Norland nanny reveals her top tips for parenting children during lockdown – including ’emotionally coaching’ your child to be resilient and researching coronavirus together
- Prince William, 37, and Kate Middleton, 38, hired Maria Borrallo for George, six
- Spanish supernanny trained at Norland College and now looks after others, too
- Dr Janet Rose, Principal of Norland College, revealed tips to look after children
- Advised parents talk about the crisis so youngsters can ‘become resilient’
- Also said mothers and fathers should ‘remain positive’, ‘calm, and ‘reassuring’
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The principal of the college where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s nanny of choice trained has revealed her advice for parents during the coronavirus pandemic.
Maria Borrallo, who was hired by Kate Middleton, 38, and Prince William, 37, to help look after Prince George, six, when he was eight months old, now cares for Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, one, too.
The ‘Spanish supernanny’ trained at the prestigious Norland College which has been producing childminders for the rich and famous since 1892.
Now the principal of the college, Dr Janet Rose, has opened up to Tatler about how parents can manage at home.
Dr Janet Rose, principal of the prestigious Norland nanny college, has revealed her advice for parents struggling during the coronavirus pandemic (pictured, several of the college’s nannies in their classic uniforms)
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO BE RESILIENT
Dr Janet Rose revealed that many children may be watching their parents more closely than ever during the pandemic, so adults should consider their reactions and responses carefully.
She also pointed out that the current stress-inducing lockdown would be teaching children about how to respond to uncertainly.
She added that is it ‘crucial’ parents see this as an opportunity to teach children how to be resilient and that they should spread kindness to others.
HAVE HONEST CONVERSATIONS
The parenting expert went on to say that it was important to have honest and open conversations with children, while managing fear.
She advised parents help their children feel calm and safe by finding moments of peace themselves.
Dr Janet explained: ‘Children will worry more if they feel that things are being kept a secret from them. Help your child feel safe and focus on what everyone is doing to stay safe.’
The royal family have often hired nannies from Norland, including Maria Borrello, who currently works for Prince William, 37, and Kate Middleton, 38, (pictured with the Queen and Prince George at Princess Charlotte’s christening)
RESEARCH TOGETHER
Dr Janet advised asking open questions to establish what children already know about the pandemic, then going from there.
And she reminded parents that it is okay not to have every answer to every question.
She recommended researching together to find the answer, but avoiding any scary headlines or pictures by looking on reputable websites. ‘
EMOTIONALLY COACH YOUR CHILD
Emotional coaching is a technique taught to all nannies-in-training at Norland College, so that they can help children understand their feelings.
Dr Janet recommended taking children to a calm space in the house, and empathising with their stressed emotion.
She then recommended validating their frustration, before being explicit about how you’re helping them and why.
CREATE A ROUTINE
Dr Janet suggested parents plan out the days and stick to the routine, by ensuring there are regular times for physical, creative, fun and calming activities throughout the day.
She recommends factoring in plenty of time for exercise that would have been part of their normal daily routine.