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We are thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of Nanny Island, a virtual getaway just for nannies. Every "Islander" gets their own blog, photo album, personal page, and access to all the lively discussions going on in the forums.
Come visit with old friends and make brand new ones from all over the country. Your Tour Guides for Nanny Island are Kellie Geres and Glenda Propst. These fantastic nannies have respectively 19 and 23 years nanny experience. Kellie and Glenda will be on hand to show you around the Island, answer any questions you may have, and help organize Island activities.
So hop on over to Nanny Island…a place where no diapers, runny noses, or tantrums need tending!
“Connecting with others is so important. Nannies are sometimes so isolated in their jobs, that just being able to email with someone who knows what you go through, how you feel, the frustrations, the joys, the ups and downs of this job can bring is priceless. Veteran nannies can share years of experience with new nannies and all can share ideas, suggestions, resources and support.” Kellie, DC Area Nannies
“Over the years I have met interesting nannies from all over the United States. As time passes, people move, phone numbers change and email addresses get updated you can easily lose contact with people. Nanny Island has been a great resource to reconnect with nannies from years gone by! I am so excited to be a part of this new network designed especially for nannies.” Tracey, Durham, NC
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Whether you’re a parent or a nanny, it can be hard to find out if your experiences are shared. Lucky for you, the results of our nanny survey are officially in – and some of them may surprise you. Read on, and find out what more than 100 nannies had to say about hiring, firing, finding the right job, and loving a career that’s both challenging and full of rewards.
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Nanny’s Experience Level
- Under 1 year: 16.8%
- 1 to 3 years: 16.8%
- 3 to 6 years: 18.6%
- Over 6 years: 41.1%
- No answer: 4.6%
Is Nanny happily employed?
- Happily employed: 37.3%
- Employed but looking: 20.5%
- Unemployed and looking: 33.6%
- Other (looking for extra work or a summer position, etc.): 3.7%
- No answer: 4.6%
How does Nanny search for jobs?
- Online classifieds (like NannyClassifieds.com): 37.5%
- Newspapers: 11.8%
- Nanny agency: 15.7%
- Craigslist: 14.4%
- Word of mouth: 14.4%
- Other (Google, job banks, publishing ads, etc.): 5.9%
What are Nanny’s credentials?
- CPR certified: 29.1%
- First-aid certified: 25.7%
- Nanny school graduate: 5.5%
- College grad in Child Development or Education: 5.1%
- College child development courses: 17.1%
- Other (INA, day care, parenting, medical/psychology degree, etc.): 17.1
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This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. Our nannies wrote in about everything from why they chose the profession to the highs and lows of nanny life. And for you parents out there, they have some interesting tips on how to make sure life with Nanny is as good as can be.
So what’s nanny’s #1 tip to parents? Follow this link for that and more… |
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Sometimes a person’s love of children really shines through, and this month’s nanny is a great example. Writing in from Ohio, Andrea has dedicated her life to caring for children, both as a mom and as a nanny. She has also demonstrated grace and caring in a family that really needed a helping hand. In fact, the family appreciates her so much, they wrote in as well:
"Andrea has been a tremendous addition to our family and we immediately came to rely on and love her! She is absolutely tireless in her efforts to keep our home running smoothly and our sons happy and cared for. Carter and Wyatt adore Andrea and I feel truly blessed to have gained a kind and trusted friend and caregiver." Missy, Ohio
What more could we say? Thanks, Andrea, for being one of America’s Top Nannies!
Andrea’s Story:
My name is Andrea and I have been a nanny for 15 years. When I graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s in special education, I decided to teach for a short time, but knew that it was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I became pregnant with my daughter in 2001 and knew instantly that I wanted to spend the rest of my life devoting my time to children. Since becoming a nanny, I have worked for three amazing families, each with children unique in their own special ways.
My situation is different because I am a mom. My daughter, up until this year when she started kindergarten, has always gone with me to work. Recently, I started with a new family, including twin baby boys who have become the little loves of my life. They have a great story.
My twins are 7 months old and have been through enormous obstacles. They are adopted, and one of them was the donor in a twin-to-twin transfusion. As a result, he has had large obstacles to overcome. He is deaf, three pounds lighter than his brother, and has delays in his development. That being said, they require lots and lots of hugs and kisses!
I can't imagine doing anything other than what I am doing in my life right now. I am very active in my daughter’s school, I’m on the board of a support group for children with delays, and most of all I am so devoted to my daughter and my "job" (I have never viewed what I do as a job). So many children need love in this world and I just happen to get paid to love all the children in my life unconditionally. What a great place to be. |
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Overcoming obstacles. Making an impact in a family that really needed help. We know you're out there, Nanny Superstars, and Nanny Net News wants to hear your story. Follow the link below and tell us why you're a real-life super nanny.
Here's what we want to know...
Your stats:
- Name
- E-mail
- City and State
- How long have you been a nanny?
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- What made you decide to become a nanny?
- Education level?
- CPR/First Aid Certified?
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Your story:
Are you a member of local or national nanny association? Are you active in the community as a volunteer or part of an organization? Tell us a little about yourself and your life as a Nanny!
Photos are encouraged, but not required. Each month, we'll publish our favorite story in the newsletter – and if we print your story in an issue of Nanny Net News, we'll send you a free nanny sweatshirt or tee-shirt of your choice!
Submit your story now |
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To start, you’re in good shape if no red flags emerged during the interview process. If you have checked her references thoroughly, done a comprehensive background check, had her over for a trial-run with the kids, and generally feel you both "click," then it's probably safe to say that you have made the right decision.
When you hire a nanny, there is a certain amount of gut instinct that comes into play (in addition to taking every step described above). When your nanny starts, it’s wise to spend a few days at home to get her familiar with your house, kids, and schedule. Have her keep a journal of the day's events. (See our sample journal here.) Do some spot checking the first week or two and keep those lines of communication open at all times. Get feedback from family or friends who come in contact with nanny. Hear about her day and show appreciation for a job well done.
If, on the other hand, your gut is telling you something else, talk to your new nanny about your feelings. If things do not change in a short period of time, begin looking for a new nanny.
Have a question for one of our experts? Ask it now! |
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Click. Connect. Head on Over to Nanny Island!
#1 reason to be a Nanny: Love of children
Top Nanny: Andrea, OH 
America’s Top Nannies
Join the Buzz