Practically Perfect Podcast- For Nannies by Nannies!: Recent Episodes
Sue Downey and Lora Brawley
In this episode, Sue talks about the new book The Agency with the author Monica McGurk. The Agency is Mary Poppins meets James Bond and is YA fiction fun for everyone. We chat about writing books, why use nannies as a subject and some more serious issues that Monica is passionate about. You can learn more about Monica at MonicaMcGurk.com
It takes good communication, good boundaries and some flexibility to support a new mom and be a great nanny during this transitional time.
When a new baby is added to a family, many things will change. Sue discusses her situation as a new baby is coming any day now! We will be discussing many of these issues in further episodes.
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to get a contact in place or renegotiate your contract to include things you may have forgotten! We discuss how to approach this.
Can you just skip over a bad reference? What can you do if you know a reference is not going to be great? How can an agency help?
Household Manager. Family Assistant. Nanny Manager. These types of jobs are in high demand, but the titles used can be confusing. What does its meant to say you are a family manager?
We discuss the hot topic of the season-bonuses! We have a few different ways to look at it- and we disagree a little too!!
Do you charge a flat rate for overnights or do you ask hourly? We unpack the details of negotiating an overnight rate.
What makes a great agency? What should you look for when choosing?? We discuss things to look for and what to watch out for when searching for an agency.
Everyone makes mistakes, what happens when you do it on the job? Marker on the couch, broken dishes, what can you do?
A replay!
How do you handle difficult conversations with your employers? As a nanny, you will have to give notice, discuss issues with the children, maybe ask for a raise. We mull over these and a few others and give our ideas on how to tackle them.
Lora and Sue have been in the nanny world for many years. This week we think about what advice we would give to our younger nanny selves.
Right now there is a nanny shortage and demand is high for nannies. What does this mean? How can you take advantage of the market?
After an extended hiatus, Sue and Lora are back and we are talking about COVID conversations you should be having NOW!!!
Many nannies find it challenging to work with kids who are a little older. So we are chatting about children who are school age and brainstorming ideas about how to deal with a few of those troublesome issues.
We continue our series talking about difficult behaviors and how we as nannies can handle them. This time we focus in on 3 and 4 year olds.
We discuss common challenging behaviors with toddlers and how nannies can work with them.
We kick off our summer series this week on handling difficult behaviors age by age. We discuss here what kinds of behaviors are challenging.
In this episode - a double sized one- we discuss quitting the job. When is it time and how do you give notice? We will discuss what comes next in a future episode.
You sometimes hear about nannies who have to deal with employers that "yell at them". We talk about what it might mean, how to process it and deal with being yelled at.
We discuss the idea that nannies should be able to screen families the same as families can screen nannies? Are the rules the same for both sides?
We discuss what happens when someone says they don't want to play with your kid. Do we step in? Do we coach thru the situation? How can these situations really be a learning moment?
Do we need to complete paperwork as nannies? Yes! We discuss keeping a daily journal and other records as well as Sue's new Kickstarter for Our Nanny Diary!
In our series finale, we finish with a couple more mock interviews. Thanks for your support of this series.
This two part episode lets us demonstrate a few mock interview situations as well as pick them apart for mistakes, wording and how we can interview for the nanny family we all dream of!
In this continuation of the series, we tackle talking compensation. Speaking to potential employers about money and benefits can be tricky- so we try to give nannies a few ideas of how to approach this.
To really be successful with the interview- there is a need for us to really sell yourself. It does not come naturally to many of us so we discuss why it's important and how to get in the right mindset.
We are back to our interview series of the summer with a discussion on situational questions in interviews. What are they? Why are they important? Nanny employers use them all the time- we should too!
A new law is waiting to be signed by the Governor of New York that makes it a misdemeanor for a caregiver to provide a misleading reference. We discuss the importance of this for nannies and the future impact we see for this law.
AN important step in prescreening is the phone interview. We discuss why to have one and what to discuss in this episode. This is part three of our nanny summer series on interviewing.
Second in our interviewing series, in this episode we discuss what to where and what to bring to that interview. Nanny interviews may follow different rules than office jobs for what to wear. And we talk about what you may want to have in your nanny bag when you show up at the house.
We kick off our summer series on the nanny interview with a look at knowing what you want and when do you ask for it? We are excited to talk all summer about the finer points of nanny interviews.
This time we are talking texting! Texting with employers as a form of communication (or using email) means setting boundaries in new ways. How do you deal with messages after work hours? What is best way to discuss this topic? Nannies and their employers have more options than ever to stay in touch- but it can be problematic.
In this episode we discuss toxic people and relationships. We try to each define what a toxic person is, and how they feel it impacts the nanny community and nanny leaders. We go back and forth on what we can do to deal with these negative relationships and people.
We discuss the methods we have used as nannies to potty train children. It's not always so easy, especially getting parents and nannies on the same page. We share what has worked for us.
