Why Nannies DON'T Suck

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Guest blogger Jacqueline Steinhart's rebuttal to the mom who wrote Why Nannies Suck: You poor angry, paranoid, mother. It must be very stressful knowing you can't trust people you hire or marry.

I am a mother of two little ones who has blown through a few nannies to get one I trust--more than my mother-- with my children, so I can understand skepticism. But to sacrifice the care, attention, lack of germs and constructive play that individualized care offers your child because you can't tell if a woman is going to let your child eat Drano really must suck. Especially given the track record of daycare. The McMartins also ran what was once considered a "reputable daycare," and that became, at the very least, a big, disturbing mess.

It's curious that you think daycare workers would be more invested in your one-year-old's well-being. My children are no one's "meal ticket," but fair compensation is the impetus for most people to continue to do their best work. I'm sure the $6-an-hour you're paying these people hardly deters them from turning on soap operas during the corn syrup-laced lunches they serve. Why would they be any less sick of their job than someone who has a close relationship with your child and who gets the satisfaction of helping him or her develop?

You mock mothers who might have to "fend for themselves," presumably holding yourself above those of us who hire qualified, loving, attentive people to care for our kids so we can do exactly what you do--go to work. Why is throwing your child in a room for 10 hours a day with people who have no singular investment in your child's well being a better choice? But then again, with a husband whose eye wanders so easily, maybe you don't really have a choice.

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wow i’m a nanny and i think im great actually i always try my best to teach them and play with them sometimes daycare is better but when their a lil older so they can communicate with other kids thats a great story

- jessica

Posted 06/04/08 10:50 PM

Bravo!!! As a professional nanny, I not only want to thank you for this piece, but for being a “momboss” who clearly respects her nanny as a qualified professional.

- Anonymous

Posted 06/05/08 12:15 AM

you go mom!!!! the last line was classic! thank you!

- nannymisskim

Posted 06/06/08 10:16 AM

Thank You Jaqueline, You are the type of parent we love to work for. I hope you always have just the version of Mary Poppins you want in your house, though maybe dancing on the rooftops can be kept for her time off! Marina Nanny and Mum

- Marina

Posted 06/08/08 06:23 AM

great to see someone with common sense!

- Leah

Posted 06/10/08 11:59 PM

Woot Woot! You Go Mama!

- Batik

Posted 06/23/08 04:49 PM