Guest Post - Eileen McCartney

Hello my name is  Eileen MC Cartney and I have been a professional caregiver to children of all ages for most of my adult life.  Before that I made all my extra money from babysitting along with a few other part time jobs that I started when I was fourteen.  Coming from a family of eight children, me being the oldest you really could say that I was in training for this career my whole life! 

Today, Courtney Czaja asked me to be her quest blogger for her assignment and I gladly agreed.  I do not have a blog site of my own since all my employers have come from word of mouth and referrals.  I will try to do my best but blogging is a new field for mwe so here goes.


In all my years as a caregiver/nanny I have learned many valuable tips that I can pass along to those just starting out in the field or those alreadsy in it but looking for some "seasoned" advice.
Like David Letterman here is my "Top Ten List"

FIRST:        The child's welfare ALWAYS comes first.

SECOND:    Interaction with parents is CRUCIAL for both you and the parents

THIRD:        Make it FUN for everyone whenever possible

FOURTH:     Take your respobsibilities SERIOUSLY it is not a game it is very real

FIFTH:          UNDERSTANDING what is expected from each other is very important
                      No room for misunderstanding here....know what the parents want.....know what you    
                       expect from them and make sure it is understood by all

SIXTH:         Remember that even though you are like a family remember you are NOT and should    strive to keep a friendly but professional relationship at all times

SEVENTH:   Keep in mind that actions speak louder than words and this is especially true with children

EIGHTH:      Do NOT let the children or their parents take advantage of you.  This is very easy to fall into especially if you are employed for a long time.  You are still a professional and should be treated as such

NINTH:        Take every chance you get to enhance your DAILY activites with something new and exciiting for the sake of the child (ren) and yourself.  Keeping things interesting is a real plus.

TENTH:       ALWAYS< ALWAYS ALWAYS remember how important your skills and your expertise are to the well being of the child and the whole family in general. 


                                         YOU ARE AN INVALUABLE ASSET!!!!