Being a nanny, you are expected to be good with children. Since you will be with them most of
the day, you must learn how to communicate with them effectively. Good communication will
foster a trusting relationship between you and the children.
Being a nanny, you are expected to be good with children. Since you will be with them most of
the day, you must learn how to communicate with them effectively. Good communication will
foster a trusting relationship between you and the children. It will also allow children to open up
with you and follow your lead.
Here are a few tips for effective communication.
Listen Intently.
Regardless if their stories are trivial or of high importance, listen intently. Listen with the goal of
understanding. When you listen intently, you make them feel that you are always willing to listen
to them. When you understand their stories, they will feel that you truly care for them.
Encourage Sharing of Opinions.
Children have opinions too and it must be heard. You may think that they are too innocent to
have opinions, but you will be surprised how observant children are these days. Ask them to
share their opinions. By encouraging them, you promote self-confidence. It is way easier to deal
with children who speak up.
Be Available.
With the parents being away, the children must go to you for problems, requests, or even
whims. Be available to help them out. No matter how busy you are, maybe you are doing some
chores but stop for a while and listen to their requests. This will make them feel that their needs
are of utmost importance to you.
Have Fun With Them.
Children can be exhausted at the end of a school day, but they will always have the energy for
fun. Let loose by doing fun activities. It can be a simple hide and seek indoors, a quick dip in a
swimming pool, or letting them watch their favorite TV show. Anything that can take their minds
away from studies.
Validate Their Emotions.
Children are full of emotions, from mellow to an outburst. Allow them to express themselves
freely. It is important that you welcome emotions like joy, sadness, anger, disappointments,
frustrations, and jealousy. By welcoming them you are teaching the children to acknowledge
their feelings. By now, they already trust you. Guide them on how to deal with each emotion.
Constructive Criticism.
There will be a time that children will make mistakes. With their age, they are bound to make
many. Let them make as many mistakes as they can. When they do, sit down with them and
explain to them why you think their actions need to change. Listen to them explain themselves
as well. Hear them out and come up with a suggestion on how to better themselves in dealing
with a similar situation in the future.
These tips can be helpful in fostering effective communication. The children’s ability to
communicate effectively is vital for developing positive relationships with others. Just like adults,
children need to be able to understand and be understood.
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