NANC Blog

Getting Ready for Preschool

2010-10-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Chances are that at some point in your nanny career you will be helping parents to choose a preschool. But do you know all the types of preschool programs out there? There are many different philosophies when it comes to early childhood education. Knowing the options can be invaluable to a family as you can help steer them to the program that meets the needs of the child and fits in with their family's beliefs.

Below is an article from the Parenting Press on choosing a preschool. Parenting Press has a free e newsletter and it is excellent. Be sure to sign up at their website Parenting Press Newsletter Signup

*** Getting Ready for Preschool

If you have a toddler and you're thinking ahead to preschool, you'll find helpful tips in Jenifer Wana's "How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child" (Sourcebooks, 2010). As this mother of two discovered when she sought a preschool for her older child, there was lots that she didn't know about nursery school. "Terms like Montessori, child centered and co-op were foreign to me," Wana writes. "I didn't know...what characteristics defined a high-quality program."

How complicated can it be, you may be tempted to ask, and for those in small communities, with only one option, the choice is often simple: go, or no go. If you live where there are many preschools, Wana suggests you start with such basics as:

- Cost (tuition plus the expected charitable donation or participation in fund-raising projects)
- Age to enroll
- Your child's personality
- Your educational goals for the child
- Schedule
- Location
- Parent commitment

A major issue can be schedule: if you need full-time child care, you'll probably eliminate all those part-time nursery schools. If you have a child in another program or school, think carefully about how you're going to get between the two locations for drop-off and pick-up. (The "News for Parents" editor knew that the 15-minute difference in pick-up times for her two children would be tight, but it turned out to be a constant source of tension, because the older child's class did not end on time, and then the kids had to pick up their coats and backpacks and be escorted as a group down stairs to the school door to meet parents, further reducing the time available to get to preschool.)

Location is a factor for the ordinary (commuting and parking), the occasional (birthday parties and holiday celebrations to which parents are invited) and emergencies (how far away are you when your child becomes ill or is injured in the middle of the day).

Parent commitment is another important issue if you work full-time during regular business hours. Co-ops usually require parent participation in classrooms on a rotating basis. Parents also often handle finances and fund-raising, classroom maintenance and web site design.

When it comes to personality, the author poses a valuable question. Do you want a preschool that matches your child's personality or one that challenges the child to adjust to something different?

"If you have a shy child, will she be uncomfortable in a large, boisterous class or will it challenge her to develop her social skills?" writes Wana.

Ideally, she continues, you'll find a program that suits both the child's current interests and temperament and also encourages the development of other skills. For example, a preschool with lots of free play and some structured activities will give your child the opportunity to pursue his own interests as well as learning to sit still and participate in group activities.

Other considerations:
- Do you want a program in your neighborhood so that your children will meet kids that may become playmates for years to come?
- Are you seeking an emphasis on social and emotional development like sharing, taking turns and making friends?
- Do you want a focus on academics such as math and reading?
- How important is diversity, whether racial, socioeconomic, religious or sexual orientation?
- Are you interested in a foreign language or a religious context?
- Do you want a mixed-age or same-age classroom?

Child-centered or teacher-directed?

Wana describes the common teaching philosophies as either child-centered or teacher-directed. Child-centered means kids choose their own activities, and they learn at their own pace, playing by themselves or in small groups. Teacher-directed means structured, with teachers telling children what to do when. Most preschools have some of each in the daily curriculum. The most common preschool philosophy in the U.S. today is "play-based," or "developmentally-appropriate," or "progressive." A child-centered curriculum, it's based on the belief that children learn best through choosing the activities that interest them at the time. Three common child-centered programs are:

Montessori

Montessori is based on the work of Maria Montessori in the early twentieth century. The focus is academic, but at the child's own pace. Children learn to cook and clean up as well as cursive handwriting and basic math using manipulatives. As Wana explains, a school may call itself Montessori without being affiliated with the Association Montessori Internationale (which she say more often follow Dr. Montessori's teachings closely) or the American Montessori Society. A school may also call itself Montessori without having Montessori-trained teachers.

Reggio Emilia

Like Montessori, Reggio was developed in Italy. In it, the project-based curriculum is guided by student interests. Parents are also encouraged to participate in curriculum planning and sometimes even in school policy, says Wana. For more information she recommends the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance and the Innovative Teacher Project.

Waldorf

Founded by Austrian Rudolf Steiner in 1919, the Waldolf approach has a strong group orientation and predictable structure and routine. The emphasis is on creativity, the arts, cooperation and working together. Wana says there is no academic focus. To use the Waldorf name, a school must be affiliated with its local Waldorf organization and teachers must be trained through the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America.

Academic

Sometimes also called traditional, this is a more-structured, teacher-directed preschool focused on kindergarten readiness, with lessons on letter sounds and names and learning to count. Kids also learn such classroom etiquette as raising hands to speak.

Assessing readiness:

How can you tell if your child is ready for preschool? Most likely, says Wana, if:

- She is content spending time away from you or her other primary caregivers.

- He can play by himself for short periods, can focus on coloring, a puzzle or another task for several minutes and can follow simple directions.

- She can participate in such group activities as story hour and circle time, and she can play cooperatively, understanding the concept of taking turns and sharing (even if she doesn't demonstrate those all the time).

- He can use words to express his needs and desires and ask questions.

- She can handle such basic self-care as washing her own hands and eating by herself. Some preschools require that children be toilet-trained, although occasional accidents are expected.

Remember, as the author notes, your child does not have to demonstrate all of these when you begin the preschool search or application process; you can be working toward having the child prepared when he or she actually begins.

Comment on this story: http://www.ParentingPress.com/ezine/oct/efeedback10.html

NANNYPALOOZA- NANNIES ACROSS AMERICA

2010-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Nannies Across America united nannies from all over the US to experience something quite special. We came together in groups large and small to learn to do better.

That sounds pretty simple- but being better is no small thing. Any individual who has accomplished great things in their life will tell you the drive to do better is what can propel you to heights you never imagined. It is what separates a person out from the pack. To keep learning, to keep searching for new techniques and new ideas, to constantly want to improve are the hallmarks of doing better. The desire to do better has motivated new innovations, propelled great thoughts, moved mountains. Do better, pretty simple right.

We tell our kids all the time, you can do better. We know that it is the effort and the striving towards perfection that determines character and that by practicing and learning great things can be accomplished. Don't just get it done. Do better.

It is this desire that I hope you will take into the nanny profession and share. We can always do better. There is always more to learn. Things are always changing. We can find new ways to work together and support each other. Kids deserve better from us every day.

I know that there are days when I go to work and just keep going. There are days when my frustration is high and my motivation is low. That is when I look to my nanny community to remind me that I must do better. That I am working in a profession that demands it.

I am proud that more than 400 nannies participated in Nannies Across America. They gave of their free time to learn, to support, to laugh, to motivate, to educate and to remind themselves that they can always do better.

You know you're a nanny when.....

2010-08-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

You know you're a nanny when......

...you have a fairly authoritative, slightly scary "nanny voice" and it can stop everyone around you in their tracks

...you grab into your bag for a pen and pull out a crayon, a half eaten bag of goldfish and some tissues

...you heart soars when a child accomplishes something practiced often but never conquered until now

....you forget the name of the last movie you saw but you can recite every word of the "Cat in the Hat" and can sing all 15 verses with motions to the "Wheels on the Bus"

...you are willing to give up your weekends to go to ballet recitals, baseball games and art shows

...you have never gotten the tax deduction for "your" kids

...you are kid magnet where ever you go

...you love your job especially because of the perks like hugs, days at the pool, naptime and home made valentines

...you have several outfits and perhaps even a car that smells slightly of baby formula, play dough and juice

...you have days when you are a pirate, a ballerina, a dog and an explorer

...you are proud of what you do- even if that means all you did today was get a two year old to take a bite of broccoli

...you have mistakenly asked your friend if she had to use the "potty"

...you are faster than a crawling infant and can leap tall towers of toys in a single bound

...you want to inspire the future of the world one child at a time

You know you're a nanny when the ripples of your daily work extend out for generations.

How do you finish the sentence- You know I am a nanny because......

What agencies can offer....

2010-07-07T04:39:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted a conversation someone had with a brick and mortar nanny agency and expressed my frustration with these kinds of agencies. I need to be more specific however, and say that SOME agencies can be like this. MANY traditional agencies are quite the opposite!

A traditional brick and mortar agency can be very helpful for both the family and the nanny. But it has to be a quality agency.

A high quality agency will really screen all the nannies they present to families. They will do background checks and reference checks before sending the nanny out to families as an option. A high quality agency will spend time with the family, usually over the phone, and ask lots of questions to get a good idea of what the family is looking for and then MATCH nanny candidates to those needs and preferences. SO much of what makes a successful nanny/family relationship works is chemistry so it won't be a precise match in one recommendation, but it will save everyone time knowing a laid back nanny won't be presented to a stricter type A family.

Agencies are a bonus to nannies as they can advocate for you. They can help you get a contract into the hands of the family and then you can negotiate and settle things. Good agencies offer you support. They give you contacts of other nannies in the area, offer group dinner and training opportunities. They often have newsletters with valuable information and ideas. Agency owners have experience and can guide you in how to deal with families.

While searching online allows you to access loads of families- many of these families on the popular sites are looking for custodial care and not true nanny care. They need babysitters and not full time nannies. We all know the difference and the pay and benefits will reflect this.

Sadly, there are fewer good agencies out there than one would think. But it you find one- stick with them! TELL EVERYONE! They are an important part of our industry.

Modeling

2010-06-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

You know we talk alot about modeling as a powerful tool for shaping children's behavior. We are careful to use good manners, to pick up after ourselves and to treat others with respect. Okay, we TRY to do these things without yelling idiot at the crazy drivers and dumping our purse and stuff on the table at the end of the day. But it got me to thinking... do we use modeling as much as we could?

When was the last time you read a book for yourself while your child could see you do it? We all want kids to grow up to be good readers. Heck, I would be happy if my 10 year old reluctant reader picked up a book right now! I remind myself that it is important that kids see that I ENJOY reading and that reading is something you do not only when you are in school- it is a lifelong thing.

When was the last time you looked something up? When you don't know a word or are confused about a news story, do you let your kids see you research something for your own knowledge? It is good for kids to see that you are not just a teacher but you are a learner too! And that you enjoy finding the answers.

Do you follow your passions? Take time to practice something that you are trying to master? Do you let the kids see you pursue things? And you can't fool kids- you can't turn it into a lesson because they will know you are only doing it for their benefit.

It is hard to remember but modeling is a powerful tool. Kids will become their caregivers in many ways- which includes the good and the bad. Make sure to show the kids thru actions, how you live your best life.

Babysitter VS Nanny

2010-06-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

What is the difference really?
Now don't go getting all crazy on me. I KNOW there is a difference. But try to think like an outsider for just a minute. What is the difference when you explain it to strangers?

A nanny is there more hours? A nanny provides educational and developmental activities? A nanny loves her charges? A nanny will do the laundry, dishes and help out with the home?

Face it- some babysitters do this. And these days some babysitters have the formal education that many nannies do not. Babysitters, in these days of economic pressures, are not just the teenager down the street. They are often college students, teachers, and even nannies who want to make some extra cash.

For me it all boils down to intention. Actually, I have to credit Lora Brawley for the word, but it sums up what I was thinking so I think it counts!! Intention is what separates the sitters from the nannies.

When I go to a home to be a nanny- my intention is to care for the whole child. I am planning a well rounded day, providing curriculum, caring for the home and family and the health and safety of the child as well. I intend to be whatever that child needs in order to grow and develop into a productive and happy adult. I plan and come prepared for the day both mentally and physically. I make lists, work out a schedule and communicate with all involved.

When I go to a home to be a babysitter- I make sure that no one goes to the hospital. I make sure everyone is fed and that the rules of the home are not broken. I keep the kids relatively happy and make sure that the kids are not watching Jerry Springer before bedtime. I am basically a cross between a vending machine, policeman and a hall monitor. I don't make a plan (although I may bring some art supplies if I am feeling "crafty") and I don't really prepare other than making sure that the family has cable tv and internet for when the little tykes finally go to bed. Sure I could do more- and I might if I like the kids and if I am in the mood- but the intention is not there.

It is in the intention.

But what do you think?

True Story- MUST READ!!

2010-04-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

Warning: What you are about to hear is a transcription of an actual conversation. It is shocking and sad. Please use caution when reading that you do not become TOO outraged.

