A Celebration of Nannies – Nanny Ball 2016

For those of you who were not able to attend the Nanny Ball in New York on December 3rd, here is the speech I gave. I was honored to attend this Ball and was even more honored to be the Guest Speaker at the event.

Alene has done a wonderful job in New York and around the US and the world of creating unity within the Nanny Community.

Master of proceedings

“Hi Everyone!

When Alene, who is such an eloquent speaker, asked me to speak at this event, I was both shocked and honored. This soon turned to nervousness, the price of chocolate went up due to all the chocolate I have devoured and I gained lots of white hair, so please bear with me!

We are all here this evening to celebrate our profession: our profession as nannies, caregivers and advocates of the children in our care. Working as a nanny or a manny is an incredibly satisfying job that comes with both challenges and rewards.

Many people will agree with me when I say that one of the main challenges of being a nanny is often the lack of a support network. As nannies and mannies, we don’t have managers or colleagues close by that we can turn to for advice, support and friendship.

Although some of us may have a stay-at-home mom or someone else at home with us, apart from our children, we are often isolated for most of the day.

Unfortunately, the nature of our job, which is very emotionally demanding, requires us to be alone for the majority of the time, this can lead to loneliness, depression, stress and even burn-out.

But you know what? It shouldn’t have to be like this! If we make an effort to create unity amongst each other, build support systems and professional networks in our local areas, we can very easily overcome this!

The first step, is finding similar nanny (of manny) professionals in the same area that take care of children of similar ages. You can do this by reaching out to other professionals, at preschools, events like these, Facebook, play areas or parks. From there, you can very quickly build up a great network of nannies with whom you can meet up for outings and play dates. You will then soon see how amazing the power of unity in a group is!

Meeting with other nannies and their charges also benefits the children in your care as it gives them the opportunity to develop their social skills with other children of similar ages. Plus, at the same time, you have the opportunity to socialize with likeminded adults, which is something you have probably been missing.

Chances are, in your area there is already a local nanny support group. If there isn’t, why not create one? It doesn’t have to be a formal meeting but you can simply meet informally once a week in a park for support and a chat.

Brazilian Dancers

As nannies and mannies, we should remember that together we can do great things. Being respectful of others and of ourselves, being inclusive, being able to listen, being able to lend a hand to others is what this profession is all about. Alene and I once had a conversation about the Nanny community doing great things and how sometimes it may feel like a drop in the ocean, I jokingly said that I believe that as Nannies we could actually create a Tsunami within our community if we all get together and work on doing great things! I truly believe this, and judging by the outburst of support I have seen for this event so do many others.

It is so nice to see so many of you sitting here tonight, probably sitting next to someone you don’t know, someone you have never met before, but you are here because you want to be part of this community, you want to be able to support and feel supported within your profession.

That being said, it is a sad reflection on our profession that there have been many instances where nannies have wanted to join groups but have not been allowed to do so by other nannies due to discrimination against their skin color or religious background. I would like to reiterate that, as nannies, we are a united profession and, regardless of who you are, your background, your skin color, your religious background, your sexuality or anything else, we are all in it together and no one should have the right to prevent another nanny from joining a group.

So, make the most of it, talk to a nanny or manny you don’t know, make new friends, make new connections, and broaden your horizons.

Help new nannies learn the ropes, show them the way. I bet there are centuries worth of experience sitting in this ball room, share it, improve on it. Get involved in various groups, come up with ideas, create unity, create a community, create a safe place for all nannies and mannies to come to without feeling judged.

Don’t forget to attend Nanny and Manny specific events that are organized in your community, nationally and internationally. National Nanny Training Days in April, Nanny Jamboree in Canada also in April, the International Nanny Conference in May, Nannypalooza in the Fall.

These are great events not only for professional Development but for networking and creating a community within a community. Get involved! Help elevate the Nanny Profession to a new height.

As Winston Churchill once said “ A good speech is like a woman’s skirt, long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest”, so, let the festivities begin, let’s vow to a united, happy and fun 2017.

I would like to thank Alene for all her work organizing this great event and for inviting me to speak AND I would like to Thank you for having me and for listening to me blabber on for the past 5 minutes!!

Have a BLAST!”

I would suggest you start saving $20 to 25 per month for the next year so that you will have enough money to purchase the Ball Ticket and maybe even an outfit!

It was a wonderful event!

Leave us a comment or send us an e-mail at thefunnynanny@gmail.com

5 thoughts on “A Celebration of Nannies – Nanny Ball 2016

  1. What a wonderful event! Thank you for sharing….I’m glad the Nanny/Manny community is coming together and building a positive image for our industry! Thanks again!

  2. This is amazing!! What an incredible idea. I own a boutique childcare agency in Kansas City and this Nanny Ball really inspired me. What a stunning way to honor incredible childcare professionals!!! Thank you for sharing. <3

Comments are closed.