Today I’m going to be sharing about a huge portion of my life – being a nanny. To be honest, I’m really shocked that I haven’t once blogged about this part of my life before.
Three years ago I ventured out and got a job as a nanny, as it was important for me to work since I was putting myself through college on my own. Little did I know when I first started that soon this “job” would be one of my best decisions in life so far and that I’d fall in love with every part of it. I have been nannying for the same family for 3 years now and it’s seriously the best job ever. It’s been so much fun watching the little 9-year-olds grow into the pre-teens they are now.
Being a nanny is more than just being a babysitter. As a nanny, I’m deeply investing into the lives of the kids I’m with 5 days a week. I’m constantly learning new things about myself and new ways to look at certain situations. I’m always being stretched to learn how to be a better version of myself, as I am someone the kids looks up to. Being a nanny is not always easy, but it’ll always be rewarding and worth it to me.
Believe it or not, it took me SO long trying to figure out the top 10 things I have learned over the past 3 years being a nanny. I could ramble on and on with story after story, but don’t worry, I won’t. So let’s dive in!
10 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED AS A NANNY:
1. Patience, Patience, Patience // Since becoming a nanny, I have learned how to be more patient. Let’s be honest here, this is an area we can all use some growing in, right? Actually, my nanny kids are really well-behaved and rarely try my patience, but when they do try my patience, they REALLY try my patience. Other than those rare times, my patience is more regularly challenged by mothers gossiping around me or waiting in line to get food.
2. Sacrifice // Before becoming a nanny, I used to think that it was easy for me to sacrifice things here and there. Gosh, was I wrong! Being a nanny has taught me so much about sacrifice and giving up self, and I’m so thankful for that. I’ve learned (and still am) that there are times to put myself first and times to put myself second and even last. If being a little late to a girls night with my friends means that the kids get to have longer activity practices or longer play dates, then that is totally fine with me. Sacrifice to me, in terms of being a nanny, means to keep on investing even if I’ll be slightly inconvenienced. The kids are more than worth it.
3. Kids Are Fun & Smart // Growing up, I was very involved with kids and always knew that they were fun and smart. I taught and assisted numerous dance classes and I also volunteered in my church’s Sunday school program. Being a nanny has brought this knowledge to a whole other level, though. Kids are sponges and take everything in, even when they don’t show that they are. They remember everything and they know how to joke. I love that I’m able to encourage their individuality and their smarts on a daily basis.
4. To Confront My Anxiety // Part of my job as a nanny is to help keep up with grocery runs, as well as bringing the cars in for maintenance when they need fixing. Know I know these may seem like simple tasks to most people, but for me, they’re not always that simple. I’m usually fine with grabbing groceries, but if it’s during a busy time at the store, I’ll panic inside and try to map out how to get through. Bringing cars in for maintenance is actually the easy part for me. Want to know the hard part? Making the phone call to set up an appointment. Having to be involved in situations like this helps me confront my anxiety head on, instead of pushing it off and to the side.
5. Compromise // I am huge on rules and a firm believer in earning what you get, but there are times where compromise is needed. Now, please understand – I’m not letting the kids step all over me at all. There are times when an answer is being looked for when a conversation is needed, instead. I find that being open to working out a scheduled plan with the kid’s input is important. Kids want to be heard and feel like their input is valued. For example: Instead of sending them straight to the table to do their homework, we work out a plan to have a snack and a quick 10-minute break before homework. It’s amazing how much more the kids will listen and obey, instead of challenging and complaining when you just give them a minute to have a conversation with you.
6. I Am Even More Excited To Be A Mom // I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but being a nanny has made me even more excited to be a mom. I am able to bond with these kids and be a huge part of their lives, and it just blows me away thinking about how much more I’ll be able to experience that with my own kids one day. In addition to those sweet moments, nannying is daily teaching me and preparing me to be a mom one day.
7. Multi-Tasking // It makes me laugh thinking about how I used to think I was such a great multi-tasker before coming a nanny. Pfff! You don’t learn how to multi-task until you’re having to cater to more than just yourself. From cutting up apples, to flipping the laundry, to making sure the siblings don’t kill each other, to answering play date invites and more…that is what skilled multi-tasking is, my friends.
8. Problem Solving // I’m a nanny to twins – a boy and a girl, so the whole sibling competitiveness is even stronger than that of siblings who aren’t twins. There are numerous problems that could arise during a normal work day for me, even outside of the competitiveness. I never knew how good at problem solving I could be until it came to having no choice but to figure out a solution.
9. I Am Appreciated // Being a nanny has shown me that I am significant and am appreciated more than I’ll know. I could not ask for a better family to work for – they are generous beyond understanding and so supportive. Everyday they thank me for what I do. I’ll tell you, there’s nothing more special than that. Somedays hearing that ‘thank you’ is one of the best moments of my day. Even though I may be down, I am reminded that I have worth and meaning.
10. Unconditional Love // If I had to choose a top favorite lesson I have learned being a nanny so far, unconditional love would be it. I have learned two great dynamics of unconditional love as I have been with this family and these kids. I have learned how to grow in unconditional love for others and I have also learned that there are others who will always have unconditional love for you. I don’t care if the kids don’t match or if they have a pimple of their face, and I know they don’t care about those same things with me. I still love the kids when they slip up and accidentally curse, and they still love me during the times I let my anger show on my face when I shouldn’t. Being a nanny has not only taught me that they deserve unconditional love, but that I also deserve that, as well.
Have you ever been a nanny or are a nanny currently? What are some important things you have learned? I’d love to chat!