5 things I wish Moms knew about Nannies
1. We are invested.
I was with my previous nanny family for almost five years. When I had been with them for about two years, somebody made a passing comment about me not being as invested in making good decisions about the children's future because they're not mine. They meant well and had no idea that this comment would stay with me four years later, but it has; it got under my skin. I invest the majority of my time to ensuring the little ones in my care are safe, happy, and healthy. It isn't a small task and when you've been with a family for so long you do feel invested in their futures. Of course, it will always be different than the investment of a parent, but I for one would like moms to know that I am putting my all into ensuring that their children reach their full potential academically, socially, physically, and emotionally.
2. We are professionals.
I have a plan. I am not showing up in the morning with just the hope that we’ll make it through the day. As professional nannies, we are educated in child development and more importantly, we have the experience to know what we need to do to meet our charges' needs. I plan specific activities to help them learn and grow through play and fun experiences. I am your child's teacher, nurse, friend, chef, cleaner, advocate, and more and I take this role very seriously. I do my best to remain positive and calm, as I know your job is stressful and that when you come home, you are coming home to your sanctuary. A lot goes into creating an environment where the children are ready for bed and the house is clean and tidy. It’s not all part of my job, but I want you to know I do it for you because I care about your family. I don't need to be told how to steam broccoli or that the baby’s diaper needs to be changed after his nap. However, when you do tell me these things, I will listen with open ears and an open heart, as I know they are your world and it is important that you feel a part of their daily lives.
3. We have lives.
I love my charges without question (see number 4!) from 8am to 7pm and beyond, but at the end of the day I still have a wife to go home to, errands to run, bills to pay, an apartment to clean, and a cat to feed, among other things! I have been lucky enough to work for families who do respect my time, and I understand that things happen beyond your control and sometimes you are running late. However, it's nice to know that my time as a nanny is respected, and it’s important to me for my bosses to know that my desire to go home doesn't mean I love their child/ren, or my job, any less.
4. We love your children and they love us, and that’s okay.
It shouldn’t need to be said, but we love our charges. I hope you can tell that my fondness is genuine by the way they run to me in the morning, by the way that we giggle when we play, and by the way they respect my word and respond to my hugs. They love me too, and that's okay. They don’t love you any less, even though it may sometimes feel that way after you come home and they’re tired and cranky. You are their world and they love you too.
5. We are human
Sometimes I have a bad day. I'm tired when my shift ends and it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with my charges. Sometimes they’re fussy, tired, refusing to eat, or just generally having a bad day too. The day is long and at the same time, too short to get everything done as any parent and nanny knows. There’s laundry piling up, cooking to do, cleaning, shopping, classes to get to, and playdates to keep. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming. I am human. As professional as I may be, life is hard sometimes, but I know that tomorrow will always be better.
Published by Nanny Magazine
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