For the past five years, I have had the privilege of watching two of the sweetest (and a tad bit ornery) boys. During these years, three of them have been spent as their summer nanny. It has been a crazy adventure, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. In the journey of being a summer nanny, I have learned so much about life. If you have ever been a babysitter or a nanny, you will definitely be able to relate to aspects of my experience.
1. You have memorized all of their favorite things.
Toys, games, clothing, TV shows/movies, activities and meals are included in the large list of things that must be remembered. Because if you forget, be prepared to hear that one line that kids have probably said to their parents more than one million times: "But (name insert), how could you forget!"
2. You become an animal expert.
If you ever want to learn about toads, frogs, spiders, beetles, ground squirrels, birds, groundhogs, cats, dogs and many more animals/insects, I’m your person. You become an animal expert through all of the children’s books and informational TV shows, but also through real life experiences. My days are filled with running after toads, trying to get birds out of my car when a window is left open, chasing ground squirrels out of the garage and feeding any type of animal because “they are just so cute.”
3. Your outfits and personal items are tailored to fit the nanny lifestyle.
Since you know you will be holding toys and miscellaneous items throughout the day, you make sure to bring a tote bag as your purse. The backseat of your car has to be empty for ease of traveling, and a T-shirt, gym shorts and yoga slings are part of my go-to outfit. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have found pool toys in the back of my car or action figures in my purse. One time I even found a family of lightning bugs in the backseat. My purse weighs 20 pounds and some of my T-shirts have mud stains, but no shame in my nanny game.
4. Meal preparation can be hectic.
When I first started watching the boys, they were picky eaters. I would always hear, “But I wanted you to make it like how Mom makes it.” Now that they have gotten older, they are less picky, but I still hear the occasional, “Noooo, I wanted it made this way!”
5. You find out that arguments with children are rather ridiculous.
To highlight this aspect, here’s an example:
Me: OK, here’s your clothes for sports camp. Wear this outfit.
Child: I can’t wear a blue shirt.
Me: Why not?
Child: My friend wore a blue shirt the other day and I can’t or I will be copying him.
Me: I don’t think he’ll remember.
Child: Anna! Please!
Me: OK, pick another shirt.
This sort of dialogue is quite comical, but I know that somethings are more important to children than they are to adults.
6. Their summer schedule is ingrained in your mind forever.
Twenty years from now, I will be able to tell you what was on the to do list at 10:00 a.m. for Mondays and Wednesdays.
7. You find out that some cartoons are questionable.
Caillou. Enough said.
8. You get to relive your childhood.
When my friends and family ask me what I did today, my response entails something close to playing with dinosaurs, participating in Nerf gun wars, making Lego creations, setting up action figures, dressing up to play cops and robbers, swimming at the pool, catching bugs, playing board games, hanging out at the park and making crafts. And honestly, it’s pretty fun.9. You love them like your own siblings.
The boys I watch are basically the little brothers I never had. All of my friends and family know their names and ask me how they are from time to time. I can’t imagine my summers without them and I know it will be difficult when I’m no longer their nanny.
10. You miss spending time with them when summer is over.
Who wouldn’t miss the children they nanny? A nanny is a chef, chauffeur, medic, wing-man, artist, caretaker, cleaner, advice giver and more. During the school year, I always wonder what they’re up to and the funny things they’ve said always pop up in my mind. I’ve truly enjoyed taking care of the boys and I’ll always remember the memories of being a nanny.