The Evolution of Childcare in Private Homes with Dr. Virginia Schwager

Welcome to Adventure Nannies on Air, our ongoing educational webinar series aimed at supporting nannies and professional childcare providers in enhancing their careers. In this episode, hosted by Reagan Fulton, Marketing Director for Adventure Nannies, we dive into the evolving landscape of childcare in private homes. Our special guest, Dr. Virginia Schwager, shares her profound insights from her extensive experience and academic background in counseling psychology. Dr. Schwager discusses the challenges and systems necessary to support both children and caregivers, the impact of the pandemic on childcare roles, and the need for advocacy and professional management in high net worth family environments. If you're interested in advancing your childcare career and understanding the complexities of modern childcare dynamics, this episode is a must-watch. For more, visit adventurenannies.com/summit-sessions and subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

🗣️ Professional Development Opportunity Alert! We're excited to offer a 25% discount to take this course, brought to us by @formatorinstitute, one of our sponsors for Nanny Camp 2025! 🏕️ Are you a nanny or childcare professional seeking to elevate your career? The Certified Formator™ Course will equip you with the skills needed to specialize in HNW/UHNW private family homes! ⭐️ The first 150 Adventure Nannies who register using the code LAUNCH25 by September 10th will get 25% off!

00:00 Introduction to Adventure Nannies on Air
00:50 Virginia's Background and Journey into Professional Nannying
04:40 Evolution of Modern Family Travel and Its Impact on Childcare
10:17 Why Great Nannies Leave: Understanding Burnout and System Breakdowns
15:36 Scope Creep and Job Description Challenges
21:21 Managing Consistent Care Across Multiple Properties
25:52 Balancing Professional Systems with Personal Connections
33:24 Upcoming Training Program for High Net Worth Family Childcare

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

In this episode of 'Adventure Nannies on Air,' recorded live during our summit sessions, join Reagan Fulton, Marketing Director for Adventure Nannies, and special guest Brittany Drew, the 2025 INA Nanny of the Year. Discover Brittany's inspiring journey from a medical physics graduate student to an award-winning nanny, newborn care specialist, holistic sleep consultant, and agency owner. Brittany shares valuable tips on professionalism, the importance of contracts, continuing education, and the need for industry standards. Whether you're a new or seasoned nanny, tune in to elevate your career and learn how advocacy and community can make a lasting impact in the childcare industry.

Connect With Brittany
https://www.brittanyjoydrew.com/

Visit the INA at
https://www.nanny.org


Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and information expressed by the guest in this session are solely their own and do not represent those of Adventure Nannies. Adventure Nannies does not verify the accuracy of the information presented and is not liable for any errors, omissions, or for any actions taken in reliance on this content. This session is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

What happens when love leads the way in childcare? Joss Cambridge-Simmons, founder of six-time award-winning Jossie Care, takes us on a journey through his 18 years as a male nanny breaking barriers in a female-dominated industry.

From the moment Joss begins sharing his story, you'll feel his infectious passion for creating safe, authentic spaces for children. As a Black man in childcare, he brings a unique perspective on representation, challenging outdated gender norms, and what he calls "decolonizing love" – breaking away from societal constructs that limit who can provide nurturing care.

Joss reveals how children show him their rawest emotions – the ones they don't display at school or elsewhere – and how he meets these moments with grace rather than control. "I'm not trying to win these kids," he explains. "I'm trying to aid these children in working with them in a way that benefits them longer." His approach transforms not just the children, but the parents who witness this different model of care.

You'll discover practical wisdom for childcare providers, from starting each day with gratitude to finding your supportive village. Joss emphasizes the crucial importance of self-care: "I can't go and give the level of care I need to give if I can't give the level of care I need to give myself."

Whether you're a childcare professional seeking to enhance your approach, a parent curious about different caregiving styles, or someone interested in how love can transform relationships, this episode offers heartfelt insights that will stick with you long after listening. Subscribe to hear more conversations like this, and visit AdventureNannies.com/Summit-Sessions to join our next live webinar!

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

Listen to our Summit Session with Linda Åkeson McGurk, acclaimed journalist, parenting expert, and author of There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather.

In this inspiring conversation, Linda dives into how her Scandinavian upbringing shaped her nature-forward parenting philosophy. Discover why a little rain, snow, or mud shouldn't keep children indoors, and how embracing outdoor play in all seasons boosts emotional regulation, physical development, and resilience. Learn how to foster confidence and connection in children by simply stepping outside.

This session covers:

• The benefits of outdoor play in all weather conditions.
• Strategies to shift from "weather worrier" to "weather warrior."
• Tools for nannies and caregivers to incorporate nature-based routines year-round.
• The cultural concept of friluftsliv (open-air life) and how to adapt it to your daily nannying practice.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or nanny looking to brave the elements and bring more joy and freedom into your work, this replay offers practical tips and valuable mindset shifts from a leading voice in outdoor parenting.

