A Playdate with Angeles Mannies
This week, we had the immense pleasure of interviewing and playing with Daniel Butcher, founder of Angeles Mannies.
The kids and I met Daniel at the SoCal Moms Great Big Family Play Day, you might remember the blog. Daniel and one of his Mannies dressed Princeton as Kylo Ren, leaving a very lasting impression on our three-year-old Star Wars fanatic. It was then and there I decided that we needed to find out more about Daniel and his company, Angeles Mannies.
Daniel came to visit us at home earlier this week. I had mentioned to Princeton that he was going to have a visit from one of the "cool guys" who dressed him up as Kylo. Needless to say, he couldn't wait! So, when the doorbell rang promptly at 11:00 am, our scheduled time, there was a roar of excitement and a loud "Mama, he's here, he's here!"
As soon as Daniel came in, the playing began. Princeton took Daniel on a tour of the toys in his play area, then they somehow ended up on the patio playing with the boy's Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark toy. Daniel had no fear of getting wet, and even got our hesitant, shy little Skyler to join in on the fun.
This is also when I got to sit down and speak with Daniel about all things Mannie.
I was curious about how Daniel got his start as a male nanny, it's not often one hears of male nannies, after all. The answer is simple and makes complete sense, Daniel is the oldest of four siblings, and as it goes for most first-born kids, he often times had to watch his younger siblings. For him, watching kids comes naturally. It's simply what he knows and he does it well.
The business of nannying is not without it's challenges for the male population. Father's oftentimes feel challenged by a male presence in their home, others can't get past a man in a traditionally female role. To me, the best comparison is male nurses, once a very female career, nursing is now very gender neutral. I do see male nannies headed in the same direction.
Angeles Mannies, however, do place female nannies as well as male. They also provide babysitters, a service I will be using often.
After I interviewed Daniel, I was wanted to be mindful of his time and prepared Princeton and Skyler for Daniel's departure. Daniel, however, had other plans.
It was sheer joy, watching Daniel and Princeton run around the house, laughing and playing like madmen. When I noticed that I was no longer needed (at all), I slipped away to my office and actually got to finish a major project. I could have never done that without Daniel's help.
He stayed for a total of about two and a half hours, at the end of which, Princeton invited him to come back and play again. Once again, Daniel had left a lasting impression!
If you are in need on a nanny, give Angeles Mannies a try, you will NOT be disappointed.
