“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” — Albert Einstein.
Dear Parents,
May I introduce myself?
I am a highly qualified private tutor and bilingual nanny (German & English) with extensive experience in caring for children aged one to twelve years old.
My background in literature comprises a BA (Hons) in English and American Literature, as well as an MA in Creative Writing. As you can probably tell, I love literature and the wisdom that stories such as fairytales from different ages and cultures can impart.
How do fairy tales make children intelligent? Simply put, they spark children’s imaginations. And imagination is the foundation for empathy. Moreover, fairytales deliver moral lessons and model good behaviour in an entertaining way—one that is far more effective than lecturing, scolding or laying down the rules. Fairy tales can instil a life-long love of literature in your children, with the added benefit of improving their literacy.
As your governess, I would make it my priority to select high-quality, age-appropriate stories for your children in both German and English (or French if you wish) that would complement their development stage perfectly and foster a love of literature from a very early age on.
My most recent teaching experience as a freelance teacher has allowed me to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, honing my intercultural skills and sensibility.
I am comfortable working on all continents and liaising with people from different backgrounds, having lived, worked and studied in Germany, the U.K., the U.S.A. and South Korea.
If you are looking for someone flexible when it comes to relocating or travelling, I believe this intercultural sensibility will come in very handy. Within the home, I am completely dedicated to your children’s academic and social development, as well as their emotional welfare and entertainment. I am happy to tutor your children in their school subjects, supervise homework, prepare them for upcoming examinations, assist in
projects, and teach good manners and communication skills.
Outside of the home, I enjoy taking your children to the park, to counterbalance the time sitting indoors in front of books or the screen. Getting plenty of fresh air, playing outdoor games and interacting with the local flora and fauna, or going to the museum on a rainy day are part of my nanny activity staples. In all that I do, I try to inspire a curiosity for life and a sense of solidarity with other human beings.
I would describe myself as a moderately strict person who ensures that firm boundaries are upheld, clear communication is valued and that praise and encouragement are given to build long-lasting bonds of trust. More importantly, I try to model good communication skills, by appreciating and expressing emotions in a healthy manner, and encouraging empathy in all interactions.
Though I am not trained as a Waldorf teacher, many of their ideas on discipline resonate with me: modelling good behaviour instead of scolding, reading a pedagogical story as a means of subtly imparting good values and showing positive role models to the children (as opposed to telling them off for bad behaviour), as well as ensuring a healthy balance of active/quiet activities throughout the day. I have also come to believe that children copy not only our words and behaviours but also our unspoken attitudes to life—and it is here, in the inner chambers of our own hearts and minds—where education truly begins. If you also resonate with these ideas, I believe we would be a good match.
In my spare time, I enjoy doing yoga, running, reading, learning about tea, art, vintage fashion and classical Chinese medicine.
I am happy to care for pets and have a big heart for cats, dogs, feathered or finned friends.
If you are looking for an exceptional governess who will enthusiastically impart a love of reading to your children, I believe I am the right person for you. Please contact BUTLER FOR YOU to arrange an interview. I would be delighted to hear from you.
~ Heidi
Clients: This is a small sample of the talent that we represent.
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