The Unicorn Family

In the Nanny community there is a term that has been coined to describe the perfect family to work for, the mystical *Unicorn* Family. There’s a lot of pressure to not only find this family but to also not settle for anything less. 

What I’m about to say is simply my opinion so please don’t send me any hate mail.

The Unicorn Family does NOT exist. I have worked for some amazing families. I truly mean it when I say that I love every single one of my former bosses and their precious babies. I believe both my former bosses and I can agree, neither one of us Are/were perfect. The idea that any one person, let alone an entire family being “perfect” raises the bar to an unreachable standard. The Unicorn Family myth is hurting the Nanny industry. It’s important to have a set of standards for the kind of people you would like to work for. I have a checklist myself that I take into account while job hunting. The best thing I have done while making the decision to accept a position was accepting that a family is made up of different personalities and that circumstances can change all of us. It’s a disservice to yourself to knock a potential employer off your list simply because they didn’t check off one of your must haves. There is an upsetting trend of nannies not having the job be exactly what they envisioned and wanting to jump ship. Why? They are forever in a loop of seeking the perfect family that does not exist. I speak for myself when I say that when I seek perfection I am always going to be disappointed. Give Potential families some grace and your current nanny family (if employed) boat loads of it. Communication is key if something is not what you expected out of the position. The Unicorn Family may not be real but a good fit and a great family for you is. The ultimate goal should be to find a family that treats you well, appreciates you, supports your work, and enjoys seeing the bond you form with their children. P.S. I probably am a Unicorn Nanny. (Joking. Kind of.) Xo -Valerie Weddle