Boundaries - what are they?

To children, our boundaries mean we see you, we love you and we care enough to make the effort to say the boundary. And this effort is always sensed and appreciated by children. We should never ever doubt that.

So why do we use them? Well to put it simply; children need boundaries, they crave them, and it gives them joy to know that you will deliver them. When children feel your boundary they feel the strong, confident and trusting Nanny in their life that they can rely on. It’s quite the opposite to how we feel when we are giving the boundary, right? But it is true. I have tested this on numerous occasions. Your relationship with the child will be richer and they will feel loved.

What person do you have be, to deliver an effective yet compassionate boundary?

Some Ideas to support you:

• Stand up straight in your leadership. You know what to do and what to say. The parents trust you to say the right thing. That’s why they have you caring for their kids. You’ve got this!

• Take some deep breathes before the delivery. Deep in your bones you know that this is the right thing to do- even if there is an atomic bomb that explodes - it’s still the right thing to do.

• If it backfires, that’s okay. The next delivery will be sharp and on point. Don’t be hard yourself . You’re super Nanny!

• When you get home tell your partner friends, family what you did that day. You should be proud of yourself!

• When you have the time, do this Yoga Nidra to calm your nervous system.

• Remember that children without boundaries are neglected children. When you give a boundary you are connecting with the child, you are engaged with the child and you care about what they are about to do. Connection, Engaged and Caring - sounds like a very good nanny #winning!

*I am not advocating for a strong, loud voice or any physical contact when boundary setting or discipline. When I say strong and confident I mean internally. We try to deliver our boundaries with a calm, centred voice & by getting down to their level. Using our strong positive energy!