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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]