Become a nanny, for the sake of your sanity.

by Brittany Emch on April 5, 2010

It’s better than a 6 hour shift at the Buy More.

Do you despise retail? Monotonous office work? Being mocked by chicken McNuggets at your friendly neighborhood McDonalds? I have good news! A job that is in high demand is being a nanny. Nannies get paid well, they have the joy and pleasure of taking care of someone else’s children, and they learn some life lessons along the way. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough job. But from the little experience I have with taking care of children, and the stories I have heard from friends who are nannies, it is a job that is more than worth the time, money and hard work. And men, know that this job is not limited to women.

Some prerequisites for the job:

  • Being able to withstand long hours with hyper children
  • Minimal knowledge of using an oven, microwave and stove to cook
  • A foundation of trust with the parents, therefore showing them that you are responsible
  • Having the ability to be a disciplinarian when necessary
  • CPR training, or willingness to become trained
  • Previous nanny experience

The experience needed is heavily dependent on your employer’s desires.

nanny

Something that is not necessary (but definitely helpful) is being able to connect with children, not only as an authority but as a friend. This can be accomplished by speaking in a tone you would toward peers rather than children, by speaking to them at their height rather than above them as an authority (but knowing when to be the authority), and assigning them tasks so they feel important and trusted. But let us focus on getting the job first.

Nanny resources

There are a ton of nanny networking websites that allow you to set up profiles and submit applications to agencies and resources available for parents in need of a nanny. Here are a few of the top nanny websites:

This is a great job for anyone looking for a full or part-time job during the school year or for this summer. Becoming a nanny is a good opportunity for anyone willing to earn a decent wage and gain some experience that may come in handy in the future with your own children. Remember that there are tons of families in need of someone they can trust with a responsible adult. So if you are up for the challenge, then roll up your sleeves and become a nanny.

Leave a Comment