Words of Wisdom from Professional Nannies
May 23, 2013
By Kellie Geres
A recent discussion on a Facebook group opened the question of what advice seasoned nannies have for new nannies. These seasoned nannies were able to offer plenty of advice and feedback for nannies just entering the profession, and brought up points that every nanny should consider.
Save your money. If it’s just $10 a paycheck into a savings account, pay yourself a little of each check. Set it up to automatically withdraw each paycheck. Once you accumulate enough, consider opening an IRA or CD.
Don’t allow the children/work family to become your life. Have outside interests and activities that get you away from work for a while, especially if you are a live-in. Look at volunteering, local nanny groups, meetups and social clubs.
Let the little things go. A nanny only has so much control. Let the little things go and focus on doing your job well.
Take lots of pictures. These come in handy when it’s time for gift giving and keeping the parents up to date on what you are teaching the child/children. –Caroline H.
Don’t idealize the position or assume this type of work is easy. Being a diligent and devoted Nanny is hard work that is often draining. I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a Nanny, but this is a serious role with long hours, hard work, and involves strong emotions. Don’t fantasize that being a Nanny is going to be glamorous. These are not YOUR cars, not YOUR homes, not your vacations, not your jets, not your staff. I have seen a couple of Nannies get caught up in a lifestyle that isn’t their own. Act YOUR wage…not your employers. Stay grounded. –Tracey C.
Watch out for ‘job creeps’ … extra chores. While it’s nice to be able to help out with added chores once and a while, make sure they don’t hinder your work with the children. Seasoned nannies often caution that once you do a task, the parents will expect it time and again with no discussion or additional compensation.
Don’t be afraid to discuss job issues with parents as they happen. Have an open and continuous line of communication with your employers. Set aside time each week, or at minimum once a month to catch up on what’s happening, anticipate needs, discuss overall satisfaction of the job or issues you wish to bring up.
Have a strong backbone. Stick up for yourself and don’t allow families to take advantage of you. Know what you’re worth and don’t’ settle for anything less.
Be prepared for your interview. Think of lots of questions to ask before you go. If it’s your first time interviewing, ask around. Ask experienced nannies or go onto Nanny Island and ask around. We’ve all had a few bumps in the road and it’s good to share them so we can help each other.
Of course it’s important for the family to feel a connection with you, but it is JUST as important for you to feel safe, comfortable and feel that you have a good connection with the whole family as well. If something feels off, then there could be. Don’t just jump into a position. Interview their previous nannies and Au pairs. You could also ask for references for them if something really does feel strange. –Caroline J.
A nanny job is a combination of many things – it’s like being a baby-sitter, but with more responsibilities; like a parent, but with fewer responsibilities and less of a connection; like a teacher, but possibly less structured (and hopefully more long-term); like an assistant; like a cook; and like a house-cleaner. Keep in mind what you are willing to do and what you want out of a position. There are so many kinds of families that you should be able to find a family that fits well with you. –Denny C.
Every day is not the same. You have to love children to be a good nanny. Not just for the money. –Jennifer M.
Your nanny package grows as you grow professionally. If you are just starting out in this profession, you may not get the same salary and benefit package as a Nanny with more experience and education. Keep working on it… you will grow! But, you have to be your own advocate, interview well, have a clean work history and show/prove why you are worth these benefits. –Tracey C.
And the number one piece of advice for any nanny ….
Always have a contract/work agreement. This protects both the nanny and the employer, and there are free versions and paid versions available online. You can also check out the five part series on Anatomy of a Work Agreement on Regarding Nannies. A contract/work agreement IS legally binding if signed by both parties.
Names used with permission.
Posted in Nanny Tips, Uncategorized | Leave a comment5 Creative Ways to Save or Reuse Children’s Artwork
May 9, 2013
By Kellie Geres
Admit it … if you have or care for children, you’ll ultimately have a growing collection of artwork, school projects, rainy day activities and more. As much as you may want to exhibit all of your budding Picasso’s works of art, after a while it’s just not feasible to keep everything on display. So what do you do with those miniature masterpieces?
Store it. Under the bed storage containers are great store-all’s for your growing collections. If you have more than one child, I recommend one for each child. XXL Ziploc Storage Bags also work well because they can be hung and you can have one for each year of school.
Scan it. Services such as Preschool Palettes will scan your child’s artwork and create lasting hardcover books. These make great keepsakes for parents, grandparents and the child themselves.
