Dylan Dreyer Admits She ‘Felt Guilty’ That Her Son Calvin ‘Preferred’ Her Nanny Over Her

Dylan Dreyer, co-host of NBC’s ‘Today’ show, has opened up about the challenges and emotions she faces as a working mother, particularly regarding her reliance on a nanny for her three young sons. Speaking on her podcast, *The Parent Chat*, the journalist discussed the insecurities that often accompany balancing professional commitments with family life.

Dreyer, whose sons Calvin, Ollie, and Rusty are aged 9, 6, and 4 respectively, returned to her demanding job shortly after the birth of Calvin when he was just three months old. She acknowledged the importance of building a support system for herself, encompassing her nanny, mother, and mother-in-law. “I’m a working mom,” Dreyer stated. “I had my village, which was essential.”

Despite this, Dreyer admitted feeling guilty about needing help. She expressed her hesitance to publicly discuss her experiences with a nanny due to feelings of inadequacy. “I felt guilty that I couldn’t do it all myself,” she shared. Yet, she recognised that having assistance allows parents to focus on their well-being and ensures that they can be fully present for their children when they are home.

During her podcast, she spoke with Nanny Connie, a well-known figure in childcare, who helped Dreyer navigate her feelings towards the close bond her children shared with their nanny. Dreyer recounted a moment from when Calvin was a baby, expressing her concern when he began to show a clear preference for the nanny over her. “I remember when Calvin was maybe 4 or 5 months old, and he would only want her,” Dreyer reflected, revealing the pain and confusion this caused her.

Contrary to what some might expect, Dreyer clarified that her work schedule allowed her to spend considerable time at home, cooking meals and caring for her children. However, the attachment Calvin developed for the nanny still caused her distress. To this, Nanny Connie offered reassuring advice, suggesting that parents should not judge this affection negatively. “It would be devastating if it were the opposite,” she pointed out. “You want your child to feel comforted and secure, especially in that relationship.”

Amidst her discussions on motherhood, Dreyer’s personal life has been undergoing significant changes. In July 2025, she and her husband Brian Fichera announced their separation after several months of living apart. They emphasised their commitment to co-parenting their sons in a positive and supportive manner. “We will continue to co-parent our three wonderful boys together with nothing but love and respect for one another,” the couple stated in a joint announcement.

By November of that year, Dreyer candidly addressed her relationship with Fichera during an appearance on *Today with Jenna & Friends*. She spoke about the complexities of their separation, acknowledging the challenges they faced as a couple while expressing an intention to move forward amicably. “I don’t hold those broken things against you because we’ve accepted they’re broken, and so let’s move forward as friends,” she commented, highlighting a shift in perspective that often accompanies significant life changes.

This transition has undoubtedly affected Dreyer’s approach to her work and family life. By sharing her experiences and vulnerabilities, she hopes to foster a conversation within the broader community of working parents who may feel similarly challenged. It is a reminder that many parents navigate the struggle of balancing fulfilment in their careers while endeavouring to maintain a close-knit family environment.

Dreyer’s openness about her journey reflects a growing trend among public figures to embrace authenticity and vulnerability, particularly in relation to motherhood. By airing these perspectives, she not only normalises the difficulties faced by working parents but also strengthens the dialogue around the importance of community support in raising children.

In conclusion, Dylan Dreyer exemplifies the reality of many modern parents who seek to balance their professional lives with the demands of family. As she continues to juggle her roles, her stories serve as an encouragement to others facing similar dilemmas. As society evolves, the conversation regarding working parents and their support systems remains critical, shedding light on the shared experiences of parenting in today’s world.