Where is the community of Black Nannies? Is there a such thing?

[LaReese Cooper]

Is it taboo to be black and want to hire a nanny, a black nanny? I am considering hiring a nanny for my 4 year old son. I will be relocating to a new state and will only have my sister (& 15yr old nephew) in the state. Of course she will be more than willing to watch her nephew but not every time needed. I will only have a need for a part time nanny and majority of that time, I will be in the home.

As I am transitioning to my new environment, I am also transitioning to start my own business and network with other entreprenuers. I plan to get trained as a Sisterlock Consultant that will allow me to work from home doing natural black hair. So there will be times when I will need my little one watched (and not by the tv) while I am taking caring of clients and there will also be times that I am at evening network meetings where I will need child care.

As I am beginning my search, I am finding interesting articles of nannies of other races not wanting to accept the job because of the family being black. I even saw an article where black nannies didn't want to watch children of other black families. How crazy is that? It seems like we should have our own network of black nannies that we can go to and find our families nannies as well. I'm not against another race, but after reading those articles, I am definitely more heistant than before.

Is it that most black families don't hire nannies? I really would like to find a good nanny and preferable black. Am I wrong?

[LaReese Cooper]

I'm aware, that's what makes it so hard.

[Kim Milton]

My experience has been similar to the post by LaReese with the Social Services registry and with church members.

When my oldest son was born back in the early 90's we had a lady come to the house to take care of him while I was at work. We found her from the Social Services registry. It worked out and we were pleased.

Now my youngest is 8 year old and a church member that has a day care in her home watches him when he is not in school or on the weekends. He has come to love and respect the church member and her husband where they are like grandparents to him. We all enjoy the relationship and I love the old school parenting style.

Maybe you can look into sharing a lady to work in your home since you only need someone part-time.

As African Americans we do things different from everyone else. These ladies we have let come in our homes or who we have taken our children to, we don't mind having a relationship with them because they are taking care of our kids. To me the word Nanny, depicts someone removed from the adults as a worker but a relationship with the kids because kids naturally bond with those that take care of them.

My suggestion would be to be open (if you wish) to having a relationship (with boundries) with anyone that you trust enough to take care of your most precious gifts. Either ladies in the same culture or a different culture so the kids can learn something different would be feasible but each family is different.

Great discussion!

[LaReese Cooper]

I agree with you 100%. His former child care provider became Nana and Papa (her husband). I don't understand how it could be any other way because of it being your child. You will have to have that close relationship so that the trust is there and the open communication is there on the care for your child. Once I find a church home, I will inquire there as well. I am just trying to better our situation and will have to sacrifice some of my time to make it happen. I will be going back to school in addition to gaining additional training for other business endeavors as well as work a full time job. I'm only one person and ultimately it is for him (us) so I can do the best I can for my little one. Thanks so much for your reply.

[KayTee]

I don't think anything is wrong ... I wish I could have found someone of color to watch my son when he was older. I live in Northern VA where I felt really isolated at times - with all of my family being up North. I say, keep searching ... and whatever you do make sure you check all references and pay the money to do the background checks.

[LaReese Cooper]

Thanks. I definitely will have to get background checks on all candidates. Yes, being a single parent can be tough especially when you are trying to do more to have more for your little one. I will just need the additional help and hope I can find someone that affordable and works well with my family.

[Lise Esdaile]

It's unfortunate that this happens. Where I live, which is predominantly white, I have been mistaken as the nanny not just by whites but by folks of colour, too. I'm viewed suspiciously by the black nannies/babysitters and dismissively by the white moms. It's weird. It's not all the time, but it's enough to notice for sure. Sometimes it's annoying, hurtful, oh, just stupid. If I was Angelina Jolie with Zahara, no one would ask me if I was the nanny, and it wouldn't be because I'm recognizable celebrity. Anyway, I would suggest colleges in your area as an option. I also had good luck with Sitter City. It really paid for itself in a few months (plus, I got a free subscription to Parents magazine).

[LaReese Cooper]

Thank you Lise Esdaile, I'll look into those. I hate to hear that you have had to go through that.

[Tosi Ufodike]

Wow. When the owner of this site as me to join the chat about nannies. I quickly went to register and in reading the responses, I am very surprised but at the same time know that information is power.

My Good Nanny is the first and only diverse placement nanny agency. Our sales are close to $1MM, the only reason I add this is because families of all races - seek out urgently for a great diverse nanny!

www.mygoodnanny.com! We place nannies all over the USA, Canada, England, and Nigeria. I will be hosting a radio show that is fun and features some really good nannies and families and giveaways each Friday at 11:30am! The link to the show is listed below.

http://tobtr.com/s/764671

Thanks...My Good Nanny
Good Nannies...Good Families

[LaReese Cooper]

Thank you so much Tosi Ufodike for the information!!

[Tosi Ufodike]

SHOW TODAY! Call in on Friday at 11:30am EST to 917-388-4116 or listen online http://bit.ly/2vzfMk