What Does a Nanny DO All Day?

Photo by David Beale on Unsplash

by nicola manton.

At some point in their career, most nannies have received some form of criticism or judgement for choosing to do this job. Some people don't consider it to be a "real" job; much like how moms are often criticized for choosing to stay home with their children. It would be difficult to put yourself in the shoes of someone who is spending their days raising children when you've never spent any time in that role yourself. I am often met with silence after responding to the question, "What do you do?" with "I'm a nanny.” I know what they’re thinking and no, I am not able to lounge around someone else's house all day watching television and eating their food. Nor am I sitting on my phone all day talking to friends and ignoring the tiny humans in my care. My days are filled with fun and laughter, yes, but it is not all sunshine and roses. If you think I'm playing dress up all day and acting like a big kid you're sadly mistaken. Here is an incomplete list of just a few of the things that fill my days as a nanny, that I’m sure many other nannies can relate to.

• Plan nutritious and tasty meals.
• Make and serve breakfast.
• Make and serve lunch.
• Prep, cook, and serve dinner.
• Clean up after meals.
• Prep snacks.
• Grocery shopping.
• Wipe runny noses. All. Day. Long.
• Change diapers (6-7 a day, per child, if I’m lucky!).
• Clean up after little “accidents.”
• Get children to school on time. 
• Make sure the school is stocked with spare clothes and diapers.
• Get to classes and activities on time.
• Organize play dates. 
• Encourage language development.
• Encourage socializing. 
• Teach and model manners and respect.
• Soothe children when hurt.
• Provide appropriate care when injured.
• Keep them on a consistent routine for sleeping. 
• Set-up and take to medical appointments. 
• Set-up and take to dentist appointments.
• Arrange haircuts. 
• Laundry, laundry, and more laundry!
• Manage melt downs appropriately. 
• Balance independent play and as well as associative and cooperative play.
• Introduce children to new developmentally appropriate activities and experiences.
• Introduce challenging activities to encourage growth and development. 
• Teach self-help skills. 
• Encourage resilience while ensuring they feel loved and secure.
• Make sure the house is stocked with diapers, wipes, lotions, diaper creams, paper towels, toilet paper, medicines, shampoo, laundry detergent, etc.
• Load dishwasher.
• Empty dishwasher.
• Ensure toys and play areas are clean.
• Plan arts and craft activities.
• Discipline appropriately and effectively.
• Provide a fun learning environment. 
• Encourage reading and interest in books and new words. 
• Encourage and implement toilet training. 
• Introduce new concepts. 
• Clean up toys at the end of the day.
• Bathe the children and try not to get soaked in the process!
• Make sure everything and everyone is ready for bedtime.

Whew! I’m exhausted just from making that list! That's just what I could think of off the top of my head. I'm sure to have forgotten something, as is typical when you have a million things on your mind (and on your to-do list!). Now, please excuse me while I go put on my fairy wings and dance to the "Monster Boogie," while simultaneously picking up crumbs from the floor.