Welcome to our first Featured Friday! I have received many requests to do a series like this so I figured I should listen to what my readers want, and we will give this a try! Our first feature is of an amazing nanny named Kate. How do I know she's amazing? Well, she happens to be a very close friend of mine and she kindly offered to be the "guinea pig" for this new series haha. So, read on to see what she has to say about her experience as a nanny including her best moments, her most difficult experiences, and even advice for new nannies.
Read MoreNanny
noun | [nan-ee]
1. a person, usually with special training, employed to care for childrenin a household.
It's interesting. Just google the definition of "nanny", and nowhere does it say a person who is employed to care for adults in a household. Yet oftentimes, that's exactly what nannies end up doing. Yes parents, I'm looking at you.
Read More"My nanny has it good. They basically get paid to sit around for 2 hours while my baby naps everyday."
"My wife and I need a sitter this Saturday night. The kids will be asleep the entire time so it's an easy job. Because of this, will you reduce your rate?"
"Since you're only going to be feeding the kids and putting them to bed, can we pay you your usual rate for while they are awake, and then half your rate for when they are asleep? Ya know, because you really won't be doing anything except watching netflix...it's easy money."
Read MoreOne of the main perks of having a nanny is that your child is able to get out and do things. Your child can go on play dates, go to the zoo, story time, music class, etc. Nannies are the most expensive form of childcare and this is one of the luxuries you are paying for when you hire a nanny. If you have a nanny and don't allow them to go anywhere, I honestly have to ask why you have a nanny at all? You would be better off putting your child in daycare. That way, at least your child is getting the socialization that is so vital for early childhood development and you're also saving yourself a lot of money.
Read MoreOkay, here it is. Part 2!! Numbers 6-10 of why a nanny feels taken advantage of. If you haven't read Part 1 yet with numbers 1-5, CLICK HERE and get caught up!!
6. JOB CREEP. Job creep is when slowly more and more duties are placed on a nanny. This can happen even when a contract is in place and the roles of the nanny are clearly laid out. In my experience, the job creep generally happens one of two ways. The first way is when parents simply start adding more chores/tasks for a nanny to do. It's usually a one time thing, such as, "We have guests coming over tonight, can you please tidy up the common areas?".
Read MoreBefore I get into this list, I understand that this is not everyone’s experience. Some nannies may relate to all of the issues listed, some may relate to a few, and some may relate to none. Some parents will read this and think “Wow, I’m totally guilty of that” while others will know they absolutely do not do these things to their nanny. As this blog progresses, please keep this in mind for each post. My posts are in no way claiming to be representative of all nannies or parents. However, in my experience, these are the most commonly heard complaints, which is why I feel it is necessary and appropriate to address them.
Read MoreHello nannies (and parents)! My name is Brooke and I am a professional nanny of 10+ years with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. First off, let me start by saying I am VERY excited to be starting this blog. I believe the nanny field is an ever growing one and navigating it properly can be difficult. It can be difficult for nannies and for parents. The nanny profession is unlike any other. It is a very personal job and therefore boundaries that normally would not be crossed in say, a business profession, are often crossed on a daily basis in the nanny world. Nannies are in a family's home -- integrating themselves as seamlessly as possible to ensure the best development for the children in their care.
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