Nannies’ Favorite Apps

The US Nanny Association (USNA) asked 195 nannies what apps they use to make their jobs more efficient. The results were posted in the January 2024 US Nanny Association newsletter. The nannies that took the USNA poll answered they use apps for the grocery stores they frequent, the children’s schools, sports, and kid’s activities to […]

10 Things to Do When You Lose Your Nanny Job

Getting laid off from a nanny job is always stressful. Losing income is scary when you have bills to pay. Missing the children can be devastating. The best way to pay bills until you find a new job is to apply for any state benefits you are entitled to. The best medicine for missing a […]

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 […]

How Nannies Can Use the 80/20 Principle to Achieve More Doing Less

The 80/20 Principle suggests that 80 percent of our results come from 20 percent of our efforts. The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch shows how we can achieve much more with much less effort, time, and resources, simply by identifying and focusing our efforts on the 20 percent […]

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 […]

Many Nannies Show Up for Work, Even When Scared of Being Infected During the Coronavirus Pandemic

I need an income. What are people not understanding about that? In late March into early April, 2020, How to Be the Best Nanny Blog asked 256 nannies about their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. We learned there is a lot of fear and confusion for many nannies experiencing shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders during the […]

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 […]

Skip Using Pull-Ups

Potty Training: What Science Shows A lot has been learned about child development since I graduated college in the 90s. So, I am listening to the courses from Scientific Secrets for Raising Kids Who Thrive on Audible by Peter M. Vishton, Professor at The College of William and Mary to see what clinical discoveries have […]

The Debate Over Using Time-Outs

Properly Using Time-Outs Whether to use time-outs with children or not has become nearly as polarizing as whether to vaccinate children, letting babies cry-it-out, and spanking. If you admit to using time-outs with children on social media you will be criticized for rejecting toddlers and preschoolers at the time they need your attention the most […]