Photograph it. Take a photo of the child’s masterpiece and print it out to frame or create a collage of several projects. Again, these make great gifts for parents and grandparents or décor for your children’s room or playroom. Check out Pinterest for great graphics on artwork collages.
Recycle it. Drawings can be used for wrapping paper, note cards, thank you notes, birthday cards and more. Take flat artwork and cover them in clear contact paper or laminate them and create placemats for the family dining table or breakfast nook.
Gift it. Take pieces of artwork and create ornaments for Christmas, or take a photo of the child holding a favorite piece and frame it for mom or dad as gift. Buy a plain, unfinished wooden container at Michael’s and some mod podge and adhere the artwork to the container.
With a little creativity and some storage space, your mini Picasso’s creations can be preserved for enjoyment and memories for years to come.
Posted in Nanny Tips | Comments OffHow to Develop a Niche in Your Nanny Career
April 30, 2013
Carving out a niche for yourself as a childcare provider, especially in a competitive job market, is one of the more effective ways to set yourself apart from the sea of applicants that are all applying for a limited number of jobs. With a properly developed area of specialization, you’re better able to position yourself so that quality posts within that niche are more available to you. Developing a niche can be a great way to boost your appeal to employers seeking a nanny with special qualifications, but can also be a difficult process to navigate. If you’re looking for a way to develop specialized skills in order to market yourself as a niche nanny, there are a few tips that can make the experience a less complicated one.
Play to Your Strengths
Choosing your niche can be a bit overwhelming for both new and veteran nannies. After all, there are dozens of areas in which you could potentially specialize. The best way to determine which one you’re most well-suited for, however, is relatively simple: you just need to play to your strengths. If you’re great with newborns but have a bit of trouble managing charges that have reached toddlerhood, establishing a specialization in newborn care can not only help you work within the area that you’re most comfortable, but also to hone your newborn care skills to perfection. Think about all of your strengths and weaknesses as a childcare provider objectively, then look for ways to capitalize on the areas in which you excel.
Educate Yourself Accordingly
In order to be credible as a niche nanny or private childcare provider with an area of specialization, you’ll have to take steps to obtain some sort of education in that area. For instance, nannies that wish to specialize in the care of kids with special needs may find that they’re taken more seriously as such with a degree in special education. Even certifications or workshop certificates are better than showing up with nothing more than an assertion of your expertise. Make sure that you have not only the knowledge you’ll need to market yourself as a niche nanny, but also the documentation to back up those claims.
Make Your Existing Experience Work For You
Over the course of your career as a nanny, you’ve gained a certain measure of experience in specific areas. Learning to market yourself accordingly can be a boon to you during a job search, even if you don’t have a specialized degree or extensive certifications. If you’ve held more than one post in which a charge had special needs, health problems or was a newborn, for example, you’re already in a position to make that experience work for you. Procuring letters of reference from those employers with an emphasis on your skill in the area you’ve chosen as a specialization are a powerful addition to your resume.
Understand the Importance of a Great Reference
Even the largest cities tend to have a relatively small community of private childcare providers and employing families in a certain neighborhood. The nanny community is, in many cases, a small world indeed. Establishing a bad reputation as a childcare provider will not only leave you with a dearth of precious references when you set out to find the next post, but can also precede you. Experienced nannies know the value of their references, which is why they’re so carefully guarded. Make sure that you maintain a sterling reputation as a childcare provider, especially if you plan to work in an even smaller niche community.
Be Patient and Maintain Realistic Expectations
Once you’ve decided that a career as a specialized nanny is right for you, it’s easy to become excited about your future prospects. After all, nannies with a niche can often command higher salaries, enjoy greater job security and are actively pursued by families eager to offer them a position. It’s important to remember, though, that it takes time to establish such a strong reputation. You may be forced to accept a series of niche posts in which your salary is significantly lower than you expected as you earn a solid reputation. Persistence and patience are essential to the nanny attempting to carve a niche in the childcare industry, so remember that it may take time to obtain the earning power you’re looking for. Keep working towards your goal of establishing a strong relationship as a specialized nanny, and never turn down the opportunity to further your education within that area of specialization. With a bit of dedication and plenty of patience, you could find yourself on the short lists of prestigious employers sooner than you realize.
