Whether you had one growing up or not, everyone knows nannies are the best. Apparently I had a nanny when I was first born, but she didn't do much but give my mom a break and change my diapers. I never thought I would be a nanny. I mean, I have been babysitting kids since I was 13, but I moved on from that to the glamorous worlds of restaurants and retail. When I got home from school in mid-May, I had no idea that eight and a half hours a day, five days a week, for six weeks of my summer would be spent with a 12-year-old, 11-year-old and a seven-year-old. But it turned our to be the best job I have ever had.
1. You get some quality Vitamin D.
You get to spend your days outdoors at places like the pool and park. There's nothing better than laying by a pool and getting paid for it.
2. Special skills are not required.
It's not like you need a four-year degree to be a nanny. While this job does at times have its challenges, you don't need any real skills to be a nanny.
3. New Skills!
I've learned so many new things just from being around my kids. Plus, I've gotten really good at "Mario Kart." Okay, that's a lie—but I am learning.
4. Be a kid again.
Having to hang out with kids reminds you of how awesome it was when you were their age—you know, before you had to start being an adult in the big scary adult world.
5. Getting to lay back and chill.
On some days, your kids are tired and just want to watch TV or something, so you get to sit around on your phone, read a book, take a nap, or write an article for the Odyssey like I am right now.
6. Arts and crafts!
If you're like me, you love arts and crafts! You can make all these super-cool things with the kids like tie-dye shirts, bracelets, and so much more. Crafting is the best!
7. #SoccerMomStaus.
With having to keep up with the kids schedules, drive them around, feed them, and do some house work, it's easy to feel like the coolest soccer mom ever. This is good practice for the future, if you want to have kids.
8. Many life lessons.
Nannying is a wonderful job that really tests your patience, but it also teaches you how to handle discipline and responsibility.
9. Steady hours.
The hours and days vary from family to family, but usually nannies work from around 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This means that you have nights and weekends to live it up! It's like living in the real world and having a 9-5 job.
10. The pay.
On average, nannies make $15 an hour, which can really add up when you work 40 hours a week. I've never made this much money before, for doing such little work.
11. Kids are awesome!
Ok...not everyone is a kid person. This job is not for you. And not everyone gets totally awesome kids. But I did. And they are so polite, they do their chores, and they are so fun to talk to. I've heard stories about nannies having total brats. But my kids are great. Hopefully you get lucky like I did.
12. You're now part of the family.
I have spent the majority of my summer hanging out with these three amazing kids. I made them breakfast every morning, drove them to camp, played video games with them, and got to know each one of them so well. I've gotten very attached to them and my heart breaks that this is my last week. I am so fortunate to have gotten this job and to have gotten to know this family.
