I need a polite response to "Are you his grandmother?"

[Anonymous]

OP I can empathize. I'm a 55-year-old very fit and energetic nanny whose current job entails caring for a 9-month-old so obviously I am extremely active all day (no TV in the home, outings every day, swimming, playgrounds, story time, play dates, sharing the whole wonderful world of a little one!).

Anyway I often encounter this because I look too old to be the mother but apparently my energetic engagement with him so often out in public has made it common for others to say things like, "Looks like Grandma is having a really fun day with grandbaby!", etc.

I just smile gently back and say, "Well he calls me Nanny but I sure do love him like a grandma!" Even if they are still a bit embarrassed by their mistaken assumption, they usually still seem to love the sentiment and that erases any awkwardness.

As for those whose sense of self-worth is so wrapped up in what other "private school mommies" might think of a nanny job title, once you have matured beyond that stage of your life (although unfortunately some never do), you will realize what a vain and silly concern that is.

[Anonymous]

People think I'm mom all the time. Every single day when I'm out with my charge I get asked. I've never had anyone look embarrassed when I clarify that I'm her nanny.

Maybe you're reading too much into things, OP.
If you truly believe they're embarrassed, then come up with a change of topic to quickly have on hand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People think I'm mom all the time. Every single day when I'm out with my charge I get asked. I've never had anyone look embarrassed when I clarify that I'm her nanny.

Maybe you're reading too much into things, OP.
If you truly believe they're embarrassed, then come up with a change of topic to quickly have on hand.

Not OP but the difference is that assuming a nanny is the grandmother is commenting on her age. And yes, it does embarrass people when they think they may have insulted someone by asking if they are a grandma. Not the same in your situation at all.


Part of our age-phobia, youth-worshiping culture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Simply chuckle and say, "Thank you, that is a nice compliment, but I am actually his nanny."

I wouldn't chuckle. The rest of it is good though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't know how you people get out of bed in the morning and choose something to wear or which route to take. How do you all get jobs at schools or as nannies? Come here to ask "what do I say to this..." This place is a barrel of laughs

I think OP is legit, but I do think there's a few trolls on this site making up stuff. Hey, it drives up traffic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People think I'm mom all the time. Every single day when I'm out with my charge I get asked. I've never had anyone look embarrassed when I clarify that I'm her nanny.

Maybe you're reading too much into things, OP.
If you truly believe they're embarrassed, then come up with a change of topic to quickly have on hand.

Not OP but the difference is that assuming a nanny is the grandmother is commenting on her age. And yes, it does embarrass people when they think they may have insulted someone by asking if they are a grandma. Not the same in your situation at all.


Part of our age-phobia, youth-worshiping culture.

My best friend is a 32 year old grandma and a girl I grew up with became a grandma at 26. Age really shouldn't matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People think I'm mom all the time. Every single day when I'm out with my charge I get asked. I've never had anyone look embarrassed when I clarify that I'm her nanny.

Maybe you're reading too much into things, OP.
If you truly believe they're embarrassed, then come up with a change of topic to quickly have on hand.

Not OP but the difference is that assuming a nanny is the grandmother is commenting on her age. And yes, it does embarrass people when they think they may have insulted someone by asking if they are a grandma. Not the same in your situation at all.


Part of our age-phobia, youth-worshiping culture.

My best friend is a 32 year old grandma and a girl I grew up with became a grandma at 26. Age really shouldn't matter.

Yes, but here on Earth, assuming someone is a grandmother who isn't is an insult of sorts.

I like the "Thank you but I am actually his nanny" response the best, OP. It lets them know you are not offended but flattered by the possibility.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the thanks, that is sweet, but I'm the nanny idea. Let's them know you didn't take it poorly and clarifies.