For many traveling families or expatriates living in Amed, East Bali, hiring a nanny is often a necessity for balance. However, in this quiet fishing village where tradition still dictates the rhythm of daily life, “childcare” often transforms into something far more profound.
Amed nannies do not just “watch” children; they act as cultural ambassadors. By integrating Balinese values and rituals into their daily care, they offer children an immersive education that no classroom could replicate.
1. The Ritual of Gratitude: Making Canang Sari
In Amed, the day begins with the placement of Canang Sari—the colorful palm-leaf offerings seen on doorsteps and shrines. Nannies naturally involve children in this process.
- Tactile Learning: Children learn to handle natural materials like pandan leaves and bamboo sticks, developing fine motor skills.
- Sensory Education: They learn to identify the vibrant flowers—white for the east, red for the south, yellow for the west—introducing them to the Balinese concept of balance and direction.
2. Language and the Melody of Lullabies
While most nannies in Amed serving the tourist market speak functional English, they often communicate with children through the gentle sounds of the Balinese language.
- The Power of Song: Instead of generic nursery rhymes, children in Amed often fall asleep to “Bibi Anu” or “Ratu Anom,” traditional lullabies that carry the soothing cadence of the island.
- First Words: It is common for “Amed babies” to learn Matur Suksma (thank you) alongside their first English or home-country words, fostering early respect for local customs.
3. Connection to the Land and Sea
Amed’s geography is its greatest classroom. A nanny’s “walk” with a child is rarely just a stroll; it is an exploration of the village’s ecosystem.
- Village Connectivity: Nannies introduce children to the concept of Banjar (community). A simple walk becomes a series of warm interactions with neighbors, fishermen, and salt farmers.
- Environmental Awareness: Children watch the jukung (traditional outriggers) come in with the morning catch, learning where food comes from and the importance of the ocean to the Amed community.
4. Tri Hita Karana: Teaching Harmony
At the core of Balinese life is Tri Hita Karana—the three causes of prosperity: harmony with God, harmony among people, and harmony with nature.
- Gentle Discipline: Balinese culture is famously indulgent and patient with children. Nannies model this through a calm, non-confrontational approach, teaching children emotional regulation through example rather than strictness.
- Respect for Life: Whether it’s avoiding stepping on an offering or being kind to the local “Bali dogs,” children absorb a worldview that treats all living things with a level of sanctity.
5. Dressing the Part: Participation in Ceremonies
When temple festivals (Odalan) occur, nannies often help children participate. They take pride in dressing the children in traditional Adat—the kebaya, kamen (sarong), and udeng (headcloth). This inclusion makes children feel like members of the community rather than just observers, building their confidence in diverse social settings.
In Amed, the bond between a nanny and a child is rooted in the Balinese belief that children are “little gods” to be protected and guided. By choosing a local nanny, parents are giving their children a gift that goes beyond babysitting: the gift of a second culture, a new language, and a lifelong connection to the spirit of Bali.