Letter from the Editor

November is the official start of “the busy season.” Running errands... Baking... Dealing with days off from school! Thanksgiving is also a time to reach out, and this month we spotlight Knit One, Save One. Designed to help children in developing nations, this initiative is sponsored by Save the Children, and it’s easy to get involved. Read the story below to learn more.

Moving on to Nanny Island, members have been talking a lot about what makes a great Nanny Agency, and we share their thoughts in this month’s Postcard from Nanny Island. Their responses may surprise you.

Speaking of Nanny Island…we’ve been getting lots of great exposure, most recently by a writer from Parenting Magazine seeking nannies’ input on an article addressing how children deal with disappointment. If you haven’t yet visited the Island, be sure to check it out. There’s always something interesting going on!

Postcard from Nanny Island:
What Makes a Great Agency?

What’s the magic ingredient that sets apart nanny agencies that inspire nanny loyalty? We recently posted that question to the members of Nanny Island, and the results came pouring in.  Here’s what we found out.

Great Nanny Agencies:

• Stay in touch. Regular communication from agency to nanny keeps nannies loyal – if they don’t hear from you, they’re likely to move on. When they do, even if you haven’t yet made a match, they’re more likely to stay with the agency.
• Treat nannies like individuals. When agencies treat nannies well, the result is better for everyone.
• Provide nanny education opportunities. When you give nannies an opportunity to grow professionally, you enhance the service you provide to your families and nannies alike.
• Recognize that their nannies are their business. And they treat them that way, with respect and open communication.
• Are honest about job details & salaries. When a nanny starts a job happy, everyone wins.
• Look for the right fit between nanny and family. A great placement that takes a week is better than a poor one that takes a day – and it will last!
• Respect nanny’s needs. The right match is about what the family needs and what nanny needs.
• Make geographic requirements clear. If you only work with nannies that already live in your market, make it clear!
• Advocate for their nannies. Whether its payment standards, tax information, or working arrangements, agencies who set the standard earn respect.
• Take care when arranging interviews. There’s nothing more frustrating than showing up to an interview that’s been rescheduled without your knowledge.
• CREATE A NETWORK. By sponsoring events for nannies in your area, you develop a committed team of nannies who’ll be there for you time and again.

When it comes down to it, nannies feel that a great agency is an agency that treats them well. Not too much to ask – and extremely powerful when it happens.

Welcome to our Newest Agency Advertisers

• Nanny Companions, WI, www.nannycompanions.com/
• Cass and Company, Boston MA, http://www.casscompany.com/  

The Nanny Agency Locator at www.4EverythingNanny.com puts your agency right where more than 8,000 families a week look for their next nanny – not to mention qualified nannies from all over. Visit online to learn more about all of the great benefits of signing up.

• A direct e-mail link and link to your website
• Important information about your agency including fees, policies, etc.
• A results-driven way to attract nannies and families alike

Nannies and families are online searching. The Nanny Agency Locator sends them to you.

Nanny Island Launches 'Biggest Loser' Challenge

With the holidays approaching, and sweet temptations hitting the table, it's a great time to start thinking about your health…and a healthy lifestyle is all about having a great support network. Enter the Nanny Island Fit and Healthy Club Challenge!

Taking a team-based approach, the (friendly) competition will be headed up by team leaders Glenda Durst (Chicago area) and Suzanne Herrick (Washington, DC area), and will emphasize healthy living and the importance of keeping an eye on our well-being. Rather than working as a diet, the program encourages healthy living, with monthly prizes to sweeten the deal for those who hit the mark! The competition will run until October 1, 2009.

All of us on Nanny Island are extremely excited to welcome our first sponsor to the Fit and Healthy Club Challenge, Nature's Path. Nature's Path has generously donated a gift basket to the winner filled with all of their healthy products. They will also be awarding prizes periodically throughout the competition.

To learn more about the Fit and Healthy Club, email our Island Tour Guide, Kellie Geres at KellieINA@aol.com , or become a member of Nanny Island and visit us online at www.nannyisland.com

A few important things to note: The challenge is open only to Nanny Island members. Before starting this or any other exercise or nutritional change, it is advised to speak with your doctor. Nanny Island, its parent companies and sponsors are not responsible for any injuries or damages resulting from this program.

The Nanny Store:
Show Nanny You Care this Holiday Season!

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are almost upon us. But really, anytime is a good time to celebrate your Super Nanny!

From tees and totes to mugs and messenger bags, there’s something for everyone at The Nanny Gift Shop. Head on over and see for yourself.

Knit One, Save One: Let’s Get Involved

Those of us following the financial crisis have probably spent a good moment wondering how it will affect us – but sometimes the best remedy is to focus on those who need help even more.

Ask the Experts: Nanny Raises

Q: As a parent with a live-in nanny who has weekends off, am I required to pay for her eating out at restaurants during her weekends off?  Thanks.

A: I have never heard of a family paying any of the nanny's expenses when she is on her own time.  If she lives at your house on weekends, her days off, you might want to work out a plan for the meals that she eats at the house, but if she has separate quarters or her own home, then you would not have any responsibility for any of her "off-time" expenses, including her meals.

 Pat Cascio, President Morningside Nannies, Nanny-Employment Issues Expert

Be Heard: Get Out and Vote

Whatever your chosen party or hot-button issues, Election Day is one day where you can really make your voice heard. If you’re registered, be sure to get out and vote on November 4!