Celebrity Nannies Share What It’s Like To Take Care Of Hollywood’s Most Famous Kids
In 2011, Amy Poehler won an award at the Time 100 Gala. Rather than thank her family and friends, she started her acceptance speech by thanking her nanny. She personally thanked the two nannies who helped raise her kids so she could continue to be a working mom in Hollywood.
Most moms only have a nanny for that one special Friday night a month, but a nanny is an integral part of being a celebrity mom. It may sound like a flashy job until you're forced to have the same diet as the celebrity. Check out what it takes to be a celebrity nanny in Hollywood- once you find out what Kim Kardashian's nannies have to remember, you'll notice it every time.
Mariah Carey's Nanny Has To Compliment Her All Day Long
Being a nanny for the stars is already going to be more over the top and extravagant than a regular babysitting job, but Mariah Carey takes it even further. The nannies to her twins, Moroccan and Monroe Cannon, have to be ready to compliment the star at any moment.
Better yet, the nanny has to train her children to compliment her too. The nannies have to be sure that they bring the twins to say goodnight to Mariah and tell her that she is beautiful and talented.
Be Prepared For A Thorough Background Check
If you're wondering how to land a celebrity nanny job, you won't find the posting in the classifieds. Stars resort to expensive nanny agencies because they will provide FBI-grade background checks. That means DMV checks, references, interviews, and even drug tests are all done before you even meet the celebrity.
If a star likes your resume, then you can audition and meet with them to see if they even like your personality. Keep reading to see what happens to a celebrity nanny when the child gets in trouble.
The Carter's Nanny Has To Learn The "Single Ladies" Choreography
We've all heard the rumors that Beyoncé and Jay Z have hired six nannies just for Blue Ivy. Whether or not it's true, we do know what they made one nanny do. When Blue Ivy was young, the only thing that would settle her down is seeing her mom sing and dance to "Single Ladies."
So, naturally, they make the nannies learn and perform the choreography. I understand the logic, but I doubt any nanny can live up to the expectations that Beyoncé sets.
You Have To Live The Same Lifestyle As The Celebrity Mommy
Many celebrity nannies live on site or nearby, which makes it a 24/7 job. When you spend that much time with a star and their kid, you're often expected to live as they do. For Gwyneth Paltrow's nannies, that means they have to follow her strict Goop lifestyle.
A former nanny revealed that working for Paltrow means no alcohol, coffee, wheat, dairy, or sugar.
The Nanny Always Takes The Fall If The Child Gets In Trouble
Whether it's a temper tantrum or a problem at school, being a celebrity nanny means taking the fall for the child. Just take Suri Cruise's nanny. Once Katie Holmes received full custody of her child from Tom Cruise, she insisted that Suri be able to express herself creatively.
So when Suri decided she wanted to paint a mural on the bedroom wall, the nanny let her. Unfortunately, painting the whole room black doesn't count as creativity to Katie, so she fired the nanny for letting it happen.
Julia Roberts Makes Her Nannies Wear Wigs To Look Like Her
Some celebrity moms try to use nannies as little as possible, but sometimes a red carpet appearance or film premiere takes priority. Julia Roberts took time off from acting to raise her children when they were young, so she could be protective when she did have to attend an event.
When Roberts was away, she asks the nannies to wear wigs that look like her hair. The hope was that the young kids wouldn't notice their mom was gone.
You're Usually Caring For More Than Just The Kids
If being a regular mom is a full-time job, then being a nanny can be even worse. Kate Gosselin from Kate Plus 8 relies heavily on her nannies. If you watched the show, you'd know Kate was not always the nicest to her nannies, but with eight children you can imagine the stress and pressure.
Things got weird though when Kate started asking her nannies to do more than just cook and clean. One former nanny claims that Kate made her do weird jobs like take care of the family chicken coop.
No Phones Allowed
Phones are banned with the Kardashian nannies, but it's a common practice with most celebrity parents. Magazines and news outlets will pay thousands for photos of celebrity kids, so rather than have faith that you're nanny won't cash out with insider pics, it's easier to have a strict phone ban.
That means checking your phone and electronics at the door. Hey, it probably means the nanny will be more attentive to the kids at least!
Sometimes You'll End Up Testifying Against Your Boss
A nanny can end up spending more time with the child than the parent does. That was the case with Frances Bean Cobain and Courtney Love. Frances filed a restraining order against Courtney when she was still in her teens.
