Thursday Thought: Dealing with dyslexia

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week in the UK. Dyslexia is a processing issue in the brain relating to written language, and affects as many as 1 in 10 people. It’s not linked to intelligence, it’s just that the brain works a little differently and needs different strategies to process information, however children can end up feeling left behind and label themselves ‘stupid’ or ‘lazy’ because they cannot acquire reading, a skill which is necessary for future learning, as quickly as their peers. Struggling at school early on creates negative associations of learning and can make forming relationships with other children more difficult.

When we hear that someone has dyslexia we automatically associate that with difficult reading and writing, but this year’s Dyslexia Awareness Week is focusing on the theme Beyond Words. People with dyslexia might also have trouble with mental arithmetic, short-term memory, organisation, sequencing (for example ordering the days of the week), following directions, telling left from right or timekeeping, which can impact on many areas of their life even when they aren’t confronted with written language. If you care for a child with dyslexia you can have a really positive impact by helping them find ways to organise themselves and improve their memory.

These are some traits which might help identify dyslexia – it’s not a checklist but if you notice that a child has difficulty with several things on the list the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) recommends further investigation. Something which really helps dyslexic learners throughout their lives is early identification of problems which allows them to get targeted support from a young age. We’ve found a great document which contains helpful hints and tips for identifying dyslexic tendencies in preschoolers and activities you can do to help, as well as ideas to support children of all ages.

Dyslexic learners often struggle with their confidence so it’s just as important to find things they can do and enjoy. Dr Sears calls this the ‘carry-over principle’, the idea that being good at something will improve performance in all areas.  Do acknowledge that a child has dyslexia and might find some things more difficult but don’t label a child ‘dyslexic’ because that will encourage them to define themselves by a specific problem they face and not by all their other positive qualities. It’s also important to emphasise that dyslexia doesn’t need to hold them back in any way. There are lots of famous people with dyslexia: Lord Sugar, Richard Branson, Keira Knightley, Picasso and Einstein all are or were dyslexic!

If you’re reading this and thinking ‘hmmm that sounds like me’ then you should know that xyslexia doesn’t just affect children. Although you might not feel it’s worth getting a formal diagnosis as an adult you can still try to implement some strategies yourself and see if they help you.

Wednesday Worry: I can’t find a new job

My last employers gave me notice in June and I finished in August. I’ve been looking for 3 months and I still don’t have a new job. What am I doing wrong?

NannyAnnie, Hampshire

Looking for work is a very stressful time, and unfortunately the job market isn’t great at the moment so lots of nannies are in the same position you are – it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you! You don’t say whether you’ve had any interviews or interest from employers, or where you’re looking so let’s try to cover everything.

There are lots of places to find jobs these days. You can register with local and national agencies, look on websites where parents can post nanny job vacancies privately, post an ad at toddler groups, look in local papers and magazines and ask your friends and acquaintances whether they know of anyone looking for a nanny. If you’re only trying a few of these avenues, for example only looking at jobs advertised with agencies, try some other options, but remember to be safe when arranging to meet a family.

If you’re getting contacted about jobs but they don’t appeal to you then maybe you’re being too specific in your requirements. Most people’s dream job is one family, full time, sole charge while the parents work out of home, but those are few and far between these days. Consider putting two or even three jobs together to fill your week, looking for nanny share positions or try a job where the parents work from home. If you set everything out clearly at the start then parents working from home doesn’t need to affect you.

Perhaps you’re getting interviews and find yourself being pipped to the post by other candidates. Try asking families for feedback on what you can do to improve your chances. It might be that you could take a course or volunteer to get some extra experience.

Finally don’t give up hope! Not having a permanent job is hard and you might need to take temporary nanny or nursery jobs but it’s all experience and the perfect job will come and find you one day!

Thursday Thought: Watch your back

This week is Back Care Awareness Week.

As nannies our backs are constantly put under stress and strain, and taking care of ourselves is vital to ensure our career isn’t cut short because we become physically unable to lift, bend and care for children.

