I've been babysitting since I was 12, but I've been working for the Haddads, it will be two years in April. I've been working full time since May (2003), right after I graduated.
How did you get interested in doing this?
My mom was a teacher, and I've always been exposed to young children and enjoyed working with them. I have my undergraduate degree in human development with an early childhood concentration.
How many hours do you work?
I was doing at least 20 to 25 hours a week part time. Now, I work full time, but I'm probably with them anywhere from 30 to 35 hours a week I would say, sometimes less. But I teach in between, so I'm working close to 50 hours a week.
What is your other job?
I'm an assistant teacher for a 2-year-old class at First United Methodist Church Preschool.
What is your daily schedule like?
I work 7 to 9 a.m. I pick the kids up in the morning and help kind of get them ready. Then their dad takes their older brother to school, and I take the twins to school. And then I'm (working) at the preschool from 9 (a.m.) to 1 (p.m.) and then the twins come home with me at 1. And then I normally work anywhere from 4 to 6 (p.m.), depending on the day. We do everything in the afternoon from run errands together to read books to haircuts.
Do you live with the family you work for?
It's kind of a unique situation. . . . The parents are actually divorced and so I live with the mom and the three kids and their dad lives down the street. The kids are at their mom's for a week and then at dad's for a week, and I work at both houses.
Is it hard to separate work and time off when you live under the same roof as your employer?
They are really good about, "if Jill's off the clock, then Jill's off the clock." When I'm off the clock, I can go run errands or do whatever I want. But at the same time, if I'm home when they're eating dinner, I'll help the kids cut their food or give them their milk, and things like that.
Are you off weekends?
Yes. I work the occasional weekend, but not normally. Like I worked Sunday, but it was because we went to Universal Studios with the kids.
What are your duties?
My primary responsibility is for the kids, and both parents have agreed that they always come first. So if the kids want something, or need something, that's always top priority. Dee Dee (the mom) is vision-impaired so she loves when I read to them, because she can't.
What kinds of activities do you do with the kids?
We go outside if it's nice, so they're not cooped up inside. We go to the pool, we go to the park. I also bathe them at their dad's, and sometimes at their mom's.
Are you required to do any housework?
Sometimes I'll put away the kids' laundry or I'll help get their lunches together. It's not stuff that I have to do, but if I'm there and they need a hand doing it, I'll help out. If I do housework, it's housework that's kid related, like helping them put their toys away.
What is your favorite thing about being a nanny?
Watching the kids grow up, and being close to the family. When I first started working for them, the twins had just turned 2 and were still in diapers. They were talking, but not like they are now. They turned 4 in December, and now they're both potty trained, we don't need a diaper bag or stroller to go anywhere. They're getting into their own car seats and buckling their straps. I think it's fun to watch their accomplishments, and what they learn from me. I think that's what I get the greatest satisfaction from.
What is your least favorite thing about the job?
I would guess that it's the least favorite thing for most parents. Just when the kids are cranky. When they whine. But there are so many more good moments than there are those whiny moments that it balances out.
What kind of personality traits do you need for a job like this?
Patience, caring, understanding, nurturing. I think you have to be able to be a kid; be able to be fun and be a total goof sometimes. At least that's what's worked for me.
Are there any perks of the job?
A flexible schedule. They've always worked around my schedule, which I'd say is a huge perk, especially if you're in school. Lots of hugs and kisses. It's a fun job, for the most part.
Any hazards of the job?
It can be exhausting. You go home with headaches sometimes because the kids were tired or cranky. That's the only hazard, is when the kids have an off day, you can have an off day.
How much money do you make?
I make $10 an hour.
What would your dream job be?
I want to go to graduate school for counseling, and be an elementary school counselor, or a full-time preschool teacher. My dream career would be a school counselor, but my dream job would be to be a mom, 'cause that's what I've always wanted to do. I just think parenting is fascinating, and hopefully someday I'll get there. It's something for the future though. As much as I love nannying, it's great to give them back at the end of the day!
