Good Nanny vs. Supernanny

Once people find out I’m a nanny for hire, they are always very interested in my schedule, my accountability, the children’s ages…tons of questions. And I’m happy to answer any and all. It’s important to me to get the word out that nannying is not exclusively performed by Au Pairs to the rich and estranged, the uneducated who have no other job options, or sleepy geriatrics. There are a growing number of college-educated, bright, funny, sweet young women who are choosing to be a nanny above pursuing another profession. I most certainly am one of them. I have never ended up making a resumé because, once I started nannying, a year and half before graduating college, I never looked back.

Almost always on the list of queries is, “So what is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?” I’m glad you asked! The difference between a nanny and a babysitter is this: A babysitter is a part-time childcare giver, usually of middle school or high school age who watches your kids here and there with limited responsibility for transportation of children, maintenance of home, implementation of discipline, etc. A nanny, on the other hand, is hired for childcare expertise as her full-time job and sole source of income. A nanny is not only accountable enough to be trusted with the care of your children on a regular basis—including their transportation, behavior, and daily routine—but also has that inexplicable knack for bonding with your children so that they feel secure, happy, entertained, and loved in her presence.

Now, the difference between a Good nanny and a Supernanny is something pretty obvious, but can often go unnoticed. A Supernanny not only helps kiddos with homework, but also engages them in subjects they may not have enjoyed before. A Supernanny doesn’t just clean up after the children; she leaves your home at least 10% cleaner than she found it. A Supernanny takes your children on adventures, inspires their imaginations, helps develop their sense of humor, keeps them laughing and thinking positively. A Supernanny understands that each of your children is different, and adjusts and adapts to connect with them as individuals. A Supernanny is prompt, reliable, and trustworthy. She rarely, if ever cancels, gives notice when not available, and keeps you abreast of y’all’s nanny-client schedule in advance.

I love that I wake up every morning excited to go to work. I may not be thrilled at the hour of waking, but after six years, that feeling that “Today is going to be a good day!” has not gone away. (And I’ve been through the Terrible Twos and Tumultuous Threes, the stomach flus, the sibling rivalries, the pink eyes, the sinus infections, the runs, the works.) It is not hearts, flowers, and loads of cash that draws me to this profession, it’s the belief that every day I can make a family’s day better, and by extension, their week, month, and year better.