Nanny for the Kardashians
Pam Behan was a nanny for the Kardashians – of reality TV show 'Keeping up with the Kardashians' - for three years when the children of the now famous family were still growing up.
She started working with the family back in 1991 when Kourtney was 12, Kim 10, Khloe six and Robert four.
Before working for the Kardashians she worked for Linda and Bruce Jenner, and their two sons, Brandon and Brody. Bruce would go on to marry Kris Kardashian, mum and 'momager' of the famous Kardashian kids.
Pam decided to write, Malibu Nanny: The Adventures of the former Kardashian Nanny, not to "spill the beans" on the secrets of the Kardashian family, but as a memoir about her experiences with the family and her personal journey of faith.
"I loved those kids, and it was truly hard to leave them," she recalls of her nanny days in one extract from the book.
"Yes, I was the hired help and I had done the job I had been paid to do. But it was so much more than that to me. I poured my heart into my job, and I poured my heart into them. I nurtured them. I cared for them. Hopefully, I made a difference in their lives. I hoped that they would take a part of me with them wherever they went. That somehow the years I invested in them would mean something. Whether it's a song that would bring a smile of remembrance to their face, some words of encouragement that would help them when they were down, responsibility or values I'd tried to instil that they would find themselves embracing some day."
The book details Pam's spiritual ups and downs, her drift away from Christianity during her years as a nanny in Hollywood, to the heartache of divorce, depression and the problems that came when she unexpectedly fell pregnant to a drug addict who was on the run from police.
It wasn't until she finally recommitted her life to Christ and discovered a real, deep relationship with Jesus that she found happiness again.
"As the reality of life hit me in my late thirties - failures, deep hurts, disappointments, searing losses, blessings and miracles - I transitioned to a real, intimate relationship with God. And, over the last few years, I've become completely and utterly reliant on Him.
"Life can be really hard sometimes. I can't imagine suffering through the tragedies and difficult seasons I've experienced without God, or without the knowledge that there's something bigger and better for all of us than this life we're living now.
"Knowing God and believing in Heaven places my focus on the important things - family, friends, relationships, loving and helping people, caring about one another, and making the right decisions when it really counts."
Pam talks with us more about her new book here:
What made you write this book?
First of all, thousands of people told me to write a book. I wanted to write it for so many reasons. I have so many stories to tell. And you know what it's a God thing, I just wanted to tell my story.
What was your experience of working with the Kardashians like?
It was all so fun, I loved being a nanny, and it was a perfect job - although it was challenging looking after four kids and studying at the same time, but it was fun.
What do you think of the Kardashians today?
I am very proud of them. I never imagined they would be this popular, I hope they are happy because fame has a way of changing people, but I hope that they are really happy.
Do you believe they are good role models for young girls?
Well, in some of their shows, there are some things that are debatable but I believe they are changing over the years, and since they have become mothers. They are changing their image and now they are changing for the better.
What was it like working with the Jenners?
Linda was great. I really admired her because she was Elvis's girlfriend and I was a big fan of Elvis. She was also like a big sister to me.
You suggest in your book that during your adolescent years your relationship with God was what your family expected from you. How has your relationship with God changed over the years?
I am glad my family took me to church when I was younger, but it was: I show up to church and leave. And I really didn't have a real relationship with God. After going through some hard times in my life I grew closer to God.