Me: Hello JOE. This is Susie Nanny. As you know, I run the local Nanny Support Group.
JOE: Yes, how are you? Me: Good, I am calling because we have been asked to coordinate a conference here in Cooltown, USA. I sent you a email regarding the details last night and well, I wanted to see if I could come in to discuss it w/ you further...
JOE: (Cuts me off) Well, Susie... we don't support events as these. In the last 21 years that we have been in business we have been approached on several occasions and our answer is always no. We don't want to me impartial to anyone, so we have decided to not help anyone.
Me: Ok, I understand if you cannot help us financially, but would you at least be willing to share the information of the event with your Nannies?
JOE: Again, we don't help anyone. And no I wouldn't be willing to pass the info along. Because my nannies are already well trained and if I didn't feel that they were, I wouldn't hire them to belong to my agency.
Me: Well, JOE... The NANC is a Nationally recognized agency and lots of exposure would be included for your agency. But the main thing here is that there aren't a lot of resources for Nannies in our community to receive ongoing training for low cost or FREE and that is why we are putting on this event. Don't you believe in continuing education for your Nannies?
JOE: (Laughs) Yes, that's called "on the job training".
Me: (shakes head) Ok, JOE... Thank you for your time and you have a wonderful day.

Now the names have been changed (wish I didn’t have to do that!) but this really happened to a very dedicated nanny support group leader who is working to put on a mini conference for nannies. The mini conferences, called Nannypalooza, are events that cost no more than $25 and offer at least 2 workshops and some networking for nannies in a local community. Please note, that even though she was asking for $$ for the event, she would have been happy with an email blast to the agencies nanny database. But even that is denied. I am glad that this owner feels that his nannies are well trained- he must have a roster of hundreds of Mary Poppins- nannies that know everything and need to learn nothing!

Sadly, I am not shocked at the way this agency owner reacted. Even though the website of this large, multi city agency offers “(the) highest quality in home child care services from day of birth on upwards.” I have seen this attitude from many agencies before, although not often so candidly shared. I think it is interesting that this owner believes that once placed nannies can use their charges as “on the job training” and wonder what parents would think of that comment and laugh. In fact, I wonder what their clients would think if they knew this agency wouldn’t even let the nannies know that there would be low cost workshops were offered.

It is short sighted. What this owner does not realize is that well trained and supported nannies are easier to place, stay longer in positions, can demand higher salaries, and ARE BETTER CAREGIVERS!! Nannies are intensely loyal and will refer good agencies that support them not only to other nannies, but to the countless parents at the park who say “where can I find a great nanny like you?” And think of the client loyalty you would foster if you are sending this information to parents to relay to their nannies.

This is the reason there are bad feelings about brick and mortar agencies. And the truth is that they are not all like this, but the bad apples have spoiled some of the bunch. More and more parents are flocking to online sites to do their nanny search. The agencies that survive will be the ones that support nannies, support families and really put their money and their time where their mouth is. The online sites such as 4nannies.com, enannysource.com, nannyclassifieds.com are quick to offer help every year for our conferences as well as supporting countless support groups all across the country.

Supporting continuing education for nannies is essential. It is the right thing to do and will come back to you in many ways.

Social Media and the Nanny

2010-03-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

Should a nanny be updating her facebook status while on the job? Should a mom worry about this?

So on this mom's chat board there is some chatter from a mom who is friends with her nanny on facebook. The mom logged on and found that the nanny updated her status during her work hours. She also noted that it was not particularly in a time when the child was at school or taking a nap. She wanted to know if she should be concerned.

What do you think??
Personally, I think that an update to facebook here and there is not the end of the world. Many people update via cell phone or other device so it doesn't even mean that the nanny was spending time on the computer. Nannies are with children all day and often crave the interaction of a "coworker" so some interaction on sites like twitter and facebook can help fill the void.

That being said, there may be a problem if the nanny is posting things all day long. A nannies first responsibility is to the children he or she cares for. Spending some time on the computer while a child naps seems reasonable, constantly checking facebook all day while the kids play by themselves is not.

Like many situations facing nannies and employers this one is best solved individually. As a parent consider these questions-

Are my kids in school or napping for parts of the day? This is a good time for the nanny to have a break and use the computer.
Is my nanny posting things about my family? This is cause for concern unless you are ok with it.
Am I ok with the nanny multi tasking? Watching the kids on the playground while texting a quick update? Tweeting while pushing a stroller?
Does the amount of time spent on social media seem to be excessive? There is a big difference between an occasional update and an addiction.
Am I happy with the quality of care my nanny provides? If things are going well and you are happy then great, but if you have other concerns and this is one more red flag there may be bigger issues.

Nannies ask yourselves these questions-

Am I respecting the privacy of the family? Are you posting complaints about your job or personal information?
Are you sure that while you are using social media that the kids are still priority number one?
Are you posting things you would not want your employer to see or posting often enough you don't want your employer to know?

It seems to me the bottom line is that these things can be great if used wisely and when all parties are in agreement. Just yesterday a twitter friend of mine shared a great link to a baby owl's nest web cam to share with the kids. A great resource!! But if you as a parent are concerned, talk to your nanny. Share your concerns and ask your nanny some questions. Work together to make sure that everyone is happy with your family's policies.

Hiring an Unemployed nanny can save parents money!

2010-03-21T09:24:00.001-07:00

News from Breedlove and Associates

HIRE Act Signed Into Law

Good News for Many of Your Families and Nannies!

Yesterday President Obama signed into law a new job creation act entitled Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE Act). The HIRE Act will reduce the cost for your families who hire a qualified worker(s) after February 3, 2010 (a qualified worker is defined as anyone who has worked 40 hours or less in the 60 days preceding employment).

Those families who hire a qualified worker(s) will be entitled to an exemption on the employer portion of the Social Security tax. The 6.2% exemption applies to all wages paid in 2010 between the dates of March 19 and December 31.

Note: Employers will still be required to pay Medicare (1.45%) as well as Unemployment and any other applicable state taxes, but the HIRE Act will reduce the employer’s payroll tax obligation by more than 60%.

Logistically, families will need to get their new employee to sign an affidavit stating that he/she has been unemployed or underemployed per the HIRE Act qualifications. Families will then be required to report the New Hire and deduct the Employer Social Security Tax from their estimated federal payments throughout the rest of the year. Obviously, those families who join our service can rest assured that we will take care of all these details on their behalf.

If you have any questions about the new law, please contact us. In the meantime, we’ll be updating our Payroll Calculator at www.breedlove-online.com in the coming days. As always, we also stand ready to provide each of your families with a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to discuss this and other tax, legal and budgeting issues that may affect them.

For assistance and support, please contact (888) 273-3356 or clientservice@breedlove-online.com

Privacy and the Laptops- A Cautionary Tale

2010-02-19T04:54:00.000-08:00

In school we read 1984 and learned about Big Brother. But local high school kids learned that Big Brother is always watching first hand. My local school district, Lower Merion in PA, has made international news as it was called out with a class action lawsuit for "spying" on students.

Lower Merion received a grant so that all the students in the school could have a laptop computer. This would allow students to access the schools resources and work on projects, papers, etc. 24/7. The laptops belong to the school but the student has possession for the year. But one student was called to the vice principals office in Nov. to be reprimanded for questionable behavior that was caught in a still captured from his webcam. No students or parents were informed that the school has the power to remotely activate these webcams and monitor what they see. It was only when this student was called to the office for his behavior at home that people found out these cameras could be turned on remotely by the school.

Now don't get me wrong, there are many issues with cyber privacy that we as parents, nannies, and individuals must wrestle with. I check the emails, downloads, text messages etc.. of my 13 year old charge. I want to know that she is safe. But I am entrusted by her parents to do this. And I tell her I am doing it. Of course a tech savvy kid could then erase things she didn't want me to see so I always wonder if it would be better not to tell.

The school certainly has the right to make sure that the laptops are being used appropriately. But does that mean they have the right to turn these cameras on without student's knowledge or consent? And does the administration of a school have the right to punish or even address behavior of a student in their own home? No one is saying what the "questionable" behavior was that was caught on tape. It could be drug use. Would that make this ok?

No. In my opinion, we have to draw the line somewhere with this issue of privacy vs. safety for our kids. But it is a fine line and we must define it carefully. What do you think?

- Sue Downey

Lower Merion School District sued for cyber spying on students

The Olympics teach kids more than just what curling is.....

2010-02-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

It is that time again and the world watches as some dedicated individuals try to push their minds, bodies and spirits all for the sake of their country and their own individual glory. The Olympics provides some great "teachable moments" for you and your charges. Some of those moments are when you have to explain what the biathlon is, but there is more to it. Let me share some reasons why I think the Olympics offer us many lessons.

1. See the world, from your couch. As we watch the athletes march in during the opening ceremonies we are introduced to a number of countries that weren't even in existence a few years ago! The winter Olympics only hosts about 80 countries as opposed to the summer games which can have more than 200! But still, get out the globe and challenge your kids to find where that ski jumper is from. Watch the athlete profiles and see the cultures of countries we rarely talk about. And try to figure out why an athlete from the Bahamas might become an Alpine Skier or check out the "snow leopard" from Ghana!
2. Passion. Dedication. What it takes to succeed. The athletes that make the Olympic team have a drive to succeed and a love of their sport that makes them put aside everything else in pursuit of a dream. What a great lesson that can be applied to whatever passions your youngsters might be interested in. Ask your kids what sacrifices these athletes might have to make to find enough training time while going to school or working full time? How would it feel to feel passionately about something like curling, when many people might laugh or ignore the sport? What goals do the athletes set and how do they go about achieving these goals? The athletes are role models for pursuing something you love at any cost.
3. Teamwork and love of country. Many of the sports are team sports and those stories make for great inspiration. Who could forget the story of the miracle on ice of the 1980 Olympics? That team won because they played as a team, they believed in each other. Each Olympic games has their own stories of teammates who want to play for the US so much and work together to make that true. How about the "night train" men's bobsled team this year?
4. Overcoming adversity. There are countless stories of athlete's who get injured or overcome adversity just for the thrill of competing. Downhill ski champion Lindsay Vonn competed with her hand duct taped to her pole so she could compete in a race last year. Speed skater J.R.Celski just came back from a cut on his thigh where he lost so much blood he almost bled out on the track to win the bronze medal last night! These athletes persevere through adversity. What a great lesson.
5. You won't always win, but the thrill of competing is worth it. In each event so many athletes don't even have a chance. There are 20 or 30 athletes in some events and only 3 medals. But every athlete is there with pride to give it their best. They know they will not stand on that podium, but they dare to dream. They compete for the love of what they do. And you never know what might happen. Teaching kids to love the thrill of the pursuit instead of just the win might be the best gift we can give them.
6. Sportsmanship. The athletes cheer for each other. They trade pins and shake hands after each race. They respect each other and hope that each time the race or game begins that all the competitors will bring their best. The world becomes a smaller place, a friendlier place as we watch these young people do their best.

So you want to host a Nannypalooza event?

2010-01-25T10:44:00.001-08:00

The most exciting thing about Nannies Across America is that there can be an event in each and every community that really meets the needs and personality of the actual community where it is held. Each location can go big, loud, opulent. Or it could go down home, casual, informal and be just as successful. Let me demonstrate.

One person let's say in Philly could decide to hold her event at a local library. It is 2 workshops from 9 am in the morning until noon. In between workshops there is a short break with bagels and cream cheese and some mingling. Nannies meet new friends and chat. The workshops are facilitated by a local agency owner and doctor from a local hospital. The cost is free but after the workshops all the attendees are invited out for lunch across the street. There nannies can mingle some more and share some great advice and new ideas! Great event. Simple, fun, effective.

And at another event, let's say in LA, they could go all out. They solicit sponsors and hold their event in a conference room at a local hotel. They have goodie bags and optional events. At this event there are choices of workshops so that two are being held at each time slot. The workshops are given by national experts as well as local trainers. The event has a theme and there is a meal provided as well as some games for nannies to get to know each other and round table discussions on all sorts of topics. More elaborate, still fun, still effective.

And BOTH events meet the needs of the community of nannies in that location.

So far we have more than 13 cities committed to events. That means that if only 25 nannies come to each event we will have connected, trained, inspired, re-energized, and celebrated 325 nannies. With each city we can reach out to, we increase that number!!

Please consider hosting an event in your city. Within the framework there is much flexibility to make an event large or small. The important thing is having the event!!

Nannies Across America!

2010-01-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

NANC is proud to announce Nannypalooza '10! Nannies across America! A weekend of nanny training events held all across the country with low cost, high quality training for nannies and placement professionals!