If, like many nannies, you spend most of the day on your feet it’s vital to wear sensible, comfortable, well-fitting shoes. We all know high heels are bad for backs, and they’re not too practical for running around after children either, but flat shoes – especially ballerina styles and flip-flops – can be just as bad. The most supportive shoes have a well-cushioned sole and a slight heel. If you can’t bear to give up your flats then investigate inserts that will support your instep. Look after your shoes too, as over time shoes will wear out and stop supporting your foot properly, which can unbalance you and put stress on your back.

Carrying children is obviously a bit part of a nanny’s job, and many nannies will have a child who needs to be carried in their care throughout their entire career, which can be thirty years or more. When lifting a child make sure you employ proper lifting techniques:

Engage your stomach muscles
Bend from your knees
Don’t lift and twist at the same time

If you have a baby or toddler who likes to be carried a lot you should use baby carriers that are ergonomically designed for baby and adult. Avoid types which have very thing straps crossing high in your back and avoid carrying children on your hip for extended periods without some kind of support. You can get advice on different types of carrier here.

Pushing a pram is another daily event for most nannies, but few parents take the physiology of their nanny into account when they choose their pram. If you’re a short nanny working for very tall parents, or the other way round, you might encounter problems with an essential piece of equipment! Where a pram has adjustable handles then make sure you use that feature, but if you find using their pram impossible then do talk to them and try to come up with another solution. It’s also something worth considering at future interviews – if you know you have a problem with a specific model of pram then it should be a consideration on whether you accept the job. A good employer will be willing to work with you on this. After all, no-one wants a nanny going out on long term sick leave over an occupational health problem.

Bags can be another big culprit. An over-filled changing bag, especially if it’s a shoulder bag style rather than a backpack or cross body bag, will cause you to tilt to one side. You might also find yourself carrying several other bags on the school run with older children. Try to minimise the weight of their school bags (this will protect their backs too in the future) and encourage them to carry their own belongings. If necessary get a shopping trolley. They come in pretty funky designs now!

At any sign of discomfort stop what you’re doing and assess whether you can do the task a different way. If you start to notice a pattern raise the issue with your boss and if necessary make a doctor’s appointment. Looking after your back is looking after your career in the long run.

Wednesday worry: No social life?

I have to babysit a lot in my job and finding the lack of a social life very isolating. Do you have any suggestions?

NannyS, Cardiff

Being a nanny is sometimes an isolating job and although you may have plenty of opportunities to socialise during the day it might be harder to spend time with friends in the evenings. If you are lucky and your bosses allow you to have a friend over on a babysitting night it is fun to watch a favourite movie and maybe share a takeaway too.

Today’s technology is amazing and with facebook and twitter you need never feel alone. There is also skype and facetime both of which can connect you to distant family and friends. Another good idea is visiting all the blogs and websites. Apart from the forum on BAPN site you can use www.nannyjob.co.uk for a chance to get involved in discussions on up to date topics. If you are creative then Pintrest will keep you entertained for ages.

Babysit evenings are an ideal time to catch up on any nursery duties including sewing and ironing and of course watching your favourite TV programmes while you do it. Make the most of your evenings off and either keep another nanny company while she babysits (saving money) or catch the latest blockbuster!

Tell Us Tuesday The allergy and free from show

The Allergy and Free from show
7th-9th of June at the Olympia

“This is the second year that I have been to the Allergy show I London but this year was a wow. It was bigger and better than other years – there were 242 exhibitors and over the 3 day period there were 21,803 visitors.

I went on Friday and took along a suitcase as I know you can get some really good bargains at these shows. As I have loads of allergies and need free from foods it is a great place to try before you buy.

Not only did I have an amazing time eating and learning new things I found out lots about how children can be affected and how to help them on a day to day level. There was a great CPD Master class providing 4 CPD credits about Milk Allergy, IBS, Anaphylaxis and Allergic Rhinitis, it was great and I hope to follow up this with a chat to the Milk Allergy expert about Allergies in children later this year.

