Nanny's Work and Intimate Labor Experiences

A nanny is a caregiver who looks after children, often in a family's home.

Ava, the older sister, was known for crying frequently before a nanny took care of her.

Mila, a six-month-old baby, is in a phase of actively clutching and grabbing things, including people.

Seally, the nanny, has extensive childcare, experience, prior to working with Ava & Mila's family, including preschool teaching.

This was the first time the family hired a nanny and had a nanny work for them.

Seally works Monday through Friday from 9am to 4/5/6pm.

Seally has a good relationship with the family of the children she cares for, including cuddling from the parents.

Seally connects easily with each child, particularly Ava.

Close work with others, involving personal info, physical touch, and sometimes responsibility for another person's life.

The idea that work and home are distinct and that mixing them is harmful.

Cooking, cleaning, and childcare done in a home by paid, non-family members.

Seally chose to live-in during COVID to avoid public transit and maintain safety for her employers and the children.

Domestic workers face challenges maintaining social distancing and balancing their responsibilities toward their families and their employers.

Precautions for maintaining physical separation to prevent infection.

The blurred lines between care given out of love and care provided for monetary compensation.

Domestic work has long been a common and often unpaid form of employment, particularly for women, and racialized groups.

Idea that certain groups are naturally better suited for specific tasks (like domestic work).

Historical association of specific ethnicities and races with domestic jobs based on ideas of nature, bodies, and class.

The societal belief that home and work are distinct environments, and contact can contaminate both.

Ava, a child, is independent & seeks her caregiver when needed.

Seally finds fulfillment in watching children grow and accomplish their milestones.

Domestic workers are crucial for society's functioning: they allow others to work.

The Pandemic altered nanny's approach to work, resulting in increased caution and adjustments related to safety measures.

Enslaved people, predominantly women, were forced to work in the homes of their enslavers.

People who worked for a set period to pay for passage to the US.

Claiming that certain races were naturally suited for work, often used as an excuse for enslavement.

Enslaved Black women experienced constant work demands, family separation, and control over their reproduction.

White women's perceived delicacy was contrasted with Black women's forced labor.

Enslaved people resisted in various ways, from minor acts to escaping.

White women resumed controlling domestic work, often using Black women for this task.

After emancipation, Black women fought to control their conditions, including rejecting forced labor, and wanting time off.

Nannies face difficulties like unpredictable employer behaviors, demanding schedules, and potential communication gaps with parents.

Parents sometimes contradict their instructions or rules, leading to inconsistent expectations and roles for the nanny.

Nannies sometimes feel undervalued, not seen as skilled professionals, leading to doubts regarding their expertise.

Seally has a history of working with children, from early involvement in community drama to a demanding role as a preschool teacher.

Children develop at different paces and react to situations differently, not to be compared or judged.

A nanny can improve their working conditions and compensation through contract negotiation.

Caring for children with allergies or demanding needs presents considerable challenges to a nanny's well-being.

Nannies have a daily structure including getting kids ready, feeding, engaging in activities, and ensuring a comfortable and safe environment.

Nanny work can include long commutes, inconsistent employer actions, and a feeling of not being fully valued for their professional expertise.

Nannies' dedication can lead to guilt when they have to prioritize family needs or employer demands.

Parents' involvement and actions impact how a child views a caregiver and can influence the relationship dynamics.

Nannies care for various children with different needs, personalities, and developmental paths.

Nannies primarily focus on childcare, unlike house cleaning, which is a separate, repetitive, and potentially frustrating type of domestic work.

Nannies can improve their compensation and benefits such as better pay, vacation time, and sick leave.

Nannies understand that children progress at different rates and recommend respecting individual development, not comparing children.

A nanny's work is driven by a genuine love for children and a desire to support their growth and development.