Sounds exciting right! Let me tell you a little more about it. We at NANC have done Nannypalooza fairly successfully for 4 years. But while we are thrilled to have included so many people, we want to make sure all have access to professional development. Travel costs preclude many nannies from attending conferences so we decided to bring Nannypalooza to the people! We are working with nanny agencies, support groups and motivated individuals to empower them and support them through the process of planning a single day training event. It will have a few workshops and some social and networking opportunities as well as the great friendly and fun Nannypalooza atmosphere. Each event in each city will be slightly different as each city will personalize the experience to meet the needs of their community. Any way you look at it, on September 18th and 19th we will gather (virtually) to share our experiences as nannies and to grow as professionals.

NANC is proud to partner with the Association of Professional Nannies to kick of National Nanny Recognition Week with out Nannypalooza events. By developing our skills and supporting each other we truly will be celebrating ALL nannies and their families.

Events are being planned so far such as

Detroit
Cincinnati
Cleveland
St Louis
Seattle
NY/Northern NJ
Richmond
Southeastern WI
Columbus
Philadelphia
Los Angelos

and more are being added every day!!

To become an event planner please email Sue at Suedowney@nannycredential.org!

What to get your employers?

2009-12-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

At this time of year many articles pop up online and spots on tv about holiday tipping and what parents should do for their children's caregivers. But a much trickier question (for me especially since I am a nanny!) is what to get for your employers! The first gifts are fairly easy. What parent doesn't love framed photos of their kids? However, how many framed photos can you give before it just seems unimaginative? And it is hard because let's face it- these families have more disposable income than us.

Creativity must then rule the gift process. And I have also found that it is wise to think of things that are a bit outside the box.

Here are a few suggestions...... but please feel free to add your own!
1. A calendar with the kids photos- make this one a tradition if you haven't already!
2. Coupons for babysitting time
3. Volunteer to do a favor around the house (like organize a closet or make back up disks of photos)
4. Write a letter sharing some of the reasons they are great parents and employers
5. Cook some dinners and put them in the freezer
6. A gift certificate to their favorite restaurant
7. Check out sites like Shutterfly.com or Snapfish.com for photo gifts like mugs, mouse pads etc..
8. A plant
9. A holiday centerpiece with place card holders
10. A family movie package (a dvd of a family favorite, with popcorn bowl, popcorn, candy etc..)
11. a kids growth chart they can hang on the wall

What are your best employer gift ideas?

A letter to our members

2009-12-10T18:55:00.001-08:00

Dear NANC member:

We started NANC with one basic idea, that every child deserves a quality caregiver. We wanted to make sure that every nanny placed in a home has access to high quality continuing education, professional resources and that there is are standards to which we are all held accountable. We have been successful in many respects so far. We have held a professional conference, NANNYPALOOZA for 4 years which has drawn nannies and agency owners from all over the US. It offers high quality training- affordable for all. We have continued to put together a newsletter that informs nannies, parents, business owners and all who believe that in home care for a child doesn't just mean babysitting. We have developed resources for parents on choosing a nanny, an agency and the like. We are reaching out into the world to find nannies who are not connected, offering them support. Most importantly, we have developed the 3 tier nanny credential. This credential is based on childcare industry standards and is comprehensive in scope so that it will have a meaning far beyond our profession.

But we find we are at a bit of a crossroads. Like many volunteer organizations, the work we do is our passion. And we are searching for others who share this passion. There is much to do.

In order to move forward, we must take a step back and reevaluate our goals and our immediate needs. It is essential to strengthen our organizational structure in order to support the credential and the other important work we do. We know there are many willing hands out there and we will be taking a new approach to putting those talented and passionate people to work for NANC.

NANC will use 2010 to focus on leadership and membership development. We have streamlined our goals, focusing on the ones directly related to strengthening and growing our organization, to ensure that we have the foundation and leadership necessary to successfully develop and maintain our 3 tier credential. We’ve created a list of actionable tasks so that we can use YOUR talents to achieve our collective objective. We will be announcing these priority goals and tasks along with some VERY EXCITING NEWS regarding Nannypalooza 2010 in a conference call presentation on Sunday, December 13th at 8:30 PM EST. At this time we will post information on the website to download and present the information over the computer or phone. You will be able to take some time over the holidays to consider our shared goals and decide how you’d like to support NANC. This group is YOUR group and only YOUR commitment to share your time and talents will move us forward. We will record the conference call so you can listen at your convenience.

After the holidays we will have another follow up call where you can ask questions and get clarification on any points. And as always Lora and I are available via email for your input.

We hope that by mid January we will be able to announce our new leadership, the details of our new direction and the specific tasks we’ll undertake in the new year. This is your chance to make a difference and guide the direction our profession will take in the future. There are a variety of levels of commitment and I urge everyone to dial into the call or download it after so that you can be involved.

We look forward to speaking to you this Sunday, December 13th at 8:30 PM EST. Please call in to the following number- 206-701-8388 and input code # 600622. Again, this call will be taped and posted along with some printed material on our website on Monday, December 14th.

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

Lora Brawley

Sue Downey

Tis the season

2009-12-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Tis the season we think of others,

Mothers, daughters, daddies, brothers.

But what of the person who keeps us in line,

Who drives kids to school, and shows up on time.

What of our friend who plays some fun games?

Who teaches us math and how to spell our names?

A nanny is one who cares for us all

Is there a special gift for her at the mall?

What gift could show her how much we care?

How important she is and would keep her aware,

That we appreciate her every single day,

As mom and dad often must be away!

We want to spoil her and show our affection

We just need a little direction.

There are many options from which you can choose

Here is a list, chose one and you won’t lose!

Enjoy your holidays, avoid all the stress

And remember your nanny because she is the best!

**A cash bonus, for a full time nanny one week’s pay is a generally accepted norm

(note: nannies like most employees look forward to a holiday bonus and nannies will discuss their bonuses with friends. If you love your nanny and want to keep her happy, this is an investment in your relationship.)

Gift nannies love to receive:

A day or a half day off
A spa certificate
Frequent flier or credit card points for holiday travel
A letter of thanks from you
A letter of thanks from your kids
A framed photo of her and the kids
Membership to NANC, INA, NAEYC
Magazine subscription to her favorite magazine
I-tunes gift certificates
Extra money in petty cash so she can do some fun things with the kids
Supplies for her favorite craft
A donation to her favorite charity
A list of 25 or 50 reasons she is the best nanny
A short video of the kids talking about all the things she does for them
Visa or Mastercard gift cards
Extra time off at the holidays
a percentage of your holiday bonus - you can’t succeed without her
Massage or mani/pedi coupons
Gas cards or gift cards to her favorite restaurant
Money toward attending a conference
Pay her cell phone bill for a month or a year
Gym memberships
Something from their amazon.com wishlist
Pay for a class for her hobby, i.e. a photography or cooking class
A coupon for their birthday off work
A t-shirt with the kids handprints on it
Gift certificate to Starbucks or a favorite restaurant
An ipod
A calendar with the kids photos on it
Notes from the kids about all the fun things they did with your nanny this year

Waiting

2009-12-01T05:39:00.000-08:00

Patience is a hard thing to teach. This time of year especially, there is quite a bit to get ready for, things to wait for and look forward to! But there are teachable moments no matter what holidays your kids are celebrating! Counting down the days with an advent calendar is a time honored tradition for those who celebrate Christmas. Here are some ways to twist this tradition slightly to create some great memories and teach some lessons to your kids!

1. A waiting chain! We used paper strips cut about 1 1/2 inches wide in alternating colors (red and green, blue and white) to count the days until the holiday! It can also be used to count down days to a birthday or other big event. Make one strip for each day from now until the big day and make a simple paper chain. Each day you can rip off one of the links. This is a great visual way to show the passage of time and to build and manage excitement. Want to make it even more meaningful? Try writing a little something for the family to do on each link before connecting them. Things like:

sing a carol or other happy song out loud
clean your room to get ready
clean out the toy room and donate old toys to a shelter
make a bird feeder to give back to nature
do something nice for someone today without being asked
tell someone today a nice compliment
write a note to someone you have not seen in a long time
bake cookies
try a new holiday craft today
jump up and down and yell hooray to celebrate another day closer
hug someone every hour today
call someone who lives far away from you and have a chat

You get the idea and you can modify and think of more things to do to get ready for the holidays!

2. Have a jar of jobs. Want some things done around the house before the holidays. Create a job jar and have the kids choose a job from the jar each day. Fill a jar with slips of paper that have the jobs written on them- things like cleaning their rooms, helping with baking, wrapping gifts or whatever. On the other side of the jobs, you can write an amount that the job is worth. Then as the kids earn money they can make a gift list of family to buy for. They will really think very hard about what to give people when they are earning the money themselves! Or if you want have another treat on the other side of their job, things like watching a holiday video, getting computer time or having a holiday treat!

3. Put a white piece of paper up on the wall in the kitchen- poster size! Grab some markers and each morning have the kids write something they are thankful for, or some achievement or moment from the last year that they want to highlight! Try to fill the paper up before January 1st! Then use the paper to cut up and make New Year's confetti! This is a great way to focus on accomplishments and celebrations from the past year!

There are hundreds of ideas of activities for this time of year.... feel free to share your own ideas!!!

Online Nanny Sites--Parents, what should you look for?

2009-11-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

So you have decided as a parent to look for a nanny using an online site. What should you look for?

Cost of information- make sure you know how much you will have to pay and what information you will get for your money. Some sites will offer you a free preview, but the important nanny resume info will cost you. Also pay attention to how you make contact with the nanny- phone, interview or do you go through the site?
What information will you get? Will you be provided with references, work history, just the nuts and bolts of a standard job application? Or will you have access to statements from the nanny about their childcare philosophy, experiences, viewpoints and preferences?
Does the site have a large database of nannies in your area?
Are there helpful resources available on the website? Do they have interview questions and tips, salary guidelines, nanny contracts, and other information that you can access for your membership fee? This information is SO valuable especially if you are hiring a nanny for the first time.
Do they provide background checking? This is almost always at an additional fee. No two background checks are the same so be sure to find out what is included. You will want to make sure you are checking things out nationally and not just in the current city or state the candidate is living in.
Watch out for the term "prescreening". This has vastly different meanings with each different site. Make sure you know what this term means for the specific sites you are using. You will have to do reference checking and background checking yourself when you use an online site to really screen a candidate.
Is the site a nanny site? Or does it post jobs for any types of employment? This can affect the amount of time it will take to identify qualified caregivers.
Is it easy to use? Can you post all the relevant information about your position including living arrangements, pets, complete job description and the kind of caregiver you are looking for? Are you able to include some personality information about you and your family? Remember a good nanny relationship is based on mutual fit. Both you and your nanny will be interviewing each other!

The most important thing to remember when searching online for a nanny is that it is an active process. You will be doing the work of a whole agency yourself so be sure you have a plan and ask lots of questions, both of the websites and the nannies you interview!

Online Nanny Sites- Nannies, what should you look for?

2009-11-16T07:44:00.000-08:00

Are you a nanny searching for a family? Perhaps you have registered with a traditional agency, but now want to expand your search. Online nanny sites have many benefits for nannies but be careful how you search! Some questions to ask:

How big is the current family database in my area? Sites often have thousands of jobs but are they close to you?
What information are you required to give? What information will families have access to? Many sites require you to give references, personal info etc.. but will not allow families to see this info unless you give your permission.
What information will the site prescreen? Will they check your references or run a background check prior to putting your profile up on a site?
How will families be contacting you? via email or phone or through the site itself?
What information about families will you be given? Is it just nuts and bolts stuff like salary, hours, ages of kids or will there be more extensive info on family personality, job description and additional compensation?
Does the site have additional resources you can access such as interview tips, nanny contract information, etc..? Does the site seem nanny friendly and supportive?
Does the site belong to NANC or INA? Does the site seem nanny oriented or is it for all kinds of jobs? Do they support nannies by sponsoring training, conferences, support groups or any other means?
How long will your resume be posted? Do the family postings seem current and up to date?
Does the site give parents salary guidelines and do they fit into the salary range you are looking for? Does the site give parents advice and do you agree with what they are advising parents? Parents will view these sites as "experts" so what the sites tell employers will likely affect their opinions.
Finally is the site easy to use? Can you access the job database easily and search for jobs in ways that make sense to you (i.e. by geographic area, salary range, type of position)? Is the site organized in a way that makes sense to you?

It is very important to remember that in any job search, but particularly when you are using online job sites, YOU MUST BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE. Make sure you are following basic internet safety rules when contacting families and be super cautious about giving out your information. Searching for a job online takes a lot more time and requires that you really look at searching for a job as a job in itself.

Online Nanny Sites -- Are they for you?

2009-11-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Online nanny search websites are here to stay. In this economy they seem to be experiencing a boom in business. There are so many new sites popping up every day it can be confusing. And more and more nannies seem to be flocking to these sites as parents look to them to save a little money in the nanny search process.

