Adopting an Attitude of Gratitude for the New Year

New Year's To-Do List

Daily I receive messages from nannies online asking me to post their questions on Facebook page in our column "Anonymous Nanny Asks for Advice." The number of complaints shows me that no one loves every moment of their job. Despite feeling underappreciated and disrespected at times, I want to challenge nannies to try to adopt an attitude of gratitude in the New Year.

In light of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut in December kids having temper tantrums, messy playrooms, or having bad table manners just seem trivial. After the tragic shooting massacre, just being able to hug the children tight is worth celebrating!

And although no job is perfect and every worker in every field has to do things they would rather not do at times, having a steady income, when so many do not, is something to be grateful about.

People with a strong sense of gratitude, love, and appreciation don't necessarily have more than others, or are luckier than others, they simply recognize and see more beauty in their lives. A 2003 study suggests that people who count their blessings are generally happier and healthier than people who don't.

I challenge nannies to do their best to not judge the parents on how they raise their kids in 2013. Parents hire nannies to support them and help raise their kids in the way they choose. As employees, if nannies support parents they have a better chance of being appreciated and well rewarded.

2013 Checklist - Can You Be Grateful That:
 

√ You have the amazing ability to work with and care for children

√  You have created a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for the children in your care
√  You can celebrate the successes of the children in your care 

√  The kids you care for are healthy

√  The children in your care are happy
√  You can be silly with the little ones in your care
√  You have a job
√  You have self-worth 

√  You are doing a great job working as a nanny