We all get to the point where it is all too much and the frustration and exhaustion can lead to feelings of guilt and a lack of empathy.
This. Is. Normal.
In the realm of childcare, the tireless efforts of nannies often go unnoticed. With a heart full of love and hands always busy, it’s easy to feel emotionally and physically drained, a condition known as nanny burnout.
It’s crucial for nannies everywhere to understand this phenomenon, recognize its signs, and learn effective strategies to combat it.
What is Nanny Burnout?
Nanny burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It’s characterized by symptoms like irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and sleep issues. These symptoms stem from the relentless demand and high expectations placed upon nannies.
Our job is to literally put ourselves on the back burner and focus all of our energies on the well-being of others. We get paid to come second, third, forth, or fifth. With the performative nature of this work, nannies may become emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted.
This chronic stress and pressure can be overwhelming, leading to burnout and making it challenging to provide the exceptional care that every child deserves.
Why Are You Feeling This Way?
Being a nanny means embracing numerous responsibilities. Balancing the numerous needs and demands of children, along with the expectations of their parents, is a juggling act. Heck, we can’t even go pee without a plan. The monotony of performing the same tasks repeatedly at work casts a veil of lethargy over even the most enthusiastic individuals, transforming zest into a dull numbness and draining the vibrancy from each passing day.
This constant on-the-go, high-stakes emotional environment can leave little room for personal downtime and self-care, leading to feelings of depletion and burnout.
You Are Not Alone – It’s Completely Normal!
If you are experiencing nanny burnout, it’s essential to understand that you are not alone, and there’s absolutely no reason to feel guilty. A quick scroll through the Nanny subReddit will show you that you are not the only nanny feeling drained and frankly, “over it”. Your feelings are valid and shared by many in the childcare industry. Everyone has limits, and acknowledging them is the first step toward finding balance, recovery, and prevention.
Effective Strategies to Combat Nanny Burnout
Set Clear Boundaries
Create a clear distinction between your work life and personal life. Set specific work hours and communicate your boundaries to your employers.
Obviously, this is easier said than done. If you receive pushback, consider if your working environment is conducive to your mental health or adding to your anxiety. It may be time to move on.
Take Breaks
Do not hesitate to allocate short breaks throughout your day for breathing, relaxing, and rejuvenating. Keep in mind that your working hours extend beyond the typical 9-5, making it all the more vital to intentionally carve out time for recharging.
Instead of that thirty-minute lunch break that we don’t get, mentally take a step back as the kids are eating to focus on your breathing or instill a rule where driving time becomes meditative music time for everyone.
While some families may insist on utilizing nap times for other tasks to ensure they are “getting their money’s worth,” it’s crucial to gently remind them that, like all employees, you are entitled to breaks. This rest is not only a right but also a necessity for you to consistently provide the best care for their children.
Regular timeouts can significantly boost your energy and mood, enhancing your overall productivity and job satisfaction.
Practice Self-Care
In your off-time, prioritize self-care activities that you enjoy. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a warm bath, exercising, or spending time with friends and family, ensure you have “me time” scheduled into your week.
It is also vital to create a “work wall” where you do not respond to parents outside of your working hours and you consciously work to keep your mind off your job. Let them know that after you “clock out” you will no longer respond to texts asking about the next day’s schedule or to help find Tommy’s dinosaur socks.
Communicate
Open communication with your employers is crucial. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, express your feelings and work together to find viable solutions. If they don’t know how you are feeling, then they don’t have an opportunity to help.
A cooperative and understanding environment can dramatically reduce stress and enhance your job satisfaction. Your feelings may be stemming from a lack of appreciation from your employers. Ask for a year review or some feedback to create an opportunity to be recognized for your hard work and reminded that what you do matters.
Professional Development
Invest in professional development courses focused on stress management and self-care. Equipping yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge will empower you to effectively manage and prevent burnout.
Compensation
Contemplate whether your anxiety or diminished empathy could be originating from a feeling of lack of appreciation. Are you receiving adequate compensation for your commendable work? At times, a salary enhancement can serve as a refreshing reminder of the worth and value embedded in the work you execute.
Mix it up!
The repetitiveness of daily routines can turn dull and uninspiring, leading to a decline in empathy and, candidly, mounting boredom, especially with young kids. What could be your strategy to infuse some excitement? Have the children aged, becoming able to embrace new activities? Seek methods to make each day meaningful. If the children are facing fresh challenges, you’ll find yourself growing and being stimulated alongside them!
Your feelings are normal!
Nanny burnout is a real and valid challenge faced by many nannies worldwide. Recognizing the signs, understanding its origins, and implementing effective strategies to combat it are essential for maintaining your well-being and continuing to provide exceptional care to the children you look after. Remember, your mental and physical health is a priority, and taking steps to ensure your wellness benefits not only you but also the families you serve.
