Frequently Asked Questions

    What can Annie the Nanny offer me?

    Most importantly, I offer support.  When behavior problems start to become an issue, parents often feel embarrassed, guilty and desperate for help.  They often turn to books or parenting classes looking for a solution.  Such supports may tell you what to do but each family is unique and children react to issues in their own envionment.  I take the time to understand that environment and therefore am able to help you see what's really going on and give you the support you need to change things around.  I'm there to do whatever it takes to get your family working the way you've always wanted and my methods work.  There isn't one family that I've worked with that hasn't seen an incredible difference in their child's behavior (see testimonials for select comments)

    I also offer workshops through the Women's Health Centre at the Foothills. 


    If I want you to come in to my home, how does it work?

    Well, if you live in and around the Calgary area, it works like this.  First we have a chat.  I come and visit you in your home and meet your family.  You might then tell me about something in your child's behavior that makes things tough for the rest of the family. I listen, we talk and then I arrange to come to your house for an observation period, during which time I tag around with you everywhere as you care for your children.  This isn't as scary as it sounds.  The reason why I have an observation period, is that it allows me to get to know your family and tailor my help to you as individuals. I might end up at the grocery store or at playgroup and that's fine. I just want to see a normal day or portion thereof.

    I then sit down with you and we talk through the problem.  Lastly, I stay and help your family through the changes you want to make.  I'm there to support you as you learn, staying with you for anywhere from a few hours through to a week to help you through any parenting hurdle.  

Do you know what it's like to be a parent? Have you got kids of your own?

Yes, I do. I have three lovely kids of my own, 19, 16 and 12, two boys and a girl. I think being a parent is the toughest job in the world, but it's also the most special and the most rewarding. In your children's overall life span, the time you have with your children is short, but the impression you leave is profound.

Are you a parent coach and if not what's the difference between you and a parent coach?

A parent coach is someone who creates a partnership with you the parent and largely through phone conversations, listens, asks the right questions, provides clarity and help parents identify a parenting approach that works for them.  So what's the difference between a parent coach and myself? Nothing at all.  I do exactly the same thing, except, I take it one step further.  Parent coaches work largely through the phone and occasionally include an in-home assessment.  I feel having an in-home assessment is vital and it helps me to help you in a very effective way.  I also then stay with you for a period of time, offering both practical and emotional support, as you put what you've learned in to practice.

So are you Calgary's version of Super Nanny then?

Yes, I am.   Sometimes though people think their lives have to be in utter chaos before they can call me.  Remember that the families that are portrayed on the show are made to look that much more chaotic than they are for entertainment's sake.  I help families dealing with a wide spectrum of behaviors.  Some are indeed like the show and others are a long way from it.  The bottom line is that I can help with any behavior problem. 

You don't stay at my house, do you?

I don't sleep there, no.  You can breathe a sigh of relief!  But I do come during the day for as long as you need me.  I'm also very flexible, so that if you're trying to change your child's sleeping habits, I can come evenings only.  Likewise, if you're a parent working outside the home, I can come on the weekend.

What are the ages of the kids you deal with?

It varies. I get called frequently to help with behavior issues when they start becoming more of an concern, from two and up. That's when your child's drive to become more independent can make you wonder what planet you're living on. Whatever issues you're dealing with remember that having them is perfectly normal.  Everyone thinks they have to be perfect  which is just not the case. 

What kinds of changes have you made in families?

Some families want to make bigger changes, others small. To some parents, I’m more of a running resource. At other times, I come in to a family that wants to make larger changes which subsequently demand more of my time. We solve eveything together, after which I’m no longer needed and they happily go on their way.