I want to start this blog with a real experience and reality check. Some years ago I was in between Nanny jobs when an agency asked me this question.
“I noticed that you are asking for much more per hour then I have seen before. Others are only asking for $15.00 per hour. What sets you apart?”
That’s a loaded question, that’s like asking why a Tesla is more expensive than a Ford. They are both cars, right?
I’m going to use the cars in a word picture and answer that question. The ‘babysitter’ is like the Ford. It comes with all the skills and training of a ‘babysitter’. When you need a babysitter you can call one, or set up a day and time to have them over. You can use them as often as you like and pay them cash. They do not have to know how to drive, or even cook. They will call for help if it’s needed and stay awake until you get home. They are great when you need them and usually have no prior job experience.
A professional Nanny/Manny is like a Tesla. The degree of skill, training and education are on a different scale. When they are at your house it’s for extended hours of time on a regular basis. They are not paid in cash. They know how to drive and have an excellent driving record. They know how to prepare healthy meals and snacks for the children and are happy to provide love and nurture to your child without overstepping any personal boundaries. They have a set schedule and know the art of Developmentally Appropriate Practice for every age, and are respectfully aware of everyone’s individual differences. A professional Nanny/Manny is usually seen but not ‘felt’ as they are there to help, not be an energy vampire. They are deliberatley honest, kind and passionate about working in an honorable relationship. Their professional relationship is built on trust.
Knowledge, experience and education are just a part of the foundation of a professional Nanny/Manny.
That being said I want to ask you this question. Are you a babysitter or a nanny/manny? How much Early Childhood Education do you have?
What is your relationship training?
How well do you value yourself?
If you know you are a Nanny/Manny but are being treated like or called a babysitter, (or worse being called a babysitter), please consider another employer. It may feel like leaving the children/child is the hardest thing to do and I understand I have been there too! Honestly, I need to tell you that it’s time for you to move on. You are valuable and not being treated fairly. If parents want a babysitter they can find one. Babysitters come a dime a dozen, You are a professional. You will be so much happier when you find out that there are really great people waiting for you to work for them. There are people waiting for you to work for them that appreciate you and will treat you with respect. Those are the people that see the true value of what you do.
Please contact me if I can encourage you and share information about making a change when it seems like the hardest thing to do. My goal is to help those who are helping the future generation of this planet. Thank you for doing what you do!
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