Nanny in Mississauga, Ontario

Where to start! Like many eager tweens, who love children my first experience with children dates back to the age of 11 years old, when I started to be a "mother's helper" for the mom's around my neighbourhood (Since I was not old enough to be a babysitter). Since then, of course I have done a ton of babysitting but above all, I have had unique experiences with children of all ages and in many environments. For one, I was a level 1 ski instructor for Snowhawks Ski School for two years. My first year, I was an instructor for 10 children from the ages of 4-6. Given their age, I had to establish a strong bond with every single child, in order for them to be comfortable on the hill and away from their parents. To this day, I go back to some of the skills I learnt with these children when working in jobs that are with or even without children! During my second year, I instructed children between the ages of 10 - 13 ( mostly boys). Although completely different from the previous year, this experience taught me the importance of having to have a strong yet blurred line between being the facilitator and being the child's friend. I have always believed that if you treat the child as if they are their friend they will respect your rules and relationship. As for some more recent experiences working with children… for 3 years I worked at a camp for children who are less fortunate. In 2010, I began as a camp counsellor for girls between the ages 12-14. Since then, I have been the Adventure Coordinator, where I got to work with children of all ages everyday and got to help them over come their fears. In 2012, I was promoted to a Senior staff position as the C.I.T coordinator. As the C.I.T co-ordinator I had to create a 2 month program for 12 counsellors in training (16 years old). My time at Camp Maple Leaf, has been humbling and I am still in contact with almost all of my previous campers. Finally, in 2011 I was a Zipline Guide in Whistler BC. With this job, I got to work with a millions of families. My favourite guests, were children - for the zip lines were high and scary and it was my job to make them feel safe, get them excited, and get them zipping. Numerous times parents were impressed that their children actually did it.