Super nannies do so much to help parents and can be a wonderful and invaluable addition to your family.

Rebecca Ewers

Rebecca “Hermin” Ewers

Rebecca “Hermin” Ewers is from Jamaica and has spent the past 22 years with the same family. The children are now 25 and 27 years old!

Rebecca “Hermin” Ewers is from Jamaica and has spent the past 22 years with the same family. The children are now 25 and 27 years old!

What is the most challenging situation you have faced so far whilst looking after children?

Getting them up for school in the morning! Also getting them to eat their veggies.

If a child becomes upset or angry, how do you calm them down?

Before you do anything the child has to have trust in you and know that you love them. Then I would get down on their level, look them in the eye, speak very calmly to them and then make a really funny face! It would invariably make them laugh! Then we would talk calmly about what it is that is upsetting them, try and work through and find a solution. They would then always get a very big hug from me.

What do you think are the best things about raising kids in Cayman?

It’s the freedom for the children to explore and not be afraid of being outside and finding their independence.

What do you find the most rewarding part of looking after children?

Seeing them growing up and achieving their goals. They have become the most lovely people and I am so proud of them!

Have you ever had to deal with an emergency situation involving the child or children you look after? How did you handle it?

Yes, more than one! Firstly, I have to calm myself, that’s number one, and then I have to think fast what to do. You cannot panic when something happens to a child. You have to be calm, rational and take action immediately.

If you could choose to be a nanny for a famous family, who would it be and why?

The Obamas! Their family seems stable, happy and they obviously really love each other.

Arlene

Arlene Florentino

Arlene Florentino is from the Philippines and looks after two boys aged 5 and 3 years old.

What is your favourite place to take the children to play?

They love playing outdoors where they can get fresh air. They love Camana Bay where they can run around and splash in the fountains.

What do you think are the best things about raising kids in Cayman?

Children in Cayman have a lot of activities. They spend time outdoors doing physical activities like swimming, boating and snorkeling. The lifestyle here helps the kids get plenty of exercise.

What do you find the most rewarding part of looking after children?

The hugs and kisses and when they say "I Love You" everyday!

What is a challenging situation that you have faced whilst looking after the child?

When I am looking after both children together, I need to pay attention to both at the same time and watch them while they are playing, running and climbing around the playground. You cannot take your eyes off them!

Do you have kids in your home country and how do you manage maintaining a long distance relationship?

Yes I have three kids – Emjay 22, Kris 19 and Donna 17. My sister looks after them. We speak every day. We chat and I help them with their school work. I always remind them whatever happens I’m always here and tell them how much I love and miss them.

If you could choose to be a Nanny for a famous family, who would it be and why?

I wouldn’t choose anyone other than my current employers because no words can describe them and how much I appreciate everything they do for me. I am very thankful and grateful to have them.

Cassandra Williams

Cassandra Williams

Cassandra Williams is from the UK and has 12 years experience working as a nanny or governess and in nurseries and schools.

What aspects of nannying do you find most rewarding?

The long lasting impact I can have in a child’s life. When you see a child grow and flourish because of the guidance, help, and care you have given it is a wonderful feeling and makes you feel very proud. It’s an exciting journey facilitating a child and family’s needs to raise happy, healthy, well-adjusted, and kind human beings.

Why is discretion important as a nanny?

Discretion is of the utmost importance because without trust it is impossible to have a good relationship between a nanny and family. Families are letting you into their home and must feel completely at ease with you at all times. It is the cardinal rule that you must never discuss any private matters outside the confines of the home.

What aspects do you find most challenging?

Being a nanny, your role changes considerably with each family you work with. Your role varies depending on each family’s specific needs. You need to immerse yourself as quickly as possible to figure out how you can best help that family and the children in your care. You aim to do this whilst causing as little disruption as possible and building bonds with the children and parents. It is a challenge, but also a great honour to be trusted with that privilege.

What do you think are the best things about raising children in the Cayman Islands?

I’ve been lucky to work in lots of lovely places, but Cayman is a literal tropical paradise! Children are raised in beautiful surroundings and spend so much of their time outside in the freshest of air. There is a great feeling of community and children develop such close friendships with each other. Children can take advantage of a wide variety of after-school clubs and activities on offer. And there’s always the option to head to the beach for a swim, and a pretty fantastic setting for imaginative play.

Evelyn Hunn

Evelyn Lunn

Evelyn Lunn is a Norland trained nanny from the UK and has 10 years experience of working with children of all ages.

Do your qualifications prepare you well for professional nannying?

I trained at Norland College in Bath, UK. It’s a world-renowned training college for professional nannies. My qualifications include a BA (honours) in Early Childhood Studies, the Norland Diploma, Paediatric First Aid as well as Self-defense, Baby Massage and Maternity Nursing. My training covered all areas on childcare including theoretical and practical aspects of child development. There was plenty of in-person experience through placements, as well as lectures delivered by Norland trained nannies, who progressed their career on to teaching after many years of nannying. Throughout my years of nannying I have completed several more childcare courses to keep my knowledge current. I think one of the biggest benefits of my training was the practical skills taught, such as meal planning and cooking lessons. I cook healthy homemade meals for the families I work for, I take direction from the family on what sort of foods they’d like the children to eat and develop menu plans from that.

What aspects do you find most challenging?

The most challenging part of nannying for me, is having to move on and leave a family. I develop such connections with the children I care for, that leaving is so difficult. Whether it’s a decision from the family that they simply don’t need a nanny anymore or my decision that it’s time for a change.

What has looking after children taught you?

What hasn’t it taught me? Over the years and with each job I’ve learnt so much about myself and about other people. Looking after children has taught me to view the world from so many different angles. Not just from a child’s point of view, but also the parents and the grandparents. I often find myself thinking: where did that thought come from? What were they thinking about before they asked that question? A child’s thoughts can be hilarious and random at times. Nannying has taught me to try finding the positives in each moment and I’m sure there is still more to learn.