Not your usual corporate PA role, we couldn’t resist exploring a new book by Stephanie Kiser called ‘Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant’. A nanny for the New York’s mega-rich takes a deep dive into what goes on behind closed doors, revealing the outrageous demands of the city’s most privileged parents… Could you be a toddler’s EA?!
At just 22, Stephanie took on her first nanny family. She attended school-pick up alongside Steve Martin, Drew Barrymore and Robert De Niro. And she loved the role. But when the time came to find her second family, she had her eyes opened – big time.
She firstly explored a job with a potential client who lived in a $9 million Upper Eastside Apartment and wanted Stephanie to be her ‘eyes and ears’. The role was five days on; two days off, and she would live-in during her work time. The salary was $90,000 a year – and a $25,000 cash bonus was available after two years in the post.
The potential client said: “While on duty, you will need to wake Frederick at 6.30am. Watch to be sure he has brushed his teeth, packed his backpack and applied deodorant. The chef has his breakfast out at 7am and he must finish the entire thing. He needs the nutrients for his busy day. You will tuck him in for lights out at 10pm sharp. Once he’s settled in bed, you and I meet to discuss his day. You should be taking notes throughout it so you can keep me up to speed on his moods, any issues, concerns. It’s all about communication.”
She continued: “My son has recently started to rebel. He doesn’t think he needs nannies anymore. He does not want them…” It turned out ‘little’ Frederick was 17… And Stephanie swerved the job.
Other unusual requests – some better than others – included:
- A mother who expected Stephanie to take drugs that would cause her to lactate so that she could breastfeed the client’s baby. The mother didn’t want to pump at work but insisted the child was breastfed.
- A potential client who asked: “Are you comfortable doing errands in a Porsche? They’re the only kind of cars we have.” Of course, it was a yes!
- Protecting two toddlers (the children of a judge and his germaphobe wife) from contact with the outside world. It meant no playdates and clothes being washed immediately after undressing. Stephanie lasted three 12-hour days but gave up when she was asked to sneeze outside the apartment.
