“My greatest passion lies in fostering healthy communication with children, tailored to their developmental needs.“
During an inspiring “power” cruise along the breathtaking coast of Croatia, the concept of Super Nanny Certified first took shape in my mind. This moment marked a significant transition for me, as I had just concluded what I hope to be my final nanny position, where I dedicated two years to nurturing the healthy development of adorable toddler twins.
Boarding that cruise ship, I aimed to present myself as a creative writer, eager to distance myself from childcare, which I felt didn’t entirely capture my essence.
Although I deeply cherished many aspects of being a nanny, after an impressive 12-year tenure in the field, I knew it was time to seek fresh challenges and secure employment that would fulfill all my creative aspirations. The challenge, however, was where to begin.
While childcare had been a constant presence in my life, I predominantly viewed it as a supplementary income source for times when my creative pursuits failed to meet financial demands. In many ways, I harbored some resentment towards being a nanny, failing to accord these valuable childcare experiences the respect they deserved, as they didn’t align with what I believed to be my true creative calling. I perpetually felt like a wanderer, ceaselessly searching for my true path, grappling with the idea that I had achieved nothing substantial in my life.
Over the years, my career had undergone several transformations, encompassing roles as an actor, writer, producer, and avid pursuer of academic knowledge, alongside my commitment as a nanny.
During the cruise, a chance encounter with a wise man named Larry, in his 60s, profoundly impacted my perspective. Larry shared how he had lived multiple lives—his 20s characterized by carefree revelry, his 30s marked by settling down and piecing his life together, and his 40s and 50s devoted to arduous work. Now, in his 60s, he relished in being a version of himself that reaped the rewards of his past experiences. This conversation ignited a spark within me, prompting me to realize that perhaps I wasn’t merely a drifting soul but rather someone who had yet to discover the connecting thread weaving together the various lives I had lived.
The cruise itself was designed to uncover, amplify, and build upon the participants’ finest qualities, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their mental well-being and propelling them toward their most successful selves. It was during a transformative exercise called the Sparkle Zone that my “aha!” moment materialized. Participants were tasked with creating a Venn diagram comprising three circles labeled purpose, play, and prowess, wherein the overlapping area represented the Sparkle Zone. This inner circle epitomized the qualities of a vocation where one’s life purpose is fulfilled, aligning with activities that bring joy and proficiency.
This exercise revealed an astounding revelation.
Through introspection, I discovered that my greatest passion lies in fostering healthy communication with children, tailored to their developmental needs. My pursuit of a Master of Arts in English acquainted me with the intricacies of brain development and its profound impact on children’s cognitive abilities, emphasizing the significance of adapting parenting approaches accordingly. I couldn’t help but lament my earlier years as a nanny, where I lacked this knowledge, realizing how it could have better prepared me and enhanced my effectiveness in caregiving. Filled with unwavering zeal, I became determined to make a difference.
As I merged my newfound purpose with my core passions, it became abundantly clear that designing a captivating eLearning experience for the next generation of nannies was the logical path forward. My mission is to impart all the knowledge I wish I had possessed, equipping aspiring nannies to raise their children in the healthiest environment, supported by effective communication techniques that meet the unique needs of each child.
This transformative experience on the cruise forever holds a special place in my heart, as it enabled me to recognize the profound purpose embedded within all my past lives. Every childcare encounter once met with resentment, has now become the bedrock upon which I solidify my path, genuinely influencing society for the better. Through Super Nanny Certified, I now possess a life goal and purpose that is both ironic and beautiful—making life a little easier for children and nannies alike.
