b'F I N D I N G Y O U R N I C H EWORKING IN A NANNY SHAREmonique dupreeIm currently working for two amazing couples in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, the city Ive called home for my entire life. This ismy first nanny share, so in some ways, Im learning as I go. My previous employer had four children and lived just outside of the city limits, sowhen I was presented with the opportunity to care for two gorgeous baby girls near my home in downtown, I gladly accepted the challenge. Fortunately, my three-year-old daughters daycare is close to my work, so my routine and commute are quite manageable.Before You Leave For WorkThisincludesfood,changesofclothes,diaperbags,andOn Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, when my daughter other necessities. During my workday, I communicate withattends daycare, our mornings begin with waking her up to the parents through the Brightwheel app where Im able toget ready about an hour before my shift starts. My husband sharepictures,milestones,updatesregardingtheirchildshas Thursdays and Fridays off, so on those days hes able to temperament, and completed daily tasks. I also connect withassist with her care. I love being able to start my day with my myawesomenannyfriendswhoarecloseby,whichfamily! While my husband gets our daughter dressed and sometimes leads to gatherings at the local park or grabbingfed, I get ready for work by taking a quick shower, putting on a quick bite to eat together with the children. Its nice thatcomfortableclothesthatIwontmindgettingdirty,and these opportunities to connect with other nannies and theirtaking a trip to the scale. (Ive been on a weight loss journey charges are just a quick text or phone call away.for almost a year, and am proud to say that Ive loss over 60pounds!)ItsquietinthemorningatmyhomenoTVor What You Do Aftermusicwhich helps me stay clear and focused on the day After a long day that goes by quickly, Im excited to pick upahead. Once Ive gathered what my daughter and I need for my little girl and meet my husband for whatever the nightour day, my husband walks us to our buildings garage where has in store. In warmer months, well walk over to Millenniumwe exchange loving goodbyes. My commute to work is the Parkforaneveningpicniccomplementedbymusicandshortest Ive had since moving downtown a few years back. dancing. Dark winter nights often mean movies, games, andTo keep my daughter calm but engaged, I rotate her favorite a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by my spouse. Eachplaylistsclassical music, planet songs, and Disney princess night, we work together to get our daughter down to bedstories. Once I drop her off at daycare, it takes just five-to- early, reading her bedtime stories until her eyelids are heavy.tenminutestoarriveatthehostfamilyshome,which Before we head to bed, we often share a glass of wine andalternates each week. trade stories about our busy, busy days. While You Are There Pandemic Impact UpdateThe girls I care for get along great, so its fun watching them ShortlyafterChicagoshutdownduetotheCOVID-19learn, grow, and play together. Over the weekend, I prepare pandemic, the families in my nanny share had to make thea lesson plan with a schedule that includes when we will be difficultdecisiontoletmego.Iamluckytohaveaattendingmusicandgymclasses,havingplaydates,and supportive husband and other resources to get by, and thetaking trips to museums and libraries. Each day, the visiting circumstances have allowed me to focus on developing myparents bring everything that their children will need for the other ventures and to spend precious time with my daughter. day at the host home. Being a career nanny with over 20 years of experience has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children andfamilies. By taking an educational approach to care with a focus on play, art, and music, I provide rich opportunities for children to learn andgrow. When I am not caring for children, I can be found producing videos to support virtual learning and interviewing authors and illustrators ofchildrens books that have themes of inclusion and diversity for a special project that I am working on. NannyMag.com7'