Recently, I have had several interactions with peers where they mention, "Well, when you get a real job, you will understand the adult life." Unless you have ever been a nanny, a mom or a long-term babysitter, I don't blame you for making a comment like that, because it is a hard job to understand. However, I am going to tell you why being a nanny is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs anyone could have.

Yes, I do not sit at a desk all day and I do not have a strict 8-5 schedule. However, when I am on duty, I am essentially the mom. Now think back to all that your mom has done. Everything she forgoes to put you first, and all the work it took to raise you. Being a mom is a lot of work! When a nanny is on duty, she is in charge of someone else's kids. She doesn't have to make a mark for sales, or gain a certain amount of new clients. If something happens or goes wrong, it is a life at stake, not money.

Some people may say, "Well, when the babies are asleep you just get to watch TV, and that's so easy." If you are watching kids young enough to take naps, I guarantee there is work to be done during nap time. All the toys that they've been playing with need to be picked up, the high chairs need to be cleaned, bottles washed, dishwasher ran, dirty diapers taken care of and hopefully there's time for the nanny to eat a snack.

While being a nanny is a very demanding job, it is the most rewarding job I have ever worked. This summer in particular really opened my eyes to all that kids teach me/us. I have been fortunate enough to see a child write her name for the first time, say a first word, see a first tooth, crawl for the first time and get potty trained. Seeing all of these pivotal moments in a child's life and being on that journey with them is why I love what I do.

I have learned exactly how I want to parent my kids some day by watching people I admire so greatly do it every day. The kids have taught me true patience and that is something not many people truly understand in society today. This job has taught me a greater appreciation for my mom and everything she has done for me in 21 years.

Now that you know the secrets behind being a nanny, there are always families looking for help and it might be a great time to start. If being a nanny or caregiver is not your forte, just remember not to knock it before you try it! Despite the heavy responsibility and busy days, I am the first one to say "I love my job."