I’ve always had the worst luck finding the perfect job to fit me during my college years until I got this job as a nanny. At first it was just an easy job to make money, but it has turned into so much more.

I have learned so much during my time as a nanny. I have learned how easy it is to make your own baby food. I don’t have children now but someday I hope to and will carry this with me. I learned that it is extremely hard to pack up two kids and get on the road in under an hour. So shout out to the moms who can pack up four kids in under an hour. Among many other things you learn to respect parents in every way.

The kids you watch need you sometimes just as much as they need their parents. Scrapes, bumps, and bruises are the end of the world until they come to you for comfort and forget about what happened. Like kids run to their parents for security and comfort, they need you when their parent can’t be around. I can’t begin to describe that feeling. That in that moment you and maybe a Band-Aid and some ice can only make it better.

You love them unconditionally and they love you. I remember the first time I was told “I love you Ms. Shelby” and in that moment my heart melted. You don’t realize the effect you have on children until you spend two days out of every week working with them. The only things that I love unconditionally are family, friends, my boyfriend, and my dog. Those kids are a completely different kind of love. I love these kids more than I love myself. I love them probably as much as will someday love my own kids.

To the parents I am thankful for the experience of being a nanny. In a short year I have learned a lot about kids, future parenting, and myself. I am so proud of the kids. I know this job will soon come to an end, but I have enjoyed watching them grow and had the privilege to love them. I hope to continue to watch them grow from afar, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.