Title: A New Wave of Highly Educated Nannies Emerges in China
subtitles: The Rise of the Post-90s Live-in Nannies
In recent years, the domestic household service market in China has witnessed the emergence of a new force characterized by high educational attainment. These highly educated nannies, often holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees, bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table, making them a sought-after group in the industry.
A Different Kind of Caregiver
In the latest issue of Mirror, an in-depth feature by China Central Television (CCTV), we meet Liu Yu, a post-90s live-in nanny based in Beijing. Born in Dongying, Shandong Province, in 1992, Liu holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal music and spent a year studying language in Japan after her graduation in 2015. In 2016, she returned to China and worked as a makeup artist in Beijing.
In 2017, Liu’s diverse skill set, including her ability to play the violin and piano, along with proficiency in Japanese and English, led to an unexpected opportunity. She was invited by a client to take on the role of a live-in nanny, a position she has held for five years now.
A Day in the Life
Liu’s day begins early, at 6 a.m., preparing breakfast for the family. After the child wakes up, she helps him brush his teeth and eat, then drives him to kindergarten.
While the child is at school, I return home to take care of some household chores, Liu explains.
In the afternoon, she heads to the kindergarten to pick up the child and returns home to help him with reading English picture books, practicing the piano, and other activities until around 8 or 9 p.m.
When the child is playing with his parents or watching TV at night, I can finally clock out. I am satisfied with my current work and life situation, and I am very happy spending time with the child every day, Liu says.
Meeting a Growing Demand
The demand for highly skilled child caregivers has been on the rise, particularly in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Parents in these urban centers increasingly seek high-quality care and guidance for their children.
Caring for a child is much more challenging than most people imagine. Gaining the child’s trust is crucial, as is being a good time manager. When I am taking care of the child, the mother has more time to do the things she wants to do, Liu tells the reporter.
A Hidden Truth
Despite her satisfaction with her job, Liu kept her profession a secret from her parents for two years due to societal perceptions. It wasn’t until 2019, encouraged by friends, that she found the courage to reveal her occupation to her parents. Initially, her parents strongly opposed it, with her mother even blocking her contact. However, after much explanation, her parents eventually understood and accepted her choice.
A Personal Journey
Liu’s story reflects the personal growth and fulfillment she has gained from her career choice. Although many people don’t understand my choice to become a live-in nanny, this job has allowed me to grow rapidly. Choosing to do what I want and finding growth and happiness in it is enough, she says.
Conclusion
The rise of highly educated nannies like Liu Yu signals a shift in the household service industry in China. These caregivers bring a unique blend of education, skills, and dedication to their roles, meeting the evolving needs of modern families. Their stories challenge traditional perceptions and highlight the importance of respecting individual career choices and the diverse paths to personal fulfillment.
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