It is important to know that while these sites have become more popular, they are still not the same as a traditional brick and mortar agency. The reason these sites are less expensive is that they offer less service. If you are a parent and you are hiring from an online site, you are going to have to do much more of the legwork for your search yourself. This does not only mean a background search and interview, it also includes prescreening candidates, gathering and checking references, clearly defining the contract and job description and more. And you are doing this on your own, with few resources and no experienced person to hold your hand through the process. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of this, you should look into a traditional agency. However, if you are willing to make your nanny search your job for awhile, then online sites can provide you with all kinds of great candidates.

And nannies, online sites are booming with jobs these days. But just like parents, you will need to do more of the legwork yourself than if you had registered with brick and mortar agencies. You will have to make more calls to prospective families, screen out families with "dealbreakers" and search out families that are in your pay grade. Be sure to be safe! Be cautious about information you post online and make sure you are not visiting a family for the first time in their home. Meet in a public place first- or at least make sure you have people who know where you are.

Next post we will talk about what to look for in an online site and start the discussion on what the best practices of online sites should be!

Nanny Care Worth the Investment

2009-11-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

The economy has changed things for nannies. Many nannies are finding it hard to find jobs, and especially higher paying jobs. But do you go into the interview and really identify why you are worth the higher salary? Do you know why nanny care is worth the investment?

Nanny care is worth the investment.

Studies show that early attachments with a consistent caregiver provide children can positively affect kids later social/emotional development. Kids with consistent quality care have better relationships, find it easier to express their emotions and even can preform better in school.
Kids in daycare have higher rates of childhood illnesses such as ear infections, colds and even the flu.
Children's brain development is at its peak from ages 0-6. It is essential that kids get the proper stimulation at these ages. Neural pathways can be lost forever if not stimulated at early stages.
Teenagers go through some of the same developmental struggles as toddlers- the search for independence, the struggle between what I want to do and what I can do, the need for lots of sleep and rapid growth spurts. It is essential to recognize and help children through both of these turbulent periods.
Nanny care provides parents with an in house expert and support.
Nanny care can also provide household support, help with errands, light housekeeping, laundry, management issues and scheduling. This frees parents to spend more quality time with their children. While hard to quantify, parent involvement does have a huge influence in raising a healthy, happy, successful child.

I found articles and proof for all of these statements and more in a few minutes with a google search. Make sure you are armed with your facts as you renegotiate your raise or search for a new job. Nanny care is worth the investment.

A nanny is a true innovator!

2009-11-04T04:32:00.001-08:00

When you are on the front lines with kids you have to be able to keep thinking. It really brings new meanings to the term "be on your toes". There are thousands of books, hundreds of experts, and countless sources to find new solutions for kids. But the one thing I have learned in my 15 or so years is that no two kids, really no two families are alike which means you always have to be a creative problem solver.

Enter my current situation with a 10 year old charge. He is entering into that hormone induced, moody, pre teen stage that no one warns you about. Oh, I know teenagers can be rough, but I find the transition to be even tougher. I have been down this road before, the advantage of being a nanny is that you do see these things over and over, so I know the drill. I have read the advice and studied up on current theory. We try to set fair limits. We give him some space. We teach him alternatives. We reason with him. Still his grumpy, sassy, angry behavior was driving me crazy!

So I made him grumpy coupons this week. Simple pieces of paper that say "I am in a bad mood, please leave me alone" and I told him he could use these when he was angry for no good reason. I then gave him some parameters, like he had to still treat people with respect, he had to be ready to go on time to activities, and he could not use these coupons during holidays and family obligations. The piece of paper was just a different way for him to communicate how he was feeling, and gave him a nicer, and somewhat humorous way to to ask to be left alone.

I don't know if they will work, but he did say thanks for them. He now is thinking about how to solve the problem instead of fighting against me.

I know lots of nannies who are creative problem solvers like this. You have to constantly be thinking of new ways to approach the situations that crop up. It is the most exciting part of the job really, that there are always challenges to face.

The rollercoaster!

2009-10-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine just posted to her facebook status....

Really need to get OFF the roller coaster.......I'm on the AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH part......not the WWWEEEEEEEEEEE part!

How many of us feel like we are on the aahhh! part. With schedules and meetings, with temper tantrums and parent issues, with cooking and cleaning, life can often feel like an uphill climb with rapid descents into craziness. But we are so lucky! Nannies get to work with kids. And the beauty of that is that while they are often the cause of those AAHHH moments, they also can change things on a dime and get you to the WHEEEE. Kids can hug you, say something funny, or be unexpectedly sweet and change the whole course of the day. People who work in offices don't get that kind of quick turn. The unpredictable can be frustrating but it is never boring. EVER! If you are having a boring day with kids you are not really engaged.

To paraphrase the movie Parenthood- some people in life choose the merry go round, but if you are a parent (or a nanny) you have chosen the roller coaster. The roller coaster is more fun- you don't go anywhere on a merry go round.

The Wheee part will be coming. Just enjoy it as it happens.

Free training opportunity online!

2009-10-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Lisa Werth for sharing this!

ChildCare Education Institute is committed to providing relevant and up-to date online coursework that enriches early childhood professionals and the care provided to children.

October 5 - 9, 2009 is Step Up for Kids Week, a nationwide event focused on bringing attention to the care and education of America's children. In honor of this event, CCEI is giving child care staff access to its professional development library at no cost*. (Promotion ends October 9, 2009 and applies to professional development courses only. Students with current, individual professional development subscriptions are not eligible. Courses are limited to 6 per day.)

CCEI's online professional development library includes over 100 courses, covering topics such as: Child Development, Classroom Management, Curriculum, Guidance and Discipline, Health and Safety, and other topics pertinent to the child care industry. Each completed one hour course is awarded 0.1 IACET CEU and may articulate to college credit. Students can print their certificates of completion immediately following course completion.

"Step Up for Kids Week is an opportunity for CCEI to recognize and reward early childhood professionals, teachers, center directors and staff for the valuable role they play in the development of children. We hope educators will use this opportunity for continuing education to enhance their knowledge base, which enhances the quality of care given to children," said Maria C. Taylor, President and CEO.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to experience the benefits of online learning and gain valuable knowledge about early childhood education. To enroll, visit www.cceionline.com and select 'Click Here for Current Promotions' for detailed instructions on registering for the Step Up for Kids Week Promotion.

The most wonderful time of the year....

2009-09-08T05:46:00.001-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Can you hear the song and see the commercial where the dad is dancing through Staples? Back to school time is great for some nannies and difficult for others whose work hours and responsibilities may change. Still other nannies have kids too young for school so all this excitement passes them by.

After living so many years in the school calendar though, the thing about September is that it really is the START of the year for me. I started my last 4 jobs in September. It just feels like the beginning for me, even when I have charges too young to go off to school.

Once school starts it is a great time to sit down and speak with your employers. See where they are with the way things are going. What goals do you share for the kids this school year? After the long days of summer it feels good to get back to a schedule, a routine and some structure.

September is a great time to re evaluate your goals. Look over those new year's resolutions and see if you have achieved what you set out to do. If not, you still have time. Do some self evaluation and figure out where you can improve and pat yourself on the back for the things you are doing well.

What is it really that you hope to accomplish in '09-'10 ?

AU Pair vs. Nanny Care

2009-08-11T04:34:00.000-07:00

In today’s difficult economic climate, families choosing in-home childcare are taking a closer look at their nanny v. au pair option. Several recent articles have spotlighted the recent changes in-home care market, noting the tougher sell highly paid nannies are facing and the growing number of au pairs being placed in the United States.

It’s tempting to be swayed by the cost savings of hiring an au pair but families should do their homework and really think about what option will work best for their family.

Although nannies and au pairs are often portrayed as different sides of the same coin, with au pairs being a less expensive, foreign version of the American nanny, there are substantial differences between the two. Lora Brawley, President of the National Association for Nanny Care said, “Both nanny care and au pair care provide quality childcare. The big difference lies in the focus. Nanny care’s primary focus is childcare while au pair care’s primary focus is cultural exchange. Nannies take a nanny job to earn a living doing something they love and are passionate about. Au pairs take a placement because they want to experience the world and are happy to pay for that experience by providing childcare. One isn’t inherently better than the other. But these two different perspectives result in two very different experiences for the caregivers and the families they work with.”

Host families that participate in the au pair program are required to provide a home environment for their au pairs and treat them as a member of the family. Parents are required to provide au pairs with educational and cultural opportunities, private room and board, $500 educational stipend, 2 weeks paid vacation, at least one full weekend off per month and a weekly stipend of around $180 per week.

In exchange, au pairs provide up to 10 hours of childcare each day or 45 hours of childcare each week. Au pairs are not allowed to do family-related or household management tasks such as family laundry, family meal preparation or taking a family car in for service.

In contrast, families choosing nanny care are employers. They decide on the details of the job and then hire a caregiver able to fill those needs. There are no parameters placed on the length of employment, number of hours, the responsibilities or the type of relationship between caregiver

and parent. One of the biggest selling points of nanny care is that parents get to customize their childcare / household solution.

So which is the better choice? That depends upon your family’s personality, lifestyle, needs and offerings.

Au pair care might be a great choice for your family if you…

• are excited about opening up your home and lives to a young adult and happy to support their interest in cultural and educational opportunities.

• are committed to embracing the au pair as “part of the family”. Although au pair agencies do provide au pairs with some support and social interaction, it’s the host family’s responsibility to make the newcomer feel welcomed and supported throughout their time here. Host families are asked to share family meals, activities and vacations with their au pair as they would a visiting family member.

• simply need a “second pair of hands”. Since au pairs can only work up to 45 hours a week and can only be given limited tasks they are best suited for parents that work a part-time schedule, a light, flexible full-time schedule or who need before / after school help.

• want your children to be exposed to another language and culture through first-hand experiences with a foreign national.

• value the opportunity for your children to connect with many caregivers over the years.

However, nanny care would be the best choice for you if…

• you have an infant or toddler. Au pairs are not allowed to care for infants without a responsible adult present and must receive additional training to care for toddlers.

• your child has special needs. Au pairs are not allowed to work with even high functioning children with special needs.

• you need childcare more than 45 hour per week. Add up working hours,commute time and any additional time like date night or client dinners to get an accurate estimate of how much childcare you really need.

• you want long term, consistent care. While having a nanny doesn’t guarantee this, having an au pair guarantees against this. Effective screening can help you find a caregiver that’s in it for the long haul and will work well with your family as it changes over the years.

• you’re looking for a higher level of care. In general, a well trained au pair offers the same level of care an entry level nanny does. While this is a perfect match for some families, many other families are looking for a caregiver with more education, more experience or a stronger skill set.

• you’re looking for a household partner that will help you take care of the details of day to day life – grocery shopping, family laundry, errands, calling the repairman, fill-in-the-blank - leaving you the time and energy to enjoy your kids.

Whether you choose nanny care or au pair care, become an educated consumer before paying any fees or making any placement choices. The safety and well being of your children are well worth the time and energy needed to make the right choice.

- from our newsletter July 2009

a 3rd parent?

2009-08-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have to start this post by saying, this is not the official position of NANC. This is my opinion and I am not proposing that you will agree. It is simply the way I look at it.

Ok- in trying to define what a "nanny" is many people say they are the third parent. This bothers me for some reason. I am not a parent. Don't get me wrong, these kids are mine. But I do not let them call me mom. I know some nannies who do. I know some nannies feel that they are the third parent and I respect many of these nannies and the work they do. But I don't want to be a parent. I feel that as nannies we are a part of the team- but the buck stops with the parents. Sometimes the parents are wrong. Really wrong. But we despite all our best efforts and training, parents are going to make mistakes with their kids. It has happened since the beginning of time. And while I do not believe in being silent about my opinion that is based on years of training and experience, here is the thing, sometimes I am wrong too. So when all is said and done, the parents have the ultimate say.

I am willing to be...

and advocate for the children

a friend to the children

a listener

a teacher

a driver

a cook

a guidance counselor

sometimes even a maid

but I am not willing to be a parent. A child needs their parents.

And let's face it- as much as I would want to stay, there is going to be a day when I must leave. It is better to say good bye to a nanny than to say good bye to a parent.

I know there are many full charge nannies who will not agree. And that is good as there are parents out there who want to "hand over the keys" as it were and let the nannies drive. Maybe these nannies are more like parents. But I still struggle with that way of defining ourselves.

What do you think?

-Sue Downey

delicate moments

2009-06-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

All nannies have them.

You walk into the kitchen in the morning and you can feel the chill in the air. Mom is not talking to Dad and everyone is being extra nice to the kids.
Or you call Mom and she obviously has not talked to Dad about something important and now you are left breaking the news.
Or Grandma comes to visit and she does not know many things about how the home is run. You are the listening post as she complains about how Mom and Dad do things.

