Stir it up

Many nannies are starting new jobs at this time of year, and finding that one of the first things they have to get to grips with is the children's daily diet. Those terrible likes and dislikes - children always know what they really don't like and will have no qualms in telling you so, sometimes after you've served it. Meal times can become a nanny's dread. But getting it right from the start is a positive basis for a good and happy relationship with the children and family.

I remember when I worked as an au pair/nanny in America to four children, the youngest a year old and the oldest 14. The job was terribly hard and it seemed impossible to please all the children, as they each had their own agenda and always wanted to do so many different activities. My first breakthrough success was to get them all into the kitchen, making up a shopping list of their favourite fruits, vegetables and other ingredients. As I was living in, I was allowed to make my preferences known too. This was a fun exercise. Everyone had their say and the choice was large and varied.