Updated: March 14, 2016
Originally Published: October 15, 2015
Having been your nanny for several years, we’ve developed quite a bond. Considering how often I’ve seen you rush to the laundry room in just your underwear, perhaps a little too close! With that said, despite all the newborns I’ve swaddled, promotions I’ve cheered for you, or the stories I’ve shared about the tattooed bartender who recently became a father, there are some things I can’t express but sincerely wish you understood.
1. I hesitate to eat your food
Especially anything unopened. You’ve encouraged me to help myself countless times, but I’m convinced you’ll notice if the bag of pretzels was fuller before you left and that I took a handful. Sure, I helped you find your missing car keys this morning and pointed out your mismatched shoes, but somehow, I think you keep track of every ounce of that pretzel bag. Oddly enough, this fear vanishes when I’m sneaking your kid’s gummy vitamins!
2. I have zero romantic interest in your husband
I’m sure he has qualities that made you fall in love with him. He seems nice, is reasonably attractive, and is a great dad, but I’ve seen him leave dirty dishes in the sink when the dishwasher is just a step away. Any flicker of attraction I might have felt disappeared after watching him dramatically suffer from a cold. While I recognize he makes you happy, if he throws out the trash without replacing the bag one more time, I just might lose it!
3. I genuinely admire you
You’re like the older sister I never had. You have a fantastic job, shop from catalogs, and your home looks like it belongs in a magazine. From my spot on the futon, you seem like a celebrity! I aspire to be more like you, which is why I often spend my paycheck on the same beauty products you use.
4. I don’t possess any magical powers
My patience exceeds yours only because I have the luxury of leaving at the end of the day. No matter how many tantrums or messes I encounter, I can smile through it all, knowing I can retreat to a peaceful bubble bath by 5:30 p.m. If you could escape for some self-care a few times a week, I bet you’d handle those toddler meltdowns with much more grace too!
5. You don’t express gratitude as often as I would appreciate
Yes, I’m getting paid, but this job is unlike any other. It’s filled with challenges and rewards that are far more significant than my paycheck. The most meaningful recognition I can receive is your appreciation. When it comes from someone I admire, it means more than you might realize.
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In summary, being your nanny has been a unique experience filled with challenges and joys. I wish my feelings of fear, admiration, and the need for acknowledgment could be shared more openly, but I hope this gives you a glimpse into my perspective.