These are just a few of those situations. There are so many more. And as a live in, the awkward moments can be pretty intense. I have had conversations with Mom's who are blow drying their hair in a bra. Not your usual workplace scenario.

Nannies work in private homes. We are family, but not family. We are employees, but so much more. These situations are not ones you can take a class to learn about. And really there are no rules when it comes to dealing with them. I struggle with these kinds of situations all the time and I have been in the biz for more than 15 years. Like so much about our jobs, these delicate situations are so uniquely personal to the families and so intensely PRIVATE there is no where to go for advice. So how do you cope? Are there any hard and fast rules for these "delicate moments?"

feel free to share... but please do not post any specifics or names!!

The words we choose

2009-06-01T18:43:00.001-07:00

Most nannies at one point or another say the phrase..

"Watch your language!"

Usually we are dealing with an attitude filled pre teen, or perhaps a toddler talking back. Children strive for independence and language is a tool that they wield powerfully, but sometimes inappropriately.

Yet effective language is a tool that we as nannies do not often pull out of our arsenal when working with our employers.

All too often nannies complain of a being treated unprofessionally. Some nannies are micromanaged, or treated like babysitters just there to keep the kid safe until mom and dad get home. And while this is fine for many caregivers, most nannies are much more than that to the children they care for. We plan activities, stimulate language, develop motor skills. We worry about socialization, brain development, and teaching kids manners, responsibility. Not to mention the ABC's, state capitals and the life of an average garden worm. We are educators.

But when parents arrive home, do we say, "Today I provided stimulation for your infant's social emotional skills by playing peek a boo. We also went outside where we enjoyed some tactile stimulation. I developed his sense of attachment and well being by keeping him on schedule and cuddling him after his nap. And I made sure that he was provided with the proper fats in his diet to help develop his myelin sheath which is so important for his neurons."

Well of course not, as that would be quite a mouth full every day! But do you use terms like "emotional development, tactile stimulation, attachment"? Do you explain to parents in some way the importance of the play dates you schedule for your 3 year old? Do you discuss brain development, or learning styles? Do you share professional articles and resources that you spend time studying?

Nannies often ask me what they can do when a parent doesn't listen to them. Nothing. Well, almost nothing. You can't make someone listen to you. But you can in fact, keep altering the WAY you speak to the parents so that they will perhaps HEAR you. Use those professional words whenever you can. Write out a lesson plan or a daily journal and EXPLAIN in educational terms what you are doing and why. The words we choose make a difference. Not only will your employers begin to treat you more professionally, but you will also be sharing your knowledge with them and that is great for those charges you love so much!

Planning for Nannypalooza

2009-04-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Nannypalooza 09 will be held in Washington DC. We made this change due to overwhelming feedback that to keep it in Philly year after year was "boring" and "not fair". I had some misgivings about planning a conference when I could not go and see things for myself. I live in the Philly area and so it was easy for me to drive to check out hotels and to connect with speakers etc..

So this weekend I made the trip down to Bethesda to check out what we are now committed to. First stop - our new conference center. We found REALLY great rates with a much more reasonable guarantee policy at the 4H conference center. This center used to be used for 4H groups to come and have retreats, meetings, etc.. Now with 4H more spread out all over the country, the center is available for other groups to use. It is a beautiful campus. Driving in, you feel as though you are heading onto a small, college campus. There is plenty of FREE parking around the back of the main building. Then you enter and go upstairs to the main foyer of the building. This is where we will probably have registration.

Our main room is right off the lobby. Then we will have 2 breakout rooms and a larger room for vendors down the hallway and in a more private area. There are large couches to relax on and plenty of space to socialize. The center also has a recreation area/game room with computers, air hockey, vending machines, a large tv and couches in the basement. This will be a great space to chat with friends. (it feels a little like your parents' rec room!) There is WIFI access throughout the center.

Breakfasts will be offered in the cafeteria which is a short walk across the driveway from the main building where we will be. The cafeteria is huge and has so many choices for foods. They have a waffle bar!!

It was a great space and will be a great fit for OUR conference. It is not fancy, but it is nice. It is relaxed and not at all stuffy. It has a youthful vibe but does not feel like Chuck E Cheese! And most of all there is plenty of space for us!

Check back for info on Bethesda and the Doubletree Hotel!!

2009-04-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

2008-12-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

Unleash Your Inner Safety Goddess
By Britt Michaelian, M.A.
Author of Secrets of the Safety Goddess:
A Modern Safety Guide for Busy Parents

Doesn't it just sound euphoric to think about unleashing your inner goddess? How about unleashing your inner Safety Goddess? Ok, well maybe not as euphoric, but still a pretty enticing idea, right?

Today, you are going to find out 5 things you can do to tap into your inner Safety Goddess. The good news is that she is inside every one of us, if we choose to tap into her. The trick is knowing how...

When a mother takes home her first baby from the hospital, she is sent home with some diapers, a blanket and usually a bag of goodies with such things as a sample of baby shampoo, a tube of diaper rash ointment and coupons for diapers.

Unfortunately, there is no instruction book that comes home with our new baby because every baby is different. If you are lucky, you may have a very hands-on grandmother to help you manage your little one. However, the reality is that no matter how much mother's intuition you are blessed with and no matter how wonderful a caregiver you can possibly be, safety knowledge is not something we are born with. It is learned. So, educating yourself about child safety now is essential.

With the #1 cause of death in children being preventable injuries, it is our job as loving parents to educate ourselves about potential hazards, safety precautions and preferred actions to take in an emergency, if we want to keep our little bambinos safe!

Here are 5 steps you can take right now to tap into safety bliss:

Safety Goddesses, unleash!

1. Take annual CPR and First Aid courses through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
2. Childproof your child and your home. Make sure that your windows have guards and locks, safety gates are installed at stairways, electrical outlets are covered, chemicals and cosmetics are out of reach and all other hazards are corrected. Communicate with your child about things that are dangerous and use protective gear and helmets when participating in wheeled activities.
3. Install, test and utilize your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
4. Supervise your children with the 5/10 rule: Never let a child under 5 out of your site for longer than 5 seconds and never let a child be more than 10 feet away from you. Expand the time to 10/20 for children between 5 and 9 years old. Supervision is essential for children of all ages!
5. Read child safety books, watch safety videos and regularly educate yourself with the latest recall information and safety news.

Speaking from experience, once I started reading about child safety, I got addicted. There is simply no end to the information you can find that will help you be a prepared and informed caregiver. Safety is a topic that you can never know too much about because the world is always changing, which means safety is too!

Now that you have let your inner Safety Goddess out to play, tap into safety at least once a month. Sign up for my Safety Pop newsletter, check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall list, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and sign up for those CPR classes.

Then, keep the ball rolling on safety. Start with you and move on to your community. One great way to promote safety is to pass it along as a gift. For under $20, you can purchase a copy of Secrets of the Safety Goddess: A Modern Safety Guide for Busy Parents or Care for Kids: The Essential Guide to Preparing Caregivers on Amazon.com and give a meaningful gift to a parent, teacher or nanny. If we can spread the message about the Safety Goddess to all of our fellow parents and caregivers, our children will be safer at playdates, school and in life. Now that sounds euphoric!

To find out more about child safety, go to http://SafetyGoddess.com and http://ResponsibleFamily.com

Year End Bonus?

2008-12-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

As 2008 draws to a close many things are on our to do lists. Gift to buy, parties to go to, thanks to many who make our lives manageable. Your child's caregivers and teachers are probably on that list. But this year, with the economy so uncertain, you may find you are cutting back on those year end envelopes of joy.

Nannies- that is to be a little bit expected. But that doesn't lessen the sting. Much like the dad in the Christmas Vacation movie, many of us expect that holiday bonus. We count on it especially if we have been with a family for more than a year and have gotten a bonus in years past. And in these stressful times, a nanny is often working late, filling in when needed and offering to help out more than normal. When the holiday envelope doesn't arrive, or is less than expected, hurt feelings can ruin what has been a great thing for everyone.

SO what are you to do? My advice is to remember what a difference a nanny can make in your life and remember that communication is key. If you want to keep a great nanny, you should really make it a priority to show your appreciation. If you are cutting back across the board on all holiday spending, let your nanny know. Explain that these sacrifices must be made but you would like to show your appreciation in another way. Offer and extra day off, a few late mornings that you can calendar throughout the year, some frequent flier miles, or other bonuses that don't cost you much but will make a big differences to the nanny. Show that age old mantra we preach to the kids is true, it is the thought that counts. Find a creative way to show that you care. Most of all don't be afraid to talk to each other. If you can find a way to discuss these touchy subjects, it will make all the difference in how you weather these tough times.

The toughest part of this is how we, as nannies react. It can be almost impossible to not notice that they are spending tens of thousands of dollars on expensive gifts but then ask you to not take a bonus. And all too often we are counting on the bonus to pay for our traveling or gifts for this season instead of it being a true "bonus". Talk to your family and let them know how you feel. Don't let resentment or anger build. And remember, unless it is written in your contract, a end of the year bonus is not promised, even if you have gotten one before. When you do get a bonus, make sure to appreciate that this year, more than ever, it really means a lot!

Sue Downey

Why nanny care IS an affordable choice for some

2008-11-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

With the economy crashing and people tightening belts, much has been made about the fact that nanny care is expensive. And it is. It is certainly more than putting one baby in day care. However, for some families nanny care is truly a value. If a family has 3 kids in day care, a nanny can actually be less expensive. And the care happens in your home, with no commute to a center before and after work. Flexibility is a crucial advantage of nanny care. Many working parents work long hours, often racing to gather kids as centers close. Also, coming home to kids as opposed to picking them up can make all the difference for moms and dads who look forward all day to spending time with their children. In today's economy many professionals work non traditional hours, making nanny care essential. In addition, nannies often lighten the load around the home. Most nannies are willing to help with a few non child related tasks, shopping, starting dinner, picking up dry cleaning etc..

Certainly, nanny care is not for everyone. But I hope that today's parents don't discount the option and the many benefits just because some think the price tag is high. I know plenty of moms who come home to dinner on the stove, kids coloring quietly and a friendly smile from someone who just wants to make life easier for the family. It is hard to put a price tag on that in any economy.

Sue Downey

Is the economy affecting nannies and daycare centers?

2008-11-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

I have to believe that, with a resounding Yes, they are. Childcare is probably one of the most expensive costs to families, and I have to think that especially for nanny care, which sometimes comes with the added expense of healthcare, mileage and gas money, and extras that are provided to nannies.

And another cost of nannies, which parents seem to slowly be catching onto? Household-employment taxes. People who pay household workers more than $1,600 a year are required to file the necessary paperwork, consisting of Medicare and Social Security taxes, unemployment insurance - federal and state - and other state and local taxes, and this is often a tedious process. But by escaping these taxes, some nannies may be losing out on services and a safety net, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal today about parents avoiding "the nanny tax." The cause of this is due, in part anyway, to huge growth of parents hiring nannies from internet sites. From the article:

In the past, parents more often hired full-time nannies through brick-and-mortar agencies, which often exerted armtwisting to persuade both parents and nannies to pay taxes...An estimated 30% to 50% of nanny hires are now done online, up from about 10% five years ago. In general, that may lead to "doing things a little more casually," says Monica Fleming, president of GoNannies.com, an employment site.

So it would seem that while using the internet to obtain a great, trusting nanny would be convienent and safe in today's world, it might actually be allowing for less tax revenue and a safety net for the nanny?

What do you think of this? How do you think nannies and/or childcare centers have been or will be affected by the economy?

-Katie Conrad

New book helps to keep kids safe!

2008-11-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

At Nannypalooza this year we were very honored to have New York City child abuse and sex crimes prosecutor Jill Starishevsky come and speak to us. She also owns the website How'sMyNanny.com. Jill's mission in life is keeping kids safe, and specifically she wants to keep children safe from sexual predators. I learned quite a few things in her presentation, not the least of which was to never teach a child to keep "secrets" as this is the first thing a predator will use as a way to keep the abuse silent. (Use the word surprise instead.)

Jill recently published a new, groundbreaking book that I believe will save kids' lives. It is called My Body Belongs to Me. This book is a poem that will help start the conversation about personal safety. It is very brave and amazing. The one part of the book that is very specific about abuse, that very gently, but very clearly explains to a child that it is not ok for someone to touch you in places your swimsuit covers, was the part of the book that publishers wanted her to change or delete. But Jill knows from her dedicated work with the city of New York that keeping kids in the dark will not protect them. Keeping secrets is not good for anyone when it comes to abuse.

