Nursery World - Choose your battles

Is it always worth standing your ground when you and a child disagree? Jennie Lindon looks at the ways everyone can win Like any other adults in charge of children, nannies need to find a role in guiding children's behaviour and dealing with the inevitable conflicts that will arise at times, even with the most even-tempered of children. You need to find an adult role that is comfortable for you and which reflects the fact that you are the grown-up here. The most positive approach is to create a 'firm but fair' role, sometimes called authoritative.

Like any other adults in charge of children, nannies need to find a role in guiding children's behaviour and dealing with the inevitable conflicts that will arise at times, even with the most even-tempered of children. You need to find an adult role that is comfortable for you and which reflects the fact that you are the grown-up here. The most positive approach is to create a 'firm but fair' role, sometimes called authoritative.

As a nanny, you need to find the middle ground. You do not want to be so firm that the children find you fierce and uncompromising, and an unpleasant person to have around the home. A few ground rules are sensible in a family home, but a long and growing list of restrictions feels oppressive. On the other hand, you want to avoid setting a pattern in which you are so flexible the children do not really know where they stand. Some children will then push out any limits: who knows what you will actually tolerate unless they try?

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included