Babysitter Vs. Nanny

I would just like to take a moment to point out the difference between babysitters and nannies.

A babysitters job is to keep your children alive and happy, with your house in one piece until you get back. Preferably, a quality babysitter can stop texting long enough to get them to eat a semi-healthy meal, keep the markers off the couch, and perform bath time and night time rituals well. Your child should have a ton of fun with one of these lovely individuals we deem "Baby Sitters" while you enjoy the occasional evening out. :)

A nanny is a third parent.
(I know some of you really don't want to hear that! In which case, higher a babysitter.)

A nannies job is to help raise well adjusted, resilient, well mannered, educated, and disciplined children. We keep up with medications, make dinner, and do EVERYTHING one of the parents would do if they were available. We put an end to sibling feuds, potty train, give loves, see first steps, hear first words, pick them up when they fall down....again, and again and again. We watch and guide as they discover how to handle emotion, opinions, and cope in a world that is not always fair. A nannies job is to come to love your children as family. We cry when they cry, smile when they smile, and puke when they puke....just like you!

I am SOO blessed to have a very involved nanny family. :) However, I have had some past experiences, and I know I can speak for MANY other nannies when I say INCLUDE US!!!!
Talk to us about what your goals are for your child. Whether they are to eat more veggies, make more friends, improve reading scores, or lessen the number of tantrums. Let us in on the ways you plan to approach parenting...because if we are helping out 20 to 40+ hours per week....chances are, your efforts will be futile with out having us in on it. I promise, we can help. :)

With that...

Babysitters,

You may very well be the future of the nanny world. 

Try not to drown and don't take on more than you are sure you can handle. 

Don't forget to get emergency phone numbers, stick to crayons,
PLEASE get your CPR Certification, 

and maybe reconsider that flu shot. 

Also, you are allowed to use fruit snacks for bribes still. DO IT. 

A note to my fellow nannies (and myself),
Stay inspired. Know your role and perform it with confidence and gratitude. Do your best to follow the children's Mother and or Fathers' parenting style as closely as you possibly can. Observe the way they interact with their children and the way the children respond to them. Take notes. The human mind, both young and old, needs consistency, so do your best to provide it. Stay humble and remember these kiddos are usually trying their hardest too. We may not have kids of our own yet, but these little ones have SO much to teach us and there is endless knowledge and research to provide support.
A wise friend of mine once said "GOOGLE EVERYTHING." I second that. Knowledge is power...or in this case, understanding and a raised level of patience. ;)

Make sure your littles know that their parents love them and speak fondly of them as often as possible.

"Your mommy loves you so much!"

"Your hair is so pretty, just like your mommies."

"Your daddy would be so proud of that pitch! Let me take a video for him..."

These little offerings can go a long way for a child's self esteem.

If you are to be a third parent, don't forget to continually include Mom & Dad in your time with their kids as well. I know this can be particularly difficult for nannies whose kids don't see their parents often, but the more positive and nonjudgmental we can stay, the better off every one will be. Promise.

I hope this helped clear up some confusion and perhaps inspired the wonderful community of child caretakers and seekers.

Love,

Jaclynn