How do you handle difficult conversations with your employers? As a nanny, you will have to give notice, discuss issues with the children, maybe ask for a raise. We mull over these and a few others and give our ideas on how to tackle them.
In this episode we discuss the popular TV show This Is Us and how it helps us view parenting and raising children. SPOILER ALERTS_ we discuss up to the February 2018 episodes including the week after the Super Bowl.
The International Nanny Association just released their 2017 Salary Survey in conjunction with HomeWork Solutions Inc. We discuss what it shows, what it doesn't and some interesting insights. Are you a nanny that participated??
Self care is often discussed within nanny circles. But let's take a deeper look at what self care means- beyond bubble baths and shopping trips!
It's that time again nannies! Year end or holiday bonus- do you get one? Do you expect one? We discuss our opinions on this touchy subject.
Another year- another time to discuss what nannies might want to give this holiday season!
We talk about nannies and free range parenting style. What does that term mean? What is the difference between freedom and lack of safety?
In this episode we discuss the philosophy of Reggio Emilia Schools and how nannies can incorporate those ideas into their own practices. This series hopes to help you identify and focus your own childcare philosophy. *-
In our fifth installment discussing developing your childcare philosophy, we give a brief overview of positive discipline. We discuss how it is different from traditional methods as well as some of the core beliefs.
In the fourth part of our series- developing your childcare philosophy- we discuss Waldorf education. What are the core tenets and what ideas make this one of the faster growing preschool trends.
In this installment of our ongoing series, we give a brief glimpse into the RIE methodology developed by Magda Gerber. Please listen to parts one and two before diving in here!
Nannies need a childcare philosophy! This is the second part of our series on developing yours. We briefly go over the work of Maria Montessori and discuss the parts of the Montessori philosophy that we have adapted into our own work with children.
Sue and Lora kick off a new series about developing your childcare philosophy. In this episode, we discuss what it is and why is it important. All nannies should have a definable childcare philosophy.
We discuss some problems and possible solutions when it comes to discipline and guidance of older kids (ages 8 plus) and even teens. This age group can be tough for a nanny especially over the summer as you often have more time with them.
Communication is the key to the relationship. We outline a few basic techniques that you can use to improve your boundary setting, communication, and help you when communicating with employers.
We discuss with our new friend Martha from Chronicles of Nannya the ability of parents to review a nanny online thru sites like Care. Is this good or bad and why. This is the first part of the episode and the other half can be found at www.chroniclesofnannya.com
We tackle the issue of online nanny groups this week. Are they good or evil? A great support or the decline of professionalism in our industry?
Toughest part of the day or learning opportunity? Transitions for kids can feel overwhelming to them and frustrating to nannies and parents. We discuss and offer some ideas!
It is never easy to bring up touchy subjects with your employers. But it is especially difficult for nannies to bring up behavior issues with moms and dads. We discuss ways to make those conversations go smoothly.
We have a great conversation with our new friends Jeremy and Hari about Nanny Shares. We talk about advantages and disadvantages of the arrangement as well as what to consider before entering into this popular option. All nannies should know about nanny shares and these experts from CozyKin.com in Boston have much to share.
Is there such a thing as your "unicorn family"? We discuss what that might mean, what your expectations are concerning a perfect match and how really- no matter what, relationships take work! The nanny and family relationship is complex.
Nannies care for children from affluent families, but these kids do face certain challenges. We discuss the problems that privileged kids face and how we can address them.
In this episode, we discuss Newborn Care Specialists with Tonya Sakowicz, owner of Newborn Care Solutions.
We talk about certification, the pros and cons of the job and if there is still a demand for this job as well as many other aspects of the NCS world.
In this episode we discuss what to say when a family offers you the job. How do you go from offer to contract to success? Also, how do you say No in a good way.
So what careers are best suited once you decide not to be a nanny anymore? We discuss a few ideas and also some transferrable skills.
What goals or resolutions do you make that help you be a better nanny? We discuss a few and actions you can take to get things accomplished!
A continuation of our discussion on the importance and the role of the phone interview.
We talk phone interviews, and since there was a lot to say, this is part one of two! Why are they important? What purpose do they serve??
Another in our series of Top Tens- this time activities and projects to do with the kiddos when you are inside the house. We'd love to hear what your favorites are as well!!
We are having fun with our series of Top Ten lists. This time we share our top ten ideas for enjoying the outdoors with kids.
For National Nanny Recognition Week this year we give our top 10 ways that nanny care is unique! We are lucky to work as nannies and so we look from both the parent's perspective and the nanny's perspective at how nanny care can make a big impact.
Are there unwritten rules that we all follow (or should follow)? We discuss a recent thread from a nanny group online about what rules nannies have.
National Nanny Training Day 2017 will be held in April. Is there an event near you? If not, why not consider hosting one? Sue talks about how to organize an event and what is involved.
