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Spotlight on our Carers

Interview with our Managing Director - Annie Sargood

1. Why start MLNA?

The idea came about, after I gave birth and fell in love with my first born child in early 1999. I couldn’t bear the thought of returning to work for someone else and collaborated with my mother in creating a niche business that was highly sort after in the baby booming areas of Stonington, Manningham and Bayside. It was a no brainer really, the waiting lists for good childcare centres were horrifically long and parents were working crazily hard to bring in the $’s to support their growing families, hence the need for someone to help them look after their children, manage their home and help keep their lives manageable. So we threw caution to the wind and went for it.

2. What are you passionate about?

OMG, that’s and easy one. Family, family, family, kids, kids kids, fun, laughter, support and happiness. I still get an intense thrill every time I hear that my team has helped a family to lead a less stressful life. Personal development and professional growth is also dear to my heart, I love coaching and training the Carers to improve their service to our families and maintain an improved performance. I also love seeing the intimate relationships that our Carers create with each of the families. I really am just a big softy who loves seeing people happy and confident.

3. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Hands down —– my 3 beautiful children.

4. What is your vision for the future of MLNA?

To continue to respond to the Clients and Carers needs, modifying and changing our business model as the industry shifts and grows. I would say that my vision is to be “Flexible, Responsive and Innovative, Be the Leaders in the In–Home Care industry”

5. What has been MLNA’s greatest success?

There is no ONE particular moment, but I would have to say we are pretty good at collecting amazing office staff who absolutely LOVE their jobs, they get such a kick out of looking after all our Clients and Carers, so our greatest success would be our ability to choose amazing people to work for us.

6. Why is in-home care important?

I believe that there is the need for both centre based and in home care. Each family is very different so being able to choose an option that suits them best is imperative. Being able to return home from a long hard day at work – to happy, sweet smelling children who have had their dinner, a bath and are ready for stories and cuddles with their parents is every parents dream come true. Dropping by coles on the way to the Childcare centre after a long day at work, to drag tired, hungry children home, only to be faced with last night’s dinner dishes, this morning’s breakfast dishes, a full dishwasher, three loads of washing, shopping bags to unload, a meal to cook, lunch boxes to be emptied and repacked, some ironing and online shopping to be done, while children are trying to get your attention…. can be a parent’s worst nightmare. Having the option to choose a balance different styles of care is essential.

7. What’s your favourite thing about the MLNA Team?

The passion, laughter, loyalty, commitment and personal ownership that each of our office staff show during every communication they have with the Clients and Carers. We have great pride in the amazing collection of fabulous Carers that have represented us over the years, we are pretty good at choosing them, but also very very lucky that they have chosen us to represent them!

8. What make’s MLNA stand apart from other in-home care providers?

Our induction process and communicative relationship that we create with our Carers is second to none. We truly care about each and every union, we strive to make sure that both the family and the nanny are super happy. We value our clients and carers, trying to give it our all! We are not perfect, but one thing I do know is that we are very humble and really really want the best for everyone.

9. What does MLNA mean to you?

MLNA is a warm fuzzy feeling that you get in the pit of your belly when you know that a family just met the perfect Carer.

Interview with our Top Nannies - Aileen

1. How long have you been in the nanny industry for?

I have been nannying for about 45 years now! That is a very long time.

2. What made you decide to become a nanny?

I love children and especially babies. Always loved being with children, teaching them, cuddles and taking them out to outings.

3. What do you love about being a nanny?

The interaction with the child and family and being involved with them. When you start working for a family you become a part of their family, so when you have that relationship you are not only their employee but you become very involved. I have even been invited to a few family occasions before. I just love that feeling of acceptance into a family.

4. Do you see yourself being a nanny for many years to come?

Unfortunately, at my age I am thinking for going into retirement soon. I have been nannying for so long; I think it’s time for me to take a break. However, I will still find some ways to still be around kids.

5. How does it compare to other jobs you may have had in the past?

I have had other jobs in the past, and even taken a break from nannying to pursue another career. However, nannying has always drawn me back, I always enjoy it and can’t seem to stop nannying.

6. Did you have any qualifications prior to starting as a nanny?

No, I never got a qualification. Studying just stresses me out, and I believe experience is really all that is required when it comes to nannying.

7. What advice would you give to new nannies/babysitters?

For those who are just starting in this industry, getting a qualification wouldn’t hurt. It is a good starting point, especially since it may be something that is going to come into consideration in the future with the whole rebate coming out. I would also suggest spending time in day care centres to get some experience, or surround you around children at playgroups and play centres, only if you aren’t already working full time and have some time free.

