The child’s development: 1-2 years
In this early age, the child mainly learn from repetition. Repetition and sticking to a routine makes the child feel secure and enhances the learning. For this reason, it makes sense for the nanny/parent to do the same thing repeatedly. Oinking like a pig 20 times is just the way to teach the child how a pig sound.
The child’s development: 2-3 years
The child is now in a very curious age and it makes sense to adapt the baby sitting to the child’s personality, interests, and its temperament. Calm, shy and careful kids could do well with a calm, encouraging nanny, who patiently helps the child testing new things and pushing the boundaries. On the other hand, active and impulsive kids could do well with an active and firm nanny with clear boundaries.
The child’s development: 3-4 years
The child is now beginning to grasp the concept of time, but he/she still doesn’t know how long an hour is. As a Nanny, you should therefor use the terms “before” and “after”, when explaining something to the child. You could say “We’ll go to the park after you have had your afternoon snack”. 3-4-year olds tend to get frustrated when they are unable to do something they want to, or when they are mad to do something they don’t want to. The mood changes rapidly, so it’s important to keep your cool and show patience, while helping the child dealing with its emotions.
The child’s development: 4-5 years
The child is now growing more confident and could, for example, play for long periods of time without adults. As a nanny, you should still be there and partake in the games. You could give the children some space to play for themselves if they wish, while keeping a watching eye over them. 4-5-year olds have a lot of imagination, which of course impact their games greatly. Heroes from movies they watched will take part in their games and they might find it hard to distinguish between fact and fiction.
The child’s development: 5-6 years
The child will now start to gain an understanding for other people’s emotions and feelings. This is what we normally call empathy and it’s a crucial part in building ths child’s moral ground. The child also starts to realize the earth does not entirely revolve around him-/herself. This is an age where rules and routines are important. As a nanny, you should strive to be as clear and consistent as possible. The child still learns a lot from fun and games, but he/she is now slowly getting ready to absorb knowledge in a more “school-like manner”.
The child’s development: 6-7 years
Children in this age often think about the concept of time and they start to figure out how things fit together. Prepare to get hammered with a ton of time-related questions, like “how many days until Christmas?” and “how old can a turtle become?”. This is a time of exploration and the child wants to find things out for him-/herself in order to form his/her own opinion on matters. It’s important for 6-7 year olds to learn what their surroundings appreciate/don’t like. By respecting the child’s own will, while letting the child take in other, different wills from other kids and adults, the child will learn that it’s OK for people to think and want different things.
The child’s development 8-9 years
At this age, the child will slowly start to calm down. The will and need for privacy and being alone at times is intensified. Some kids turn more inwards than others and can easily get caught daydreaming.
The child’s mood can change quickly. One minute they crave your love, and the other minute they want you to back off.
8-9 year olds usually start to explore the world outside the family and become more aware of risks and dangers. It’s important to listen to the child and offer them your support when the worries take the upper hand and becomes too much for the child.
The child’s development 10-12 years
The child is now practicing being an adult. However, their feelings and emotions are still very childish. Fantasy games are usually replaced with music or a sport in this age. It’s important to respect the child’s need to be alone or to hang out with friends. 10 to 12-year olds want to hang out with you on their own terms, so it’s important to listen in to the child’s specific needs.