Patrice Shankster
What does the job involve?
I help parents and carers in the Dartmouth area - offering support with feeding, toilet training, behaviour, play, speech and sleeping – pretty much every issue a parent might come across in the first few years.
You often go into people’s homes; do you enjoy that part of the job?
Very much so. Some are exceptionally organised with everything you can imagine all lined up, others are more relaxed!
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen?
I recently came across a baby relax chair that looked like it had come straight from Mars! It was like a huge space seat. I’m always amazed by all the new gadgets and gizmos; baby beanbags, video monitors and all sorts of night lights.
Can you sum up your job in three words?
Rewarding, enjoyable and satisfying.
One thing we often recommend is parents giving their son or daughter their undivided attention for 10 minutes of child-led play a day – it’s amazing how this can reduce unwanted behaviour.
Where are you based?
At Dartmouth Clinic alongside two health visitors, that’s where we do most of our appointments especially developmental reviews. We do health clinics at the Children’s Centre on Milton Lane.
How do you put nervous parents at ease?
I tell parents that no question is ever too silly. I’m quite down to earth so I think people feel relaxed around me - I always carry a stools chart at the back of my id badge for when I’m talking about child constipation - people laugh when I get that out! Some parents can worry about their child’s development especially when they aren’t doing the same as another child. I reassure them and say all children are individuals.
What advice do you give parents who are having trouble with their child’s behaviour?
One thing we often recommend is parents giving their son or daughter their undivided attention for 10 minutes of child-led play a day – it’s amazing how this can reduce unwanted behaviour. We also work on ignoring unwanted behaviour and praising the positive behaviour. We look at the child’s emotional development as well as their physical development, and take any issues one step at a time.
How long have you been doing this job?
I have worked in Dartmouth for 13 years. I came to the profession quite late actually. I was 30 when I decided to do my Nursery Nurse qualification in Leicestershire. My first job was as a play specialist in a hospital where I supported children of all ages using distraction through play, sometimes just before their operation.
What made you come to Devon?
We lived in Nottingham and regularly went on holiday to Whitby and Dartmouth. I liked both places very much so I knew I would move to one of them one day. I moved to Brixham about 20 years ago with my three children – Adam (27), Vicky (28) and Danielle (31); where did the time go to! My husband, Andrew, and I have been married 10 years.
Do you often see the children you have helped ‘growing up’ around town?
All the time! I love seeing them with their parents who I remember supporting over the years.
What do you do in your spare time?
We have four Springer spaniels, three cats and two goldfish so they take up a lot of our time! I have a six-year-old grandson called Toby who I adore. We have pyjama days where just the two of us relax around the house all day – playing with toys, water, play dough, paints and role-play. We also have an annual pass for Babbacombe Model Village so he makes sure we go there quite a bit!
First published By The Dart magazine August 2016