Introducing forum expert Kerry Secker of "Kerry Cares Parenting"....

 

Let’s hear a bit about your background….

I hale originally from sunny Hertfordshire but have lived and worked in 5 countries.

I have always loved children and come from a huge family, my Dad was one of 6 children. There was always a young cousin or baby about to play with or look after in our family. My Mum tells me I was a born nurturer and always had a troop of children around me. Even today in parks children seem to drawn to me; a little girl I used to nanny for has a theory it is because I am kind and they think I am one of them and not quite a grown up. It is a theory I can live with!

After obtaining my NNEB way back 1999 (I have no idea where that time went!) I started work as a private nanny for my first family. I loved it and for the next 16 years I worked all across the UK and spent 6 years working abroad for different families. I had an absolute blast and so much fun but I also gained a wealth of expertise and knowledge of babies, children and families. I learned we are all beautifully unique and that what works for one baby or family may not work for another.

I still pick up my last nanny family of 2 girls from school twice a week and I love them and my time with them.

And what about your field of expertise? How did that come about?

I returned to the UK after a 6 year stint abroad and found myself in London for the first time. I worked for some amazing families whose friends and family would ask me for my help and support with their children on various different issues and I made big differences to their family life gently. I made lots of friends through work who would also ask me to help with their children. I started consulting parents alongside my nanny job and I have never looked back. I bit the bullet and went full time and official with Kerry Cares when the girls I looked after went to school full time.

From working with lots of different families I realised that what works for one may not work for another as they are all so unique. I followed my instincts with each baby and child in my care and found that a more gentle and unique approach really worked. The children and I were so much happier and had fun! My approach with the parents I consult with is exactly the same, it is all from a very gentle approach that takes into consideration parenting style and values.

What do you most love about life?

That is life beautiful and unique just like us. I love life and seeing what it brings me each day. I also love my family and husband of course ( just in case they are reading this!)

OK, so what about the not-so-good-bits?

I try to embrace it all, the good and not so bits, you need to have that balance with everything. I really don’t like celery though!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Doing a parachute jump!I really hate heights, never thought I could do it and it taught me a valuable lesson: you can do anything If you believe you can.

Also setting up Kerry Cares Parenting is also up there. I love helping parents and never see it as work.

What is your next big goal in life?

To run a half marathon in June. I am not worried about time, I just want to get around!

Coffee or herbal infusion?

Coffee all the way, every day!

Dark, milk or white chocolate?

Milk

What word or phrase do you most overuse?

I am having a lovely day

What is the most important lesson that life has taught you?

Children have taught me so much; be honest, say what you mean, be in the moment and most importantly have fun!

What is your work or business philosophy?

"There is no right way you should raise your family, just a way that should feel right for your family"

Problems are only an issue when they become a problem for you and your family and I always try and encourage parents to do what feels right for them. I tell them if it feels wrong or against your instincts then it probably safe to say it is not right thing to be doing for you!

What one piece of advice would you pass on to others?

Life is short: Work hard, love harder, play even harder and be kind.

 

Kerry x