Connect with Linda: https://rainorshinemamma.com/ 

Please note: Adventure Nannies is not a medical or child development expert. This session provides educational insights based on Linda McGurk’s experiences and expertise, designed to support your learning and spark ideas you can explore further in your own childcare practice.

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

Angela Hanscom, occupational therapist and visionary founder of Timbernook, takes us on a fascinating journey through the critical importance of outdoor play in child development. "Nature is the ultimate sensory experience," she explains, revealing how modern childhood's increasing indoor confinement is fundamentally altering children's neurological development.

With alarming clarity, Hanscom shares that today's children sit approximately nine hours daily, severely restricting movement patterns necessary for healthy development. The consequences manifest in surprising ways – children literally falling out of chairs, bumping into each other, and struggling with sensory processing. These aren't merely behavioral issues but symptoms of underdeveloped vestibular and proprioceptive systems – sensory networks crucial for body awareness, coordination, and emotional regulation.

Through compelling stories from her Timbernook program, Hanscom demonstrates how authentic outdoor play creates profound developmental opportunities impossible to replicate indoors. A child climbing trees, building forts, or catching frogs in mud puddles receives full-body sensory input that integrates their neurological systems in ways small boxes of sand in clinical settings simply cannot. When adults step back and allow children to navigate their own conflicts and creative endeavors, remarkable learning unfolds – from boundary-setting to empathy, problem-solving to emotional regulation.

Particularly moving is her observation of "play-deprived" urban children who approach outdoor experiences with palpable urgency, making the most of limited time in nature. This reinforces the deep biological need for these experiences across all demographics and environments.

Whether you're a nanny, parent, or educator, this conversation will transform how you view those muddy clothes and risky climbing adventures. The next time a child spins in circles or jumps in puddles, you'll recognize it as essential neurological development rather than mere play. Ready to support the children in your life through meaningful outdoor experiences? Start by giving them time, materials, and the precious gift of stepping back.

Learn more about timbernook here: https://timbernook.com/ 

Purchase Angela's book, Balanced and Barefoot here: https://amzn.to/43vR3El 

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

What happens when the professional caregiver needs care? Stephanie Bauchum’s journey from exhausted nanny to passionate self-care advocate offers powerful insights for anyone in the caregiving profession.

After 13 years as a dedicated nanny and household manager, Stephanie found herself completely burnt out - working 12-hour days, her health declining, and her personal life non-existent. The wake-up call came when she realized she needed to advocate for herself or risk serious consequences. This pivotal moment not only transformed her own career but inspired the creation of Nanny Tees, which evolved from clever apparel into a movement championing nanny wellbeing and community.

Throughout our conversation, Stephanie dismantles common misconceptions about self-care in the caregiving profession. True self-care isn't just occasional pampering—it's proper rest, nutrition, financial responsibility, and seeking mental health support when needed. Her candid admission about benefiting from therapy offers a refreshing perspective on emotional wellbeing for professional caregivers. As she poignantly states, "Imagine if you put as much energy into yourself that you put into your nanny family... nobody could tell you anything!"

Perhaps most valuable is Stephanie's guidance on boundary-setting as an essential professional skill. Her perspective is refreshingly direct: "If they fired me for setting boundaries, that wasn't the family for me anyway." This mindset shift empowers nannies to advocate for their needs with confidence. Through her growing national nanny retreats, Stephanie continues creating spaces where caregivers can recharge, connect, and prioritize themselves.

Whether you're a professional nanny, childcare provider, or anyone in a caregiving role, this episode offers practical wisdom for building joy and community outside your professional identity. Connect with Stephanie on Instagram or learn about upcoming retreats at nannytees.com/retreat to continue your self-care journey.

Learn more about Nanny Tees: https://www.nannytees.com/ 

Register for future Summit Sessions: https://www.adventurenannies.com/summit-sessions

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

Unlock secrets to nurturing emotionally intelligent children with insights from Tina Lemon, an early childhood education authority. In our latest episode, Tina shares expert strategies for teaching self-regulation and emotional literacy, essential skills like writing or potty training. Gain practical tools to manage public speaking nerves with box breathing and self-assurance, while uncovering unnoticed anxieties.  

Join us to unravel emotional regulation for children and adults. We discuss the adults' role in modeling respectful communication and empathy, helping children manage emotions in stressful situations. We highlight unrealistic expectations for children to handle emotions alone, stressing the importance of integrating emotional awareness into everyday life.  

Explore scenarios like a child's refusal to eat by understanding causes like hunger or fatigue. Learn how offering choices can empower children and reduce conflict. Tina shares heartwarming anecdotes, including a TikTok video of mature communication between a mother and son. In a fun Q&A, she reveals her life, from completing mini triathlons to her kayaking passion, and hints at her new consulting venture. This episode equips you with skills to foster a compassionate, emotionally aware environment for the next generation.

