Life as a Nanny

As of January 5th this year, I've been working as a Nanny for a family in Wandsworth, London. I'd never done this sort of care-giving prior to landing this job. I'd done basic things, babysitting, looking after younger siblings and other family members, but nothing as serious as this.

So, for the past four months, I've been treading the waters of being a London nanny. For the most part I really enjoy it. I've been lucky enough to get an incredible family, one which wants to include me in their family, rather than simply seeing me as an employee. The mother, in particular is lovely- very kind, caring and keen to make sure I am continually happy. At times it's like living with my mother, or an aunt or some other female relative. And for the most part the kids are really good, though twin-four-years are certainly a handful! But the prospect of a unexpected hug or funny comment makes up for any tantrums and difficult moments.

One of the things that has stood out for me, at least to date, is the number of 'constants' that I have come across since starting nannying.

I constantly have stickers on my clothes. And go out in public without removing them.

I constantly have things in my pockets- marbles, small toys, toothpaste tubes.....

I constantly (and consistently) wake up at 6.30AM, or earlier, five days a week. You'd think I'd have adjusted to this sleeping pattern by now, but I am still tired a lot of the time.

And finally, but by no means least, I am constantly reminded how hard it is to be a parent. And how I am so very much not ready to be one!