WHY DO THE KARDASHIANS HIDE THEIR NANNIES?

Watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians feels like a pretty comprehensive peek into the lives of its stars — as much as we know that reality shows are, by their nature, staged and artificial to some degree. 

But the Kardashians give us a look into their lives that is unprecedented in both its breadth and intimacy. We see the family doing nearly everything: eating, hanging out with friends, getting their makeup done, driving, doing photo shoots, fighting, crying, making up, taking vacations, going out, playing with their kids, reading gossip about themselves, talking smack behind each other's backs, developing their respective apps, makeup collections and clothing lines. But New York magazine writer Laura June points out in this excellent piece that a big part of the family's lives is conspicuously missing: their nannies.

Obviously, the Kardashians employ nannies — just like many other working mothers do. But they are virtually nonexistent on the show. The simplest and least sensational explanation for the absence of child care professionals on KUWTK is also the most simple: They don't want to be on camera. But we regularly see the Kardashians' staff on camera: We see their assistants, trainers, business associates, stylists, chefs, makeup artists, and bodyguards. And not only do we not see the nannies; they are never even talked about. "Even passing references would go a long way toward normalising the realities of everyday child care.

And that's the potential problem with the missing nannies on KUWTK: It feels like a deliberate decision to hide the reality that these busy, successful, strong, dynamic, hardworking women need help raising their kids. But when you're as famous as they are, everything you do sends a message — whether it's caught on camera or not.