At the court hearing, Frances' nanny testified on her behalf that Courtney Love was an unfit mother. She spoke to Courtney's hoarding habits, drug abuse, and temper. Apparently, Courtney's constant intoxication even caused two small fires after she fell asleep with lit cigarettes.
Or Sometimes, You'll End Up On The Wrong End Of A Court Case
On the flip side, the nanny might end up the target of a lawsuit. Michael Jackson's oldest child Paris had to sit for deposition during the wrongful death lawsuit against Jackson's doctor.
During the deposition, it came out that the Jackson family nanny, Grace Rwaramba, was obsessed with her M.J. and would sneak into bed with him. The Sex And The City mom coming up has some particular rules that her nanny has to follow.
Be Careful How Much Affection You Give Their Kids
Halle Berry is one of the few celebrities who has managed to keep her children out of the public eye, but her nannies have spoken that she is almost too protective. If you're one of Halle's nannies, you are not allowed to show the kids any affection. That means no hugging, kisses, or cuddles.
It might just be Halle's desire to be the one who gives affection, but nannies can often become a child's best friend. When they tuck your child into bed at night, a hug can't hurt.
Beware Of Celebrity Moms Who Have Trust Issues
It's not surprising that many celebrity moms are nervous about having a young, hot nanny around all the time. Just look at what happened with Ben Affleck and Jude Law. Both of them cheated on their wives with the nanny.
Jessica Simpson is pretty wary of this. Her solution is to make sure she doesn't hire a nanny that looks like her, or better than her. That means no blonde bombshells allowed. It sounds crazy, but hey, whatever helps her sleep at night.
Gwen Stefani Had Her Male Nanny Dress Up As Superheroes
Sometimes the things celebrity nannies make you do can actually be fun. A former male nanny for Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's kids got to play dress-up. The Rossdale children are both obsessed with comic book heroes and love when their nanny dresses up as one.
That means their nannies have made lunch or gone to the park in everything from a Batman to a Spiderman costume.
If You're A Kardashian Nanny, You Need To Get In Formation
The nanny always takes a backseat, especially out in public when a paparazzi could be around any corner. Most stars are fine with their nanny walking a few feet behind them, but Kim Kardashian has a specific way she likes her nannies to walk.
The nanny has to walk in formation with her entire entourage. Kim's friends, assistants, bodyguards, and nannies have to fan out behind her like geese in a flying V formation.
Be Ready To Follow Very Specific Instructions
Not unlike her Sex And The City character, Sarah Jessica Parker has high standards. Her nannies have been subjected to following a laundry list of specific rules. The nannies have detailed instructions on how to apply eye drops for the kids, down to how the kids should be blinking.
Apparently, there is even a 1.75-ounce container used to hold vaseline that needs to be refilled with a specific utensil. Once you fill it, then the utensil has to be hand-washed, then put in the dishwasher. Keep reading to see what it's like to watch a Kardashian kid.
A Celebrity Nanny Could Be A Best Friend Or A Fly On The Wall
When you're a nanny, you can be the celebrity's best friend and confidant, or you're expected to become invisible. Charlize Theron is notorious for expecting her nanny not to bother her at all. The nanny isn't even supposed to look at her or talk to her.
I'm not entirely sure how the nanny receives any instructions or communicates if there is a problem, but if you're getting paid a celebrity nanny salary, just go with it.
Don't Expect To Get Much Sleep
At the end of the day, celebrities are paid to look good, and nannies are not. So when it's a choice between Angelina Jolie or the nanny getting a good night's sleep, Angelina always wins out.
Before Angie married Brad Pitt, she was a single mom to her adopted son Maddox. Any single mom out there knows that between work and raising a child, you get no sleep. Angie's nanny took over all the late nights and early morning duties during those days.
Kris Jenner Will Fire You Over The Smallest Mistake
Being a mom of six, and having step-children to boot, isn't easy when you're trying to build a Kardashian empire. The mom-ager was also a micromanager when it came to her nannies. One ex-nanny Pam Behan once considered quitting because she forgot to buy broccoli and Kris freaked out.
But the highs outweighed the lows. Behan often received expensive hand-me-downs from Kris, and even dated Sylvester Stallone for a brief time.
Most Of The Time, You'll Be Micromanaged
It sounds like Kourtney Kardashian took inspiration from her mother because she's known for being an extreme micromanager when it comes to her nannies. One former nanny to Kourtney's three kids claimed that she's over-protective and constantly checking up.
All mothers can be protective, but the nannies say it's hard to handle when Kourtney is also rude. The eldest Kardashian is known for not mincing her words, so it's not surprising to hear she can be a little mean to her nannies.
