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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]As a 54-year-old nanny myself, it warmed my heart to read this, OP!

All through my 20s and 30s, and I hate to admit it even into my early 40s, I was non-assertive and timid about speaking up for myself or my charges. I hated that about myself but kept working hard to change it.

In the past 8 years ago I have noticed a fairly profound shift in my personality that finally allowed me to be a grownup and speak up for myself and assert myself when needed. It is an awesome feeling to feel no more fear, no more insecurity, just a quiet confidence that allows me to be myself and not worry about what others think.

OP, I can tell from the tone of your posting that you would be an awesome MB and kudos to your "elderly" nanny! ;)[/quote]

You know, it would probably be far easier for people, women especially, to reach that point of confidence and self-assuredness earlier in life if everyone weren't so quick to dismiss the thoughts opinions and capabilities of young people. It's kind of a chicken-egg conundrum. Are you more confident as you grow older because people show you more respect, or do they show you more respect because you are more confident?

It continues to boggle my mind that older nannies are often celebrated for certain qualities, and anyone who even hints that there may be disadvantages to this type of nanny is stomped out, but it is okay to make ridiculous generalizations about younger nannies and we are patronizingly talked down to. Parents are often dumbfounded when I show up for interviews after they have exchange emails with me, because I am only 23 but given my maturity and confidence, they assumed I was far older. Age is not a true indicator of anything but age.[/quote]

I've never found a disadvantage with an older nanny, PP.  Hiring a fit and healthy woman is important to me regardless of their age and I have found equally fit women in their 50s and 60s to young women.  That accomplished, why wouldn't I want to hire a person with more experience (in life and in nannying)?  It just makes sense.  Older women are generally more settled, less into the dramas of youth and are not addicted to texting and talking on the phones.  You may well be different, PP, you may be a settled and reliable as an older nanny, you may never have boyfriend dramas and never text or talk to anyone but me while taking care of my children - but you are the exception and not the general rule.

Age is an indicator of life experience.  It's important.  People make generalizations because something is generally true.

BTW - I love this post.  All the best to the amazing nanny and wonderful mother who have created this partnership! [/quote]

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