This year the nanny industry saw the introduction of the SPARK Awards, created and sponsored by Lora Brawley at Nanny Biz Reviews.
I had the opportunity to reach out to this year’s recipients, Enthusiastic Newcomer Jennie Pennie Jex-Landoe and ask them about their careers, being honored with a SPARK Award and what they want other nannies to know.
How long have you been a nanny? Jennie: I have been a nanny for about three and a half years, three of which have been with the same family. I will soon be moving on to a new position, as my current family is moving away.
Tell us a bit about your path to becoming a nanny and continuing on this path for so long?
Jennie: I became a nanny after experiencing a major stress related health crisis while working as a counselor at an at-risk youth shelter. After a week in the hospital, a month wearing a heart monitor, and still not healing, my doctor told me that I had to reduce my stress level. I couldn’t find a job in my hometown that was low stress. So I expanded my search. A friend from high school lived in Seattle and needed a roommate. I came to visit, went home and looked for ads on craigslist. I didn’t realize that being a nanny was a real thing! When I came across the childcare ads, I placed one. I received several emails and scheduled interviews. The next week, I was back in Seattle interviewing. I went home to the farm in Eastern Washington, packed all my stuff, and moved to Seattle in January 2010 to accept my first nanny job. I have to say, I’ve never been so happy. I feel like I’m finally being my truest self each day.
What prompted you to apply for SPARK?
Jennie: I actually didn’t apply. I was nominated, but didn’t even know about the contest until about 2 weeks before voting closed. Lora Brawley mentioned I was nominated during a training class, and I was totally taken by surprise! I almost didn’t finish the nominee process, because I was nervous about having to make a video. Of course, I am very glad I did. This whole process has been such a great opportunity for growth, that I would have been disappointed in myself if I hadn’t.
How did you find out you won?
Jennie: Lora emailed the nominees and winners two days before National Nanny Training Day to let us know who won. It was formally announced to everyone at the National Nanny Training Day events. The children and their parents came to our event to watch the ceremony, and the boys got to stand up with me to accept the award! They were so proud!
What is your greatest accomplishment as a nanny?
Jennie: I think my greatest accomplishment as a nanny would be instilling a sense of care and compassion in the children I am charged with, not just for their friends and family, but for all living beings and creatures. I feel very strongly that compassion and respect must be modeled early on in a child’s life. I knew that I had accomplished this with my current charges after a couple of events. One day I took the three year old to the zoo while his older brother was at school. We were in the otter exhibit and a group of children was yelling at the animals. My charge became very upset and said, “Jennie! They are not being kind and respectful in the animals’ house!” I asked if he wanted to talk to the children. He did. He walked right up to those kids, who were twice his age, and said, “Can you please stop being loud! The animals don’t like it. It’s scary and not respectful. We should be kind and respectful.” The children didn’t listen, but my charge did his best. I admired his conviction and bravery that day so much. Later, I was picking him up from school with his older brother. The children were running all over screaming about bugs. The older brother came to me and said, “Jennie, that little girl just stepped on an ant.” I asked how he felt about it. He said, “Well, I feel mad. I am mad that she did that.” I asked why he felt that way. “Because we shouldn’t harm creatures. We should be kind and careful and respect them!” I felt so amazed at how he had such deep compassion for such small creatures.
What would you say to other nannies to encourage them to apply for SPARK?
Jennie: I would say that if anyone has an opportunity to participate in the SPARK Award competition, absolutely do it! It can be really intimidating, thinking of making a video and having your peers watch it and vote. But it is really a great experience. It gives you the opportunity to really take a step back and think about why you are a nanny. It’s a great time to reflect.
What words of wisdom do you have for nannies – for career nannies and those just starting out?
Jennie: Remember that children listen to what you say and watch everything you do. Model the behavior you want to see in them. They have a strong ability to learn. It is important to use that trait to instill in them kindness, gentleness, compassion, gratitude and respect. Also, do not diminish their sense of wonder. Do whatever you can to encourage their curiosity and adventure day to day. They are so brand new to this world and have so little experience. If we stifle their natural desire to explore, they will miss out on so much growth. If we build them up and guide them safely through the many adventures childhood has in store, they can grow up strong, capable, aware individuals who are ready to take on this world!
What do you wish you would have known when you first started out as a nanny?
Jennie: I wish I had taken the time to do market research and learn about what is industry standard with pay and benefits. I had no idea how to advocate for myself for quite a while. When I took the time to do the research and learn about what being a nanny really is, I was better able to lead my career down a path that was sustainable.
If you weren’t a nanny, what would you be doing?
Jennie: If I wasn’t a nanny, I would want to be a chef. I love all things culinary. I am constantly trying new things in the kitchen (yesterday’s honeydew ice cream experience wasn’t so successful though). I would also consider travelling abroad and working in impoverished countries with women and children, most likely in places like Rwanda, the Sudan, and South America. Advocating for women and children in areas where war has wiped out their homes and broken their families is very important to me. In many cultures, women and children do not have a voice.
Thank you for highlighting these two very deserving women for their work in our industry.
Congratulations to both of you!