Make Sure You Don't Repeat An Outfit Twice
If you're going to try to blend in with the Kardashian clan, then you need to look the part. Nannies for Kim are expected to look high fashion at all times, just like her. They are also expected to make sure the kids, North and Saint, always put their best foot forward.
One ex-Kardashian nanny revealed that Kim even has a digital wardrobe organizer for the nannies to make sure that North doesn't repeat an outfit.
Kim And Kanye Will Cut Your Pay If You Let Their Baby Wake Them up
Kim and Kanye value their beauty sleep. They value those few hours of peace so much that it is up to their child's nanny to make sure their sleep undisturbed. If the child begins crying and wakes them up, it becomes a major problem.
Kanye allegedly got so upset with his nanny once that he cut her pay for not keeping his child quiet. We're sure when Kim and Kanye aren't sleeping they're excellent parents. After they've had their coffee.
Kate Gosselin Expects Her Nannies To Follow The Same Rules As Her Children
You already know Kate Gosselin puts her nannies under a ton of stress. The must care for her animals as well as her eight children. Did you know they're expected to follow the same rules as her children, though?
One of Gosselin's most important rules is that her children walk lightly. Her nanny is not only expected to enforce this rule but follow it as well. Kate expects things done her way, and if you don't follow the rules exactly you will be fired.
Madonna Expects Her Children To Be Your Top Priority
Madonna has very high expectations for anyone on her staff. She places the highest of those expectations on her nannies. If you want to take care of Madonna's kids, be prepared to say goodbye to your normal life because it's a 24/7 job.
Even if you're not at the house, you need to be available to come in at any time. Good luck going to that wedding, having a birthday party, or considering starting a family of your own!
The Best Nannies Speak Multiple Languages
Celebrities love to adopt children from different countries who speak different languages. As a result, you'll be expected to speak multiple languages if you want to stay employed. Madonna, for example, demands her nannies know how to speak French.
Still interested in working for Madonna? Or as a celebrity nanny at all? We promise it isn't always terrible. Some celebrities just have much higher expectations and standard than others.
If You Can Sew You Can Work For The Beckhams
One of the most interesting nanny situations is that of the Beckhams. Following in their soccer superstar father's footsteps, the Beckham boys must follow strict rules and guidelines. Their sister, Haper, on the other hand, is catered to like a queen.
At all time of the day, one of Harper's nanny's must be an experienced seamstress. The family considers the way their young daughter looks and dresses to be of the utmost importance. Makes sense considering both have fashion lines.
Blue Ivy Has A Wind Machine So She Can Look Fabulous At All Times
Blue Ivy is the bell of the ball in Beyonce and Jay-Z's home. One former nanny even revealed the treasured child has a wind machine available to her at all times so she can her diva on.
The nanny also spilled the beans that the tiny tot has a full-time yoga and meditation instructor as well. We're not sure what a youngster needs yoga and meditation, but we must admit we're pretty jealous!
The Kardashians Nannies Take Care Of The Pets Too
Working for the Kardashians just doesn't sound fun. You really have to love kids. Apparently, you really have to love animals, because you'll be taking care of their pets, too. Maybe that doesn't sound so bad to you, but let's think about for a second.
You're by yourself in a room with several children under 10-years-old, then EVERY pet in the household enters. How to do watch them all? They won't all follow the rules. Just make sure no one wakes up Kim!
Don't Expect To Make A Lot Of Money
For the amount of work you'll be putting in as a nanny, don't expect a great hourly rate. Even though celebs like Kim Kardashian having millions of dollars flowing in every day, they still pay a bare minimum for child care.
But hey, at least you might get to be seen with a celebrity in public! That's totally worth the trade off, right? Looks like you need to re-evaluate why you became a nanny for the stars then.
Don't Question Mommy Dearest
This one should be obvious to anyone working as a nanny. What mother says is the rule of the house. You might have a decades-long career in childcare, but you are not the child's mother. This becomes extra important when working for celebrities.
Kourtney Kardashian often lets her children sleep in the same bed as her. Do you approve or disapprove? What you think really doesn't matter. Speaking out is a major no-no. If you want to keep your job then keep your lips shut.
Bruce Jenner Just Wants You To Look Better
We've already talked about how hard is working for Kris Jenner, but about Bruce, the father of her children. Back when Bruce started getting reconstructive surgery, he would instruct his nannies on what kinds they should get as well.
