When They Say ‘Professional,’ Do They Mean Us?

Episode 12 of Playdate is one of the most personal episodes yet. Sisters and co-founders of Pro Nannies, Layla and Rée, open up about what it really means to be seen as “professional” in an industry where the term is often loaded with assumptions, biases, and unspoken expectations.

This is the first half of a two-part conversation where they get deeply personal, sharing stories from their lives as Black British women in childcare, and reflecting on the ways their identity has shaped their experience as professional nannies.

Trigger warning: This post discusses themes of racism, discrimination, and unconscious bias.

"Professional" - More Than Just a Job Title

To some, “professional nanny” simply means someone with training, references, and experience. But in this episode, Layla and Rée explore how, for them, the title has often come with extra scrutiny and sometimes, disbelief. What does “professional” look like to families who expect something different from what you are? How do race and bias affect how nannies are treated, judged, and remembered?

They talk about the times they’ve been second-guessed, the assumptions people have made, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) moments that reveal the underlying bias that still exists in many corners of the childcare world.

The Sweet Moments Too

But this isn’t just an episode about hardship — it’s about heart. Layla and Rée also share stories of connection and joy, of children who loved them unconditionally and families who embraced them fully. Their bond with the families they've worked with is a reminder of what makes nannying so powerful: the deep, human relationships that grow from care and trust.

You’ll hear about the sweet moments that have stuck with them just as much as the difficult ones. It’s this blend of truth, humour, and raw honesty that makes Playdate so unique and so needed.

Why This Episode Matters

At Pro Nannies, we believe in telling the whole story. We created Playdate because we wanted a space for nannies to be heard, not just as childcare workers, but as full people with rich experiences, that face challenges, and have insight. Episode 12 "When They Say ‘Professional,’ Do They Mean Us?" is a beautiful example of just that.

It’s also a reminder that the conversation about professionalism in childcare must include a discussion of race, identity, and bias. This episode is an invitation to reflect, to listen more deeply, and to think about the standards we hold and where they come from.

.

Listen Now & Share

Playdate Episode 12: “When They Say ‘Professional,’ Do They Mean Us?” is available now on Spotify and all major platforms. 

If you’re a nanny, parent, or just someone who cares about equity and inclusion in the workplace, this is an episode not to miss.

And don’t forget Part Two drops next week!