As an adult, I like to read, craft, love on fuzzy critters, dig around in the dirt, play board games, and write stories. I guess I haven’t changed a lot, except that I’m much more organized and responsible and stuff. I’m still a bit of an odd duck. I randomly break into song sometimes. I watch Disney movies a lot. I don’t think I’ll ever see enough cat videos on youtube. I tell cheesy jokes. Children’s books often make me cry. I’m definitely in touch with my inner child.
So why and how did I become a nanny? Ever since 8th grade, I thought I wanted to be a band director. It wasn’t until I was nearly done with my degree and was student teaching that I realized the reality of the job- long hours, lots of paperwork, and ever-decreasing budgets. I wanted more than that. I wanted a career I could love AND a personal life. I wanted to leave work with a smile on my face every day! While I tried to figure out what that career would be, I spent time teaching in preschools and day cares. I LOVED working with the kids, but I didn’t like some of the decisions that had to be made in order to keep the school profitable. I knew some people who had become nannies, and I was curious, so I met with an agency and gave it a go! I love being able to work with parents to give their kids the best life possible. I love being able to focus on just a few children at a time so that we can get to know each other really well and teach each other things.
As a nanny, the things I want to give to my kiddos the most are a lifelong love of learning and a truly creative spirit. I adapt my activities every day so that they align with whatever the kid is interested in. I do a lot of sensory activities, simple science experiments, and arts and crafts. I help kids gain confidence and independence. And I encourage them to always ask “why?” and if I don’t have an answer for them, we’ll find out together! I want them to be happy about who they are and to know that being “an odd little duck” just means that you’re unique and wonderful.
I currently live in Columbus, Ohio with my awesome guy, Drew, and my two loving kitties, Melody and Tomaso.