We have many in our profession who organize events, provide mentorship and are leaders. We discuss why it is important to have them, why nannies should consider leadership roles and some of our thoughts on how to be effective as a nanny leader.
You want to wear a bikini but employers say it is too racy for the swim club and want you to wear a one piece suit. You want a tattoo but some families won't keep a nanny with body art. Where do we as nannies have a responsibility to represent the family in the way that they want?
One special thing about being a nanny is that we can form true connections to our kids. So what does that mean? Why is being connected important and how can we foster this special relationship?
In this episode we discuss a few topics including new studies and how they creep out onto the internet, the government worker who went crazy over nanny parking, and answer questions from our Facebook page.
Lora and Sue discuss recent events in Cincinnati, when a young child got away from his mother and ended up in the gorilla exhibit.
Lora and Sue discuss the fine art of negotiating your pay. Should you ever take a job that offers less than your bottom line? How do we discuss numbers with a family? We encourage everyone to do their homework before it is time to get down to the nitty gritty.
Do you consider your nanny family to be clients or customers? Do you approach your job with the ideas of customer service? We talk about how this idea of customer service affects nannies.
In this episode, Sue discusses the differences we see in behavior with kids when they are with nanny vs. parent. Why as nannies are we so quick to assume it is because parents are not following thru. Myrna Alphonse, former "know it all nanny" and current parent weighs in on the difference between being the nanny vs. being the mom.
Our second profile is Danny Wakefield, who shares thoughts on being a manny and a male in a female dominated profession. A joy!!
Connect with Danny at
https://www.facebook.com/Danny-The-Manny-812341965464214/
We discuss the ending of Downton Abbey. SPOILER ALERT!! This show has given us much to think about regarding the world of service. AND it is fun!
A new feature for our podcast- community profiles. Meet other nannies we know and that we think are awesome! First up- Sue talks with Devon Bushouse from Boston!!
Everyone has highs and lows when it comes to how they were raised. Some have more lows than others. In this episode we discuss how your own parents and upbringing can affect your caregiving. We also discuss how to talk about this with potential employers and how to examine and process it yourself.
With the rise of online groups in Facebook etc... more and more nannies share their experiences and vent. But this has led to some negative behavior in the way people respond. Should we ever tell someone, "you shouldn't be a nanny" on the internet? How can we respond to posts that we disagree with? Our listener Sarah suggested this topic, and it was a great one for us to discuss.
What is your childcare philosophy? How do you develop one and why is it important to know and be able to communicate your thoughts and beliefs?
To kick off 2016 we talk about a big benefit for nannies that is often misunderstood- guaranteed hours and how it differs from salary.
We discuss a question sent in by a listener- what does it mean to be engaged with a child? Does it mean the same thing to parents as it does to us as nannies? How do you talk to parents about engagement?
Sue does a solo show brainstorming some ideas about Holiday gifts!
https://www.pinterest.com/suedowneypa/nannypalooza-gift-ideas/
In a recent story on Good Morning America, there was a report on a growing trend of employers hiring a private investigator to follow their nannies. We discuss this plus the nanny cam. Why do nannies get so upset??
Our special guest Laura Schroeder talks with Sue about her experiences with Autism, both as a parent and as a nanny.
This week is National Nanny Recognition Week in the U.S. and we celebrate by having a conversation with Kellie Geres who runs NNRW. We talk about how and why it was started and how it can be celebrated.
www.nnrw.org
Sue has a conversation with Beth Smith of GeeWhiz Education about what exactly are we talking about when we talk curriculum? Why is it important? And we learn a bit about GeeWhiz online curriculum.
www.geewhizeducation.com
How often do you find yourself drawn into a power stuggle over issues like cleaning up, homework or eating? It happens to all of us but here's the thing- you really can't win when you engage in a power stuggle with a kid. We discuss our emotional response and how to avoid these situations.
SO if you are in a position where you are paid off the books, how do you approiach the conversation to make a change. We talk about ways to set your mindset and specific language to use for talking to employers about transitioning to being tax compliant.
www.homeworksolutions.com
Misbehavior is tough to take at any time, but it creates a unique situation when that misbeahvior happens in front of parents during those transition times at beginning and end of day. Do you correct or just leave things be? How much stepping in is appropriate for kids and for the parents? We discuss and offer a few different viewpoints.
We discuss the question- if you could have dinner with 5 people that have inflenced you as a caregiver or that you would love to speak with about children, who would it be?
Recently Care.com announced a partnership with Hand in Hand and the Domestic Workers United movement to promote the Fair Care pledge to domestic employers. What does the pledge say? Will it affect any real change? We discuss!
https://www.care.com/a/what-is-the-fair-care-pledge-20150408165743
In this podcast we discuss the pain of leaving a family. It comes with the territory of being a nanny- but that doesn't make it easier!