I strongly recommend checking this out!

www.MyBodyBelongsToMe.com

NANC in the news

2008-10-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Nannypalooza got a mention on the Today Show on Oct. 30th. Watch the story here!
The story is about affordable child care and parent's search for "Mary Poppins"

Niche Nannies

2008-10-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

A Niche Nanny is a nanny who specializes in a type of care that is specific. For example, there are infant specialists who care for newborns. These nannies have special training, years of experience and a special talent for dealing with newborns and their parents. Infant Specialists often spend 24/7 with a family for the first few weeks of a baby's life in order to provide the best care for the whole family. There are many kinds of niche nannies. Nannies who specialize in care for autistic or special needs families for example. These nannies also have a wealth of training and experience. But even if your needs are more basic finding a nanny that has experience with twins, or a nanny who has experience dealing with divorce can make all the difference for you.

This trend is great for nannies as it allows them to market themselves to families and makes them more employable. It also allows them to command higher salaries. It is great for families as it offers up nannies with more training and specialized knowledge that will help them meet their specific needs.

The thing about any nanny situation is that it is most successful when the nanny and family have a good fit. When the nanny and family match needs, talents, temperaments, and personalities. In that sense every nanny is looking for his or her "niche".

Sue Downey

Economic hard times for nannies

2008-10-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

The news is hitting everyone. The economy is bad and things are tough. For nannies, whose income is tied to the income of others (the more a family makes the more they can afford to pay for childcare) the situation is not looking good. Recently there was this article in the Wall Street Journal Five Ways to Save on Child-Care Costs - WSJ.com. This article suggest nanny sharing as one way to get high quality care while not taking out a second mortgage on your home. It also talks about how to handle it if you have to cut your nanny's salary.

As a nanny who has worked for a family for more than 7 years I can't imagine what that conversation will feel like. "Yes, I need you to do the same job, work the same hours, and get paid less." However, my employer works in the financial industry and she is probably going to make less this year. She is working just as hard and just as many hours if not more! So I started thinking about it and here is how I would like the conversation to go.

1. If you have to pay me less, or even give me less for bonuses and extras please tell me about it. Talking about these things is awkward but it does make it better in the long run.

2. Make me a part of the team. If I know you are cutting corners then it will be easier for me to take the hit.

3. If I am loyal now and take the pay cut with grace and dignity, please remember me later when things get better.

4. If you have to cut back think of things you can do for your nanny that will help her weather the storm. Do you have internet she can use? Can you share frequent flier miles, credit card bonus points, or other perks that don't cost you a thing but that can mean everything to someone who may be living check to check? These things show that you care. And really that is what is important to convey.

Sue Downey (nanny)

Contracts between nannies and families

2008-10-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Should nannies and families sign contracts? Do you think they help in spelling out responsibilities and rules? Do they help with issues that may be brought up later - as in, just refer to the contract you've signed to work out a problem? Or should nannies and families play it by ear, see how things go and adjust as necessary?

I worked as a nanny for 1.5 years, and never signed a contract with the family. I was under the impression that we would sign one upon my starting, but it never happened. I never really thought much about it, because we had a great system going, and any issues that came up were addressed immediately. However, there was one important contract we both signed through the agency, and we didn't realize until months later the real problem with that.

The family used an agency to find me, and one day the mom and I were talking about that agency, and apparently we both got very different definitions of our "contract" from them. See, I was aware of a contract through the agency that found me, and I signed it because it was spelled out to me. The rule of that contract was that I was not to open a business like the nanny agency within 150 miles of her business. That was a very easy contract to sign as I knew that would never be an issue. The mom of the family I cared for was under the impression that the contract she and I both signed separately stated that I, as the nanny, would be responsible for paying the family's fee if I backed out of the position before our agreed-upon 1 year agreement was up.

While this never became an issue between the family and myself, as I stayed with them for longer than a year, it definitely clarified the use of contracts...MAKE SURE YOU BOTH SIGN THE SAME AGREEMENT!

Katie Conrad

Nannypalooza

2008-10-13T04:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Oct 4 and 5th, we held our third conference Nannypalooza. The idea behind this conference was to create a place where nannies of all levels could come and get training at an affordable price. AND that it could be fun and professional all at the same time.

As nannies we know that by making learning fun more can be accomplished. Nannies are often very isolated in their positions. They can feel like they have little support and depending on their relationship with their employers, it is possible that they don't have any support. Bringing nannies together from all skill levels and from all geographic areas is so important for so many reasons. Supporting each other is one of the most crucial.

The conference was once again a huge success, bringing together nannies of every level and agencies of every size to meet each other and learn. The sessions were overall very well received and the atmosphere was fun and welcoming.

Next year we are looking to move the conference from the Philly area to another location. I hope we can continue to bring high quality content to nannies and agencies while having a good time.

Posted by Sue Downey

The Nanny-Mother Relationship

2008-08-27T03:37:00.000-07:00

Should a nanny be a part of the family or should she/he remain stricty business?

I have heard both ends of the spectrum on this issue. I had the pleasure of being immediately accepted as family when I first came to nanny. I was grateful for this because I was 1,200 miles from home and a little nervous. The family was very accommodating, allowing me to put my favored foods onto the grocery list and occassional personal items if necessary. I was also given gas money weekly, and wherever I took the kids I was given money or re-imbursed. The mother of the 3 fabulous kids also helped me find a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, and helped me switch my car and health insurance policies.

I worked for a very laid-back family, where it was even acceptable for me to take personal calls at the house or on my cell phone. I was given time to run errands during the business day if necessary, and occassionally a friend stopped by to play with the kids, or to pick up a forgotten item.

I cannot complain about the environment in which I worked. Actually, the fact that it was so laid back made me want to NOT endulge in those opportunities out of respect. I rarely accepted personal calls, unless from family, and I tried to make doctors and hair appointments on my day off or early in the morning. In the very beginning, when I did not know a soul in my new town, on my days off I would take the kids with me to discover the town. Our relationship worked very well because everything was laid out in the beginning. I did my job, and thus few problems occurred. I still have a great relationship with the family for which I nannied, including the parents.

I have heard of some rough stories. And really, the media (remember The Nanny Diaries?) likes to play on the bad relationships between mothers and nannies. I think that if both parties really just concentrate on their number one priority - the children - the relationship works, whatever way it naturally flows. I have also heard, and I do think it is a common belief that there is a complete lack of communication between mothers and nannies, which can lead to jealousy and resentment.

What has been your experience? And is the media portrayal correct? How can mothers and nannies overcome problems?

-- Katie Conrad

Nannies and Sick Days

2008-08-06T04:08:00.000-07:00

Should nannies have paid sick days?

Most employees do, why shouldn't nannies? Isn't it pretty likely that nannies who get sick got it from one of the little ones? And if they didn't, who do you think will get it next? Nannies are employees too, and they do deserve sick days.

I saw a post awhile back on The Juggle, a Wall Street Journal blog about Nannies/Caregivers and paid sick days, and it really got me thinking. Most nannies, when using sick days, are truly sick and need the day off. I don't know that many nannies, but I don't image it's very common for nannies to abuse sick time. (Correct me if i'm wrong.) If they are abusing it, they should not be your nanny.

I don't remember how many sick days I used - one? two? - but I was certainly offered them, especially one time upon returning from the doctor's office and I was told to take a sick day (I must have looked pretty bad!) I just really think it is the right think to do - paid sick days should be available to everyone. Especially childcare providers.

Interestingly, out of over 60 comments on that post I read, only 3 comments came from nannies or former nannies. The rest were from parents who employ nannies, most of whom stated that they offer paid sick time in addition to decent salary and in some cases, vacation time. But I've heard some stories of nannies not being treated well at all.

Here is a link to the article- wall_street_journal_blog

Nannies, sound off.

---Katie Conrad

The Joys of Being a Nanny

2008-07-30T04:22:00.000-07:00

The Joys of Being a Nanny

- When you are supervising homework time and she finally says, "I DID IT!" and beams as she shows you her work.

- When they were asked to draw a picture of the family and you are included in the drawing. (How sweet, right?)

- When you go to the driving range at the golf course and the kids are so much better than you that you don't have to try to let them win!

- When they leave you notes under your bedroom door because they missed you overnight.

- When they make an egg breakfast for you! And it tastes delicious!

- When they are able to show you how the science experiment works!

- When you take them trick-or-treating and after going through their stash of candy say, "you can have this Reese's Cup, I know they are your favorite" and you know that they will never have a problem sharing.

- When you walk in on them reading a book to their little sister and making the animal sounds in the book!

- When asked "what did you learn in school today?" and they say anything other than "nothing." **

- When they come home from school with an A+ test and thank you for helping them study.

-When you tuck them in at night and they give you a kiss and say they love you!

** Nannies, if you don't already, ask your charges "what did you learn in school today?" after school each day. I found that it makes them think about what they did and gets them talking about school after the bell rings. Most of the time they will remember this stuff too, so you are helping them retain their knowledge.

What are your joys of being a nanny?

--Katie Conrad

New Kid on the Block!

2008-07-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

New Kid on the Block!

Let me begin by saying that I am not a veteran nanny. I have 2 years experience as an actual nanny, but over 12 years of experience in childcare - babysitting, coaching, tutoring, mentoring - and that by no means qualifies me as an expert.

I do however, think it qualifies me to lead discussions on nannies and nanny experiences. When I was asked the common question "so, what do you do?" and my response was "I'm a nanny," I rarely got anything else. I think people thought that by being a nanny I didn't have experience in any other field, or that I couldn't hold a conversation with someone who works outside the home. Has anyone else felt that they were instantly judged for being a nanny, as opposed to just being a babysitter? It is my hope that we can shed some light on being a nanny, sharing our experiences and concerns, and in the process, emphasize the important role of a nanny, and the lasting impact they leave on children and families.

My nanny job was quite rare in that I cared for 2 elementary aged kids and one toddler with a severe disability. A disability that produces daily seizures. One that has not given her the ability to walk or talk. One that gave her severe acid reflux and minimal motor skills, so she now eats via feeding tube. One that has left her with cortical vision impairment, meaning no one knows what or how much she can actually see. But still, she was the cutest little girl in the world, and she taught me a few things.

-- Posted by our new blog guru- Katie

Nanny Holiday Tipping/Gifting

2007-12-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

Every year experts weigh in on what to do for those people in your life who care for your children. It is a tricky business for some, when a nanny is really part of your family but she is also an employee. Here are some great ideas!

1. Give her a small percentage of your holiday bonus. An employer once told me that she couldn't have earned this bonus without me and so she shared it with me. The words meant as much as the money- but nothing says love quite the same as cold hard cash!
2. Give her an extra week's pay.
3. Make sure the kids make something for your nanny. Or have a special picture of the nanny and kids framed. Make a video of the kids talking to you about the nanny and all the nice things she does for your family. Every mom treasures those homemade gifts and the nanny does too.
4. Give her a day or two off around the holidays - don't count it against her vacation.
5. Really think about your nanny's interests and hobbies. I would rather have something meaningful to me than an expensive piece of jewelry that I will never wear.
6. Give her the use of your vacation home or frequent flier miles! She won't care that you didn't spend a time- everyone loves to travel.
7. If you aren't sure what to get- give a gift card or cash. There are loads of stories in the nanny world of thoughtless gifts that employers gave the nanny. I don't think families mean to do this- but if you can't think of something that really seems to be special- give a gift card with a personal note of thanks.

It all really boils down to this, nannies want to be thanked and appreciated. They don't stay in this profession for the money, they do it because they love the kids and they are good at helping out the family. Make sure you take the time in this season to let them know you care about them.