Interview with our Top Nannies - Casey

1. How long have you been in the nanny industry for?

I have been a nanny for 12 years.

2. What made you decide to become a nanny?

I took a year off after finishing my VCE and met a lady who had 4 children and was looking for a nanny. l fell in love with the children/the job and knew that this was what l wanted to do and l made it my career.

3. What do you love about being a nanny?

There are so many things l love about being a nanny. I love the personal bond you build with the children and l love watching children grow and develop. There is so much satisfaction l get from teaching them things and knowing that l had a part in that 🙂

4. Do you see yourself being a nanny for many years to come?

Absolutely!

5. How does it compare to other jobs you may have had in the past?

I started working as a nanny straight out of high school so l was very young. My only other jobs were working at Safeway and KFC. Being a nanny is a very big responsibility.

6. What makes nannies different to a babysitter?

Being a nanny is a very personal job. You become a part of a family that trusts and relies on you.

7. Did you have any qualifications prior to starting as a nanny?

No l just finished my VCE.

8. If not, is there a reason why you didn’t obtain a qualification?

I was lucky enough to fall into this wonderful job and over the past 12 years l have gained so much experience and l feel very confident in myself that l feel l have all the qualification l need.

9. Do you believe nannies require a qualification before classifying themselves as a nanny?

Such as a Certificate III in Children Services?

10. Would you be interesting in obtaining a qualification, such as a Certificate III?

I feel as though l have all the qualification l need because l have 12 years experience.

11. What advice would you give to new nannies/babysitters?

Always trust your gut instinct! Make sure you find the right family that will work well for both you and them. If you’re not sure or comfortable about something speak up. You have a very big responsibility looking after people’s children. Most importantly HAVE FUN! Being a nanny is an awesome job! Be respectful because you are with their most pride and joy.

12. Is there anything about the nanny industry you would like to change in particular?

I think all nannies should be recognised more!

Interview with our Top Nannies - Lana

1. How long have you been in the nanny industry for?

For about 28 years now. WOW! Can’t believe it has already been that long. Amazing!.

2. What made you decide to become a nanny?

I come from a large family and being around children have always been natural for me, as well as the skills and experience of being a mum myself.

3. What do you love about being a nanny?

I love the innocence of children and their inquisitive minds. I especially love encouraging them to explore and learn and love being a part of their positive development.

4. Do you see yourself being a nanny for many years to come?

I can definitely see myself being a nanny for as long as I can do it.

5. How does it compare to other jobs you may have had in the past?

Being a nanny is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I have often said that meeting the challenges and being part of the positive outcome of little human is as joyful and rewarding as any corporate role I have had.

6. What makes nannies different to a babysitter?

I see babysitters as more another pair of hands and on a more casual after hour’s situation. As a nanny you become more invested in the child/parents/family situation in pretty much all aspects of the child’s early years.

7. Did you have any qualifications prior to starting as a nanny?

No, I do not have any qualifications what so ever. Unless you classify 28 years of nannying as a qualification.

8. If not, is there a reason why you didn’t obtain a qualification?

I have in-depth hands on experience, spanning 28 years as long with raising my family. I do not see the qualification would give me future advantages/knowledge and experience wise.

9. Would you be interesting in obtaining a qualification, such as a Certificate III?

I don’t believe I would consider seeking a qualification at this stage of my life given my in depth hand on experience over the last 28 yrs. If the Government decided to create a Nanny Qualification Course which didn’t require me to leave my current families for placement and was focused around nannying, I would totally consider doing that qualification instead.

10. What advice would you give to new nannies/babysitters?

  • Seek a professional agency and develop a healthy relationship with them. As they are a great support ongoing. They get to know you, your personality and capability which enable them to closely match you to specific family needs.
  • Observe, listen and be totally present when you are with children. Don’t be on your phone all the time; you are there to do something. So be really aware, focus and observe all the time. Observing and listening is also as important with babies, as there are different cries you need to look out for.
  • Using a counsellor can be a good tool to use. You can generally speak about certain situations and get some guidance and tools on what could be used in different situations. They can help guide you in the right direction for difficult situations, as well as let you know you are doing the right thing.

Interview with our Top Nannies - Victoria

1. How long have you been in the nanny industry for?

I have been nannying for about 10 years now! 1 decade of nannying, I didn’t realise it had been that long. Time really flies when you are having fun and doing something you love.

