A short thread, on hiring a “nanny” in a pandemic (word in quotes bc it makes me cringe). Nothing profound, but need to get this off my chest: Virus is spiking here, just as we look for childcare for the fall semester (still no word from daycare). (1/5)

We’re stretched thin from 3.5 months of poorly “balancing” toddler-care & tenure track. Sitters are scarce here & it feels unsafe & unethical to bring one into our home (2/5)

Feels like we’re being forced to choose between our careers & the safety of our family & community. We’re incredibly privileged. But I’m tired of the assumption that hiring a “nanny” is the golden solution for academic parents. There’s so much wrong with that assumption.(3/5)

Even for families who can afford a nanny (already the incredibly privileged few) & are able to find one (difficult, esp outside of metro areas), how do you keep that person & your family safe, when you can’t / shouldn’t try to control what they do outside your home. (4/5)

All that said, we are actively looking for a caregiver while hoping that our daycare opens. I don’t know that we will find someone, or that I will ever feel comfortable with an arrangement like this in a time like this.(5/5)