Weekly Trip to the Library
If you’ve ever found yourself negotiating with a toddler about a diaper change, a preschooler about giving them the wrong cup, a tween about wearing a coat in the winter, or a parent about the child’s sleep schedule, “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins might feel like it was written just for you.
At its core, the book introduces a deceptively simple idea: to stop trying to control what you can’t. And for nannies, that is not just a mindset shift, it’s a professional superpower.
Robbins’ theory isn’t about giving up or being passive. It’s about conserving your energy for what actually matters. Nannies already juggle emotional labor, boundaries, routines, and tiny humans with big feelings. “Let them” helps clarify where your responsibility ends.
Here’s how it plays out on the nanny job:
1. Let the Child Feel Their Feelings
The child doesn’t want to leave the park. They’re upset. They are crying. Instead of trying to fix their feelings by over-explaining, simply let them be upset. You should stay calm, be present, and consistent, while modeling emotional regulation without absorbing the chaos.
2. Let Parents, Parent
Different families, different styles. Micromanaging (yours or theirs) breeds frustration fast. Let parents choose their parenting approach while you clearly and confidently support them and uphold your role and boundaries as a professional.
3. Let Go of Being “Perfect”
Not every craft will be Pinterest-worthy. Not every day will run on a schedule like clockwork. Let yourself be human. A regulated, connected nanny beats a perfect plan every time.
Why This Book Is a Win for Nannies
- Reduces burnout: You stop carrying emotional weight that isn’t yours.
- Strengthens boundaries: Less resentment, more clarity.
- Improves behavior management: Calm confidence is contagious, and the kids will feel it.
- Builds professionalism: You respond instead of react.
When nannies practice “let them,” children learn:
- It’s okay to have emotions.
- They don’t need to control others to feel safe.
- Adults can stay calm even when things are hard, which is social—emotional learning in action — without a single worksheet.
“The Let Them Theory” isn’t a childcare manual, but it might be one of the most nanny-applicable mindset books out there. It reminds us that we don’t need to manage everyone’s emotions to be excellent at our jobs.
Sometimes the most professional thing a nanny can do is take a breath, step back, and quietly think: “Let them.”
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