I have always been passionate about children and very interested in child development. I have years and years (10-15) of experience with children of all ages (babysitting, nannying, working at summer camps, nurseries, child and youth programs, etc). I love thinking up wild games, creating songs, plays and dances, writing stories, reading stories, going on walks, or just laying low and singing/snuggling a baby to sleep if that's what needs to happen. I am very independent so managing my time/finding ways to help/be productive and efficient is not a challenge for me.

I believe feelings really matter so I will pay attention to how your child is expressing their feelings as they are often trying to communicate a deeper need. I am patient, empathetic and gentle but also know how to enforce when a parent would want me to enforce (am happy to discuss this with parents as each parenting style is different and ways of "enforcing", "discipline" or "behaviour modification" vary greatly. I always want to be on the same page as parents).

I have experience with kids of all ages and sincerely enjoy the unique things that come with each stage. Newborns to children aged 4 seems to be what I gravitate towards most, and I can (sheepishly) say I've had friends/members of my community call me "the baby whisperer" so perhaps that says something about where my natural skills lie. I do however have fun and find ways to connect with children of all ages.

I love cooking and baking so depending on how the day goes/the daily needs of the children, you could potentially come home to a healthy meal or a fresh batch of muffins.

I am incredibly responsible; I have been trusted to care for multiple children, for multiple days at a time, while parents have gone out of town. (Longest stretch was 8 days with a 4 year old and 2 year old while their parents were in El Salvador. The largest number of children was 4 kids; aged 16months, 4 years, and twin 6 year olds for 5 days). I have to say, to be asked to care for children in this way is one of the highest compliments I could receive. To be trusted in this way is really, really amazing and heartening.

I have my full driver's license and a minivan. If you need errands run, children picked up or dropped off from school/programs, that can easily be arranged. As a touring musician (I've toured Canada many times, the US, and Europe) I have done extensive amounts of driving- more driving experience than the average person at my age- and I have a clean driving record. I have never been in any accidents!

Skills
• Swimming
• Cooking
• Errands / groceries
• Housekeeping
• Travel with Family
Specific Skills
• Infants/Babies (0-18 months)
• Toddlers (18-36 months)
• Preschool/School (3+ years)
• Twins and multiples