If an Illegal Immigrant is an "Undocumented Worker", then a Drug Dealer is an "Unlicensed Pharmacist"

As I was scrolling through the childcare section on Craigslist today, I decided to take a short detour from peaking at nanny positions to read a post with the title "WHY DO PARENTS INSIST ON HIRING NANNIES WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH?"


Being a lover of a great read and familiar with Craigslist banter, I was naturally hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. Pleasantly surprised, I was actually pretty impressed. Not that some of the parents don't make a good point here and there, but their writing skills leave a lot to be desired, which causes any point they are trying to make to get lost behind misspelled rants and over dramatizations. However, the post I read today was not just interesting, but interesting enough for me to consider for my beloved blog.

Here it is...

WHY DO PARENTS INSIST ON HIRING NANNIES WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH?

Let's face it: Those who have a true passion and love for the industry have seen the decline in positions and pay over the years. Even before the economy went to crap, us American, professional and educated nannies have been fighting for our jobs. Why? Because some parents (not all) are perfectly fine hiring a nanny that does not speak English (and is not legal) simply because they are cheaper than myself. "Why pay the going rate of $17 an hour and taxes- when I can pay only $8.00 in cash" At the end of the day, it comes down to cost. When the unemployment rate is breaking 10%, we have no business giving jobs to those who have come into this country illegally. We, as Americans should be taking care of our legal citizens...our neighbors, first. To call an illegal immigrant an “undocumented worker” is no different than calling a drug dealer an “unlicensed pharmacist”.

Hiring a nanny is supposed to be a hard decision, one that takes time and diligence. I wish these parents could see the impact their dense decisions have on their children’s childhood. These people come from third world countries, often without a tb test, or any immunizations at all for that matter. They get our kids sick! Swine flu anyone?? I have seen so many children at the park, playing all alone because there was a language barrier between them and the nanny. I ask her if the children can play with us and she has no clue what I am saying. (Not to mention the nanny was too busy talking on her phone in some other language to pay attention to the child/ren) Parents, wake up...I can't think of anything more selfish. Some parents have these illegal nannies drive their children around too! If they can’t speak English how can they understand basic traffic signs and rules of the road??? Chances are they don’t even have a drivers license, let alone insurance. Never mind about a background check and such! Did the mother or father ever stop and say, "Maybe my child wants a trustline checked caregiver who can communicate with them" or "My family would benefit from having a nanny who is honest with the government and those they work for." So much for having a nanny who fosters imagination, promotes self acceptance and actually enjoys bug hunts and tea parties.

We teach our children to be honest, show integrity and to do the right thing yet when their parents hire a nanny-- they hire an illegal immigrant and pay them under the table. How sad. Shall we teach our children the definition of hypocrisy too?

About five years ago, I replaced an illegal nanny who was deported, at the interview the mother told me how the other nanny could not speak English and actually made a bottle using flour and water rather than formula and water...because she couldn't read the label which was in English. This was the same nanny who was putting the baby in the car seat and noticed the toddler wandered into the street, since the child could not understand the nanny and her commands to get out of the street...he was almost hit by a car. Thankfully the children were fine but the Mother learned the hard way as to why having a professional nanny in the home has endless benefits, she hired me on the spot at the interview.

I'm professional career nanny with two degrees (one in child development and another from NYU in cultural studies) I have spent the past twenty years working in the homes of families who value my work and appreciate my contribution to the family and children's lives. I look forward to more nannies and families raising the bar and giving this profession the creditability it deserves. We (the professional nanny) work because we love children, because they fill our live with such joy and inspiration. I’m proud to say I get paid above the table, on the books and yes…I speak perfect English. I also speak Spanish and French and I know sign language.

Anonymous