Posted in Nanny Tips | Comments Off5 Job Aspects to Consider when Transitioning from Nanny to Household Manager
April 29, 2013By Kellie Geres
Communication
Communication is key for any job, but as a household manager you will be communicating not only with your employers, but potentially other staff members and vendors as well. Set up a dedicated email just for work that is both professional and easy to share. I recommend using your first and last name at Gmail dot com or your first initial and last name. I recommend Gmail, as the calendar allows for notes, reminders and task assignments. The email allows you to label items, archive and automatically file assigned emails, coming in handy for a quick reference or reminder.
Dress the Part
As you will be dealing with vendors with increased frequency and be out in public settings – some days picking up a special order at the mall or taking the BMW in for service, dressing the part of a household manager requires a bit more care than the comforts of a nanny. While you do not need to wear a suit, nice black pants and colorful tops work well. Nice jeans are allowed as well. Try to avoid flip flops, ripped jeans and shorts. Presentation is everything in this role, and it’s important to always remember that you represent the family as well as yourself.
Punching the Time Card
As a nanny, your day typically starts when the parents leave for work and ends when they get home. As a household manager, while you may have defined hours, know that your flexibility will be paramount and is a key ingredient to ensure your success in this role. For instance, as you oversee the running of the household and have a delivery scheduled from 2-6 pm, but the driver gets stuck in traffic and won’t arrive until 8, you’ll need to stay to oversee the delivery if you can’t reschedule. Employers rely on you to ensure the job gets done. While the family may take a week vacation, you may need to stay and supervise the painting of the interior of the house to make sure it’s completed, or that a home project is done to your satisfaction.
The Work Agreement
If you will be wearing dual hats as a nanny and household manager (it can be done, especially with older charges), your work agreement should actively reflect both roles. You should have one for your nanny duties and another that defines your role and duties as Household Manager. I recommend two separate work agreements clearly defining each aspect of each position and what happens when the two conflict – you need to know which role becomes primary. In my case, when the children were younger, the role of nanny prevailed over house manager if a child was home sick or there was a school holiday or snow day. Multi-tasking and being able to juggle dual roles is a character trait in which you should excel.
Technology is your Friend
Invest in a smart phone. Being accessible and having all your information at your fingertips is key. Confirming an appointment, checking your availability and providing a key phone number or account number is essential to be successful in this role. Your day may consist of everything from driving around picking up home décor or plants to sitting at the service station waiting for a car inspection. Making valuable use of your time in these circumstances is key, and having all your information, contacts and calendar on hand is a benefit to not only yourself but your employers.
Posted in Nanny Housekeeping | Comments Off5 Employer Traits that Turn Nannies Off
April 21, 2013
Every nanny has a different definition of a “good employer” that is dependent on the nanny’s personality, style and needs. However, there are certain traits or actions that drive just about every nanny crazy. Here’s a look at the top 5 things you want to avoid if you’re a nanny employer.
Coming home late. Your nanny puts in long hours, and by the end of the day she’s ready to get off work and relax. Of course, she understands that the nature of the job means late nights once in a while are to be expected. But if you regularly come home late without asking your nanny if she’s able and willing to work late, you’re being disrespectful of your nanny’s time and personal obligations. Just like you expect her to show up on time in the morning, she expects you to show up on time in the evening.
Trying to micromanage everything. Your nanny wants to do a great job for you. She welcomes ideas on how she can do things better. She wants to know if she’s not doing something she should be doing or if you’d like something done differently. But there’s a difference between offering helpful feedback and instructions and nit picking. If you try to control the details of your child’s day by micromanaging every decision your nanny makes and every action she takes, it will only create an atmosphere of distrust and frustration. There are countless choices your caregiver must make throughout the day. She needs to feel confident and comfortable doing what she feels is best without worrying if she’s doing it “right” according to your expectations. That ongoing stress interferes with her ability to be a great caregiver and causes big problems in your employment relationship. No one wants to feel that their employer doesn’t trust their ability or judgment. Naturally, you have the right to have significant input into your child’s daily environment. But at some point you have to trust your nanny to do her job well.
Forgetting to leave your nanny’s check out on payday. When Friday arrives, it’s easy to get caught up in the weekend chaos. You’re trying to wrap up your workweek and shift into weekend mode. You’re trying to get all of those last minute details taken care of so you can actually slow down and enjoy your two days off. But if your nanny has to ask you to write her a check so she can leave, you’ve forgotten to do something that should be at the top of your list. Your nanny works hard for you all week. She takes her job seriously and expects you to treat her as a professional. Paying her in full and on time is one of the basic ways to do that. If figuring your nanny’s wages is something that you struggle with, consider using a tax service. They can figure out your nanny’s wages, withhold all the needed taxes and pay your nanny through direct deposit. It’s an easy way to make sure your nanny never has to ask you for what’s due again. And it gets you out of doing all the tax paperwork too.
