Congratulations on finding my website and blog!
Before I find out more about you, I am going to tell you a little bit about myself and how I ended up here, doing what I do.
My journey working with families started, when I was very young. I WAS the local neighbourhood babysitter. In school, I excelled in Childcare (which was part of the curriculum back then). I got the highest grade in the county for a study I did aged 16 on breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
In 1994, at 18 years old. I left my native England , to start my nannying journey in America.
(Here I am, packing my case!)
What started out as a year initially, quickly turned to 5.
An amazing adventure and journey, living with families and looking after their children. By the age of 23, I had potty trained 3 children, sleep trained a baby, taught a toddler to stay in her bed, weaned off bottles to sippy cups, looked after and stored breastmilk (not mine) took care of a set of twins, as well as overseeing a rebellious teen. All whilst having the dinner made, children's laundry done, house tidied and golf clubs dropped off at the country club on time.
Post America, I ended up in Australia, working for another family for a year, and seeing some amazing sights, then it was back to the USA for another nannying position.
All the time, I was adding to my memory bank, the dynamics between families, how children act, think and how parents respond.
Fast forward to 2003, I was married, with a 3 month old in hand (literally), we emigrated to Canada, where we settled on the West coast in rainy, but pretty Vancouver.
On arrival, I defaulted back to what I knew best, and with child in hand, worked with some local families as a night nanny | day nanny | and trouble shooting nanny.
By the time my daughter came along in 2006, I decided to take what I knew, and turn it into a consulting business.
The Premise of this business was:
Confident parents = Connected Happy Families
By the time little Hendrix came along in 2010, I was working with 15 families a week! I remember feeling so torn, working hard to meet all those expectations, of being a mother, wife, lover, business owner - covered in spit up, hair not brushed, talking to clients whilst expressing breastmilk. I can still hear the pump extracting the white liquid.
14 years on from 2006, I am pleased to be able to say, I have worked with around 12,000 families, as well as Local celebrities: NHL players, NFL players, MLS players, TV personalities Hollywood Actors.
I've been featured in magazines, been on TV, and radio! I sometimes, wonder how did all this happen to me, what a ride.
And amazingly, I bump into old and current clients ALL the time. It's wonderful to see these children grow up and have so many relationships with parents, across the globe. I feel honroured to be apart of their lives.
I have to tell you....... that the best 'bump' was by far, when I was in a bathroom stall on holiday, talking to my daughter, when I heard a voice say "Dawn is that you" lol,
And yesterday, I got an email from a client, saying she misses me (ahhh) and that she should invite me to her son's graduation, as I've been so much a part of her and his life.
Gosh, I cant believe that I have made such an impact :)
I'm hoping to add lots of content in the coming months, but now I've told you a bit about me, who I want to hear from is.... YOU..
What do you want to hear, see and read about?
What's your NUMBER 1 burning parenting question?
What information do you find conflicting?
Over the years, I have heard it all, and I honestly mean that.
I have helped parents with sleep training issues, potty training issues, picky eating, and unruly behaviours; spitting, swearing, shouting, screaming. The list goes on and on.
Feel free to comment below - let's get a conversation going
I hope you come back and enjoy what you read, hear and see!
In the meantime, here is a recent picture of me and my family (Winter 2020) - oh man, I need to shed a few pounds. Reach out for a free 15 minute consult I'd love to connect.
Dawn -
Comments