Patricia C.

“ Patricia C.--Nanny

Children have always liked me, and I have always enjoyed them. The one thing that they all say about me is that I am fair and loving. The main things that I have learned that are crucial in raising children are consistence and a sense of humor. I was brought up the youngest of five girls, until my parents divorced, and my father remarried, then I was one of eight. Soon my father and stepmother...

Patricia C.--Nanny

Children have always liked me, and I have always enjoyed them. The one thing that they all say about me is that I am fair and loving. The main things that I have learned that are crucial in raising children are consistence and a sense of humor. I was brought up the youngest of five girls, until my parents divorced, and my father remarried, then I was one of eight. Soon my father and stepmother adopted two brothers from Colombia, and I was in the middle of 10 children. I have a large extended family, and in the summer we would all gather at my grandparents', which brought the number of children up to that of a large daycare center. My years of professional and casual involvement with kids and teenagers have brought me to the point that there is nothing a child can do that will surprise me.

The fruits of my labor aboard a fishing vessel in Alaska when I was 23 allowed me to travel to Europe, and my long term nanny job took me to Hawaii, Florida, and the East Coast. Going other places has truly broadened my horizons, and enabled me to understand how the world works just a little bit better.

Another thing that helped me understand how the world works, is having helped elderly and ailing/recuperating people, especially their view of history, life experiences, and for some, their uncomplaining tenacity in dealing with an illness. I have used this perspective myself when I was in similar situations, and found comfort in knowing that I was not the only one undergoing physical difficulties.

Taking care of children and watching them grow up to be whole, enjoyable human beings, and knowing that I had an influence in their upbringing has been one the greatest joy of my life.

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