An understanding of basic first-aid techniques prepares nannies for any medical emergency that might occur during their watch. You should be CPR certified, which will help put your potential clients at ease. If you are working with young children, you should be able to recognize choking dangers and understand how to handle a partial or full blockage in a child. Basic wound care is also important to know, since many kids get scrapes and bumps easily.
One of the most important tasks a nanny has on a daily basis is managing the family's schedule. While the nanny for an infant might have a more consistent routine, a nanny for a family of three children enrolled in school and participating in sports and activities must be able to balance the schedule well. You need to be able to multitask and manage multiple schedules, making sure each child arrives at his practice, game, class or playdate on time.
A nanny needs to understand how to discipline children in a professional, effective and responsible manner. Your beliefs on discipline should align with the parents' so that there is no conflict. Moreover, you should understand the family's rules so that you can discipline children fairly and only when the situation calls for it. You should not institute your own set of rules, which can be confusing for young children. Instead, you should serve as the de facto parent and enforce rules fairly and consistently.
Nannies should know which activities inspire creativity and teach children, and incorporate such activities into daily life. You should avoid using the television as a babysitter for the children. Instead, you should be able to plan engaging activities that challenge the kids to use their creativity, be active or make them think. Arts-and-crafts and outdoor treasure hunts are examples of activities that inspire learning.