Today, the INA would like to introduce you to Daniel Butcher. Before he became a “Manny” he started as an after school babysitter in the United Kingdom. This led him to become a personal assistant and Manny in Los Angeles. It is here that he noticed a lack of male nanny representation in many nanny agencies, which is why he opened Angeles Mannies. We interviewed Daniel and here’s what he had to say.
INA: Daniel, what does a typical day in your life as a nanny look like?
Daniel: Fortunately, I don’t have a typical day from start to finish. Weekdays, I am with an 8-month old, and on weekends, with a boy and a girl, ages 6 and 7. The two positions are like night and day: one consists of mental awareness and developing a 6th sense for every possible hazard that exists, while in the other, I’m focused on improving my baseball skills and reaching a new record of how far I can throw a child into a pool; I’ll let you decide which description relates to which position.
INA: What is your favorite part of being a nanny?
Daniel: Walking through the door everyday and having them take you by the hand and rush you off to show you the completed project you started the day before. Having the older kids that I am no longer with call me at random times to tell me about a football game they won is also great! Naturally, I like to see the children genuinely happy, but sometimes that’s only scratching the surface. To assist a family in building better people for the world is, to me, the greatest reward.
INA: If you could give other nannies one piece of advice, what would it be?
Daniel: You may be an employee, but once you enter someone’s home and spend some time with his or her children, you become a member of the family unit. In doing so, you will likely be treated as such, good and bad. Just know that everyone wants what’s best for the children.
INA: Anything else you would like to tell the world about your career as a nanny?
Daniel: YES! To any men who are reading this, or any men who have ever considered a career in this industry: Guys, I’m a male nanny. In a job pool where over 90% of candidates are female, I’m a rarity. I am doing very well as a Manny, so if you love working with children, have a moral compass, and want to make a difference working with today’s youth, don’t be afraid to jump into a position with a family. Nannies: You are awesome! I think we can all agree that the level of importance of male & female role models is equal. Let guys in; promote us, and all that we can do for the families we assist. I certainly don’t believe that males are better-suited caregivers, only that we are not represented in a profession where we can add a different dimension. Families: Give a guy a chance. If you genuinely feel that your specific situation calls for a male presence, go with it! Both males and females can be taught to cook, clean, play ball and create, but only one has the male energy and presence that you may need.
Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your story with the INA.
If you or someone you know would like to be highlighted in our Many Faces of INA Nannies series, please find more information here or contact the office at memberservices@nanny.org.