Is asking your nanny to dress up like a Disney princess too
much? One couple in England doesn’t think so.
The couple, who posted anonymously on childcare.co.uk, are
looking for a part-time nanny for their twin 5-year old girls. The job
itself seems pretty easy -- picking up the girls from school four days a week,
cooking, crafting and the occasional bedtime duties.
The catch, however, is that the potential candidate must
dress like a Disney princess while on duty. Like, the whole time.
The Disney
character should change monthly so the girls can meet all of their favorites
from Elsa to Moana and Merida to Cinderella.
The pay for this position is £40,000/year (about $53,000) plus a separate costume budget. This is a decent offer for a part-time nanny gig, but...the costume thing is a little odd.
“Like most 5-year-olds, our girls are
obsessed with Disney and we feel this would be the best way to communicate some
important values," the parents explained in the listing. "We know this isn’t a normal request for nannies, however we
think it would be a great way to teach our girls about things like
determination, compassion, fearlessness and ambition from strong yet relatable
female role models…”
As for the crafting session, it’s not just gluing pom-poms
to popsicle sticks. The posting clearly states the job includes performing “Disney-related
activities (arts and crafts, baking, singing).” So you not only have to look
like Snow White, you have to freaking sing like her, too? Are small woodland creatures flocking to your presence a
requirement as well?
Wait, there's more. The candidate might need to act like the Evil Queen when the situation calls for it. The right person “won’t be afraid to be a disciplinarian if the twins
are naughty or act out -- they can be little terrors at times.” Does Elsa give
time-outs or can she just “Let it go!”? Which princess is the most effective
for getting math homework done?
It’s not the worst idea ever; lots of parents adopt
a persona at times to get dinner eaten or teeth brushing done. But does this request take things too far? Does the nanny have to wear a gown in the rain, too? Couldn’t the children have dress up time and learn
good values from their very strong yet relatable nanny in plain clothes? BTW, not including Mary Poppins in this is really missing the mark.
Are these parents the best parents in the world for making
every day magical or are they setting up their daughters for a lifetime of disappointment
by sheltering them from the actual world?
The perks: 25 days off a year, plus bank
holidays and sick time. For that, I might be willing to get off my soapbox and put on a gown…
Quick question: Are flats OK or is this a heels-only position?