The nanny industry carries a history often marked by prejudice and inequality, and unfortunately, that legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. As the owner of a nanny agency and a former nanny myself, I’ve witnessed the biases and discrimination faced by Black and Brown nannies in everyday professional interactions. But I am not alone. I have spoken to countless nannies I’m friends with and those I’ve employed, who report facing similar bias, disrespect, and even racism within their work. This is unacceptable, and it’s time we address it head-on.
To understand the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all nannies today, we must look at domestic work's origins in America. From slavery through the early 20th century, Black women were often relegated to domestic roles, expected to care for other families’ children and homes while society restricted their rights and humanity. Many immigrant women were also forced into domestic work due to limited opportunities, where they encountered not only low wages but also a lack of basic respect.
Even as the profession evolved, Black and Brown caregivers continued to endure discrimination, limited opportunities, and unequal pay. Sadly, biases rooted in this history persist, impacting how caregivers are perceived and treated. Understanding these roots is essential to understanding the changes needed in this field.
When I began my career as a nanny, I was young, skilled, and eager to do meaningful work. However, I quickly faced biases that had nothing to do with my experience or professionalism. Clients and agencies often judged me by my appearance, not my capabilities. Some families imposed unreasonable expectations, expecting me to take on roles beyond my duties or questioning my qualifications in ways that made it clear they had preconceptions about my abilities.
Despite these challenges, I knew my worth. I used these experiences to fuel my passion for creating a nanny agency that treats caregivers with respect, fairness, and dignity. As a business owner, I still encounter stories from the nannies I employ and those I’ve come to know personally, stories that echo my own: nannies who are disregarded, underpaid, or disrespected simply because of their background. It’s disheartening, and it needs to change.
As agency owners, we are at the frontlines of change. We connect families with caregivers and hold the responsibility to ensure that every nanny, regardless of race, is treated with respect. This means not only enforcing fair policies within our agencies, but also educating ourselves, our staff, and our clients about the importance of inclusivity.
Acknowledge and Address Bias: Every agency must start by acknowledging that bias exists within the industry. Discrimination often isn’t blatant but can show up subtly, in the assumptions clients make about caregivers or in the opportunities we extend to them. It’s essential to confront these issues openly.
Commit to Education: We must educate ourselves about the history of domestic work and the racial dynamics that have shaped it. This includes being willing to engage with the stories and experiences of caregivers who face discrimination and using this knowledge to foster a more inclusive environment.
Agency owners should also educate clients, helping them understand the diverse backgrounds, talents, and expertise that nannies bring to their roles. This can reshape attitudes and ensure that nannies are welcomed, not judged.
Implement Policies for Fair Treatment: Every agency should have clear anti-discrimination policies that protect nannies from bias. Fair wages, safe working conditions, and respectful treatment are non-negotiable. We must be willing to have direct conversations with clients who display bias, setting firm expectations that all caregivers deserve respect.
Advocate for Professionalism: Nannies are skilled professionals, often with years of experience and specialized training. It’s essential to recognize their work as a career, not a favor, and ensure they’re valued and compensated accordingly. Nannies of color, in particular, should receive the same high-level assignments, pay, and recognition as any other caregiver.
The nanny industry is filled with talented, compassionate, hardworking individuals from all walks of life. But the profession can only thrive if all nannies, especially Black and Brown nannies, are given fair treatment. I’ve seen the damage discrimination can do to a caregiver’s confidence and career, and I know the transformative effect that respect and opportunity can have.
For those of us who hire caregivers, we must take our roles as advocates seriously. We have the power to reshape this industry, to break away from outdated biases, and to create a space where every nanny feels valued and respected. By educating ourselves, addressing prejudice directly, and prioritizing inclusivity, we can build an industry where every caregiver is seen for their skills, not their skin color.
To those ready to make a change, here are some valuable resources:
National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) (domesticworkers.org) (https://www.domesticworkers.org) is an advocacy group for the rights of domestic workers, providing resources, education, and policy support.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett -While fictional, this novel highlights the struggles faced by Black domestic workers and provides context for understanding racial biases in caregiving roles.
Servants of Globalization: Migration and Domestic Work by Rhacel Salazar Parreñas - This book explores how globalization has impacted domestic work and how race, gender, and class intersect within caregiving roles.
Just Like Family: Inside the Lives of Nannies, the Parents They Work For, and the Children They Love by Tasha Blaine - Delves into the lives of nannies, showing the personal challenges and racial dynamics they navigate in their work.
By addressing bias, educating ourselves, and supporting each other, we can build a more respectful and equitable future for all in the nanny industry.
Warm regards,
Chelsea Delaney
CEO & Founder, Nannies in the City
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