Failing to back up your nanny in a discipline decision. Being on the same page around discipline issues is always the best course of action for your child. But it’s also the best course of action for your nanny/parent relationship. It’s important to your nanny that she feels like you have her back when she makes a decision, implements a new rule or enforces a consequence. If you back her up in words but not her actions, you’re sending the wrong message to your child and to your nanny. You’re telling your child that what his nanny says and does doesn’t carry much weight. And you’re telling your nanny that you don’t support her authority with your child. That’s a combination that results in more challenging behaviors and fewer effective solutions.
Expecting her to do things outside her job description. Every employer asks their nanny for a favor now and then. And most of the time, nannies are more than willing to pitch in and help however they can. But if you’re asking your nanny to regularly do things that are outside her job description, you’re breaking your original agreement with her. Make sure you only expect your nanny to do the tasks outlined in your contract. If you do need her to take on additional tasks, sit down and have an honest conversation about your updated job description.
Posted in Nanny Tips | Comments OffHow to find nannies in your community
April 10, 2013
Whether you’re a new nanny or a seasoned nanny, finding nannies to network with in your community can be a long and sometimes lonely path. For this reason, it’s important to make connections with other nannies in your area. But how can you go about reaching out to your nanny community?
Make an investment in some simple marketing materials. Business cards, brochures, fliers and postcards are easy to create, and several sites including VistaPrint.com, Moo.com and InkGarden.com offer great prices on printing. Include your basic contact information and why you’re looking to connect, and perhaps even a suggested date and time to meet up at a local coffee shop. Create a dedicated email address to include on your materials to help secure your privacy.
Go to the places where nannies will be. Parks, libraries, local toy stores, music classes, mommy and me type classes and local children’s clothing stores are places where you may run into other nannies. Local community bulletin boards are a good place to look for flyers where nanny groups may advertise meetings. Consider posting a flyer of your own that says you’re looking to connect with other nannies in the area. Many places have policies for posting or handing out information, so make sure to check with management before doing so.
Connect with the local agencies that place nannies in your area. I recommend meeting with agency staffers face to face to introduce yourself and to get to know the staff. Bring business cards or a flyer for the agency to share with other nannies who are also looking to make connections. Discuss ways in which you can work jointly to bring the nannies in your area together for support, networking and social events.
Host an event for nannies in your area. Some nanny groups host a nanny-child picnic in the summer at a local park, which is fairly easy to arrange. Pick a date (make sure to pick a rain date), a park and a general meeting spot, and let the nannies know they should bring their charges, their own children, their own lunch and beverages and a game or toy to play with outside. Consider hosting a local event for National Nanny Recognition Week or National Nanny Training Day. Each of these events brings national attention to nannies and could bring more awareness to your local nanny community about the role nannies play in families. Let local nanny agencies know about your event and advertise it in your community.
Use local online event calendars in your area. Patch.com is a popular site that has community calendars site users can add events to. Parent groups and local parenting publications may also offer online calendars that accept postings. Be sure to check the policies of the outlet prior to posting.
However you choose to reach out to the nannies in your community, building a network of nannies is an important part of being a nanny, and the benefits of connecting with other professional caregivers is worth the effort required to make initial connections. Chances are if you’re seeking to connect, there are nannies out there who are wanting to also. Be it an informal nanny dinner group or a structured nanny support group, connecting with other nannies can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
Posted in Nanny Agency Information, Uncategorized | Comments OffA Seasoned Nanny’s Favorite Websites
March 31, 2013By Kellie Geres
Next month, I will celebrate 24 years as a professional nanny. One thing I’ve watched first-hand throughout my career is how the internet has grown and flourished in the nanny industry. Many sites have come and gone, and some of my favorites are a mixture of both old and new and should be a regular visit for nannies everywhere.
SitteCycle is the latest nanny website to come on my radar, and has a goal of bringing educational opportunities directly to nannies. In addition to the educational platform the site offers, there is also an online community, and nannies can opt for one class or a series of classes to add to their portfolios. Since this is one of the newest nanny sites, I can’t wait to see what they have coming in the future.