The Allergy and free from show has a second exhibition in Liverpool on the 26th – 27th of October at the BT Convention Centre and they have given us free tickets to all our members just us this link.

I have not attended this event in Liverpool but if it’s anything like the London one it’s not to be missed.

I made a lot more contacts and was able to try some foods which I haven’t eaten in years. I will definitely be attending next years’ show in London so I’ll let you know if we are lucky enough to get some more free tickets.

Penny”

Thursday thought: Saying no

When it comes to charges, gently refusing is second nature. We accept they have to learn that certain behaviour is unacceptable, certain objects are out of bounds and that they are probably hungry because it’s nearly lunchtime and we aren’t going to let them have a biscuit.

Employers, on the other hand, are a totally different matter. For some reason we find ourselves saying ‘yes, of course’ when we really meant ‘it’s not terribly convenient’ or ‘I’d rather not’ or ‘I had something completely different planned for my evening’. Whether it’s coming in early, babysitting, running an extra errand or doing last night’s washing up we always seem to end up helping.

Of course this usually makes them grateful. It reflects well on us and references are peppered with ‘always will to go the extra mile’ and ‘really flexible’ but it also makes me personally feel like a bit of a mug.

I find it difficult to be assertive. I find it difficult to turn down an unreasonable request, let alone a reasonable one. I find it difficult to say ‘NO’ to anyone over the age of about 8.

And I’m realising that’s not terribly good for me.

So in future I’m going to think about myself before I say yes, and I’m going to practice saying no nicely. So next time we’re supposed to meet up and I’m asked to babysit at the last minute, I’ll see you at 8!

Wednesday Worry

I’m coming to the end of the probationary period in my new job and my boss wants to have a meeting. I think she has some concerns and I don’t feel I’ve bonded with the children either. I’m worried I’m going to lose my job. Can you help?

*Hammersmith Nanny*

 

Hi Hammersmith Nanny,

I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling worried about this meeting. Getting together at the end of the probationary period is normal so it doesn’t necessarily mean your boss has concerns or is unhappy with you.

Has she said anything specific since you started, and have you tried to modify it? Perhaps if she does have some concerns you could suggest extending the probationary period with a clear list of things she wants you to change and that will give you some time to bond with your charges too. It’s normal to take a while to feel settled with children, especially if your previous job was a long term position, and your charges might be picking up on your anxiety as well.

If the worst happens and you and your boss decide it’s not working out then there’s nothing to be afraid of. I think every nanny has had at least one job where they’ve tried and it’s not gone their way. Well done for sticking it out until the end of the probation, and ask your boss to write you a positive reference. Don’t be tempted to cover up the position on your CV. Acknowledging that sometimes it doesn’t work is a great sign of maturity and prospective employers should understand.

Shark in the Dark by Peter Bently

Today we’re reviewing Shark in the Dark

If you love the likes of The Gruffalo and The Snail And The Whale by Julia Donaldson then this bouncy ocean tale is definitely for you. The shark is coming up from the depths of the sea to terrorise the fish but ends up biting off more than he can chew.

There’s a good balance between simplicity and new vocabulary in this book, and the rhymes don’t feel forced. It’s a big hit with my 2 year old charge who is now able to recite large chunks and identify the different types of fish. We also did a couple of ocean themed crafts, making a jellyfish and whale using paper plates and a squid from odd socks. By the way, do you know the differences between a squid and an octopus? We do now!

For slightly older children there’s a couple of morals to discuss about our behaviour towards others and working together, and the story is engaging enough to keep their attention. It’s quite good for confident early readers, with lots of material for practising phonics, and older readers can be encouraged to practice expressive reading and different voices for the fish.

Illustrated by the same artist who worked on Aliens Love Underpants there is plenty to see and talk about in the pictures, which really add to the story and provide lots more to talk about.

All in all a great book. Add it to your Christmas list!