Review of “Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant: How Nannying For the 1% Taught Me About the Myths of Equality, Motherhood, and Upward Mobility in America” by Stephanie Kiser

I am reading as many books written by nannies or about nannies as I can this summer.

Stephanie Kiser is a former nanny who worked for affluent families on Manhattan’s Upper East Side who wrote the memoir, “Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant. How Nannying For the 1% Taught Me About the Myths of Equality, Motherhood, and Upward Mobility in America.” I highly recommend this book to other nannies and parents that employ in-home caregivers as it provides an engaging and honest look into the life of a nanny for the super rich. 

Particularly noteworthy are the book’s social observations and emotional integrity. The book features actual accounts of toddler care in opulent residences. It contains relatable, engaging, and a thoughtful mix of narrative and practical knowledge that nannies can connect with. 

Because the author has the same first name as me, I often felt as if the events in the narrative were occurring to me as the youngsters spoke my name on the pages of the book! 

The author cleverly portrays the experience of handling designer baby clothes, hectic schedules, and strong emotional connections with the children in her care. As examples of the trade-offs of a well-paid but less valued profession, Kiser also lists her own hardships, such as student debt, keeping her creativity, along with emotional stress, all of which are common for in-home caregivers.

The author draws astute parallels between her humble upbringing and the fortunate circumstances she found herself in working as a nanny. She also discusses important topics about how race and immigration influence how nannies are treated in America.

 “Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant” provides insight into extreme riches and how it affects childhood and parenting, as well as how employees are treated, particularly in difficult circumstances like the COVID epidemic. 

This book is not an expose. If you’re looking for a harsh critique of the aristocracy or tabloid journalism — this is not the book for you.

I recommend “Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant,” for nannies. If you love memoirs that combine humor and hardship, personal stories about class inequality that you can connect with, and behind-the-scenes accounts of nannies caring for and working for the privileged, then it’s the perfect quick summer read. 

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