How It Feels After 10 Years Without A Nanny

This year marks the 10th year since we decided to raise our kids without a yaya or nanny. It’s an adventure in itself and it can be quite taxing at times, but overall we wouldn’t have it any other way. I am grateful that my husband is such a hands-on dad who is an expert in diaper-changing and potty training. Early on, we worked out a system with our careers so that majority of our time is spent with the kids.

When we first embarked on this journey, our families voiced their protests. Why don’t you want to get help? Someone even commented: “Sayang! You’re wasting your talents (staying home for your kids.)” That did not really deter us, because we know that the investment we’re making in our kids’ lives will eventually bring rewards. Somewhere along the way, we’ve also heard encouraging words from older people who told us we’re doing the right thing. They would look at us wistfully and say with a little sadness in their voices that how they wish they could have spent more time with their kids and nurtured the relationship while they were young.