Letting Go of the Guilt: Why Hiring Childcare Help Is an Act of Love
Parenthood is filled with heartwarming moments and hard decisions. One of the toughest? Choosing to ask for help.
For many working parents, the decision to hire a babysitter or nanny can bring unexpected emotions: relief, of course, but also guilt. Guilt for not being the one with your child 24/7. Guilt for working. Guilt for needing time to yourself. Guilt for simply being tired.
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.
“I Should Be Able to Do It All”
This is the unspoken pressure so many modern parents carry: the idea that if you love your kids enough, you should be able to do everything. Hold a full-time job, keep a clean home, plan enriching activities, maintain a relationship, eat well, exercise, stay patient, and smile through it all.
But that version of parenthood isn’t just unrealistic. It’s unsustainable.
The truth is, caring for children is beautiful, demanding, and all-consuming. Whether you're working in or outside the home, raising a family takes time, energy, and support.
Asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength. It’s a decision to put your child’s well-being (and your own) first.
Why Parents Feel Guilty About Childcare Help
Even though more families than ever rely on some form of childcare, many parents still struggle emotionally with outsourcing this type of help, even for a few hours a week.
You might worry:
“What if I miss something important?”
“Shouldn’t I be the one doing this?”
“Is it selfish to want time to myself?”
“What will others think if I hire help just so I can rest?”
These feelings are normal. But here’s what’s equally true:
You can be a loving, attentive, incredible parent and still need support.
Children don’t benefit from parents who are constantly depleted. They thrive when their caregivers are rested, present, and emotionally well.
And that includes you.
Prioritizing Self-Care Is Prioritizing Your Family
Let’s redefine self-care for what it really is: Not bubble baths and luxury getaways (though those can help), but the basic right to rest, breathe, and be human.
It means:
Taking a shower without interruption
Attending a doctor’s appointment or therapy session
Grabbing coffee with a friend
Showing up fully for a work project
Having a moment of quiet after a long day
Investing in your own dreams, growth, and peace
When you refill your own cup, you have so much more to pour into your family.
How Nannies on Call Supports You, Without the Guilt
At Nannies on Call, we’ve spent over two decades helping parents find flexible, professional babysitting support they can trust. And we understand that the emotional side of hiring help matters just as much as the practical side.
Here’s how we help you let go of the guilt and lean into support:
You’re Not Replacing Yourself. You’re Building a Village
Our nannies don’t take your place. They support your role as a parent by offering expert care when you need it. Whether it’s a last-minute appointment, an evening meeting, or a much-needed break, you’re still the center of your child’s world.
Flexible, Judgment-Free Childcare
We’re not here to tell you how or when to parent. With our by-appointment babysitting model, you’re in control. You decide when and why to book, based on what your family needs in that moment.
Fully Screened, Trustworthy Nannies
Every nanny in our network is professionally pre-screened, interviewed, and reference-checked. We know how important it is to feel comfortable and confident leaving your child in someone’s care, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Designed for Busy Families
Whether you're a parent working full-time, studying, running a business, or managing life at home, we offer convenient access to experienced nannies in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa. With us, you’re never alone in this.
Release the Guilt. Reclaim Your Time.
The most powerful thing you can model for your child is self-respect, self-care, and balance. When you show them it’s okay to ask for help, you’re teaching them resilience. When you take care of yourself, you’re showing them what healthy adulthood looks like.
You’re doing your best, and sometimes, that means calling in support.
Let us be part of your parenting team.
Ready to reclaim your time and energy, guilt-free?
Subscribe to Nannies on Call and get access to trusted, by-appointment babysitting on your terms. Get started at nanniesoncall.com!