What do I LOOK FOR IN A FAMILY- a nanny's view

2007-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

There are an awful lot of posts and articles out there for families about what to look for in a nanny. But the real truth of the matter is that there are far more families looking for nannies than the other way around. Nannies, when you go on an interview you should be interviewing the family while they are interviewing you! It is essential that you find a family that you “fit” with. A family that will be comfortable for you to work with and with whom you can communicate. When I am out on an interview there are some very specific things I watch for. Here are a few
§ Does the family make arrangements for the kids for the first interview? It is impossible to properly interview with kids in the room. You should have at least one interview where you can talk about employment issues like pay, vacation and such. Also, it is hard to discuss philosophy of childcare when kids are in the room. A family that knows this will understand that the relationship you have with your employers is as important as your relationship with the kids.
§ Does the family have another interview with time to interact with the kids? Chemistry is key. Never work for a family if you cannot connect with the kids. It won’t last.
§ Is the atmosphere of the home one that you are comfortable with? Are they impossibly neat? Are you? Are they undtidy? Will this drive you crazy? Look around for clues as to the way they keep their home. If you are a organizing demon and they have stacks of things everywhere this should be a red flag!
§ Can I talk to them? Many nannies- really most I think- are not that assertive when it comes to tough conversations. If I am nervous talking to them at an interview- I won’t be able to bring up that vacation time they owe me or the other rough things we have to talk about.
§ Are they looking for a nanny like me? Are they looking for someone to be there for a long time and I know I only want to work here for a year- not a good sign. Do they want someone who will check in with them often but I am used to being on my own for the day- again not a good fit.
§ Do they ask pertinent questions? Nothing like going to an interview and being asked questions from the interview guide book- what are your discipline philosophies? What was your parenting like as a child? Those questions are good- but serious families ask more in depth questions that follow up anwers that I have already given
§ Do they treat me as a professional? The only way to tell this is by the questions they ask and the tone of the interview. But if you are looking for it- you will know. Do they ask you childcare questions? Do they make sure you are paid legally? Do they offer the benefits you deseve?
Finding a family is a difficult process. But like I always tell mothers who ask for advice finding nannies- trust your gut. If you don’t feel a connection with the family move on. The relationship is a difficult one already!
-- Sue Downey

Why nannies get fired-- a list

2007-11-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

TOP 12 REASONS NANNIES ARE FIREDAnd who is responsible (contributed by nannies, parents, agency owners)
15. (Parent) Parent realizes that nanny care is more expensive than day care, and switches.
14. (Nanny) Listening to inappropriate music ( with violent, sexualized, or profane language), watching inappropriate television or using inappropriate language with the children.
13 (No fault, but could have been avoided with communication before job began) Nanny has lifestyle to which parents don’t want children exposed (religious differences, dating outside of race or inside of gender, wearing tattoos, etc.).
12. (Nanny) Showing lack of initiative and failure to plan age appropriate activities for the children
11. (Nanny) Showing lack of respect for employers’ home and property: Parents finding the house worse off than when they left to go to work, or live-in nanny keeping her room (and the house) dirty and messy.
10. (Nanny) Failure to bond with the children, sometimes including using yelling or other authoritative style that intimidates them.
9. (?) Nanny is in car accident, whether or not it is her fault, during her own time or during work hours, with or without children in the car.
8. (Nanny) Staying out and drinking and/or partying so late the night before, that nanny is unable to be alert and responsive to the children during her scheduled hours. (Live-in, usually)
7. (Nanny) Excessive on duty time spent on personal tasks such as internet surfing, telephone calls, television watching.
6. (Nanny) Failure to comply with parents expressed wishes on issues such as nutrition (feeding them fast food), discipline (undermining parents’ rules) and safety (using cell phone while driving, not using car seat, etc.). Also, failure to follow through on other issues the parents have talked with the nanny about.
5. (Nanny) "Threatening the Mom" by the nanny allowing the little ones to call her "Mommy", or through an "I'm a better mommy than you" attitude.
4 (Parent) Insecure mom, who has unresolved conflicts about letting someone else take care of her kids (the nanny is fired for being a great nanny and having a close relationship with the kids, or having any tiny flaw that the mother can use to believe she’s not good enough).
3. (Nanny) Being undependable: being habitually late or absent (even with notice) during scheduled work hours. (Parent) Or, nanny needing time off for surgery or recovery from an injury.
2, (Parent) Nanny giving generous notice about leaving the job, parent firing nanny immediately or well before notice period ends. (Parents often feel betrayed and vengeful when nannies plan to leave.)
1. (Nanny and Parent) Lack of communication, which leads to confusion about nanny duties and responsiblities, and any number of other issues.

compiled by Jan St Clair

Forbes Magazine article

2007-10-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Forbes magazine had this article Money To Be Maid - Forbes.com. In it they talk about with the increasing number of very wealthy people in the US, there are increasing larger salaries for the workers who care for those families. Personal assistants, housekeepers, estate managers and yes, NANNIES. This is no surprise! At Nannypalooza, our yearly conference, we had a session on being a $100,000 nanny. And while those jobs are not common, Jonathan Frye of the Lindquist Agency assured many in the session that there are quite a few $50-60,000 a year jobs for qualified candidates. This is great news for us! Now we just have to get everyone to pay their nannies legally!

Nannypalooza

2007-10-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was Nannypalooza o7- a fiesta of fun and learning. This conference provides training and networking to many and I am proud of it. It is still in its infancy. This year was only the second year. It really started with a dream of creating a place where nannies could get affordable classes. In college I learned of the value of conferences and seminars as continuing education. These kind of conferences are common in corporate America, and even in educational situations. But for nannies they are really only an option for the elite level nanny. INA (International Nanny Association) has a great conference but the fees to attend alone are well over $2oo dollars- not to mention hotel and travel. NAEYC has a great conference- better than any other early childhood one I think- but it is really geared toward preschool TEACHERS and doesn't have much specifically for nannies. And even NAEYC is more than $150 to attend. Nannypalooza is $75. It includes 3 meals. It includes 6 workshops. It will continue to be $75 for as long as we can keep it there- even if we have to make sacrifices to keep it that way. I am adamant about this. Why? Because if I had come to a conference like this in the first years of my nanny career, I would have been a better nanny. I would have been happier. I would have improved the lives of the families I worked for, and for the kids I loved. It makes a difference to have the conference experience. And even though the "vintage" nannies make up a good portion of the conference, I am beyond thrilled to think about the nannies who really need this education, connection and inspiration.

- Sue Downey
NANC

Workers of the World Unite

2007-09-06T20:21:00.001-07:00

Recently, this article was in the Washington Post. Nannies on a Quest for Rights - washingtonpost.com It highlights nannies who are searching for a decent living wage and benefits. This illustrates the diversity in our profession. In this same area of D.C. many "career" nannies are making $100,000 or more a year. I have such mixed feelings about this. On one hand, there are many nannies I know taking care of kids who work so hard for peanuts. They have no rights in our unregulated industry and because nannies are often nurturers instead of negotiators they are taken advantage of. On the other hand, I have seen nannies who are really not great caregivers get grossly inflated salaries because the demand for a certain type of nanny is high. And the sad but true thing is - that if you are white and speak English it is much easier to get a decent living wage. Does that make you a better caregiver? I don't think so. I dream of a day when our credential is up and running and there are some tangibles in our profession. Of course this does not mean that parents will pay on the books or stop looking for a "cheaper" nanny who will also clean the house.

Nanny Diaries

2007-08-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

I first became a nanny at the end of 1991. Moving from small-town Michigan to a suburb of Manhattan was certainly a shock, but what was even more shocking was the whole nanny culture. When I made the decision to become a nanny, I wasn't even sure what one was. Some friends who had graduated with teaching degrees learned that they could make quite a bit more nannying than they could teaching, so they packed up and headed east. I followed a few months after. My parents thought it was a scam for sure. "These people are going to let you live in their house AND eat their food AND drive their car AND pay you - all for babysitting?!?" Apparently they were.

I soon realized that being a nanny was not the same as being a babysitter. I met other nannies in my area, who took me under their wing and showed me what a difference I could make in the life of my charge. I couldn't believe how many nannies there were! They were from all over the world and from many varying backgrounds. They gently guided me and taught me to plan outings and activities to stimulate and socialize the baby. I soon felt a passion growing for my job. I could do this - and I could do it well.

When The Hand That Rocks the Cradle was released in January of 1992 I had been a nanny for two months. A few nannies that I had met through my placement agency made a date to attend as a group. At dinner afterwards, we discussed the film. A few of the women stated how nervous they were about the movie. They were worried that it would portray nannies in a bad way, and not give enough credit for the jobs that we do. I remember thinking that they were a little crazy. After all, it was just a movie. No one was actually going to believe that all nannies were like this. Then the media got ahold of it. Soon stories of horror at the hands of nannies were on the news nightly. People were anxious to make it sound like they had lived through similar situations. Now when I talked to friends from college and told them what I was doing with my life, I had to hear, "Oh. Are you sleeping with the husband? Have you killed anyone?" Ha. It got old very quickly.

Tonight we are going as a group to see The Nanny Diaries. In fact, groups from all across the country are planning to go. I have read the book and am not expecting people to come out of the movie extolling the virtues of nannies. I do, however, hope that it portrays us in a more positive light. Instead of painting nannies as sex-starved lunatics, this story seems to be told more from the nanny's point of view. I'm sure that it will be sensationalized a bit for the movie. A movie depicting my life as a nanny might be amusing at times... but it certainly wouldn't make an engrossing film. Oh well. Let's be honest - we're all really going for the popcorn anyway.
-Charlotte Hilliker from Pa

Baby Nurse?

2007-03-30T19:30:00.001-07:00

I was introduced to the world of nursery nurses a few years after I began working as a nanny. I met some Manhattan nannies and many of the households they worked in had a nursery nurse as part of the staff. I was intrigued by these women, dressed in full uniform, overseeing the nursery. Guarding the babies like a mother cub. Unlike my nanny friends whose job it was to accommodate their at-home employer, these nurses accommodated no one. They did what was best for the baby and didn’t budge if others, including the parents, balked. Ah, the confidence that comes from not needing your next paycheck.

All of the women I met were pediatric nurses who had retired from their jobs early and worked 3 or 4 months in a row so they could afford to relax for next 8 or 9 months. They were paid extremely well, often received substantial bonuses or gifts at the end of their term and had a waiting list of potential clients. Of course their formal training and years of nursing experience played a big part in that equation. Training and experience matter. I still see these types of jobs today in fully staffed households and the women that fill them are still retired nurses.

I know several nannies that have entered the nursery nurse market. While many call themselves infant specialists (the term our industry is turning towards) some fight to use the term Nursery Nurse. I believe the title should be reserved for those that have invested the time, money and effort into obtaining a nursing degree and gaining the requisite experience. Because titles do matter. That’s why nannies go crazy when an 18 year old babysitter declares herself to be a nanny. There’s a difference between nannies and babysitters and we want that difference to be recognized and acknowledged.

I’m not saying that nannies shouldn’t work as newborn caregivers. Night Nannies and Infant Specialists provide a great service to families and are a hot commodity in today’s market. I’m just saying they should take on the title that accurately represents their level of education and experience.

Lora Brawley
nanny of 18 years

How becoming a mom changed the way I nanny:

2007-03-08T18:30:00.001-08:00

I was a full time nanny for six years before my son was born, and a part time nanny/babysitter for seven years before that. Children were always my love and my life. While other children wanted to be doctors, firefighters, ballerinas, etc. when they grew up, I always wanted to be a stay at home mom who volunteered while her kids were in school. I didn't know there were such things as nannies, but I knew the only thing that I would be happy doing is spending my days one on one with a few children at a time. I was not called to be a teacher, or work in a daycare, or to work with large groups of children. I firmly believe that my gifts are best fulfilled when I work with one or two families at a time to help raise a few precious children for a period of time. So when I moved to North Carolina 8 yrs. ago, after going to college, and found a high demand for nannies in my area, I was overjoyed.I've always considered myself a good nanny. I would connect with my charges in a special way, and take them into my heart and life. I even missed the kids on weekends and vacations. There was one special girl, who I started with when she was only 2 months old. Her mother and I became close friends, and this child became "my little girl." I am close to her to this day, and while I was her nanny I was truly her second mommy.After my son was born I had a hard time finding a nanny job. I went from being a high demand nanny to an unemployed nanny. The families I talked to did not want to hire a nanny who brought her child for a variety of reasons. Some just had too many children in the house already, and could not add to the chaos. Some feared I would not care for their child as well as I cared for my own. Some were open to me bringing my child, but wanted to cut the pay in half. And I believe some were simply jealous that I had the option of staying home with my child and still getting paid. I do not say that to be judgmental. The choice to return to work or stay home is heartbreaking to a mother, and most mother's are never fully comfortable with what they choose.But having my child with me has only deepened my love for what I do. Being a mother has touched every fiber of my being, and is the closest thing I have found to true happiness. That love and happiness overflows onto my charges. I feel everything deeper. I notice the milestones more. I pay closer attention to the little details. I have the mother instincts now, and they're tuned in to my charges as well as my own child. Safety is more important than ever to me.And I have empathy for my employers like I never had before. I understand now what it means to work all day, stay up all night with a sick child, and still have to work the next day. I can relate to the guilt and anxiety that comes with leaving your child in the hands of another. I can also understand the need be out in the world as something other than a mommy for a little while.Having a child has definitely made me a better, more empathetic nanny. And the kids enjoy having a playmate as well. I know my son loves his "big brother," and would be devastated if I switched jobs. I never planned on raising an only child, and I love that my son gets to have these "siblings."I know I am blessed to be doing exactly what I love, and getting to be with my own child at the same time. There are challenges when you can't leave your child along with your charges at the end of the day, however. Sometimes I find myself getting drained. It's then that I have to turn my son over to my husband and take some time for myself. No one can be Super Woman 24/7 all alone. We all need a little help sometimes.

