Hello and Welcome to The Vegan Sitter!

A Bit About Me

I’m a vegan nanny, artist, and human being who is certified in mindfulness meditation, CPR, and has over 15 years experience working with children and infants ages 5 months to 10 years old. I started out as a mother’s helper when I was ten, I was a camp counselor when I was 16, and I have continued caring for kiddos ever since!

I adore my time spent working with infants and children and I feel grateful to do work that matters to me, work that enriches my life and the lives of the families and children I work with. I have a strong personal philosophy that combines elements of “attachment parenting” and my own intuitive beliefs – I pick up babies when they cry, spend as much time outside in nature as possible, and I believe strongly in practicing mindful listening and communicating.

My Philosophy 

It is part of my process to learn the unique needs, wants, and “what lights up their world” kind of activities of every individual infant or child I care for. Some typical favorite activities include music making & listening, art projects, creating interactive songs and stories, reading loads of books, and spending time outdoors and in nature.

-The Day to Day

Life is an adventure! Each day offers so much to experience and I enjoy being part of an enriched life for your baby or child. This can mean trips to local hiking trails, river walks, city walks, going to museums, on vegan treat runs, creating experimental baking/food projects, scoping out new ideas for art collages, building an impromptu theater and acting out a play, and so much more. Each unique child will possess their own desires and needs and meaningfully interacting with the world in wondrous ways has been a joy in my childcare experience.

-Mindfulness

When given the time and space to exist as they are, children are already quite adept at “practicing mindfulness”. For many, it’s a rather natural state of being. I like to nurture this – by engaging their curiosity in the moment, being present with them, and practicing building a calm foundation to connect with when “big” feelings may arise.

-Bedtime

I don’t practice “cry it out” methods when it comes to naptime and bedtime and I seek to work with families who relate to and appreciate my efforts in creating an atmosphere in which babies and children feel secure, loved, and able to sleep comfortably.
I believe in the principles of co-sleeping. And while I’ve worked with some families who choose to put their babies in cribs, I am much more comfortable with having babies sleep close/nearby.

-Routines

I’ll gladly assist in gentle routines – such as pre-bedtime bathtime, storytime, then lullabies (I’ve even written a lullaby that kids often request!) or creating a sleepy atmosphere midday to encourage sleep when the infant/toddler typically is ready for a nap. However, I also believe in the “natural flow of life”, and in respecting the child’s natural internal rhythms.

Many babies and toddlers I’ve worked with fall asleep most comfortably with cuddles or movement – such as in my arms, in a baby carrier, in strollers on walks, rocking chairs, or while taking drives and listening to soothing music. We learn what works, but every day is different. I know that this way of doing things will not vibe with everyone, and for others it will be a relief to hear – so I put it out there in order for us to find the best fit for everyone involved!

-Veganism

• Please note that while my clients may or may not all be vegan, I only cook and provide vegan food when it comes to meal time.
• I am a vegan who values the lives of animals!
• I am very comfortable working around animals. I love ‘em! Please be aware that I do not believe in and thus don’t want to be around: choke/prong chains, shock collars, crate training, or keeping living creatures in cages/bowls *unless it is a unique situation and the animal has ample habitat. Again, this will not vibe with everyone! But I am invested in creating aligned connections that honor everyone involved, and doing this requires radical honesty. I thank you thoroughly for the part you play in this.

-Scents/cleaning products

This planet and the health of all its inhabitants is super important to me. I am also “sensitive” to the use of chemicals. Thus, I prefer to work around non/less toxic products in favor of unscented and naturally scented products. This includes laundry soap, cleaning products used in the household, etc.

–Thoughts on Payment

I think it is a strange product of capitalism that the care of a child also be a financial arrangement. Likewise, we’re all engaged in this economic system in ways that require us to support ourselves and families.

So, I like to acknowledge this oddity of our current world and move forward with appreciation for the fact that I hold honest, genuine care for your child and the meaningful connection I form with your family, while appreciating that the work I do allows me to support myself financially.

….Thank you boatloads for reading and if it sounds like we may be a good fit, please do contact me and I will be in touch.