Nicole Palmer transitioned to nannying after working as a teacher
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/nicole-palmer-tout-21126-41a059f1f0ec4fe1b20a93d16c99bf91.jpg "Nicole Palmer, Woman Goes Viral Sharing Shocking Things She Does as a Nanny")
Nicole Palmer
NEED TO KNOW
- Nicole Palmer transitioned from teaching to full-time nannying after realizing she preferred one-on-one work with children over managing large classrooms
- She shares her experiences and advice on TikTok, offering tips on safety, communication,and building meaningful relationships with children and families
- Now, Palmer advocates for recognizing nannying as a professional career, emphasizing fair compensation, respect for childcare workers and support for female-dominated professions
When Nicole Palmer decided to transition from teaching to nannying, she quickly developed a list of rules to live by.
The 24-year-old began working part-time as a nanny while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Special Education. But after spending time in elementary classrooms post-COVID, she realized how much public education had changed and found herself overwhelmed in the traditional classroom setting. Instead, she she found it far more rewarding to work one-on-one with children.
“Building close relationships with both children and their families showed me how impactful high-quality childcare is,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively. That realization led her to transition into full-time nannying, a path she has embraced ever since.
Once she settled into full-time nannying, Palmer noticed another gap: the lack of accessible information about the profession. From professional standards to navigating workplace challenges, there was little guidance available — a problem she decided to address by sharing her experiences on TikTok.
@nicolekpalmer hiring a nanny: Rich vs. ultra rich What do you guys think?!🤣 #nanny #nannylife #nannytok #skit #richvsreallyrich
Since posting, her content quickly became a blend of advocacy and practical advice, giving other nannies insight into the day-to-day realities of the job. She highlights the small routines that build trust and care with children and families. For instance, she almost never texts a dad separately.
'If I need to talk to the dad, I put him in a group chat with me and the mom,” she explains in one video. She also always buys her nanny kids gifts for birthdays, Christmas or other holidays.
In that same video she also shares how safety is always her top priority. “I’m extremely aware of my surroundings, especially when we’re out in public,” she says. “I treat my nanny kids like they’re my own kids. I’m very protective of them. I always, always, always prioritize safety. I’ve literally left places before with my nanny kids because I’ve gotten a weird or uneasy feeling from someone there.”
At the same time, she cherishes the sentimental moments of her work.
“Fourth is I’m putting all their Christmas cards, or any drawings that they make me on my fridge or in a little box,” she says. “I never throw away anything that the kids make for me because it’s just so cute and special.” Throughout the day, she also documents milestones with photos and videos to share with parents — a modern extension of the close bond she builds with each family.
@nicolekpalmer if you’re a nanny, do you do these things too? I’m so curious! #nanny #nannylife #nannytok #nannytiktok #bestjobever
Recognizing that nannying can be isolating, Palmer also began using her platform to connect with other caregivers.
“Nannying can also be an isolating job if you’re not plugged into a community of people who truly understand the work,” she explains. “I began sharing my knowledge to connect with other nannies and try to help fill that gap. The response has been incredible."
She adds, "I receive messages daily from nannies who say my content has helped them feel validated and supported. That feedback continues to motivate me to educate, support and advocate for fellow nannies!”
Through her advocacy, Palmer hopes to elevate the conversation around childcare as a profession. “Quality childcare is critical for many families and the economy as a whole,” she says. “When nannies are treated as professionals and compensated fairly, children and families thrive.”
@nicolekpalmer period. #nanny #nannylife #nannytok #relatable #luxuryliving #privatenanny #nannyperks #relatabl #forthegirls
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In her videos she also points to a broader issue: many female-dominated professions, including childcare and education, are undervalued despite being essential.
“Nannies, daycare workers and teachers all deserve to be recognized for the work that they do," she says. "And for people in those fields reading this, I hope they feel validated in treating their work as a true career and not something they need to justify or downplay to others.”
Today, Palmer is focused on helping nannies build sustainable, long-term careers and ensuring that private childcare is respected alongside other professions. “This work matters, and I’m excited to continue having conversations and creating resources that help move the industry forward!"