Karen Urvina

Job Details for Regular Minder™

Hours per week
20 - 30 hours
Schedule Type
Flexible Hours
Start Date
August, 2025
Duration
1 - 9 months
AvailabilityMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
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
Top 3 Features
Playful Imagination iconPlayful Imagination
Why watch pirates on TV when you can build a den and play pirate adventures where anything is possible.
Energetic iconEnergetic
Bring the energy. All of the time. Rooms are better with lots of chat and laughter. Why walk when you can run or skip or bounce or dance.
Adventurous iconAdventurous
Walls are for climbing. Trees are for climbing. Cuts and scraped knees are the sign of a good childhood.
Headline

Kind, dedicated and respectful Minder

Details

  • NationalityMexican
  • LanguagesEnglish and Spanish
  • Years of Experience3 - 5 years experience
  • AccomodationLive Out (Minder™ Accommodation)
  • Job LocationParent's Home
  • Location
    Millstead, 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

One of the families I work with in Ireland has a little girl who is seven and I remember one day when we decided to take a day trip. It was her first time on a train and she was so excited she talked to every single person we met.

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 Education

I have taken online courses on sleep training and childhood nutrition.

My Family

I come from a very close family in Mexico City. I grew up with my grandparents and extended family close by. I have one sister who is seven years younger than me and is still back in Mexico but I speak with her all the time.

My Motivation

My primary motivation is to work with families where I can help them with their childcare and household tasks and I can improve my English and learn about integrating into the Irish culture.

My Interests

In my spare time I love to relax by completing large jigsaw puzzles and going on long cycles with my boyfriend to try different places to eat out. We are from Mexico and it is really hard to find authentic Mexican food in Ireland :-)

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 (8)

  • Siobhan M

    Karen got on very well with our little boy and encouraged him to play with different toys throughout the day. She is very kind and friendly and obviously has plenty of experience with young children. Thanks Karen.

    Siobhan MSeptember 2025

  • Eric B

    Karen was absolutely incredible with our 9 month old. We were in town for a wedding and from the second Karen arrived, our baby loved her! They connected and we felt so safe leaving her with Karen. She was super communicative and flexible and went above and beyond to keep her comfortable. Truly cannot recommend Karen enough!

    Eric BAugust 2025

  • 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!

    AnonymousAugust 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.

    AnonymousAugust 2025

  • A

    Karen is warm, friendly, child centred childminder who is very reliable and trustworthy

    AnonymousJune 2025

  • Kate C

    We have used Karen as an öogo babysitter multiple times for hotel guests at one of our partner hotels and she has always impressed us with her exceptional mix of professionalism and kindness. She instantly puts parents at ease​,​ demonstrates high levels of initiative at all times​,​ is experienced with children of all ages and LOVES board games (what better way to get the little ones nice and settled before bed). We continue to hope Karen is available when we need someone and can't recommend her enough. Thanks​,​ always​,​ Karen. The öogo Team :-)

    Kate CMay 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.

    AnonymousFebruary 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.

    AnonymousFebruary 2025

€16.00
per hour
Flexible Pricing