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Letter from the Editor

As you know, last month we launched America’s Top Nannies, and we’re excited at the response we’ve been receiving. Read on to learn more about this month’s top nanny – and don’t forget to join in! We want to hear why YOU are one of America’s top nannies.

Top Nanny: Melissa, MA

This month’s top nanny wrote to us from Massachusetts. Melissa started a career in childcare working in day camps and as a babysitter. Based on that experience, she knew she wanted a career working with children in a place that was like a second home. After completing several years of college, along with CPR and first aid classes, Melissa took a job with a family that ultimately brought her a life-changing experience. Read on to learn why Melissa is one of America’s top nannies.

Thanks, Melissa, for sharing your story!

Melissa’s Story:

My story began almost two years ago. I was getting married and moving, so I needed a job where we were settling down. A week or so later, I was hired by a wonderful family. Little did I know I wouldn't only be watching this family’s two, sweet little boys, but would be a completely changed person through this!

My nanny mom, let's call her Sue, told me during the interview that she had breast cancer, but was in treatment and doing fine. I knew a few people with cancer before, but never worked with someone who had it so close to my age. That year was good; she was a little tired from the treatment, but staying strong. In December, she announced she was cancer free and we all rejoiced. Only six months later, though, Sue came home from work, told the kids to leave the room, and said that her cancer was back, and this time stronger. At first I was optimistic, telling her of my faith. I told her that she'll be OK. She'll get through it. But inside I wept. Then it came out, and we both wept a little, but knew that we had to be strong. I had to be strong for her, and she had to be strong for her kids.

The next month she was very sick. Some days I still went in to get the kids ready for school, or help get Tylenol from the cabinet, while she rested. It was different, but I knew I had a responsibility, above that of my nanny job, to help Sue in any way possible. I saw her family grow a lot in those months. The oldest boy, who was eight, took it a bit hard, but he's a strong little one and really cares for his mom.

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:

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!

Join the Buzz: Should Families be held responsible if they fail to run a background check on their nanny?

In a recent, unprecedented move by Arizona's Child Protective Services, an 18-month-old baby was removed from the father's home after the baby was kidnapped by his 15-year -old nanny and recovered the next day. Read more and leave your feedback on this issue.

Meet Our New Expert: The Nanny Doctor

When a nanny first becomes a part of the family, it’s important to handle the process in a way that develops trust and lays the foundation for a positive experience for nanny, kids, and parents alike. Dr. Lindsay Heller, better known as The Nanny Doctor, helps families navigate issues related to the nanny/family relationship.

Dr. Heller uses her expertise as a former nanny of ten years and licensed Clinical Psychologist to address issues of all kinds in the nanny/family relationship. Here’s what one parent recently wanted to know:

Lindsay - How can you establish boundaries between a mother who works in the home and the nanny? Who gets final say? How do you keep the children from running to mommy since they know she is there?

Ask the Experts: Negotiating Nanny’s Salary

Question: We are in the process of re-negotiating the terms of our nanny's salary and employment. She is requesting a $4/hr. raise, and while, admittedly, her pay has been on the lower end of the spectrum, several factors that cause us to balk at giving the significant raise she is asking for. A primary factor is that we still pay her for every day she doesn't work. Last year, it would be safe to say she was paid for about six weeks she didn't work (I take about three, week-long vacations a year, plus Christmas and sporadic days off initiated by both her and us).

We are also very flexible with her time. For example, she got a second job which cut into her nannying time. My husband and I knew her new job was important to her, so we adjusted our schedules to accommodate hers, which means missing work and having our income affected.

We love our nanny and want to be fair. When we first established our agreement, we were both new to this and have learned some things over the past year and a half. Since we're re-negotiating, it seems appropriate to establish a more structured agreement – but I'm not sure where to go with it. I've had two thoughts: one is giving her a significant raise, but stipulating that she only gets two weeks of paid time off per year. My second thought is to give her a smaller raise, but still pay her for the time she doesn't work. We love her and want her to feel appreciated, but we're also not made of money and don't want to find ourselves getting burned.

Any advice you have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer: This is a tricky one because the last thing you want to do is disrupt your childcare arrangement – for your sake, as well as your husband’s and child’s. You are forthcoming in saying that your nanny has been paid "on the lower end of the spectrum". However, my philosophy is that parents should pay their nanny as much as they can afford. If you can pay your person at the top of the scale, it's smart to do so and here's why: your nanny is the most important person you will ever hire. It makes no sense to skimp in this area.

You say that she has a lot of time off. The fact that she has a lot of time off (that sounds like it's not scheduled well in advance), is not necessarily a good thing for her. Sure, it's always nice to get some extra time off, but most people prefer to have a paycheck on the higher end of the spectrum so they can pay their bills, etc.

Parents that are savvy and have a nanny they love do everything they can to make their nanny feel like she has an awesome job – a job that she wants to hang on to no matter what! The longevity involved with a nanny that you love is priceless. If it was me, I would find a way to pay her another three dollars an hour and tell her you know she's worth ten more dollars (because I believe you do), but that three is the best you can do right now. Then tell her that next year you hope you have the resources to increase her pay again. Good Luck!

Have a question for one of our experts? Join the discussion at The Nanny Buzz