Annaluna

My Summary

My Experience

9 years of Childcare experience;
Ages: 3–15 years;
Previous Roles: Nanny (both part-time and full-time).

In Tenerife I had been in charge of Roberto for 6 years (from his 5 to 11) and I spent with him all the afternoons from Monday to Friday, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Roberto's parents divorced shortly after I started working as his nanny and that was a little after the discovery of Roberto's allergies problems. It was a delicate period, both psychologically and emotionally as well as physically, but we all managed it in the best possible way and all this experience brought us together even more.

When I met Ivo, here in London, he had just turned 3 and Sylvia had just turned 7. I stayed with them for 2 years. Besides the 'classic basic activities' (picking them up from kindergarten/school, going with them to club activities, preparing healthy meals and snacks, reading lots of books and helping them a bit with homework) depending on the period of the year or the circumstances we spent as much time as possible outdoors, discovering new playgrounds where we could create new adventures and collect leaves, stones or branches for our creative activities to do at home. Many visits to museums, the zoo and our beloved Gambado (indoor soft play centre). I also organised many playdates for both of them.
I always dedicated some time to music (dancing, singing, creating songs or just listening to music) and also let them free to enjoy their favourite activities, toys and games at home. On some occasions, it was necessary to go with them to the doctor or dentist.

I currently work part-time after school with two teenagers (13 and almost 15 years old) and the oldest one has Down Syndrome. I pick him up from school once a week (the other afternoons he arrives with the school bus), prepare dinner (for both boys), help him with his homework and stay with him until his parents finish work. We play a lot of table tennis and chess. We like karaoke too. During holidays or when we can, we cook together and go out in search of adventure at the park or the Aquarium. Although his brother is more independent and does not need much supervision, of course, I am there for him too.

Having a calming influence and creating a loving, warm environment to thrive in is something that I do try to manifest in all contexts of life, with children and with adults as well, because I believe that this is the best field where someone may plant the seeds of good relationships. Especially for kids, who are going to be the adults of the future, is essential to have a positive and appreciative environment that will help to grow their inner nature and potential. For this reason, I would like to know which activities the kids enjoy the most, to understand them better and set them free to enjoy their passions. Starting from that point, I would like to propose to them something different, anything that could be new and interesting for them to stimulate their curiosity and to discover distinct skills. According to the kids’ age, I speak openly with them and I share my day-to-day life and emotions, to show them I keep in consideration their opinion. So, day after day, I make them realise that there is nothing to worry about in being open with people who love us, that it is natural and positive.
At the same time, I try to stimulate their communication skills through simple but respectful questions, never trying to lead their answer so I can understand better how they do feel or think. When something "goes wrong" for them in their lives, I try to make them laugh because laughter helps people relieve stress. Consequently, it is easier to raise their spirit and make them see the positive side of things and have a good perception of life.

I never had “my own” children but I spent a lot of time with my friends’ kids and with the children I was taking care of as a Nanny and those had been very fun and intense experiences. Children's energy and curiosity are revitalising for me. Many times their way to see the facts helped me to reconsider the way I see things. Spending time with them is a good-natured exchange, a genuine "give and take" situation which unfortunately many times is hard to experience with adults. Thanks to the kids I developed my patience and capacity to "take things easy", not take things to heart, do not take them personally. And, even more important, they helped me reconnect with my inner child, in that playful way that an adult has forgotten or let apart during the life path.

My Qualifications

-Qualification in Applied Arts (Italy).
-Development of communication skills (200 hours), University Extension Course, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain).
-2 Pediatric First Aid certificates (London).

My Availability

Minimum 35 hours per week and max 45 h/w

My Fees

• Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
• Nannying from £15.00 per hour (net)