Introduction

I’ve been thinking about starting a nanny blog for awhile. Why? As a nanny of 12 years, I have talked to many nannies while out and about at the zoo, park, playdates, museums, etc. Seems like the same topics about the job come up on a regular basis so I thought why not have a place for nannies to come together to throw around ideas, share frustrations and get advice on commonly one of the most thankless jobs out there! As nannies we don’t have coworkers. We often work alone and having an outlet from time to time is very important, especially when dealing with a situation you are not happy with. I also hope this blog can also serve as a place for employers to see what kinds of things nannies like, dislike and chat about on a regular basis. More often than not, the #1 problem between a nanny and her employer is communication. Like any other relationship, there are many things that go unsaid and end up chipping away at what could be a great partnership. Most of the time it comes down to simply not knowing how to bring up certain things and other times nannies don’t say how they really feel because the employer makes it perfectly clear they are not concerned about how their nanny feels, only about the care of their children.

Why the title? I have certainly experienced both positives and negatives with being a nanny. The lasting relationships I have with the kids are most definitely the positives. The often emotional rollercoaster I’ve experienced in dealing with their parents are the negatives. That’s why the name “At least I like the kids” seems appropriate for my blog. It's in no way meant to be disrespectful to the parents or to imply I have never cared for any of the parents I have worked for. It simply seems appropriate because I have said those words more than once over the last 12 years. In fact most nannies have the thought cross their mind several times over the course of their nanny career depending on the type of family they are working with at the time. Now don’t get me wrong, I have had the chance to work with some great parents over the years who treated me well, knew how to communicate, respected the role I played in helping raise their children, and made sure I was decently compensated. But I’ve also worked with those who have only done one or two of those things and as a result it wasn’t a pleasant experience.

Did you notice the words underneath the title?
"Candid thoughts from a nanny's point of view"
I’m bringing this to your attention so it will come as no surprise when I am straightforward with what I have to say. I don’t expect everyone to agree with what I have to say because quite frankly I don’t always agree with what everybody says. You are welcome to question/challenge all posts made on my blog but bickering, name calling and all other immature behavior will not be tolerated and please watch your language at all times. It’s always good to have rules in an open forum. That way it’s clear as to what is expected and no one will be taken off guard if their inappropriate posts are removed.

Nannies: In order to respect your past or present employer’s privacy, please do not use their full name. I also recommend that you post anonymously to protect your privacy.

Employers and other passersby: While you are invited to read the blogs and respond to comments made, you will not be allowed to bash your nanny or the nannies who read and respond to this blog. If that’s the kind of thing you are into, please feel free to find another blog to post on or start your own.

I hope this blog becomes a helpful source to all it’s readers!