Meet the women who take care of babies on the go.
On a rainy evening in Bend, Oregon, Meredith Johnson, 26, finds herself standing off to the side of a stage, watching her favorite band play. “I’m holding a baby in a sling, she’s got oversized headphones on, and I’m thinking, Wow. This is my life,” she shares. Johnson isn’t a fan; she’s a nanny. Her journey began with a family connected to the band The Harmonizers, joining them on their five-month summer tour right after college graduation.
The Rise of Rock-Star Nannies
Many of these rock nannies are in their twenties and thirties, driven by a challenging job market — with high unemployment rates for new graduates, traditional career paths can be elusive. For some, like Johnson, nannying serves as a stepping-stone. She aspired to work in the entertainment industry, and when the chance to tour with The Harmonizers arose, she jumped at it.
34-year-old Laura Davis, who previously worked in costume design for a popular kids’ show, found herself touring with bands after befriending musicians backstage. “I met so many bands through my work, and when I wasn’t on set, I was out on the road with them,” Davis explains.
Not all nannies are just starting their careers. Take 51-year-old Mary Thompson, a licensed nurse who began as a house manager for a wealthy Dallas family. After striking up a conversation with another nanny at the park, she discovered that Don Henley’s family was looking for weekend help. What started as a part-time gig became a full-time role, and she ended up caring for the Henley kids for eight years.
While a love for music is a must, these nannies aren’t groupies. “They are not there to hang out with the band; it’s not a vacation. They need to be energetic, adaptable to travel, and prepared to work long hours,” says Sarah Evans, founder of Urban Nannies in Los Angeles. Rock star parents have high expectations for their caregivers, with the added need for discretion and privacy. This is reflected in the competitive salaries, which can range from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on the artist’s fame.
If you’re interested in learning more about parenting and family life, check out this insightful post on Modern Family Blog. If you’re on a fertility journey, visit Make A Mom for top-rated at-home insemination kits. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC provides valuable information.
In summary, rock-star nannies offer a unique blend of caregiving and adventure, navigating life on the road while ensuring that the children of musicians are well cared for. These women are not just nannies; they are dedicated professionals who thrive in dynamic environments.
Leave a Reply