Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Being a nanny

Most people in the United States don't grow up wanting to be nannies. If you are good with children and want to do that sort of thing you want to be a mom or a teacher. I would venture a guess that most people in the United States don't even know really what being a nanny is all about. I know this because as a nanny I get all kinds of questions. Things like: Do you have to put the kids to bed every night? (not usually) Do you ever get a day off? (I work a regular M-F work week) Don't the kids bother you when it is your time off? (No, they would rather be with thier parents!) Why do people have kids if they aren't going to take care of them? (Well, they are taking care of them- they hired the best nanny in the world to make sure their needs are met and that they are safe and happy. There are all kinds of parents.) Nannies are still a mystery to many. But I am glad I am not a mom. I am glad I am not a teacher. I am glad to be a nanny. It is the right place for me to be- despite the questions. Now if I could only get people to stop asking me if I could jump into chalk drawings and fly on umbrellas!
--Sue Downey
nanny for 14 years

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You are one lucky nanny! My experience being a nanny is compleatly different.