Nanny Biz Reviews is not your average website. Founder Lora Brawley has made a name for herself in the nanny industry by creating the A-Z Nanny Contract, co-founding Nannypalooza with veteran nanny Sue Downey and offering ongoing webinars and training programs for nannies on various platforms.
Nannypalooza is not only an online nanny community, it is an annual conference attended by nannies from across the country. Created to bring nannies together, Nannypalooza.com offers educational forums, podcasts, answers to commonly asked questions and much more!
Nanny Island is an online community just for nannies – no parents or agencies allowed. Created by nanny industry leader Deb Smith, and now owned and moderated by me, Nanny Island is a place for nannies to gather, chat, ask questions and share stories, photos and more. There are rules to being on the Island, and nannies respect those rules and come together to support, encourage and share with one another.
Regarding Nannies is one of the industry’s leading sites for information, features, guest posts and insightful series. Two regular features, Meet Nanny You and Nannypreneur’s, bring you real nannies and their stories of life as a nanny and their successes. From Monday Moxie to Financial Friday, each day of the week brings something new, informative, creative and hopefully get nannies talking. (Disclaimer – author is part of development team of Regarding Nannies).
Best Nanny Newsletter has been around since 1991. First in print, now offered online, owner Stephanie Felzenberg brings readers a variety of articles and insight on happenings in our industry, as well as information that we can use in our day-to-day jobs.
Posted in Nanny News | 1 CommentCreating a Nanny Group in your Community
March 24, 2013By Kellie Geres
Nanny support groups have been around for over 25 years. In fact, the longest running nanny support group, ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies is 28 years old!
It’s not uncommon for nannies to feel isolated, alone and frustrated that there are no other nannies to talk with, offer support and learn from.
Chances are if you’re a nanny, there are other nannies you can connect with in your town. But finding them can sometimes be difficult. If there is not a nanny group in your area, here are some simple ways to reach out to the nannies in your community and create one.
Creating a website for your group is one of the fastest ways to get your information out to nannies. Nanny Kelly Smith relocated to the Houston area and wanted to meet other nannies. She formed her group, Houston Nanny Society, and has reached out to other nannies through word of mouth, agency contacts and Facebook. There are many options when creating a website. Services such as webs.com, godaddy.com and vistaprint.com offer plans, as well as wordpress.com or blogger.com. Many features are free or available for a small, monthly fee.
Another fast and free way to get noticed is to create a Facebook page. ADCAN and TANG are two of my favorites. This is a great way to provide local community information, industry happenings, nanny only events and much more! Organizations and businesses all have a Facebook presence. Liking and commenting on these pages will give your group additional exposure!
Create business cards and/or postcards to get the word out about your group. Vistaprint.com is a favorite amongst nannies for all things print related. Always carry a stash with you, as you never know when you’ll meet another nanny! Many businesses offer community bulletin boards. While you should check store policies before posting, these are a great way to get your group noticed.
Let the area agencies know about you. Make an appointment to meet with local agency owners to let them know about your group. Bring postcards, brochures or fliers and ask them to hand them out to nannies they interview.
Host an event in your area and spread the word! Meet up at the local Starbucks or Panera for coffee or lunch. Check with your local library and see about hosting a story time for nannies and kids. Many nanny groups are hosting a National Nanny Training Day in their communities.
Do you currently have a group and are you struggling with members, events or more? Nannygroups.com offers an in-depth six part series on Taking your Nanny Group to the Next Level that helps groups grow and offer more to members.
Posted in Industry News, Nanny News | Comments OffGetting the Most Out of Your Nanny Conference Experience
March 13, 2013By Kellie Geres
Each year nannies across the nation gather for various educational events that are put on by different nanny organizations. The International Nanny Association, NannyPalooza and Nanny Biz Reviews are the main groups that organize nanny conferences each year in the United States.
INA will host their annual conference April 12-15, 2013 in Louisville, KY and National Nanny Training Day will be hosted in 39 cities across the country on April 20, 2013. NannyPalooza will host its conference November 2-3, 2013 in Cleveland, OH.
If you plan on attending one or all of these events, there are simple things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your conference experience.
First, go in with an open mind. You will be meeting many people there who are sure to have varying personalities and views on topics. Be respectful of others’ opinions, listen to their viewpoints and don’t monopolize conversations and discussions.
