~ are for Nannies too
I’ve always said that children are some of our best teachers. Want to glean some insight on how to be more self aware as an adult? Spend some time observing a child. From time to time, as caregivers, we have all been there when we had to redirect a child’s focus off of something to either de-escalate a temper tantrum or firmly guide him or her to another space so they can get their bearings (sometimes due to sensory overload) and be led to their next plan of action. In April of this year, I intentionally initiated the ending of my career as a Nanny in New Orleans, a city often referred to as The Big Easy. Ahh, if only that were so.
You see, I gave it my all. I wholeheartedly committed to overseeing the development of other people’s adorable and bright children. I joined nanny associations, attended workshops and conferences, as well as coordinated play dates and age appropriate outings around the clock. It was a career I took very seriously. It was a career I truly enjoyed…until I realized something extremely important. I was investing more of my time and energy into someone else instead of myself. “Oh. She got burnt out,” some might speculate. Or, “She’s just being a martyr. That’s what it takes to be a nanny.” Or worse, “What is she talking about? Watching babies for a living is easy money!” Hmmm. Is it?
When I noticed I was inwardly wishing I had more days to myself to do the types of things I really enjoyed, that’s when I started to realize I may need a timeout. Do I miss being a Nanny? Sometimes. When I see cute kids out and about with their caregivers do I question my decision? Of course. Do I wish I could trade places with the people toting around their precious little tots in strollers or on their person? Not in the least. While my indefinite “timeout” does have its fair share of uncertainties, it’s all a part of MY development. And I’m happy to say I’ve got my hands full ॐ