Interview with Nanny Holly: Childcare Insights

We had a chance to catch up with one of our nannies Holly who talks about about everything nanny! From the beginnings of her career to the most challenging parts of being a nanny.

Meet beautiful nanny Holly who has been a lovely and invaluable addition to our Mini team. Holly has such a great love for kids of all ages and loves forming long lasting and meaningful relationships with her Mini’s.

We had a chance to catch up with nanny Holly and talked about everything nanny! From the beginnings of her career to the most challenging parts of being a nanny. Holly also shares with us an awesome video of what a day looks like for her on the job so keep scrolling to check it out!

 How did you start your nannying career?

I began my career as an educator in 2017 at a childcare centre in Brisbane and absolutely LOVED it! I’d formed such beautiful relationships with the little people in my class and loved watching them interact with each other and learn new things that I had taught them. After a year working at the centre, I decided to join a Nanny Agency and that agency was indeed, Mini Nanny Agency. I met with Michelle one afternoon and we had a casual yet professional chat about my experience, qualifications and what I was looking for in a nanny role. I was now in Mini’s Nanny database and would receive weekly emails of jobs on offer. It wasn’t until a few weeks later a perfect role came up so I called Michelle right away, after meeting the family I knew this would be the job for me and I started the following week.

How did you connect with the crew at Mini Nanny Agency and how has your experience been with us?

 I found Mini after googling nanny agencies in Brisbane. I sent through an application and Michelle got in contact with me. My experience with Mini has been nothing short of amazing. All my interactions with Michelle and the team and Mini have been so lovely. I’ve always felt extremely appreciated and looked after.

What does a day in the life look like for you?

I get to work at 7am and prepare Ethan’s (18 months) breakfast. I then tidy living area, unpack the dishwasher, put on a load of washing and plan what kind of activities we will do during the day. Typically, we like to do things such as going to the park for a play or going to the library for a sing-along session. We love going to new places and discovering fun activities in and outside of Brisbane. At the end of the day, I bathe Ethan and make sure all washing is put away and the house is looking sparkling clean for when Mum and Dad get home.

What is your favourite part of being a nanny?

I love doing things that I like to do in my spare time but with Ethan! Such as grabbing a coffee, and babycino, at Hawthorne park, driving down to Burleigh and enjoying a muffin together on the beach. I love being a nanny because my job doesn’t feel like work. I spend my days playing alongside Ethan and watching him learn and grow and It has been a privilege to watch this teeny three-month-old blossom into an energetic young two-year-old!

What is something you wish people understood more about being a nanny?

 I wish people would understand that I’m not ‘just a babysitter’. I have essentially raised Ethan alongside his parents. I have been with him for almost two years five days a week, 7-4 each day. I would like to think I have taught Ethan a lot of what he knows. Nannies do so much more than just ‘babysit’, we cook, clean, teach, play, listen, help and nurture for our little ones. When we arrive at work our number one priority becomes our mini and we do everything we can to keep them safe, happy and healthy.

Do you have any nanny hacks that makes the day run more smoothly?

I don’t have any hacks because you never know what each day is going to pan out like. I guess you just have to go with the flow and plan your day around your mini. Definitely get out of the house as much as you can and make the most of your day, they tend to go quicker too!

What has been the most challenging part of being a nanny?

 When I first became a nanny, Ethan was only three months old. Obviously, he couldn’t yet do much and generally slept all day apart from waking for a bottle, so I found the days dragged and I started to feel a little lonely and isolated. Soon enough he was able to sit and was becoming more alert, so we began to go to the library and attend play-groups etc. The older he has gotten, the easier it has become as we are hardly ever home now! Each day we go somewhere different and explore places together.

When you’re not a nanny, what makes you happy?

I love going on weekend trips to Byron or anywhere along the coast. I like going to brunch with friends, visiting my family and friends in Melbourne, singing, dancing and spending time with my partner Dylan!