Let me tell you one of the “must haves” of the Manny profession. The very first day I went to to work for the current family I work for I went to tell the kids that lunch was ready. The young energetic boy I keep a watchful eye on had his 2 equally energetic, wild and crazy friends over. I think the kids were 8 years old at the time. I walk around the side of the house to tell them to come in and what do I find? I find the 3 kids kids running toward me at full speed ahead–smiles on their cute faces–as if they were happy to see me–or as if they were happy to go eat lunch. BUT, this was not the case- they were pitching tennis balls at my face as if they were at the World Series and let me just tell you that 8 year olds have great aim and are stronger than they look, especially the girls!!! OUCH! After that first day I learned a valuable lesson, a “must have” of the job. ALWAYS wear protection. This little situation made it very clear to me that I must be on top of my game mentally and physically while in the presence of these adorable and charming monsters, I mean kids. All joking aside, we worked the situation out calmly and collectively when the kids came to a realization that throwing balls at someone 4X bigger than they are probably isn’t the best idea.
I could have used a helmet that day…and a cup.
