Nanny Diaries: Working in the Middle East
Dear fellow Nannies and other readers.
Hello there, my name is Katie, and I am a modern-day Mary Poppins, currently working through Nannies Incorporated for a family in Kuwait. I have been a professional nanny for nearly 13 years and have travelled with past families, but this is my first role in the Middle East.
I started writing this blog to let other nannies who may be considering working in the Middle East understand how things work out here and what is expected of you.
This position started as a temporary position in London for a Kuwaiti family with one boy aged 2. During this time, we clicked and the family invited me to Kuwait to work as their nanny. Five months later, I am still here in sunny Kuwait! When the family asked me to go with them, I was a little nervous and wasn't sure what to expect of the country or how they would be with me once they were back home. But I was excited about my new adventure, and so it began.
Travelling as a nanny to the Middle East
The flight from Heathrow direct to Kuwait is approx. 5 hours and 45 minutes. I flew with British Airways and was surprised to find a lot of English and American passengers on board! I later learnt that there are a lot of school teachers here teaching in bilingual schools, mostly private.
So, after a not so delicious aeroplane meal, a movie and a nap we landed, I am greeted by a lovely lady taking me through the visa process and helping me with my bags, which was fabulous as it’s always a bit daunting in foreign airports on your own. I am then picked up by the driver (many people in Kuwait have drivers) and taken to my new home.
I notice there is not much traffic, but I am told it’s the weekend. Friday and Saturday are the weekends here, and most people head to the coast to their beach houses or go camping! On the drive, I take in the scenery and notice how big the houses are and that every house is different in shape, size and colour.
Meeting the family and the kids
After a short drive, I arrive at the house and the mum of the family greets me. I instantly feel welcome and start to feel excited about the next few weeks ahead! Mum shows me to my bedroom and I am told I can rest for a few hours before we head over to grandparents’ house to be reunited with the little man.
My bedroom is lovely, a nice double bed and an en-suite, which is always a winner with nannies! I have a balcony but not the best view, but the sky is blue, the sun is shining, and it's January. What more could I want from a view?! When back home, it's snowy, grey, dull and freezing!!
Once I am rested, kind of unpacked and freshened up, we drive over to see the little man. I am feeling a little nervous and apprehensive as to how he is going to take to seeing me again. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming for the child or confusing when someone you have become extremely close to leaves but then returns. Especially at the age of 2 it's difficult to understand! But I needn't have any fear or nervousness, little man greets me with a massive big hug and a kiss! He is so very excited and shows me around and all his toys, then shows me off to his grandparents who are both very welcoming!
Spare time activities for a nanny in Kuwait
Today is Friday and it’s the weekend here so we are heading to the coast to the beach house. I start to get little man’s things together and notice that there is a whole team of help. Three housemaids, chefs and two drivers, this is all new to me! I've had positions with housekeepers and drivers before but not a whole team. All I have to do is being little man’s nanny - what a spoilt Poppins!
I later find out that a British nanny in Kuwait is very rare. The other employees all wear a uniform given to them by their employer; I'm jealous. I’d quite like a uniform! It would certainly save me having to think about what I wear on a morning! I am mindful of their culture and find wearing casual clothes, e.g. a blouse and jeans are fine.
When you visit the shopping malls, it is different, very cosmopolitan. So cars are packed, little man is strapped in, all family members are ready and off we go to the ocean for a sleepover.
Until the next time when I shall tell you about the weekend’s activities and my first taste of Kuwaiti food I shall be going and enjoying the winter sun!!......Poppins out!!
