Im Your Nanny Introduction

So I've given in to writing a blog. Self-evident, right? Here's the thing: I've always kind of thought the idea of a blog was silly. You write something you think is funny, your six closest friends think is kind of funny and call it a day. Until tomorrow, of course, when you post more pictures of your dog and complain about your job. Your mom gets excited when you post a new blog and you feel mildly satisfied with your online diary. It's official: you are a blogger.

So what caused the change of blogging heart? Let me tell you a little about myself. I am a college graduate in my mid-twenties. I dream of one day being a writer. As this will probably take years and years of practice, patience and far too little pay, I am, in the meantime, your nanny. Perhaps I am not your nanny in the literal sense, but I am and have been a nanny for several years and have encountered thousands upon thousands of other nannies on the playgrounds, on walks, at the zoo, etc. We all have very similar likes and dislikes about the job and due to the particular nature of nannying, it can sometimes be awkward bringing up concerns to the families that we work for...and that is where this blog comes in...and thus, the change of heart.

One day, talking to a nanny in the park, we discussed how great it would be if we could somehow anonymously let our employers know what our biggest concerns were, as well as send out some suggestions about how to make the job more enjoyable for everyone involved. Voila! The anonymous nanny blog. As you read it, if you are a nanny employer, please take into account that the issues listed here are some of the main topics among the nanny circuit.

Why not just approach the employers directly with the issues? Nannying really is a job unlike any other. Personal and business relationships are purposefully jumbled all together to a point where some things are bound to get awkward. For example, if I worked for you in an office, I would not feel uncomfortable asking you for a raise if I felt it was deserved. Working in your home, asking you as my employer/friend, makes things a little more awkward. Should I bring it up as I hand off a spaghetti-covered toddler to you or in the middle of you making friendly chit-chat, asking about my current romantic escapades? Speaking of- am I supposed to be honest about those? As my friend, you might think the weird makeout story from last Friday is hilarious. As my employer, do you really want to hear about it? Everytime you watch me pick up your baby, are you going to think of Johnny Polo shirt who wouldn't stop trying to grab my butt at a bar the night before? See what I mean? It's a different kind of job and it's time to recognize what could be done to make it more fair and enjoyable for both the employer and employee.

It's also unique because ordinary people, many of whom have never been put in a managment position suddenly become employers. People who have never had to think about how much to pay a person or which benefits should be included or how best to balance emplyer/employee relations are now supposed to do so, and without the experience, many do it without recognizing that they are, essentially, at the head of a business. (The most important business they will ever run, in fact, as it deals only with the care and upbringing of their children). They fail to keep in mind that nannies are also in a business for themselves, and unless both parties are satisfied, the partnership is bound to fail. This blog, then, is meant to bring some nanny concerns to the attention of employers, in hopes that everyone can find an arangement that works for everyone.

So, that's it for now...keep checking back as the blog will be updated regularly!

Signed,
your nanny