Make a goal of meeting a certain number of new people and getting their contact information. Make sure to mingle with others; sit at different tables during meals and breaks and sit in a new spot during sessions. While you’ll be inclined to stick close to those you know, break out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to new people. You never know if the person you meet could end up as your new best friend or have the lead for the job you’ve been looking for.
Make an investment in yourself by having professional business cards made. Having a business card ready at hand when you meet someone is an invaluable resource. There are numerous options for business cards, including printing them at home yourself or utilizing a service such as VistaPrint, InkGarden or Moo. Make sure to include a contact email and phone number on your cards, and also include if they can find you on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Check out these great tips from Donna Shannon on the Art of the Business Card.
Now that you’ve met all these wonderful new friends and colleagues, be sure to follow-up with them. After your event, send a small note of thanks, such as “it was great to meet you,” “I really enjoyed your workshop” or “thanks for taking the time to chat with me.” Go an extra step and like them on Facebook, share their company page or recommend them to a fellow nanny or business.
Finally, don’t let others influence your decision on attending any industry event. Others may have very strict feelings on certain organizations, events or even the coordinators themselves, but only YOU can make the determination if an event is the right fit for you.
Posted in Industry News | Comments Off5 Traits that Turn Nannies Off
February 25, 2013
Every nanny has a different definition of a “good employer” that is dependent on the nanny’s personality, style and needs. However, there are certain traits or actions that drive just about every nanny crazy. Here’s a look at the top 5 things you want to avoid if you’re a nanny employer.
Coming home late. Your nanny puts in long hours, and by the end of the day she’s ready to get off work and relax. Of course, she understands that the nature of the job means late nights once in a while are to be expected. But if you regularly come home late without asking your nanny if she’s able and willing to work late, you’re being disrespectful of your nanny’s time and personal obligations. Just like you expect her to show up on time in the morning, she expects you to show up on time in the evening.
Trying to micromanage everything. Your nanny wants to do a great job for you. She welcomes ideas on how she can do things better. She wants to know if she’s not doing something she should be doing or if you’d like something done differently. But there’s a difference between offering helpful feedback and instructions and nit picking. If you try to control the details of your child’s day by micromanaging every decision your nanny makes and every action she takes, it will only create an atmosphere of distrust and frustration. There are countless choices your caregiver must make throughout the day. She needs to feel confident and comfortable doing what she feels is best without worrying if she’s doing it “right” according to your expectations. That ongoing stress interferes with her ability to be a great caregiver and causes big problems in your employment relationship. No one wants to feel that their employer doesn’t trust their ability or judgment. Naturally, you have the right to have significant input into your child’s daily environment. But at some point you have to trust your nanny to do her job well.
Forgetting to leave your nanny’s check out on payday. When Friday arrives, it’s easy to get caught up in the weekend chaos. You’re trying to wrap up your workweek and shift into weekend mode. You’re trying to get all of those last minute details taken care of so you can actually slow down and enjoy your two days off. But if your nanny has to ask you to write her a check so she can leave, you’ve forgotten to do something that should be at the top of your list. Your nanny works hard for you all week. She takes her job seriously and expects you to treat her as a professional. Paying her in full and on time is one of the basic ways to do that. If figuring your nanny’s wages is something that you struggle with, consider using a tax service. They can figure out your nanny’s wages, withhold all the needed taxes and pay your nanny through direct deposit. It’s an easy way to make sure your nanny never has to ask you for what’s due again. And it gets you out of doing all the tax paperwork too.
Failing to back up your nanny in a discipline decision. Being on the same page around discipline issues is always the best course of action for your child. But it’s also the best course of action for your nanny/parent relationship. It’s important to your nanny that she feels like you have her back when she makes a decision, implements a new rule or enforces a consequence. If you back her up in words but not her actions, you’re sending the wrong message to your child and to your nanny. You’re telling your child that what his nanny says and does doesn’t carry much weight. And you’re telling your nanny that you don’t support her authority with your child. That’s a combination that results in more challenging behaviors and fewer effective solutions.
Expecting her to do things outside her job description. Every employer asks their nanny for a favor now and then. And most of the time, nannies are more than willing to pitch in and help however they can. But if you’re asking your nanny to regularly do things that are outside her job description, you’re breaking your original agreement with her. Make sure you only expect your nanny to do the tasks outlined in your contract. If you do need her to take on additional tasks, sit down and have an honest conversation about your updated job description.
Posted in Nanny Tips | Comments Off ← Older posts