I never thought it was possible to wake up every day excited to go to work. Then I got a job as a nanny. There are a lot of highs and lows when you work with kids. Here are a few of the main ups and downs that I’ve found as a full time nanny.
High: You fall in love with the kids
I planned to work as a nanny for one year during the pandemic. It didn’t take long for me to decide that I was not leaving this family any time soon. When you spend 40+ hours a week with a child, it makes sense that you’ll grow to love them. My nanny kids bring me so much joy every day and I love them like family.
Low: Tantrums, transitions and tough days
Even if you’re working with older children, their brains are still developing. Because of this, big life transitions like meeting a new nanny or starting school can be even more difficult. They can get frustrated more easily than most adults, leading to tantrums. It’s very draining to spend the day trying to help a screaming child feel better. You may be having an off day yourself, but you can’t let it show.
High: It keeps you active
I am up and moving all day, every day. There’s no such thing as desk fatigue at this job. I’m not the type of person who can sit still all day, so I’m grateful that I’m on my feet at work. Moving around helps maintain your energy levels, boost your mood and keep you in shape.
Low: Less flexible hours/working from home
These days it seems like everyone works from home. I see my friends working from their laptops in bed all day or leaving for a doctor’s appointment during their lunch hours. When you’re a nanny, this isn’t an option. Obviously it’s possible to get everything done after hours and make the commute to work every day, but it’s easy to be envious of those around you with more flexibility.
High: You get to watch them grow and learn
As a nanny, you put a lot of effort into helping a child learn and develop. You also get to see their progress on a daily basis. I am thrilled every time my nanny kids achieve a goal we set or reach an intellectual or physical milestone. Watching them grow and learn, knowing that you are such an influential person in their lives, is part of what makes this job so fulfilling.
Low: You get sick a lot
It’s no surprise that kids get sick often. Their immune systems just can’t handle all the germs they’re exposed to. Unfortunately, their illnesses are often passed to their siblings, nanny, and parents. When the toddler I nanny started preschool, we all passed around various colds, bugs and viruses for the next nine months.
High: You can be creative
As adults, we don’t use our imagination like we did as kids. Now, I am constantly dreaming of exciting new games, cool forts to build and unique crafts to keep us occupied. I make special themed lunches, create block cities and draw all the time. It’s amazing how much fun we can still have with children’s activities!
Low: You have to leave
I am dreading the day that I leave my job. I received a corporate job offer after one year with this family. I cried at the thought of taking it if it meant I had to leave the kids. You grow to love your nanny kids more than you expect, and it’ll break your heart to leave.
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