Thoughts from a Nanny’s Heart…

As far back as I can remember I knew I had a special place in my heart for children- even as a child myself. I was the one who would reach out to the little babies in church and send the toddlers back to their parents. I just wanted them safe. As most every little girl, I dreamed of being a mom. I had a few baby dolls and would dress them up. But nothing compared to being with the real babies. So whenever we visited anyone, I was with the littlest ones. I loved watching them at every age and seeing what they were learning to do.

When I became a big sister at five years old, I couldn’t imagine my life differently. I was devoted to protecting my little brother. I was right there for each and every milestone for all of my younger siblings – when they learned to crawl, walk, talk, color, read, etc. I was always teaching them what I could. It was the best!

Over the years, my heart has grown to love more children than I could ever have imagined. I grew up reading all the books and watching the movies about nannies or governesses. Stories like Mary Poppins and Sound of Music. Watching how much the children loved their nanny and how she just was herself – pouring out her love to these little ones – filled my heart. I could only dream of a life like that one day!

As a nanny now, my life is even more full of love, emotions, joy, and chaos! But I love it all. Each little one that looks up at me and trust me to care for them is so special. I was thinking just yesterday about how privileged I am to know each of these little children as they are still young. I get to see them grow, see them develop interests, watch them learn new things, and be a safe place for them. That feeling of joy is indescribable!

This past week has been a very busy one for me as I got to care for two families of littles – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These days are so full that I love to stop and take a second and absorb the moment – sit on the floor and play with the toddler, let the baby sleep on me, and to look into the eyes of the bigger ones and have a conversation.

Some people talk about how nannies or babysitters have it easy – they get to be with the kids and then return them at the end of the day. This isn’t the same for me. Are some days crazy and am I glad to get some sleep? – yes! But also I don’t eagerly leave the children. They mean so much to me. Right now they keep me focused on what is important and they bring me so much joy. Every day is a new day for me to make another memory. I love bringing a new project and seeing the excitement in their eyes. Encouraging them to try it and watching them come to love it. Bringing a new book, or introducing a new game or song. These moments and so many more like them are all a part of this life and I want to embrace it all.

The little moments – these are the ones that slow down time for me. I love every laugh, every giggle, every tickle time, every tuck into bed, every time the little ones ask me for ‘The Muffin Man’ song. I love every quiet moment that we share, the prayers that I whisper over them as I tuck them in, the tears of joy when they say they love me. I love when their little hand finds mine as we go for a walk. I love the little cowboy boots on the pavement, the shouts of fun on the trampoline, the excitement in petting a chicken. I love every happy baby giggle and every little baby expression. I love every colorful note, every handmade bracelet, every colored picture. I love hearing my name being called with joy. And I love when they run to me with their arms wide open – ready for a hug.

As a nanny, I feel so privileged to share in these precious moments. To be a source of love for their precious souls. I am grateful to all the moms and dads who have trusted me over the years to take care of their most prized treasures. It truly has been and always will be a blessing to me. My heart is full.

Each child that has been in my life will always hold a special place in my heart. They all have their own story and I am grateful to be a part of it somehow in some little or big way. I am honored to teach them, guide them, and protect them. They are the future and I love them all. Someday when I am a mom I will get to make all these new memories with each of my children. I look forward to this with so much excitement. Right now, I am devoted to living in the moment and to embracing the joys of each unpredictable day. So, amidst the chaos and the messes, I’ll remember to take a second and make a memory.

What are some moments in your days that just stop you where you are and make you smile? What did the little one say today that made you laugh? What are some of the everyday joys that keep you going?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,….”
Matthew 18:1-5