12 Nanny Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

In order to be a good nanny, there are 12 skills that you should possess. These skills include: being patient, being organized, being able to multitask, being able to handle difficult situations, being able to communicate effectively, being able to teach, being able to cook, being active, being able to do light housework, being able to drive, and being responsible.

Patience

Patience is the ability to remain calm and level-headed in difficult or challenging situations. It is an important quality for a nanny to possess because they will often be working with children, who can be unpredictable and challenging at times. A nanny needs to be able to keep their cool under pressure and not let the children get the better of them.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas and solutions. It is important for nannies to be creative so that they can come up with new activities to keep children entertained, come up with new ways to discipline children, and find new ways to solve problems that may arise.

Active listening

Active listening is a skill that involves paying attention to what someone is saying, both verbally and non-verbally, and then responding in a way that shows you understand. This is important for nannies because it helps them to build trust and rapport with the children they are caring for, and also to better understand the children's needs.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware and understand your own emotions and the emotions of others. It is important for a nanny to have this skill so that they can effectively communicate with children, understand their needs, and provide the best possible care.

Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a dispute or disagreement. It is often used to refer to the process of negotiating between two or more parties to reach an agreement. It can also be used to refer to the process of mediation, where a third party helps to facilitate a resolution.

Why do you need it?

Conflict resolution skills are important for anyone who works with children. Nannies often have to deal with conflict between children, as well as between parents and children. They need to be able to defuse arguments and help everyone involved to come to an agreement.

First aid/CPR certified

First aid/CPR certification is a valuable skill for nannies to have because it enables them to provide basic medical care in the event of an emergency. This can be especially important if the family they are working for has young children, who are more susceptible to accidents and illnesses.

Child development knowledge

Child development knowledge is important for nannies because they need to understand how children grow and develop. This knowledge can help them create activities that are appropriate for the child's age and stage of development. It can also help them understand why children behave the way they do, and how to best respond to their needs.

Meal preparation

Meal preparation is the process of planning and cooking food. It is important for nannies to be able to prepare meals because they may be responsible for feeding children. Nannies should know how to cook simple, nutritious meals that children will enjoy. They should also be aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies that children may have.

Light housekeeping

Light housekeeping is the act of keeping a home clean and tidy. This may include tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and laundry. Nannies may be responsible for light housekeeping in addition to caring for children. Having this skill can help nannies keep their work area clean and organized, and can create a more positive environment for children.

Transportation safety

Transportation safety is the ability to safely transport children in a vehicle. This skill is important because it can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Scheduling and organization

Scheduling and organization are important skills for a nanny to have in order to keep the household running smoothly. A nanny needs to be able to schedule activities and appointments for the children, as well as keep track of the family's belongings and schedule.

Time management

Time management is a skill that is important for nannies to have because they need to be able to juggle the various tasks and responsibilities that come with their job. They need to be able to plan and organize their time in order to ensure that everything gets done and that the children in their care are well taken care of.

How to improve nanny skills

As a nanny, you play an important role in the lives of the children you care for. You are responsible for their safety, well-being and development. In order to be the best nanny possible, it is important to continuously work on improving your skills. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

1. Keep up with the latest child development research. By staying up-to-date on the latest child development research, you will be better able to understand the children you care for and meet their individual needs. Additionally, this research can provide you with new ideas for activities and games to keep them engaged and learning.

2. Get certified in CPR and first aid. In the event of an emergency, it is important to be prepared. Getting certified in CPR and first aid will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to handle any situation that may arise.

3. Create a stimulating environment for the children. The environment in which the children spend their time should be stimulating and enriching. This means providing them with plenty of toys, books and materials that will encourage them to explore, learn and grow.

4. Be patient and flexible. Children can be unpredictable, so it is important to be patient and flexible when caring for them. There will be times when things don’t go as planned – just roll with it!

5. Be consistent with rules and expectations. Children thrive on routine and predictability, so it is important to be consistent with rules and expectations. If they know what is expected of them, they are more likely to behave accordingly.

6. Encourage positive behavior. When children display positive behavior, make sure to praise them for it! This will reinforce desired behavior and help discourage negative behavior.

7. Be a good role model. Children learn by observing those around them, so it is important to set a good example for them to follow. Model desired behavior such as respectfulness, cooperation and kindness towards others.

8. Keep communication open with parents/guardians . Good communication with parents or guardians is essential for providing quality care for their children . Make sure to keep them updated on their child’s daily activities, eating habits , sleep patterns , etc . Additionally , let them know if you have any concerns about their child’s development or behavior .

How to highlight nanny skills

If you're looking to be a nanny, you'll need to highlight your skills in caring for children. This includes being able to keep them safe, fed, and entertained. You should also be able to handle basic childcare tasks like diapering and bathing. It's also important to be able to deal with tantrums and other behavioral issues. Finally, you should be able to communicate effectively with both children and parents.

On a resume

As a nanny, you will be responsible for the care of children. Your duties may include, but are not limited to, feeding, bathing, dressing, and supervising playtime. To highlight your skills as a nanny on your resume, you should list any experience you have working with children. If you have a degree in early childhood education or a related field, be sure to mention it. You should also list any special skills or training you have that would be relevant to the job, such as CPR certification or experience with special needs children.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a nanny. Mention your experience caring for children, and include any relevant training or certifications you have. Describe your approach to child care, and explain why you would be a good fit for the family. Be sure to mention any special skills or interests you have that could benefit the family, such as cooking or language fluency.

During an interview

In order to highlight your skills as a nanny during an interview, you should be sure to discuss your experience with children, your ability to create a safe and nurturing environment, your flexibility and adaptability, and your excellent communication skills. You should also be prepared to answer any questions about your qualifications or experience.