This is just an idea, but I was thinking about it today and thought you might like it, too! :) Why not do monthly (or more/less often) nanny "interviews" or parent "interviews" and let both sides share a little bit about what it's like to be in a nanny/employer relationship?As a nanny, I'd love to read about how other nannies carry out their day, and I know a lot of parents who have approached me and said things along the lines of "I'm really interested in having a nanny, but I don't know what would be expected of me, them, how to get started, etc."
Some things I'd love to hear about from other nannies are best and worst "nanny" moments, a favorite/good craft or activity to do with kids (various ages) on rainy days, cold days, etc, favorite discipline/behavior method or trick, background on how they found their family, their relationship with their employers, etc.
Anyway, just wanted to pass this along. :) Hope you have a great day!
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Send your Submissions/Sightings to: MEEBO or e-mail isawyournanny@aol.com.
I agree. This is an excellent idea! No offense to Rebecca, but I would like to read columns by other nannies as well as parents. I also would like them to be more interesting, informative as well as contain useful information that all of us nannies can use. This blog does have some of that, but if it focused more on this stuff, that would be more awesome!!
ReplyDeleteWhat does everyone else think?
Great idea .I hope MPP will do it.
ReplyDeletePersonally, my favorites are the Nanny horror stories or any line-up of the day in a Nannies work life... but whatever you want to send in we will definitely give a try!
ReplyDeleteSee, I hate the nanny horror stories being the "main event", though... They're funny, they certainly belong here in some capacity, but I think they misrepresent what most of us (hopefully!) experience - a fulfilling job that occasionally has its ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteWould it be possible to add a discussion board to this site where we can interact more with each other rather than just through comments on certain posts? There could be a horror story board but also a board for great nanny stories and one for questions, etc? Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteBritney, no offense taken! I too would LOVE to see a ton of guest columns. I really wish that some of the regulars on this board would write in with their own stories.The more submission we get the better this blog will be!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea too . . . but, as Rebecca can certainly attest to, writing a column is a ton of work! I've submitted a siting or two and even those were a lot of work. The concept of an "interview" is great too, but implies that someone else is asking the questions - meaning even MORE work! I would love to read/write something like you are suggesting, but frankly I'm just not that motivated in my limited downtime. Browing blogs and the internet is SOOO much less work than writing a personal piece would be.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we could make it an "assignment" for all the regulars with each person assigned a week. I'm only half-joking ;) I know I would never fail to do a work project or homework assignment, but getting myself motivated without some sort of pressure is not working very well!
hey guys ive actually started writing a blog about my life as a nanny.. its just in the begining stages but feel free to follow me if your interested:
ReplyDeletehttp://diaryofaprofessionalnanny.blogspot.com/
If we came up with a standard list of questions, then everybody could just answer the questions and send their answers in, and that would make less work for both MPP and us - MPP wouldn't have to "ask" the questions, and we would have "something to write about". :)
ReplyDeleteI'd be willing to do a regular "Ask the Nanny" column, answering posters questions about just about anything nanny related. Y'all may have noticed I am always happy to offer my opinions?
ReplyDeleteAnd I think it would be great to have discussion about the answers I give as well - that way readers could see how other people have dealt with the same problems and come to their own conclusions about the method(s) they want to use.
One of the questions I'd like to answer is what the difference is between "Nanny" and "Babysitter" - that distinction exists, but very few people who are new to the world of seeking childcare seem to appreciate that!
Great input. I love ALL the ideas posted, especially the "Ask Nanny" idea.
ReplyDeleteI also wished this site had an chat room so that in real time we could talk to other nannies.
I would love to read more nanny horror stories. Anyone remember the post about the OCD employer with a pet pig? That was a couple of years back now, but I am sooo glad I didn't take that job. Have since hear many unflattering tales of this woman's behavior at her kids' school; she is in the news often. Phew, lucky escape there. My current family is crazy in a different kind of way. I would love to share details but I fear that, since they are so unique, if they came across it, they would know it was me writing about them. I plan to write a book one day though. I keep a log of all their weird comments, actions and situations . I'm sure many people wouldn't be able to keep going, but I stay for the kids, the craziness and yes, the money (for $120K +, you would consider it too :))
ReplyDeleteCrazyFamily, I used to work a job not long ago that sounds like your current job.I made the same insane amount of $, but there was good reason why I did. It was a weird environment!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a message board but for myself find a blog easier to keep up with because I can read it in Google Reader. I really enjoy the different types of articles and would really enjoy any art projects or ideas of things to do with the kids. Lately the kids and I have planted flowers, made rainbow cupcakes, etc. and I'd love to hear what other nannies are doing!
ReplyDeleteI also have a nanny blog,
ReplyDeletehttp://meganrosew.blogspot.com/
I have used it to show my MB, what we do on a regular basis, and now it's used to update family members and friends on the child's development.
I love the idea of new types of posting to this site. It seems like the traffic on the site has decreased a lot over time, and I would love to see it be as popular as it once was.
I know what would make this site better. Delete any post by Truth Seeker and this will definitely improve the dynamic.
ReplyDeleteMPP, I have noticed that you already have deleted some of her comments and I commend you for taking action on her crazy perspective that a nanny gets to "drink tea" and look out the window vs. folding the laundry. Perhaps after Truth Seeker, you will delete MONKEY SHINES as well. Between the two, I think they are both pretty dumb and narrow-minded. Maybe they are the same person.
I know you probably won't post this, but I just wanted to let you know. Bring it on, I say.