He just wants you to be your best you! We don't know how many nannies actually went through with the suggestions but hope it was none. Getting plastic surgery just to make your boss happy isn't the smartest career move.
Suri Cruise Can Have Whatever She Wants
According to a former nanny for Katie Holmes, Suri Cruise gets whatever she wants whenever she wants it. And you remember who gets in trouble instead of Suri, right? Who did Katie punish when Suri painted her bedroom? The nanny.
So here are the rules for being Suri Cruise's nanny. If the kid wants ice cream, get the kid ice cream. If Suri gets in trouble for eating ice cream, you are actually the one getting in trouble. Suri gets to run and off play.
This Is Why Beyonce Has Six Nannies
No, Beyonce doesn't employ six nannies just to teach them choreography to keep her daughter entertained. The truth is she needs all the nannies so that every aspect of Blue Ivy's life is taken care of.
With Ivy being tended too, Beyonce is free to focus on her career. She's an A-list celebrity and is expected to keep up appearances. Plus, she never has to be the mean mommy. The Nanny can be mean, then Beyonce can be loving and comforting.
Part Of The Jolie/Pitt Nanny Crew Are Body Guards
If you're an out of work bodyguard looking for a job, go ahead and email your resume to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The parents are so concerned about their large brood being kidnapped they hire full-time bodyguards as part of the nanny crew.
The won't hire regular "mall-cop" bodyguards though. To even be considered for the job you need a military background with extensive training. You never know when your skillset will be needed to cook dinner without setting the house on fire!
There's No Sugar Allowed For Nicole Richie's Kids
Nicole Richie turned her hard-partying life around when she fell in love with Good Charlotte lead singer Joel Madden. The pair has two kids and together and one big role the nanny must follow. No sugar is allowed.
Part of Richie's incredible transformation was cutting sugar out of her life. Hoping to set the right habits for her kids early, she makes sure the nanny makes the kids follow her strict diet plan. Joel probably sneaks them candy before bed, though.
It's The Madonna Diet Or Bust With Her Nannies
Madonna has incredibly high expectations for her nannies, including the diet they allow her children to eat. Madonna isn't the one preparing dinner, but she still expects her children to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The flock of kids must follow a kosher and macrobiotic diet. The nanny must keep things like salt and sugar away from their mouths at all times. Oh, and they'll never know what it's like to get a craving for fast food because they're not allowed to touch the stuff.
Sometimes Affairs Happen
It's no secret that Jessica Simpson has beauty limits for her nannies, and there are reasons. Part of the reason Ben Affleck and Jennifer Graner filed for divorce was that Ben had an affair with the nanny.
When the divorce was finalized, the nanny was even spotted bringing a bottle of champagne over to Ben's new pad. Hey, at least if they become a couple Ben doesn't have to worry about introducing his new girlfriend to his kids!
North West Has A Confidence Coach
Lacking confidence is considered unacceptable in Kim and Kanye's home. To make sure North West never gets down on herself, they hired a confidence coach to help train her. You know, because that's totally easier than parenting with positive reinforcement.
So what are the responsibilities of Northwest's confidence coach? The coach must tell Kim's daughter how pretty and amazing she is. And this is the person's full-time job. Sign us up!
Don't Stop Shiloh From Using Daddy's Credit Card
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie might are ridiculously protective of their kids, and try to make up for it by letting spend as much money as they want. One former nanny spilled the beans that Shiloh racked up $5000 on Brad Pitt's credit card and didn't get in trouble.
We guess if you're going to be sheltered by your parents, it's best to be sheltered with as many materialistic possessions as possible. Those kids will never be on the ramen diet when they get to college.
On Speak When Allowed
A former nanny for Victoria Beckham spilled the beans about how awful it was to work for the former Spice Girl, saying she went ballistic when she caught the nanny talking to a beautician. We're not sure why this is a big deal, but okay...
Reportedly, one of the reasons Beckham was so upset was because the nanny had slept with her husband. The rumors were never confirmed, but Abigail Gibson ended up quitting, citing abusive working conditions as the reason why.
Don't Send Racy Text Messages To The Dad
You'd think this rule would be obvious, but not to everyone. Eva Amurri learned she married a truly amazing man when he fired their nanny after she sent him inappropriate texts. The texts were supposed to look like she was texting a friend about the things she wanted to do to her boss.
Except the text was sent to her boss, who showed his wife, and the nanny was sent packing. We don't know what crazy things the family asked her to do to take care of their kids, but that's not really important for this story.
