Inside Event & Travel Nannying: The Hidden Reality of Luxury Childcare
- shreyamod23
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Event and travel nannying often sounds glamorous – and sometimes, it is. Working in new environments, high-end settings, and expensive hotels can seem exciting from the outside. However, in my experience, it also comes with a lot of unpredictability and pressure (which, I’ll admit, I tend to thrive on). This side of childcare requires a different set of skills, from adapting quickly to managing children in high-pressure environments.
More than just a change of scenery
The beauty of the job (and the reason I have grey hairs at 20) is that I can go from a wedding in London in the morning to someone's surprise 30th birthday party in the evening. In one situation, the dad hired me for the mum's birthday, and I was “pretending” to be babysitting their children, but in reality, I was trying to get a baby and toddler party ready as soon as their parents left the house for their “meal” (yes, true story!).
Unlike everyday childcare, where structure plays a big role, these situations often involve constant change, unpredictable schedules and room service. However, this is exactly why I am hired! Without me, little ones will be even more overstimulated, and parents will be unable to fully relax and enjoy their time.
Now I'm not saying I am a fairy godmother – nap times can be impossible to get right, children can go from excited to exhausted within minutes, and the noise can quickly become overwhelming. This area of childcare certainly requires patience, composure and fast thinking. Despite the setting, the level of responsibility remains the same, if not higher, as children still need consistency and support in unfamiliar environments.
Calm in the Chaos
One of the greatest difficulties is managing children in high-pressure environments. Busy events, crowded spaces and unfamiliar people and surroundings can quickly become overwhelming, especially for younger children.
This is why I always meet the families beforehand, as in event childcare, I may be hired for a one-off occasion and have no prior knowledge of the child. I like to organise settle sessions where parents can go through the necessary paperwork, but also fill out an “All About Me” form about their child (not me, don’t worry!). This helps ensure that everyone feels familiar and comfortable before the event itself.
I’ve found that children can go from excited to overstimulated very quickly, which can lead to sudden changes in behaviour. In these moments, staying calm is essential, as children often look to the adults around them for reassurance.
Over time, I’ve developed a few simple strategies that help manage these situations:
Stay calm – children often mirror the emotions of the adults around them.
Get down to their level – breaking that hierarchy can help them feel supported rather than managed.
Offer simple choices – giving two options helps them feel a sense of control.
Find a quieter space – sometimes a short break with a little reassurance is all they need to reset
Remind yourself you’re doing your best – these situations aren’t easy, but your focus is always on the child’s wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
While event and travel nannying may appear glamorous, it highlights just how demanding and skilled childcare work can be. It requires adaptability, emotional awareness and, at times, a surprising amount of physical stamina (you will definitely close those fitness rings and double your step count). All jokes aside, the main priority is always ensuring children feel safe, supported and understood in unfamiliar environments.
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