Nannies Are Sharing The “Final Straw” That Made Them Quit Working For Toxic Families, And Whoa

6.

“I was working full-time with my current family, whom I’ve been with for over two years and absolutely adore. We were exploring nanny-share options, and I found a family who needed care two days per week initially, which later changed to three. This gave me two days with each family and one day with both. I’ve been in early childhood for over twenty years, have a degree in early childhood with a minor in social sciences, and have experience with all age groups, so one might say I know my stuff when it comes to working with children. This new family was from another country, and as someone raised in a multicultural household, I fully support and respect that. But this family, both doctors, one in residency and the other a Ph.D., had such a toxic environment.”

“The baby was ten months old, weighed at least 30–35 pounds, had zero schedule, and slept forty, YES, forty minutes per day after dropping both naps and consolidating to one. There were zero safety precautions: the baby was served popcorn, given whole oranges, and nearly choked in front of the mom, who worked from home. Everything I did was vetoed by her. Going outside for walks, playing at the park two blocks away, socializing with other kids, all ‘no.’ I pointed out issues with the schedule and offered suggestions for meals and snacks, but Mom ignored everything. I didn’t feel any connection to this job. She had hired me after an impromptu phone interview while I was sick and asleep. No in-person meeting. I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and unappreciated, like my education and experience didn’t matter. I felt like I didn’t matter as a person. I was just ‘the help.’

One day, I needed to leave early for an appointment, and Mom wanted the baby’s first nap to be at 3 p.m. Like… hello, common sense? You can’t expect a baby to stay up that long. On days I had both kids, the baby was so loud that my other one couldn’t nap, leaving me with a tired preschooler.

When I discussed the issue with my main boss, she tried to help me make it work, but I knew it wasn’t feasible. On my last day, I sat back and watched the baby almost go back to sleep on her own. She was so close. I could feel the mom’s anger and knew it was time to go. It took her three days to pay me, which she finally did at 3 a.m. on Sunday.”

 —Anonymous