Prince William and Kate Middleton hired nanny Maria Borrallo after their eldest son, Prince George was born. And the Norland nanny has stayed with the Cambridge family since then.
While speaking with Woman UK, fellow Norland nanny Louenna Hood shared what the nannies from the Norland College in Bath usually do with the kids that they’re taking care of.
Hood said that Borrallo and the other nannies from Norland College are taught that when taking care of kids, consistency is the key.
“We were always taught to be firm but fair in every situation. Children learn by example, and you should never say no to something unless you can give the child a reason. Most of the time, we say no because it’s dangerous or will have a negative effect on the child,” she said.
Hood added that as long as the nannies are being fair, the children that they are taking care of will know that it’s for their own good.
“Even if they are annoyed at the time, they will respect you for it and I believe children thrive from having boundaries,” she said.
Borrallo and other nannies are encouraged to give the children brain foods like apples or carrots because these help them feel motivated and energized.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis enjoy playing outdoors. And this is something that other nannies also encourage other kids to do.
“Fresh air is so important for a child’s mental health, and they love the freedom of being outdoors. After school, children tend to want to run and play rather than sit down and do an activity,” she said.
Having a consistent bedtime is also important for young children. Hood said that if the kids didn’t take long naps, were able to eat well, and enjoyed their time outdoors, bedtime shouldn’t be difficult.
“A consistent bedtime routine is key – a nice, warm bath, followed by stories and a chat about the day is a lovely wind-down time. If children go to bed too late, they become upset and find it much harder to settle,” Hood said.
In recent months, Prince William and Middleton have resorted to homeschooling to educate their children. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Prince George and Princess Charlotte went to Thomas’s Battersea.
While Borrallo doesn’t get involved with homeschooling the kids, Hood has a suggestion on how to go about it.
“Break the day up into segments and try to find the time to sit with your children and help them, then enjoy some downtime before returning to do some more,” she said.