The Worst Part of Being a Nanny

What is the worst part of being a nanny?

That is the most common question I get asked by friends, family, and the random person who sees me in the grocery store with the cutest little nanny kids.

I can only guess that people expect the answers like the poopy diapers, the tantrums, being a tiny person’s snack b***h, the parents, and so on. But none of those are problems that I have truly suffered from, because well…
A. Poop happens, and so does the projectile vomiting of chocolate cake ( true story ).
B. There is always, ALWAYS, a reason behind a tantrum; if I can’t take the time to find it, acknowledge it, and work on it with the child, I shouldn’t be a nanny.
C. Sometimes, it might feel like I am just there to hold the snacks and refill the water bottles, but that typically is because the kids are out, learning, and enjoying something on their own. Which means I am there to hold the snacks and refill the water bottles.
D. Working in people’s homes with their most prized possessions ( their kids ) often leads to weird and awkward situations. Still, we are all adults, and just like every relationship out there, you need to have respect, communication, and understanding.

For me, the worst part of being a nanny is knowing that you will no longer be needed one day. The most challenging part is to say goodbye for the final time, knowing that that was the last snuggle hug and forehead kiss you will be giving. I have had to say goodbye to a few nanny families, and each one squeezed my heart for different reasons.

When working with my first nanny family, I went in knowing it was a short-term position. They were moving over an hour away into the city, and when the final boxes made it out of the house, I had to say goodbye to the sweetest and most inquisitive three-year-old and the happiest six-month-old babe. After being with them for two months, watching them grow, helping them learn, and even assisting in potty training, I realized that no matter how far they went or how long it would be until next time, I would never forget their names or faces.

In 2012 I started a position with a nanny family, and it was my longest position to date, five years. Their two-year-old was soon to turn three when I started, and their five-year-old was starting kindergarten. I covered the after-school time until their parents got home, and I was there full time in the summer. During my time, those kids became more than just my charges; they became my Jelly Bean and Bug, nicknames they still respond to today. While I was with them, they were not the only ones growing, changing, and learning; I was too. I didn’t fully realize what it would be like to fall in love with children that are not yours and how they could love you right back. This wasn’t just an employer or nanny family; this was family. When it came time to leave, Jelly Bean was angry, and rightfully so, she knew I was moving onto a new family and new kids; she felt betrayed, and Bug, my sweet Bug, well let’s just say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Once the whole family and I had the “Heather is leaving” conversation, we spent the rest of my time with them ( 2 months ), teaching them and showing them how to move on. Now it wasn’t a “real goodbye” I am still in their lives, I see them once a month, we video chat, plus Mom and I text quite a bit. This family taught me what being a Nanny means and what it is like to make a personal difference in a child’s life.

Today I am with a new nanny family, and even though it has only been a few months, the connections and relationships that have been made already feel like family. Saying the eventual “goodbye” to them is already painful to think about; luckily, we have a few years, and I am sure it will just be a “see you later.”

See you later,
Respectfully yours,
Heather Poppins