Earning a Nanny Certification Versus a Nanny Credential

I confess I am proud of myself because I have earned the US Nanny Association Newborn and Infant Care Credential (NICP). First, I studied taking courses at the US Nanny Institute to get certificates showing that I completed the Nanny and Childcare courses and Newborn and Infant Care courses. Then, I applied for the Newborn […]

Keeping Kids in a Safe Nanny Bubble

Nanny Confessions: Don’t Talk to Kids About School Shootings Unless They Ask I am so thankful when parents don’t allow their kids to watch television while I am working. Yesterday, I had a great day with the kids. We went on playdates, to classes, and to sports practice in the fresh Spring air. I got […]

Do Not Complain About Your Nanny Family or Post Photos of Nanny Family or their Home Online

Asking for general advice about child care, child development, contract negotiations, and general nanny job issues on Facebook nanny groups or social media can be very helpful. But be careful about venting or complaining about the people you work or care for anywhere online. You may know a few people in social media groups, but […]

Importance of Last Impressions for Nannies and Parents

Respecting Professional Boundaries Years ago Sue Downey of Nannypalooza wrote “Taking the High Road When Leaving a Nanny Job” I published on my web site. She explains nannies should remain professional and give proper notice at their job because the last impression nannies make when leaving a job will be the memories parents remember most […]

15 Nanny Quarantine Boredom Busters

Nanny Confessions   I have worked as a nanny during the entire pandemic until 11 days ago when I had a fever, extreme fatigue, and lost my sense of taste and smell. Of course I got tested for Covid-19 and went home to sleep and quarantine. Although I could barely get out of bed for […]

Why It’s Harder for Parents of Small Kids to Land Nanny Jobs — And Why it Shouldn’t Be!

Have You Been Denied a Nanny Position Because You are a Parent of a Small Child? Many of my nanny friends have been denied nanny jobs simply because they are mothers to small children themselves. It is certainly hypocritical of working parents to not hire a nanny candidate simply because the job seeker has small […]

Nannies Show Kids How to Apologize

Apologizing to Children We all make mistakes — plenty of them. As nannies we are important role models for the children in our care. It’s important for us to confess and to apologize to children when we make mistakes. Doing so teaches children to do the same. It’s not enough to just say we are […]

Opinion-Shopping: When Kids Ask Parents Although the Nanny Already Gave Them an Answer

Nanny Confessions: Back Me Up I confess there are few things as annoying as when the kids call their parents because I didn’t give them the answer they wanted. My Dad Boss calls it opinion-shopping: when kids keep asking the adults in charge a question that was already answered by another adult, to try to get […]

How Nannies Should Respond When Someone Asks, “When Are You Going to Get a Real Job?”

“Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” — Harvey MacKay After working as a nanny for 25 years I know all to well that much of our society does not value nannies. As with most jobs in childcare in the United States, nannies are often undervalued. The […]

What Nannies Should Not Lie About

Being Open and Honest is Essential to Being Hired and Maintaining Nanny Jobs Of course everyone tells white lies and withholds information at times. There is no point in being brutally honest with people if it will ruin relationships or hurt their feelings. But, being open and honest is essential when job searching and to […]