Melanie Schlimm

10 ways to find a really great nanny

2007-02-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

When you are a nanny people like to talk to you. They ask you where you came from. I of course came from the planet Poppins but people rarely believe it. Seriously- everyone is looking for fabulous, loving, reliable child care. And when they see you in public providing that care they ask- where can I get someone like you? Again I must resist the urge to say that you can "get" one at the NANNYS-R-Us on the corner. However, to help those of you in cyberland really looking for a nanny here are my top ten answers to that question.
1. Find a good nanny agency. Don't just call the one in the phone book with the biggest ad! Ask your friends, co- workers or nannies you know which agency in your area is great. Then interview the agency like you would interview your nanny. Bad agencies rarely place fabulous nannies. NANC has a great list of agencies on thier website.
2. Tell everyone you are looking for a great nanny. EVERYONE. Your kids teachers, your friends, at your church, and anyone you can think of. Word of mouth can work wonders and it is cost effective.
3. Look online- but carefully. Be specific about what you are willing to pay, your hours and honest about the nannies duties. Weed out candidates by email first- then over the phone and only then in a face to face interview.
4. If you need part time help and you are on a budget- check out the local college. Place an ad in the college paper or through the education department. But know that the schedules for this type of nanny are flexible- both your way and thiers.
5. Don't be afraid to contact local nanny support groups. Most of them do not place nannies- but some will circulate the job to see if anyone is interested. Know that this is not the same as using an agency. There are no reference checks or anything- you have to do the work.
6. BE HONEST about what you want a nanny to do. If you need help with the housework feel free to ask, however, the best nannies I know- the ones who are a cross between Maria Von Trapp and Mary Poppins do not do housework. Picking up after the kids- ok. Picking up after the adults- no way!
7. Interview at least 2 times. Once with no kids around. Once with the kids for part of the time. Ask a zillion and one questions. Then ask more. Check references even if the agency has done this.
8. Go with your gut. Eliminate anyone who rubs you the wrong way. Whether it is a real concern or jsut a personality thing- if you don't get along with your nanny for some reason it will end badly. Every time. Every single time.
9. Use a work agreement (contract) and be specific.
10. Treat your nanny as you would want to be treated. I know sounds like silly "everyone knows this advice" but it doesn't always work that way. Nannies are insanely loyal to employers who treat them fairly and with kindness and respect.

This is just my advice. But I think it holds true. Of course you can always just travel to the planet Poppins.

-Sue Downey

A special announcement

2007-01-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here it is- what you have been waiting for! NANNYPALOOZA 07!

We have a date! We have a hotel! We have some enthusiasm and we have some of the details!

If you don't know what I am talking about let me fill you in. Nannies have a few special needs. We need to talk to adults every once in awhile. We need to have a "co-worker" chat every once in awhile. We need training on the child related issues as well as the unique concerns of our profession. There are not many places where nannies can fill these needs. And at a low cost. SO we held Nannypalooza (woo-hooo) last year in Philadelphia. It was a 2 day weekend conference that gave nannies plenty of chances to socialize and learn. It was HUGELY successful (if I do say so myself) and the response was great. We have now planned to do this conference again. We are staying in Philly because it is close to a large majority of the East Coast nannies and it is fairly inexpensive as far as these things go. We had to up the price a little- but we include 3 meals and over 15 workshops to choose from so you get lots of bang for your buck. Check out the website NANCWebsite for more details including hotel information.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Nannypalooza! ‘07
Saturday, October 20th and Sunday, October 21st
Philadelphia, PA

Tis the season for nanny tipping

2006-12-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Oh the holidays! The joy! The gifts! The little faces filled with joy as they open up.....holiday bonus envelopes! At this time of year it is good to remember the people who make life good for you, your hairdresser, mailman, doorman, oh yeah and the person who cares for your little ones all year long. When I first started as a nanny, I heard tales. The playground is a little like a locker room- the stories are a bit over the top. But there are families that do these things- I have checked. Nannies tell of families handing them $1000 checks, airline tickets home with a week of vacation, year memberships to the gym, broadway shows with hotel and dinner included. WOW! It means alot to a nanny who maybe comes from more humble beginnings to be treated in such lovely ways. Especially because nannies work hard. They go the extra mile day after day. Being alone with a 2 year old for 12 hours a day 5 days a week for a year sometimes feels like a maximum sentence. So a bonus- say a weeks pay which is what most experts reccommend-is nice. And keys to a new car really lets them know how you feel. BUT- the part most nannies won't tell you is this. We really just want a thoughtful reminder that you care about us. That you appreciate us. A handmade card- that you took the time to help the kids make- is as valuable to us as it is to you the parent. A great camera bag lets me know that you pay attention and appreciate all those pictures of the kids I take. A gift certificate for a massage or a day off shows me that you know how hard I work. Nannies, like everyone really, just want to know that they are loved. Of course my grandpa always said, nothing says love like cold hard cash! But the love is what lasts.

Sue Downey
nanny

Giving Thanks

2006-11-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

I fell into being a nanny. I was looking for a "real" job and needed something to tide me over. So I begin working for a temp nanny agency. Providing sick child care, filling in for vacationing caregivers and finally taking an after school position with a single dad and his 15 year old daughter. After a few months of working as a part-time nanny, I realized that this nanny thing might be just what I was looking for - a job that allowed me the time and money to go back to school and finish my business degree. So I took a nanny job on the East coast, was surprised by how much I loved being a nanny and after a semester of business classes, remembered why I left school to begin with. So much for my plan.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2006. Much of what I'm grateful for this week comes from my work as a nanny. I do work that I love and that is important, I've developed wonderful relationships with kids that I would have never known otherwise (what a loss that would have been!!) and I've met many of my closest friends though a nanny network. Not bad for, what seemed at the time, to be a failed plan of action.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And I hope that we all continue to take "wrong turns" that point us in the right direction!

Lora Brawley

Only in Philadelphia...

2006-11-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

Recently when a group of Philly nannies were exchanging funny stories from our experiences with children, I was reminded of something that happened when I was a nanny for the "Lake" family. There were 3 children in this family, who were probably 9,7, and 4 when this incident occurred. These were very bright, creative kids who played well together. They weren't allowed to watch a lot of television, but the one show they chose to watch week after week was one of those shows where people built robots and then made them fight each other. The boys were obsessed! When they received TinkerToys for Christmas, they immediately started using them to build "robots." It wasn't long before their "robots" were ready to have a battle! "Macy," who is the oldest, used the Fisher Price cassette player (the one with the microphone) to call the play-by-play. When the arena was all set up they begged me to come play with them. I said, "Wait.. if you two are competing and Macy is the announcer - who do I get to be?" Without missing a beat Macy said, "You can be the drunk guy in the cheap seats!" I'm convinced that kids only learn this type of thing in Philadelphia....

-Charlotte Hilliker
nanny for 14 years

The B Word

2006-11-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

My 7-year-old climbs into the car with something on her mind.
"Jenn?"
"Yup?"
She chews her bottom lip. "Well... I know you don't like to be called a babysitter. I know you're not a babysitter. But on the pick-up sheet, we have to check parent or babysitter."
"So you have to check babysitter?" I ask.
She nods vigorously. "Yes! And I told my teacher that you're not a babysitter. I told her you're my nanny. And Jenn?"
"Hm?"
Her voice drops to the level that most people use to discuss a fatal illness. "She said that they're the same thing."
I laugh. I've been taking care of this child since she was a baby. I have held her in my arms as she lay limp, burning with fever. I have cried with her over scraped knees and hurt feelings. I have had serious and meaningful discussions with her about life's most important issues, everything from why we can't see God to why we aren't going to touch the dead squirrel in the backyard. She believes what I tell her. And since she's been a baby, I have told her that nannies and babysitters are not the same thing.
A babysitter is the sweet young girl down the street who Mom and Dad hire to look after you when they go out. Her function is to keep you safe and entertained. Babysitters are fabulous, and every great nanny I know started out in that role.
But a babysitter is not a nanny. A nanny is a skilled professional who is there as a substitute parent. Not only do we keep children safe and happy. We also teach and comfort and love and make important decisions every day. We shape little minds, and we strive to provide the best possible starting point for little lives.
For me, it's completely a matter of selfishness. It really doesn't matter whether my little girl writes babysitter on her pick-up sheet at school. She and I both know that I'm an important influence in her life, and that I have a great deal of responsibilty for who she becomes as she grows. But the truth is that I want credit. I fully expect teachers and parents and the rest of this world to recognize me as someone who does a job that matters, who makes an important contribution. I don't do this because I can't do anything else. I do this because I chose it, and I want that fact to be acknowledged.
So I explain this to her in age-appropriate terms, and because she is the most brilliant and fabulous child in the history of the world, she understands.
She gets in the car the next day and says, "I told my teacher that there's a big difference between a babysitter and nanny."
"Good for you," I say. "And what did she say?"
"She didn't get it."
"That's okay," I tell her.
"Jenn?"
"Yeah?"
"I wrote nanny on the pick-up list anyway!" She gives me a big, beautiful grin that absolutely makes my week.
We exchange high-fives, sharing this connection of hearts.
I'm happy to tell you that there's a 7-year-old out there who knows what I'm talking about. Now I just have to work on that teacher...

Jennifer Ellis May
nanny for 12 years

NANC & Nannies Helping to Shape the Future

2006-11-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

About two years ago I was introduced to Joel* a Chicagoan with an intriguing story. Joel is a multi-million dollar businessman who is frequently named as one of the top ten entrepreneurs in the USA. Why you ask am I telling you about Joel? Well, as Joel tells it he and his twin brother Jake* were raised by their nanny, Maeve*. Joel's mother has a serious mental illness and was unable to care for her twin boys throughout their childhood. Fortunately, for this family they hired Maeve* a Nanny who took her job seriously and concentrated on providing them with the guidance and love that they so needed. Maeve died last year and when Joel and Jake were making the funeral arrangements they were amazed to be overwhelmed with requests to speak at her funeral from their childhood school & neighborhood friends. Maeve's influence and love spread beyond simply her charges. In the days following Maeve's death Joel received many cards expressing condolences. Joel said that many recounted the author's memories of Maeve helping them with their homework, turning a cooking project into a science experiment and helping the children build a treehouse. Even up to the point of her last hospitalization Maeve continued to guide and advise Joel telling him that "she didn't raise him to look like a hooligan that he needed to learn to keep his shirt tucked in"! As adults Joel & Jake would often eat dinner with Maeve and much to their chagrin she could still silence their arguments with a single raised eyebrow. Joel credits Maeve for providing the emotional stability, consistency, unconditional love & discipline that made him into the man that he is today.

While we as nanny all have different job descriptions, roles and family dynamics, what we do have in common is the opportunity to make a difference in our charge's lives. We are blessed with this chance and I know for me the single most rewarding part is that I am able to help shape young lives just as Maeve did. It is my hope that by creating a credentialing program we can truly begin to raise the bar and change the publics perception of how to define a nanny.

~Mindy Pannell
Nanny for 10 Years

*Name changed to protect identities.

Being a nanny

2006-10-31T14:52:00.000-08:00

Most people in the United States don't grow up wanting to be nannies. If you are good with children and want to do that sort of thing you want to be a mom or a teacher. I would venture a guess that most people in the United States don't even know really what being a nanny is all about. I know this because as a nanny I get all kinds of questions. Things like: Do you have to put the kids to bed every night? (not usually) Do you ever get a day off? (I work a regular M-F work week) Don't the kids bother you when it is your time off? (No, they would rather be with thier parents!) Why do people have kids if they aren't going to take care of them? (Well, they are taking care of them- they hired the best nanny in the world to make sure their needs are met and that they are safe and happy. There are all kinds of parents.) Nannies are still a mystery to many. But I am glad I am not a mom. I am glad I am not a teacher. I am glad to be a nanny. It is the right place for me to be- despite the questions. Now if I could only get people to stop asking me if I could jump into chalk drawings and fly on umbrellas!
--Sue Downey
nanny for 14 years

Welcome to our blog

2006-10-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here it is - an online forum to talk about NANNIES! And by talk about nannies, I mean talk about how fabulous we are! Hopefully these pages will fill with great stories about how nannies make a difference in the lives of children. Stories of nannies giving exceptional care. It will be a forum for discussion regarding our quest for a credential. It can be another way for us to define who we are, what we do and where we as a profession are going!

Do you have something to say about being a nanny? Do you have something to say about what nannies need to know? Maybe you have something to share about how nannies have made your life better. Let us know! You could be the next guest blogger!

--- Thanks!
Sue Downey- NANC publications chair