You Had Me At “Nanny”
My Story of how i became a nanny
LET’S DIVE IN.
HI!
My name is Kristi. I’m a full-time nanny, business owner and educator. In my life I’ve experienced most every form of childcare from babysitting to being an au-pair in Rome, Italy.
If you find yourself reading this, chances are you and I are very similar. You are passionate, entrusted to raise the next generation of leaders, and unsatisfied to let life pass you by without giving it everything you’ve got. Welcome. The world needs you ♥️
Today, I want to specifically talk to the people who are considering a switch from babysitter to nanny. If you aren’t that person, you might still want to come along for the ride, it’s pretty fun.
How Do I get to be a Nanny??
I am often asked, “Kristi, how did you become a nanny?” And the truth is, I’d love to give you the “it’s what I’ve always wanted to do” answer, but I can’t… not in good conscience. I left Rome in late 2015 as a beat-up au-pair. As wonderful and as glamorous as it may have seemed, I fought everyday to find myself in discomfort. It changed me. I, also, swore I would NEVER go back into being a full-time caregiver.
Let it be known that I’ve said I will NEVER do a lot of things in my life… all of which have and are happening at this very moment… I’m FINE.
Fast forward to 2020. I received a Christmas card from a dear friend with her, her husband, and new baby pictured on the front. I sent a “thanks for the sweet card” text message, and was met with, “would you like to babysit every so often for our little one?” That was the beginning.
At the intersection of your yes, there’s a lot of no’s that will never know the outcome of your story.
I don’t know what brought you to this letter today, but let it be a reminder to let your yeses be as powerful as your nos.
So, WHY did I become a full-time nanny?
I really like to journal. Not because I like to journal, but because I like to look back and see the things that I’ve asked for and the ways they’ve been answered in real time. When the conversation about being a full-time nanny started, I looked back. I looked back to see what I asked for, what I was believing for, what my “WILD" prayers were to Jesus. You know what happened when I did? It’s like Jesus lit up the pages and was basically screaming, “this is what you’ve been asking for.” So, I gave my wild and best yes I could give to myself, Jesus, and my family.
The words I had written and the things I had prayed for propelled my yes and equipped me with a confidence to move forward.
If you’ve made it this far, bravo. You’re probably wanting the formula to a nanny position. Sorry to disappoint, but there isn’t one. Every single nanny position is different. Every nanny offers various qualities to their nanny family.
As you can tell, my story is different in that I didn’t use an agency to become an au-pair or a nanny. It was always word of mouth. It was always friends reaching out.
If you feel a draw to being a full time nanny, ask around. Talk to people who are and have been nannies. Ask them about their experiences! I’m happy to be a resource in this way for you.
If there is a family you LOVE, ASK if they would consider having a full-time nanny. Worst case scenario, they say no and you love them the same way you did before you asked.
BE PATIENT.
The search for a nanny family takes time and relationships. You are being invited INTO a family. It is not a responsibility to take lightly.
While you wait, I encourage you to get a CPR & First-Aid certification, grow your knowledge in childhood development, follow social media accounts that will resource you for your future job (Follow me @nannymckree… shameless plug). There are ways you can take action before you sign a contract. And I do believe that there’s a yes to a family that is waiting for you if that’s the road you want to take!
I’m always available for questions and resources. If you’d like to chat, shoot me an email at kristi@nannymckree.com! Sign up here to receive a FREE guide for your new year as a caregiver!
So thankful you’re here.
If no one has told you today…
What is in your hands right now, was made just for you.
Don’t try to pass it off because you feel unqualified.
Don’t try to overlook it because you want to see what everyone else has.
Take a deep breath. Hold on to it while it’s yours.
Be thankful for where you are.
Go.
Run.
You got this!
Just so you know
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Just so you know 〰️
Cause we are friends and keep it 100 around here, the links on my blog and my website are potentially affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for your support in Nanny McKree! It means so much to me!