An Open Letter to Tired Parents

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Dear weary friend,

I see you, already stretched so thin. No wonder you get anxious instead of excited about the fast-approaching holiday season or your upcoming trip. While these events are nothing but fun for everyone else, for you, the added responsibilities can seem more like a chore than anything else.

Vacation relaxation is not created equal.

You’re responsible for hauling the Christmas decorations out from the basement and then putting them back. You bake gingerbread men, ensure there’s scotch tape and wrapping paper, buy that one picky family member’s present, and then wait for what seems like a lifetime in line at the post office to ship it.

Midway through your advent calendar, you’re already covered in flour and tinsel, absolutely exhausted and looking forward to when you no longer have to worry about all of the holiday mayhem.

Are you wishing life’s precious moments away?

While the rest of your family is simply excited for the vacation, you make sure that everyone packs the proper clothing, the passports are still valid, the sunscreen hasn’t expired, and the first aid kit is stocked.

You select the airline seats while accommodating everyone’s preference on a website that refuses to stop crashing. You answer questions from the gazillion confirmation emails, purchase amusement park day passes, and coordinate dinner reservations.

Why would you be the least bit surprised that instead of enjoying your family time you just keep checking your watch to see how much day you have left before you can pass out?

Did you know you can hire a vacation nanny?

That’s right! Preferred ChildCare has professionals ready to swoop in and serve as your center of gravity during the hectic holiday season. They’re also travel-ready for domestic and international trips. I know you have some objections, so let’s talk about a few of them.

Temporary care doesn’t mean compromising quality.

What you might be thinking: “I don’t want a nanny who doesn’t do this for their career.”

The reality: Part-time nannies are just as passionate about their profession as full-time nannies. It’s simply that–for a myriad of reasons–their availability is limited.

However, we put them through the same rigorous application process and background checks regardless of the number of hours they work. Part-time still means full trust!

Vacation nannies know this isn’t a vacation for them.

What you might be thinking: “I don’t want to have a third wheel on our trip. It’ll be awkward!”

The reality: Your vacation nanny does this for a living. Therefore, they are experienced and know that when working with families, there are times when they need to be subtle or give the family time alone. 

They don’t expect to have dinner with you at the five-star restaurant, stay up giggling all night in pajamas, or slide into your sunset family photo. (And seriously, how nice will it be to never have to ask a stranger to take a picture for you again?) Vacation nannies will be there when you need them but not when you don’t.

‘Tis the season for a win-win.

What you might be thinking: “I don’t want to spoil someone’s holidays by being the reason they’re working on Christmas.”

The reality: Well, if they’re not helping you, they’ll find temporary work elsewhere. Some of our part-time nannies are educators who are on break from school or college. Perhaps they’re folks who have a complicated relationship with their own families or live too far away.

Again, for a plethora of reasons, the holiday season isn’t a highlight for many people. That’s why so many nannies are happy to work through this time. It’s even better if they can be around a loving family while they earn!

Delegate away the low-joy tasks.

It’s not about saying, “NO” more often because you like doing the baking and tree trimming and present wrapping. (Honestly, even finding that special something for your picky relative isn’t so bad.) 

It’s about saying, “YES” but not doing it alone. Plus, imagine all the well-deserved relaxation you’ll have and fresh space you’ll carve for extra plans you’d rather do once you’re free from all the things you don’t enjoy doing.

Yes, my dear friend, for many parents like you, rest is a holiday dish that’s served cold because vacation time and all the added pressures and expectations come cloaked in a veil of anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

That’s why I’m coming at you with reinforcement. So, as you face the imposing holiday season, exhale knowing we have quality relief for rent. Remember, it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year for you too, and this year, it’s going to feel like it.

All my love,

Megan, Hunter (15), Lily (11), Emma (9), & Mason (4)

“Preferred has been a great resource for our family. Their sitters are always on time, usually a few minutes early, engaging with our boys and cleaned up well... Last time we came home early the boys asked us to leave so the sitter could stay longer! We highly recommend them to anyone and are so glad we found them!” – Adam Koonce