Jennifer S.

Hello! My name is Jennifer and I am the youngest of seven children, in my family.  I grew up in rural, then urban North Dakota. (As urban as ND gets)

Even as a young child, I was drawn to and fascinated with babies & children.  I was lucky enough to become an Auntie, at the age of 12.  This is when my childcare/teaching experience starts, & since then I have spent my lifetime supporting and encouraging the growth and education of children.  I have been dubbed “the fun Auntie” by my 16 nieces/nephews and many many cousins.  

After high school graduation, in 1989, I accepted my first official live-in “nanny” position in Maryland.  I stayed for 15 months and cared for their then, 18 mo old boy.  I have stayed in touch with this family and was invited to that little (not so little) boy’s wedding, a few years ago. They are family to me and I feel honored to have had a significant impact on those early years for that young man.

With a large family, there was usually someone with a baby or young children, at the family events.  And “Auntie Jen” was and is typically in charge of childrens’ activities.  We enjoy just hanging out with each other, reading books, sharing memories/stories, nature hikes, scavenger hunts (geocaching), arts/crafts, relay (running) games, bubbles, swimming, among many others.

In 1994, I graduated college and started my career as a speech, language pathologist, in the schools.  

In 2004, I completed my Master’s Degree in speech/language pathology and have worked in schools & early childhood centers, since then. 

I believe in providing consistent loving discipline, to promote healthy relationships with children.  I specifically appreciate the positive teaching & parenting techniques in “Love & Logic”. It is a based on a “whole-child philosophy” developed by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D., in 1977.  As “the fun Auntie” I like to say “yes” to children, as often as possible, safe, healthy, etc… That way, when the answer has to be “no”, it really means “no”. I think this enables children to grow up with a positive role model and a positive outlook on life.  It also allows the child to feel like they have some control over their environment.  Which, in turn builds security, power, and a mutual respect.

Also…If the child asks to go to the park, “YES, let’s go after lunch”. (rather than saying, “NO, or Not Now…we have to have lunch first”)

Thank you for reading and learning a little about me.  I look forward to meeting & learning more about your family.