“You have to love this job to do it. But we’re judged. Sometimes kids will cry. They’re babies! No matter if they’re with their nanny or their mom. We’re all just trying to do the best we can. Once I saw another nanny struggling with two upset kids and I walked over to try to help. I don’t know why more people don’t do that. I love being a nanny – you have to to do it 10 hours or more a day. But parents roll their eyes [at us]. We’re just trying to do our job the best and with the utmost respect. I just don’t pay attention to the judgment. I think being black makes [the judgment] worse. I have an 8-year-old daughter myself. It’s hard because I can’t be there at her school, and I don’t have the opportunity to meet other parents. When I try to set up playdates, parents will stop texting me back. I wonder: Is it because I’m black? My daughter is biracial…. Being a nanny, you don’t get to spend as much time with your own kids, but I love my job.”
Thanks Margaret for sharing your #noshameparenting story. It’s a lot to think about – from how people treat those who care for kids, to how people interact with others every day.