Letter from the Editor

Happy New Year! January is a time to look back on what we’ve accomplished, while making plans for a successful new year…whether you’re looking to hit the treadmill, write that great American novel, or renew your commitment to spending quality time with your kids. Here at Nanny News, we’re looking forward to great things in the year ahead (and a welcome reprieve from the ever-hectic holidays!)

Throughout the year, we’ll continue to deliver the news you need – whether you’re a nanny, parent, or agency owner. Have ideas you’d like to share? Get in touch! We always look forward to hearing from you.

I’m sure many of you have heard about, visited, or even contributed to the ISawYourNanny blog. For those of you who haven’t heard, ISawYourNanny is a blog that takes reports from citizens who have witnessed good and bad nanny behavior. The blog has been getting a lot of press – and to be frank, the press likes it because it provides the “negative nanny” slant that certain media outlets can’t seem to get enough of.

But does it really work? Does the blog really do its job and protect children from the abusive or neglectful nanny? I don’t think so. How many parents are going to check the blog on a daily basis to see if their nanny has been reported? Is that really an efficient way to monitor nanny behavior? By posting on ISawYourNanny, a witness to an incident may feel like they "did" something. In reality, they have only vented their frustration. The chances of the family actually reading the blog post are pretty slim.

On the flip side, I was recently introduced to a woman who has come up with an innovative service targeting the same dilemma. The company is called HowsMyNanny.com, and it too has been attracting a lot of press. Unlike the blog that relies on the tireless will of the worried nanny employer, HowsMyNanny takes the work out of the “spying,” so to speak.

HowsMyNanny, modeled after the “How’s My Driving” bumper sticker on commercial vehicles, is a license plate that can be attached to a stroller. Each plate has an individual number. To report a good or bad nanny, all a witness has to do is visit the website and report the incident using the ID number. When an issue is reported, the family subscriber receives an e-mail with the information from the witness.

Join the Buzz: Nanny Surveillance

So, what’s your opinion on these new trends in nanny surveillance? We’d like to know. Join the discussion at The Nanny Buzz, where you’ll find tips and hints from nannies and experts, insight into the latest nanny news, and a forum where you can connect with other nannies and families.

Ask the Experts: Nanny’s First Day

Q: Any advice on an "orientation" or specific things to go over on the first day when my nanny starts?

A: It is a very good idea to stay home a day or two during your Nanny's first days, while letting her do the lion’s share of the work. Run errands so she can go it alone, and encourage her to jot down any questions she might have. It is also a nice idea to take her to meet any neighbors you are friendly with. This way they will know her by sight, and she’ll know who the normal faces are in the neighborhood. You could also go for a drive to point out the parks, pizza joints, grocery store, pediatrician, etc.

Of course, your top priority should also be to go over important safety issues with you nanny:

• Alarm System: If you have an alarm system, teach your nanny how to use it – especially if there are features that could help her in an emergency (a panic button, etc.). If you want her to set the alarm, teach her the code, and have her try to set it.
• Answering the Door: Your Nanny should never open the door for anyone she doesn't know. Tell your Nanny she can blame you in her explanation. For instance, "I'm sorry, but my employer does not allow me to answer the door. Please call later or leave a note and I will be sure they know you stopped by." Anyone who tries to argue is suspect and Nanny should warn that if they don't leave she’ll call the police.
• If you’re expecting a delivery, make sure your Nanny knows this and knows what company she should expect. If you do not have a way for Nanny to talk to a person on the other side of the door, you can install an inexpensive intercom system. If someone at the door claims to need assistance, instruct your nanny that she can call the police or an ambulance for them, but never open the door. This should also be the policy for any children in your house.
• Another important tip: Nanny should never ignore the person at the front door. Many times a potential burglar will ring the front door bell to check if anyone is home. If they do not get a reply, they will proceed to the back entrance or window and attempt to enter.
• Driving Safety: Teach your Nanny how to install your child's car seat and how to make sure it is tightly fastened. If she will be driving your car, familiarize her with all of its features. Show her each little dash board light and what they mean if they light up. Also teach her what to do if a light goes off. If you have power breaks, make sure she knows the proper way to break if she is skidding. If you have a car phone, instruct your Nanny never to talk while driving. Be extremely adamant about this. It is terribly risky behavior and against the law in many states. Let Nanny drive and take a nice long ride with her. Try to make it a drive to somewhere, not specifically to "test" her since she will then be on her best behavior and more conscious of how she's driving. Go to a shopping center with the kids in the car. Show your Nanny how to safely get the kids out and in the car while keeping her eyes and ears open for danger.
• Fire Safety: Most of us haven't studied fire safety since Fireman Bill came to our first-grade class. Don't count on your Nanny to remember what to do. Go over the basics. If you could use a refresher, your local fire company should have pamphlets. Show Nanny your smoke detectors and where you keep the batteries if she starts to hear that annoying low battery "beep." If your children are old enough, include them in your fire safety chat. Make sure they know to listen to your Nanny and to tell her immediately if they ever see or smell smoke. If you have a two-story house, plan an exit route from both floors and run a fire drill with everyone in the house.
• Self Defense: It is not a bad idea to buy your Nanny a bottle of pepper spray to keep on her key chain. This can come in handy not only against menacing people but also if a dog ever attacked her or your child. If you have never taken a self-defense class, this might be a nice bonding idea for you and your Nanny. It may be the best gift you ever give her!
• Water Safety: If you’re like me and live in a town where almost everyone lives on the water or has a pool, water should be a major concern in your family. Map out your water safety policy and make sure your Nanny sticks to it. You should have safety policies that your children and nanny live by i.e. the children cannot be unsupervised in the backyard for even a second. If the phone rings, let the machine pick it up. If you have a dock and your kids love to play around it, lifejackets are to be worn at all times. If a friend has invited your child over and you know the friend has a swimming pool, make sure an adult will be home at all times. The more your Nanny knows about water safety, the more she can teach your children about it. The LifeWithNanny website has more info on Water and Plant Safety.

ResponsibleFamily.com puts out an excellent DVD called “Care for Kids, The Essential Guide to Preparing Caregivers.” This 30-minute video covers common medical emergencies with step-by-step instructions on what to do in case of burns, allergy attacks, poisoning, and more. This is a great 30-minute video that family, Nanny, and kids (depending on their age) should watch together.

Have a question for one of our experts?

Read past Q&A’s and ask yours at 4EverythingNanny.com.

Protect Your Family with State-of-the-Art Surveillance