A Love Letter to My Kids’ Nannies and Teachers

0

baby helped

Dear Katie, Britton, Stacy, Josh, Suzy, Myra, Holly, School Teachers, and Everyone Else Who Has Helped Parent My Kids,

It is with great humility and compassion that I write this tribute to you. You are the love of my life (not that kind of love), but seriously, you have helped me, and made my life so much easier. And for that I love you so much. Thank you, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you.

I could cry writing this because, without each of you, your guidance, your support, and your help, I would be absolutely and completely lost on motherhood. Each of you has walked with me, talked with me, and most importantly, shown kindness and compassion for my kids as if they were your own.

Thank you. I love you.

When I didn’t know about respectful sleep learning/sleep training, you advised me. I didn’t know about introducing solids, but you helped and supported me. On days I didn’t want to potty-train, you encouraged me. And when I didn’t feel good enough, you told me I was doing great.

Thank you. I love you.

For the majority of my life as a mom, I have worked. I find great self-satisfaction in my work, and so I have leaned on a village to help raise my family. You are like angels watching over my children. You have fed them, bathed them, wiped their butts, cleaned their messes, but most importantly, you have loved my kids unconditionally. You have shown an unwavering commitment to my family in a way that no amount of money could repay.

Thank you. I love you.

I had this notion that motherhood would suit me. I would immediately embrace it with open arms. I would be flawless, self-confident and amazing. My bond with both children would be long-lasting, and I would simply fall right into it, but this was not how it was for me. I did not bond with my first for a long time. I struggled. I cried. Some days in the beginning, I even hated my life. In those hopeless moments, I felt lost and alone trying so desperately to hold on to a shred of dignity while parenting these difficult babies. I did not show this side of me because it’s not normal to, but I knew undoubtedly that when the nanny or babysitter or daycare teacher would take over, my kids were in the best hands.

Thank you. I love you.

You may not know this but your friendship, guidance, wisdom allowed me to grow into a better mom. You helped me improve myself as a mother. More importantly, you have shaped the lives of our future with your kindness and compassion.

Thank you. I love you.

I am not sure I said thank you enough. I probably didn’t. I’m sure I couldn’t pay you what you deserve in gifts, money, or bribes, but my kids know love, patience, and so much more because of you.

  • Thank you for loving them.
  • Thank you for teaching them how to say please and thank you.
  • Thank you for catching them when they fall.
  • Thank you for helping them sleep.
  • Thank you for embracing their desire to learn.
  • Thank you for making them eat.
  • Thank you for all that you did and continue to do.

With all my love,

Mom