The KiwiOz Nannies spotlight profiles parents, nannies and industry specialists doing great things.
The aim is to inspire our community by sharing stories and recognising our people- who work hard to make the lives of children fun, educational and secure.
Today we meet Julia Ryall- busy Auckland mum with two children. Aside from being a dedicated mother Julia is about to return to full time work.
Tell us about your family and what, if any childcare you use:
We are a young family of 4 (Mark, Jules, Ava & Lily) with Jules recently going back to work part time (going fulltime January) – we had initially wanted to put our youngest Lily into daycare with her sister when she turned 1 but as I returned to work early there was no room for her.
This put us in the situation of having to pay a nanny and daycare at the same time until there was room for Lily in daycare – through a lot of deliberation we decided to take Ava, who is nearly 3, out of daycare and go down the fulltime nanny route. Ava is also starting Kindy in April which works well for us in making this decision.
We have found having a nanny has certainly taken the pressure off and the kids seem really happy in their own environment, it has been a really great decision for us. The girls are also spending the days together when they are in care which wouldn’t have happened at daycare due to the age gap.
What do you like to do when you’re not caring for the children or working?
Having 2 children and both working leaves little other time but Mark and I both try to get to the gym and run when we can and to get out on our own or with friends when we can get a sitter or the children are looked after by their grandparents.
Both of us love having our family time with the girls in the weekends, especially as we work the time is precious.
We love going to cafes, parks, the beach etc with our other friends (and family) who have children around the same age - its great watching our children play and grow up with our close friend’s children.
Can you share a favorite recipe, craft idea or activity to make/ do with children?
Ava loves baking and this is a really easy chocolate chip cookie recipe that doesn’t involve creaming butter and sugar etc so makes it very kid friendly, it makes great cookies that keep well.
1/2 c brown sugar
½ c white sugar
100g melted butter
1 egg
1.5 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 C choc chips
Combine white and brown sugar then add melted butter, mix in egg quickly.
In another bowl sift flour & baking powder and stir in choc chips
Mix both together then scoop out tablespoons and mound into balls.
Press onto greased tray or baking paper lined tray and bake 10-15min at 180 degrees celcius.
What would be the best advice you could share with our members about parenthood/ childcare or life in general?
Try not to feel guilty about going back to work or the choice of childcare you make as it is all individual to a family. If you think your kid is the only crazy/difficult one, talking to others with the same age children you usually find everyone is going through exactly the same thing!
Do you know someone who would be an inspiring parent, child carer or industry specialist for our readers? Please contact us and let us know!
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