Table Talk Thursday: Meet Nanny Christy

Meet Nanny Christy
Introduction By: Greta Schraer

I have come to greatly value the community of nannies in my life – local and national. I realize that as much as some friends and family try to understand, they just can’t realize the uniqueness of my job. It has been such an honor to get to know some amazing nannies through our “Meet Nanny” series who share similar dreams and of course an absolute love for children.

Christy Ochs lives in Denver, Colorado and helps lead the Denver Area Nanny Association. She was the recipient of the 2007 INA Nanny of the Year Award, and I came across this quote from her INA bio:

When Christy turned 42, she decided her child rearing days were not easily left behind—even though she had already reared four children, one with Downs Syndrome, and two step children. “I chose to be a nanny because the idea of doing for the parents what I would have loved to have had done for me as a young parent was very appealing.  I loved the idea of not only providing a secure and loving environment for their children, but also taking some of the daily pressure off of their shoulders by doing their laundry, straightening up the house and helping the children with their school assignments.”

Without further ado, let’s Meet Nanny Christy!

What is your daily nanny life like?

I live in Colorado and am the lucky nanny of two boys, ages 8 and 5 and a 4 year old girl. I have been with this family for 8 years, since the oldest was 6 weeks.

On a typical day I work 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. My day is filled with preparing meals, wrangling kids, straightening up the house, doing laundry and driving, driving, driving! The 4 and 5 year olds go to school ½ days – 4 yr. old in the morning and 5 yr. old in the afternoon, so I am able to spend some one on one with each of them. I don’t see as much of my 8 yr. old during the school year, and we are both ready to spend time together during school breaks!

What are 3 unique characteristics that about you that you strive to live for the children in your care?

I am very easy going. It takes a lot to rattle me and the kids know it. This serves me well not only in situations where they may be trying to talk me into something they know I will not agree to, but also on the many occasions of bumps, falls and skinned knees. I’ve raised 6 kids and been a nanny for 10 years, so I’ve pretty much seen it all.

I also have a special, silly relationship with each of them that is unique to their personalities.

And last, I am reliable. If I say I am going to be there, I am. They know they can count on me and MB often tells me that I have been their rock during certain times of upheaval in their lives.

What is the most rewarding thing about your career as a nanny?

This job has evolved over the years, as the kids have grown older and many significant changes have taken place in the family.

Four years ago, the parents divorced. This change required MB and I to really tighten up the team work in order to ensure that the kids had all the love, security and attention they need. It has been both challenging and rewarding to work with a single parent. I’m lucky to work for such a great mom, who works full time as a Physician and yet is completely involved in every aspect of her children’s lives.

This whole job is rewarding. When I wake them in the morning and get a smile and a hug. When I’m lucky enough to watch them graduate from pre-school, sing in their school programs and wiggle their first loose tooth, and I never get tired of hearing “I love you Nana”.

What is one thing that you wish you would have known your first day as a nanny?

That communication with the parents would be so important. My first nanny job was really difficult, and I also wish that during the interview I had seen all of those little red flags that were flying around the room!

What is something that others maybe surprised to know about you?

Years ago I wanted to be a fingerprint expert! I studied and took the test locally, but when it came to going to D.C. for school, I couldn’t leave my kids, who were toddlers at the time. I don’t know why I ever thought I could. I’m so glad I didn’t – for my family, and because I may never have known the joy of working with children.

Thanks so much, Christy for sharing with us. Would you like to be a future “Meet Nanny”? Email at us, regardingnannies@gmail.com