Father Fired 37 Nannies in Two WeeksUntil One Housekeeper Did What No One Else Could for His Six Daughters
But Stephen hesitated, theres one woman. Not from the agency. Bit of an odd recommendation, but were out of options.
Two days later, she was standing at the gate. She was short, about forty-five, wearing a plain grey jumperno uniform in sight, and not one of those who chirps, I simply adore children! The security guard actually double-checked if she was in the right place.
Im Linda, she said calmly. Still looking for help?
Jonathan regarded her with scepticism. After the last nannys neon green hair fiasco, nothing surprised him anymore.
Just so youre aware, he sighed, Six girls. Aged six to sixteen. Theyre complicated.
And you? Linda narrowed her eyes. Do you actually talk to them?
I try, he admitted honestly. But you know work, meetings, deadlines
Right, she nodded. Agreements simple, then. Im not here to raise them. Ill just live here.
On the very first day, chaos erupted, just as hed feared: shouting, slamming doors, the little ones threw a fit, the older ones cranked up the music to earthquake level. Jonathan was already composing his apology text and checking the Uber app.
But Linda didnt yell. She didnt threaten. Instead, she wandered into the kitchen and started making pancakes.
If you dont want any, dont eat, she announced loudly. But dont come complaining later.
Ten minutes later, all six girls were sat at the kitchen counter. No one spoke, but suspicion hung thick in the air.
Mum used to make these, one of the middle girls grumbled.
I know, Linda replied. She told me the recipe herself. Laughed about how you lot always squabble over who gets the last one.
The silence changed, turning from tense to lively.
That evening, the girls dragged Linda into the lounge to watch old home videos. By day three, the youngest fell asleep on her shoulder. By day five, the eldest came down for tea for the first time in a year.
Within a week, Jonathan noticed the strangest thing: the house no longer felt like a warzone. Yes, the girls still bickeredbut laughter echoed more and there was less storming off.
What did you do to them? he asked one day.
Linda shrugged.
Nothing special. I didnt try to replace anyone. They dont need a new mum. Just someone who doesnt scarper.
He was quiet for a long moment. Finally, he sat down next to her.
Im not very good at this either.
I know, she said gently. But at least youre here. That counts for a lot.
A month later, Jonathan cancelled half his meetings. By two months, he was cooking Sunday roasts himself. And after six months, he realised it was never about impossible children or the nannies.
Sometimes, to patch everything up, what you really need is not an exorcist or a professionaljust someone who sticks around.
