Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mother's Day for Nannies

A Mother By Any Other Name
By Candi Wingate, Nannies4Hire.com

Happy Mother’s Day! Those are wonderful words for a mother to hear. A mother loves her children unconditionally and plays a pivotal role in shaping who they become. Yet a mother does not do this alone: most children are blessed with a host of people who love them and act in a mother-like role with them. There may be a teacher or two who took a personal interest in them. There may be a Scouting leader that they bonded with, or the mother of a close friend. And, for many children, they have the blessing of a loving, nurturing nanny.

A nanny is a mom-away-from-mom. When mom cannot be available, a nanny is there for the children. A nanny loves unconditionally. She kisses ouchies; encourages intellectual, emotional, and social development; and provides an experientially safe space for the children. She does all the things that the mother would do if the mother were available. Thus, she too plays a pivotal role in shaping who the children become.

As Mother’s Day approaches, many families will ensure that a small token of appreciation is given to their nannies to recognize their mother-like role in the household. When children become old enough to make or purchase greeting cards and small gifts for Mother’s Day, many will (with help from their parents) provide their nanny with a card and small token of appreciation. Many nannies report that hand-made cards and gifts from children are among the greatest treasures they’ve ever received.

Tangible items (cards and gifts) notwithstanding, Mother’s Day is about expressing appreciation for mothers. Mothers come in all shapes, sizes, and job titles (some go by "Mom" while others may go by, for example, "Nanny"). For all the people who have loved us in a mother-like role, for all the people who have loved our children in a mother-like role, today is the day to let them know how much they are loved in return. So, for all the nannies who have loved the children in their care and helped shape and direct their lives, happy Mother’s Day!

A Gift for Your Mom Boss for Mother's Day

Glenda Propst of creativenanny.blogspot.com describes a gift that nannies can give to their Mom Boss for Mother's Day. Click above to see how to make her gifts.

Did you give your Mom Boss a Mother's Day gift?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I gave the mother a necklace with a Mother Poem on it.
Glen Ridge NJ

Anonymous said...

on Nanny Island it was suggested that parents recognize their nannies on National Nanny Recognition Week September 19 - 25 2010 instead of Mother's Day

Fiona Littleton said...

I like the article!! I think it's true we reputable, hard-working, fun loving, caring, creative nannies wear many different hats and work many hours RAISING the children we care for. I wouldn't mind a card or little something anytime as a gift from the parents any time. I would love the parents to give me a gift during nanny recognition week but I sure won't complain if the parents gave me a gift on Mother's Day or any other day.

AuPairDebbie said...

But we aren't the moms to the kids we work for so I understand the point that giving us a gift for Mother's Day isn't necessary.

Lisa said...

This past week has also been teacher recognition week, as a teacher type nanny, I have been acknowledge for this by present and some former employers (I also after starting get things for nanny week too.)

For MB for mother's day I got her a digital photo frame.

Anonymous said...

Nice sentiment to give your caregiver a gift of appreciation.
Lara Arizona

Eva said...

I used to purchase gifts for the parents on holidays but no longer do that. I really don't make a lot of money and don't think it is necessary to buy parents gifts. I have helpd kids use materials in their home to make cards for their mother, but now kids make cards at school for their mothers. So, I give children a gift for their birthday and Hanukah or Christmas and that's it. Parents aren't expecting their employees to give them gifts anyway.
Marianne

Elliott Broidy said...

This sounds wodnerful.