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The only reason this didn't get 5/5 stars from me is the writing itself. For the beginnings of some chapters, it took too long to get the context I needed in order to establish which point in Stephanie's timeline it was in. That was the ONLY issue I had with this book.

When it comes to social class, I've never read a non-fiction book written from such a unique perspective. Then, as I'd read each chapter I'd realize year-by-year how close in age I am with Stephanie - only to find out we are the same age. I was certain she was much older than me by the gravity and wisdom of her words.

Growing up I wasn't much of a babysitter and my only sibling is a half-brother who I unfortunately didn't/don't see often at all. Until having my own child, I was blind to the dualities of motherhood. I'm not even sure Stephanie knows it (I mean that as a comment, not patronizingly), but the insight she has into raising children and family dynamics from the caregiving angle are so far beyond anyone this age without children. If that's an unpopular opinion, I'm sorry - but as a mother there were portions of this book I've read that made me feel more validated than any book I've read by a biological, full-time caregiving mother. I got the sense that nannying makes the kids your coworkers as much as it makes them your boss, the outcome of your day relies largely on how the day of the children you're with goes. As a stay at home mom I face the same daily coin toss. I think finding those hard truths I identify so closely with in this book can be attributed to the degree of separation nannying provides; you're more likely to be frowned upon if you're overheard saying your kid sucks vs saying your coworker sucks. To have the domestic workload outlined so crisply is refreshing.

If you don't personally have children I think the insight Stephanie provides here will still be enlightening, whether that's on class differences or parenting styles. I recommend this book to any and everyone.

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Stephanie Kiser and publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!}