2. What made you decide to become a nanny?

I was 19 when I started, and saw an ad in the paper to become a nanny. I loved working with kids and being around them so I thought I would give it a go and sent my resume in. Good thing I did, it was the best decision I have ever made.

3. What do you love about being a nanny?

Every day at work is different; I am constantly learning new things. I also like that I am able to assist families in their everyday lives, I can make it easier for that doctor to go to work or the nurse to make a shift. It is a joy to be part of a family’s life working with their children.

4. Do you see yourself being a nanny for many years to come?

Yes, even as I am pursuing teaching at the moment, I fell there are many more years of Nannying left in me.

5. How does it compare to other jobs you may have had in the past?

Apart from enjoying the work, there is flexibility and support as well as challenges. It really is the best job I’ve ever had.

6. What makes nannies different to a babysitter?

On the surface both jobs look after children in the home environment however nannying is a profession. A Nannies job is about delivering a service that is more than simply minding the children.

7. Did you have any qualifications prior to starting as a nanny?

No, when I started I only had experience. This has always been enough for me and my clients.

8. If not, is there a reason why you didn’t obtain a qualification?

The qualifications out there in regards to child minding are inadequate for the nanny role.

9. Do you believe nannies require a qualification before classifying themselves as a nanny? Such as a Certificate III in Children Services?

The Certificate III in Children Services focuses on employees in a childcare centre with an emphasis on how to manage and interact with children in that environment. Nannying is work within the home with a close relationship with one family. I don’t think I will ever be interested in obtaining this certificate in the future.

10. Would you be interested in attending future training and development aimed at nannies?

Yes, definitely. Just like any profession, you need to keep up to date with the latest changes and trends. Nannying is just the same. It is just as important for us to make sure all our current information about children is correct and accurate. We need to make sure that the way we care for children are updated with training and development. I am definitely an advocate for attending seminars/workshops, as well as keep up to date with the latest news about child minding. I also enjoy reading up on mommy and nanny blogs as well. They are so interesting.

11. What advice would you give to new nannies/babysitters?

Have a personal support team outside of the work environment. Whether it is your friends and/or family. Trust yourself, everyone makes slip-ups, it’s about being able to recover and learn from them. Be part of an agency. They will support you and guide you through a lot of different situations. Only do this work if you love it. If you cannot handle the demanding days then it’s not for you.

12. Is there anything about the nanny industry you would like to change in particular?

The stigma around Nannies is something I would definitely like to change. Especially when we are seen as the ‘help’ for the rich, this is actually so often not the case.

Interview with our Top Nannies - Sophie

1. How long have you been in the nanny industry for?

12 Years

2. What made you decide to become a nanny?

I have always loved children and when my friend told me about the Agency I jumped at the chance for an interview.

3. What do you love about being a nanny?

Anyone that works with children knows what a joy and privilege is. Just knowing you are helping to raise other families children is so rewarding. I also love that I am making a positive difference in the life of a child that will last with them forever.

4. Do you see yourself being a nanny for many years to come?

Yes, not many people can say they love their job.

5. How does it compare to other jobs you may have had in the past?

I love that everyday is different. We as Nannies wear so many different- hats, tutor, nutritionist, chef, hygienist, nurse and counselor just to name a few.

6. What makes nannies different to a babysitter?

I believe nannies have a huge amount of responsibility when it comes to the children’s needs, and is someone who is fully invested in a child’s development and well-being.

7. Did you have any qualifications prior to starting as a nanny?

No

8. If not, is there a reason why you didn’t obtain a qualification?

I felt that with all my experience, there was no course out there that could give me even half of what I have learnt on the job and as all my years as a nanny.

9. Do you believe nannies require a qualification before classifying themselves as a nanny?

Such as a Certificate III in Children Services? No, I know that If I had children I would much rather hire the nanny with years of experience and knowledge with children then a person fresh out of their Course.

10. Would you be interesting in obtaining a qualification, such as a Certificate III?

No

11. Would you be interested in attending future training and development aimed at nannies?

Yes

12. What advice would you give to new nannies/babysitters?

Listen, listen, listen. Learn from other nannies and take any advice thrown your way. Also know that it takes time to build strong relationships with the children and the families.

13. Is there anything about the nanny industry you would like to change in particular?

I feel nannies don’t get the recognition that they deserve. You have to remember we operate similar to how a parent operates. We look after them when they are sick, when they are sad or having a difficult day we are there to support them.