Handbook for Nannies

Karli is the greatest nanny, I just wouldn't be able to do all I do without her. She wrote this awesome poem about her experience as a nanny for her creative writing class. I had to share.

Welcome to this job you’re about to undertake
To make a good impression, you better not be late
When you’re a nanny you play the role of mother
It isn’t very hard if you use these tips together

The first step to embark on in this particular profession
Is to memorize each child’s name in the very first session.
When you know their names their love for you will double
And you need to know what to shout when they are in trouble

The second step to know in this job is to always be prepared
Make sure you know how many children are under your care.
This is crucial, I repeat, if you don’t want their parents’ hostility
You’d better keep track of those who are your responsibility

You cannot just idly sit back, read a book or watch your shows
Keep tabs on the young ones, they will keep you on your toes.
They can and will get into anything fragile and breakable
Once the crime is done, they’ll hide under the bed or table.

They will accuse each other, make up lies, stories and fables
All you can do is judge who’s right as best as you are able
Never believe the first story you are told during accusations
It’s seldom the truth, listen to all the stories and have patience

Fights will occur throughout the whole day
It’s a common kid instinct, do not dismay.
Stay composed and steady, don’t get perturbed
Here are some phrases that are frequently heard:

“She pinched me!” “He shoved me!” “She pulled my hair!”
“Hey, this is mine!” “No it’s mine!” “Make her share!
Whether these countless gripes are false or quite true
Just separate them to their rooms, it’s all you can do

When the kids are not in trouble you can have lots of fun
Playing games in the house or running about in the sun
Forget yourself, think of the kids who need your care
Give them full attention and let them know you are there

There are many more duties than the children that are yours
There is cooking and cleaning and many more chores
When you are not playing with kids or breaking up fights
Tidy up the house, make sure it is clean, white and bright

There will be clothes to be folded, pots to be stirred
Floors that need vacuum, dust to be observed
Bathrooms to be scrubbed, mopping to be done
Toys to be picked up and the dishwasher to run.

One thing that will definitely occur most every day
Your body will feel tired, your mind start to decay
The best way to make sure your sanity won’t snap
Is every once in a while, lay down and take a nap

Yes, nannying requires a lot of effort and hard work
The cleaning never ends and the kids might go berserk
To help relieve stress when the day is spent and done
Go outside to gain fresh air or go on a rigorous run

You should know, it’s all worth it when the day is through
When a child comes up and wraps their arms around you
“I love you nanny.” Words that make your affection grow
And that’s all about nannying that you need to know

By Karli Sue Barrett, aka nanny

Holly, Heidi, Karli, Heather, Rachel (missing Kynsie and Krystal)