It never fails to make me smile when someone says to me, “I’ve never met a REAL nanny before! I thought those were only in the movies!” This initial surprise inevitably leads to a barrage of questions: “What do you actually do? Are the kids brats? Are the parents even around? Are you treated like “the help”?!”
As someone who works as both a nanny and personal assistant, I thought I’d pull back the curtain on what modern nannying really looks like. Spoiler alert: it’s not quite what Hollywood portrays!
First things first! Yes, nannies and household staff you see in movies and TV shows actually exist! But here’s where reality differs from fiction: most of my employers are simply hardworking parents trying to balance their careers and family life. Sometimes it’s two parents, sometimes it’s a single mom or dad, and occasionally it’s grandparents who’ve taken on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. They’re just normal people who need an extra pair of hands to keep their household running smoothly. There is no difference working for a dualworking household in Los Angeles or a UHNW household in Dubai as parents love their children and they all want good things for them. Nannies just want to work for a good family, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
While I’ve occasionally encountered situations where I felt like “the help,” I’ve been incredibly fortunate with the families I’ve worked for. They’ve welcomed me as part of their family, and I’m still in touch with every single one of them. These connections are truly special and have enriched my life in ways I never expected.
My role extends far beyond traditional childcare. On any given day, you might find me running errands, grocery shopping, managing package deliveries, handling dry cleaning, helping with household projects, or cooking meals. For school-age children, I coordinate drop-offs and pickups, provide homework assistance, and shuttle kids to various after-school activities. With younger children, I plan engaging weekly activities and projects, and arrange playdates with other families and nannies.
One of the most exciting aspects of my job? Travel! And no, it’s not like in the movies where nannies sit in coach with the kids while parents sip champagne in first class. I’ve experienced it all from flying coach with the whole family, enjoying first class, and even boarding private jets. We’re truly a unit as where the parents go, we all go together.
Sure, I’ve had my share of challenging moments with some kids. But I’ve learned that keeping them engaged and remembering that they’re deeply loved makes all the difference. Hollywood often gets it wrong by portraying household staff as mistreated outsiders. In reality, most of us become part of one big, beautiful, sometimes chaotic family.
So there you have it! A glimpse into what I actually do! And you know what? I wouldn’t trade this life for a corner office in the sky any day. The connections I’ve made, the lives I’ve touched, and the families I’ve become part of make this the most rewarding career I could imagine.
-Casey Stanton
Seaside Nanny since 2014