Connect with Tina on Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1139072966912684/?ref=share&mibextid=q5o4bk

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

The role of a nanny or childcare provider is evolving, especially with more parents working from home. This episode delves into the new expectations and challenges caregivers face, exploring how they can thrive in this changing landscape. We uncover the power of simple activities in child development and how incorporating personal interests into caregiving can create richer learning experiences.

Join us as we chat with Annie Delaney, creator of the innovative Rayz Kidz app, designed to revolutionize communication between parents and caregivers. Annie shares her insights on:

• The Evolving Role of the Caregiver: We discuss the increasing demands placed on caregivers and how they can rise to the challenge.
• The Impact of Everyday Interactions: Discover how seemingly simple activities can have a profound impact on a child's development.
• Bridging the Communication Gap: Learn how the Rayz Kidz app fosters seamless communication and strengthens the parent-caregiver partnership. This platform provides structure for planning educational activities and documenting developmental milestones, ensuring parents are always in the loop.
• Play-Based Learning: The Key to Development: We explore the importance of balancing independent and guided play, addressing the pressures parents often feel from online resources. Annie shares practical tips for creating engaging learning experiences, like a simple sensory sandbox, and how caregivers can educate parents on the benefits of play-based learning. The Rayz Kidz app offers structured prompts to support this approach.
• From Childhood Dreams to Innovation: Get to know Annie as she shares inspiring anecdotes about her childhood and the experiences that led her to create the Rayz Kidz app.

Featured Guest: Annie Delaney, creator of the Rayz Kidz app

Key Takeaways:

• Caregivers are essential partners in a child's development.
• Simple, everyday activities can have a significant impact on learning.
• Open and consistent communication between parents and caregivers is crucial.
• Play-based learning is a powerful tool for fostering development.
• The Rayz Kidz app provides a valuable resource for caregivers and parents alike.

Visit Rayz Kidz at https://rayzkidz.com/ to learn more and download the app!

Links mentioned in the show: 

https://rayzkidz.com/play 

 https://rayzkidz/communication

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

What if you could turn a career setback into the defining moment that earns you the Nanny of the Year award? Meet Angela, the inspiring nanny whose journey of resilience and community support has captivated many. Join us as Angela shares her genuine reactions to the accolade, and how a pivotal trip to London fueled her passion for teaching and supporting parents worldwide. With heartfelt anecdotes of her childhood dream nanny and the unyielding support from her best friend Kimberly and the wider nanny community, Angela’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and accountability.

In our conversation, we shine a light on the collective empowerment within the nanny community, especially among chronically ill nannies pushing past their limitations. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital role nannies play, and Angela's experiences are a testament to their invaluable contributions to childcare. Get to know her introspective side, her passion for spontaneous songwriting, and the ways she's supporting families through her parenting coaching. This episode offers a heartwarming look at how Angela's experiences and insights can inspire and uplift nannies everywhere.

Connect with Angela: 

atnanny.com

facebook.com/askthenanny 

Instagram.com/ask.the.nanny 

linkedin.com/in/angela-johnson-sutherland

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!

Note: This episode was recorded in 2024, for updates on tax information in 2025 visit https://info.homeworksolutions.com/blog/2025-household-employment-coming-changes

Unlock the mysteries of legal pay and taxes for nannies and domestic workers with us on Adventure Nannies On Air. With expert insights from Rachel Lawrence of Homework Solutions, we navigate the complexities families and nannies face in understanding payroll, workers' compensation, and insurance requirements. Rachel shares her journey from nanny to industry influencer, emphasizing the importance of bridging knowledge gaps to advocate for fair pay and employment rights. Together, we explore the historical backdrop of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its profound impact on labor rights in the nanny industry.

Get ready for an engaging conversation as Rachel delves into her unique experiences as a former nanny and Senior Partner Specialist at HomeWork Solutions. Her firsthand knowledge illuminates the intricacies of employment laws, from travel and sleep time considerations to the nuances of classifying nannies as employees or independent contractors. We also uncover the fascinating history of domestic workers' fight for inclusion in labor laws and the invaluable contributions of marginalized groups, urging our listeners to acknowledge these often-overlooked narratives.

From childhood adventures to the dynamics of homeschooling, we weave a tapestry of personal stories that highlight the unique dynamics of caregiving. As we wrap up this enlightening episode, we invite you to connect with Adventure Nannies through our website and social media channels for the latest opportunities. Whether you're a nanny, a parent, or simply curious, this episode offers a blend of practical advice and heartfelt stories that you won't want to miss.

• Have any questions? Reach out to us on Facebook, and Instagram, and check out the resources on our blog!
• If you’d like to join our newsletter to be the first to know about our new positions, click here.
• Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!
• Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!