Karen Urvina
Job Details for Back Up Minder™
| Availability | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 07:00 - 12:00 | 07:00 - 12:00 | |||||
| Afternoon | 13:00 - 17:00 | 13:00 - 17:00 | 12:00 - 17:00 | 12:00 - 17:00 | |||
| Evening | 17:00 - 21:00 | 17:00 - 21:00 | 17:00 - 21:00 | 17:00 - 21:00 | |||
| Night | 21:00 - 22:00 | 21:00 - 22:00 | 21:00 - 00:00 | 21:00 - 22:00 |
Calm
Punctual
TidyKind, dedicated and respectful Minder
Details
- NationalityIrish
- LanguagesEnglish and Spanish
- Years of Experience3 - 5 years experience
- Job LocationParent's Home
- LocationMillstead, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland
Filters
- Non-Smoker
- First Aid
- Valid Driver's License
- Homework Help
- Housework
- Meal Prep
- Pet Friendly
- Garda Vetting / Background Check
- Certificates, Qualifications, References on Request
Dear Family
I moved to Ireland to improve my English. I had studied law in Mexico and knew it would be good for my career to improve my English. Since arriving in Ireland, I have worked with three families for prolonged periods of time and I also work looking after the children of guests at the Castleknock Hotel. This work in particular requires a lot of trust as parents are meeting me for the first time to look after their children often as they are have travelled from abroad to attend a wedding. It is hugely satisfying to be able to send them photos during the day of the children having the best time out for walks or in the pool or playing board games so that they can relax and know that the children are in great hands. I was recently named Minder of the Month for that job as I had received the most positive reviews from guests.
My Favourite Memory
My best memory was when Mia was almost 3 years old accomplished toilet training, I gave her the confidence and security that she could do it.
My Experience
In Ireland specifically, I have worked with several families around Dublin. Most recently, I worked with a family where the little boy is 7 and the little girl is 3. I focused a lot on helping the little girl with her reading and writing to help her prepare for pre-school. She made great progress over the summer and we also learned basic words in Spanish. I made sure each day we would take long walks to the bike park and onto the beach to keep her active. I was also encouraging her to eat really healthy foods. She tells everyone she is the "salad queen" now :-) One family had 2 children - 5 and 8 years old. My main responsibilities were to pick them up from school, do their homework, prepare the lunch and do some outdoor activities. I still work with this family a few days per week and have built up a very strong relationship with the children focusing on their bond as siblings and ensuring they have ample time each day for their respective preferred activities. Another family had one little baby who I started working with when they were 6 months old. He is now 1 year old. I helped the parents to sleep train the baby and to establish a healthy nighttime routine. Another family had a 6 years old daughter. I used to pick her up from after-school, walk home with her, do her homework with her, take her for outings and help with meal prep. When I first started working with her she was having a hard time at school. I focused a lot on helping her to improve her reading and to explore outside more by taking day trips. I have helped families with housework, homework and activities and I am very keen on reading to children to encourage their love of books. I love that children are so sweet and intelligent. I’m very patient with potty training, picky eaters and developmental growth stages. I've also taken an online course in sleep training.
My Family
My mom, dad and sister are my family, they live in Mexico, we have 8 chihuahuas dogs and one husky, we are so lucky and happy.
My Motivation
I worked as a contracts lawyer in Mexico and am studying English in the mornings to advance my career. Using my experience in childcare is complimentary to this because of the flexible hours and my English improves all the time.
My Interests
I love reading, do exercise, know about healthy food, I like to follow an experts all about babies and children.
My Personality
Everyone I know says that I'm good with kids as I love interacting with the children, I’m a very compassionate person, I know to listen and always find another way to help them.
Reviews (6)
- A
I cannot say enough great things about Karen. I was nervous about hiring a sitter from afar and without meeting them. Karen made getting to know her easy and built trust quickly. She came to our hotel with games to play with our boys and was ready to jump in the pool with them. Whatever the kids wanted to do (within reason!) she was ready and on board. Karen was also very good with communication. I cannot recommend her enough!
Anonymous•August 2025•
- A
Karen was great, the kids loved her. She was very communicative and responsive when we were looking for updates. She followed our routine and when we returned, the two toddlers were fast asleep.
Anonymous•August 2025•
- A
Karen is warm, friendly, child centred childminder who is very reliable and trustworthy
Anonymous•June 2025•
- A
Karen brought great structure to the evening—very professional.
Anonymous•March 2025•
- A
Karen looked after our 2 year old and he really loved having her mind him. She was always on time and very attentive.
Anonymous•February 2025•
- A
Karen has been our babysitter for over a year, and we couldn’t be happier with her care. She is wonderful with our son—matching his energy, keeping him engaged during playtime, and always ensuring a fun and safe environment. Highly responsive, detail-oriented, and punctual, Karen is someone we have come to rely on with complete confidence. I also appreciate her eagerness to learn from us as parents to align with our preferences in caring for our child. I would highly recommend Karen to any family—she has been a fantastic presence in our son's life.
Anonymous•February 2025•
Karen Urvina
Karen Urvina
€16.00 per hour