Media about our experience

Every mother — in Lausanne, New York or Moscow — dreams that her child becomes smart and healthy, respected and successful. Obviously, such goals may never be achieved without proper education.

However, approaches to child development and upbringing vary greatly from country to country. In France and Great Britain, it is customary to put babies to bed in a separate room from the day they are born in order to establish clear feeding and sleeping cycles as soon as possible. Russian mothers often put a cradle next to their bed and feed the baby upon the first demand. In European countries, schedule is the basis of education. Most children go to bed at seven or even six o'clock in the evening to get up early in the morning. They jump in puddles in October and November and don't wear hats all winter. In Russia children are fed better and dressed in warmer clothes. Approaches may vary, but progressive parents from all over the world are sure that children should have excellent education, speak foreign languages and be brought up by people. Proper aducation gives an opportunity to find a decent partner and start a family, get a good job and become somebody.

When is the right time to start raising a child?

It is important and better to be started from birth with carefully considered requirements and implementation methods. These principles are to be followed by everyone who interacts with the child - relatives, nannies, teachers.

Sure, mother is the closest and the most important person for a child. But not all parents are ready to fully devote their lifes to the child and leave work/university/sports for that. And psychologists say: there's nothing wrong with a baby spending part of the day in the care of another caring adult - a grandmother, nanny or kindergarten teacher. And the nanny's clearly the one to be preferred here. Of course, grandmothers love their grandchildren. And most of them overwhelmed by feelings forget what parents say about the children's upbringing: less clothes, less sweets, less cartoons during lunch - and other requests that are not parents' whims, but a rather thoughtful approach to parenting. 

Grandmothers don't want to hear any claims: you trusted them with the child, you lose your right to complain

And, as a matter of fact, they are older and more experienced. Once faced with such situationparents start considering hiring a professional teacher. Many children get sick too often when they start kindergarden. Also, even in the best kindergartens there may be only 2 adults working with at least 10 children. And a nanny will dedicate all her time to the child. The child will socialize walking on the playground, attending sports sections or a private kindergarten for 2-3 hours a day a few times a week (these kindergartens may be found in almost every children's club or development center.

British nannies provide the best education which is trending in Russia nowadays. Not only do they help children develop English language skills, but also implement important English character traits, such as punctuality, independence, courtesy and restraint. Young boys become real gentlemen, and girls grow up to be beautiful ladies with proud posture. Children learn to eat with fork and knife, not put their elbows on the table, sit still during meals. Older children learn what topics can be discussed during lunch, and what better be kept to themselves. Educated children grow up to be successful adults with great knowledge of art and excellent negotiation skills, they know how to set and achieve their goals even in desperate situations.

Another important thing is clear British pronunciation children naturally have and that is rare among people who speak English as their second language

A funny story happened at the beginning of the last century with the famous British writer George Orwell, who in his youth studied at Eton and spoke perfect high society English. When he was working on his book called "Down and Out in Paris and London" he tried to see with his own eyes what it's like to be poor and homeless. He dressed up as a homeless, got drunk and got in a fight, but when the constable heard his clear English he realized that he was a gentleman and he walked him home to make sure he doesn't get in trouble.

English Nanny Agency has been working for over 30 years helping children all over the world find their English nannies, often their governesses and governors are faced with the need to work extremely hard on the children's English language skills because of the completely wrong approach to language learning in Russian schools. Even in private educational institutions there are non-native English teachers who speak with accent and use old vocabulary. And as a result, students suffer because they adopt mispronunciation and use old-fashioned constructions.

Most English Nanny Agency clients choose male governors for their sons. And one of the clients (at her request we do not disclose her name) kindly agreed to explain why.

How did you come to the decision to hire a governor?

• I consider children's education to be one of the best and most successful investments. My sons are being taken care of by a governor from the UK. His duty is not only teach English to the children, but also to train them in all subjects and standards of education in the UK. We chose to hire a governor because boys need a role model of a well-mannered, fit, smart and fun man who will not only become their teacher, but also a good friend.

Why did you choose to work with English Nanny Agency?

• Some friends recommended it to me. I called the director - Valentin Grogol - and explained the task which was executed shortly after and I was impressed by the results. For over year we are working with the English governor who teaches our children, travels with them and has a huge impact on their development. Also, with English Nanny Agency helped us find our Italian chef and French governess for our eldest son, MGIMO student.

What do you think your life and your child's life would be without a nanny?

• English, French and other governesses are just help for my children. If it's possible to provide it, it's got to be done. If not, don't get upset.

Most of us didn't have this opportunity as kids. Yes, without such specialists it might have been more difficult to learn languages and maintain a level of knowledge in accordance with the highest international standards.

• Frankly, we don't need regular nannies. We have a Russian nanny, who has been with us for many years, and foreign governors help with the development of the child and language development.