The Profession of Caring

Profession. A powerful word that subconsciously controls the bonds we choose to form in the world around us. It surrounds us with our peers, our competition, and our expertise. But how can we designate and monetize a profession that relies heavily on innate human qualities like, caring? What does it mean to be a Care Professional? Well, in order to answer these questions, one must look at themselves as professionals first, defining through their own experiences and connections. Whenever a Nanny is interviewed with our agency, we ask them this question. What makes you a professional caregiver? They all share a pleasant smile or a nervous laugh, squirming in their seats. Some pause and contemplate their bonds with families and children including their own, while others pledge allegiance to their college degrees or technical training. Whatever their response, we know that their professionalism is left behind in the lives of those they cared for. Their profession twinkles in the eyes and rests in the hearts of the children that played hide-and-seek with their nanny during a 3am Jet-lagged European Vacation, or helped them bake blueberry muffins for mommy and daddy while secretly allowing them to lick the spoon. A profession filled with so many magical moments that defining it simply can only evoke innocent human responses. 

A Professional Nanny, will leave behind a trail of respect, growth, and warmth within a household. They will care for the family as a whole and not just for the sake of the child. They will maintain confidence and security by remaining in the lives of their charges as they grow beyond the years of care. And understand that they are imperfect and always seek opportunities to learn with and from the families they care for. It is a strange profession, often filled with role confusion, compromises, secrecy, and in rare cases resentment by families for the care they provide. Parents may have a difficult time monetizing care for their child who is priceless but understands it can take a village to raise a child. They fear losing the love of their children, only to become second best to someone earning wages to care for them. Parents can bet on this. The love of a parent is never second best. It is the only true love the child will ever know. The care children receive from their nanny is unique, playful, and presents its own set of challenges.  But one thing is for certain, Nannies are Professionals and parents should hold them to that standard, always. When a Nanny is treated as a Professional, the duty within your home is held in the highest regard. And though they are paid, they do care. They grow to understand the lives you have shared with them, and tremendously love and respect the role your family plays in their life also. 

When a Professional Nanny comes knocking on your door, umbrella in tow, do not let them vanish. And when it is time for them to leave, let them go with dignity and confidence knowing that it is a profession not done so in vain. Share beautiful stories with your Nanny about seeing growth in your children while under their care and yours. Share how much your family has learned from them. And how much respect you have for them and their capacity to care for people. There is a fine art about caring that cannot be easily defined, but a Professional Nanny will have it written all over their face.