How to Monitor Your Nanny Without a Nanny Cam
November 22, 2012Entrusting the health and well-being of your children into the care of a relative stranger is difficult, regardless of how great her references are and how glowing her recommendations may be. Ultimately, she is still a stranger, and you’re well within your rights to be concerned about what goes on in your home when you’re not there. However, while most nannies do not mind being recorded by a nanny cam if it’s disclosed, the discovery of a hidden camera could be hugely problematic, and the laws governing their use vary from state to state. For employers who are concerned about privacy rights, honesty with their nanny, and legal use of nanny cams, there are alternatives to the nanny cam that still allow monitoring of a nanny’s behavior.
- Talk to Your Children – If your children are verbal, asking them how their nanny treats them and what they do during the day with their nanny can be an effective way to get an idea of what goes on while you’re away from home. Keep in mind, though, that very young children often have trouble separating fantasy from reality, and may give you an exaggerated account of their experiences.
- Ask Her to Keep a Daily Nanny Log – Nanny logs are a great way to not only monitor your nanny’s behavior, but also to stay informed about the events in your kids’ daily lives. These logs can include diaper changes, feedings and other routine information in addition to any new experiences and events. Going to the trouble of fabricating a nanny log entry is unlikely, but you’ll be able to spot any discrepancies between the log and her verbal accounts if she’s been dishonest.
- Call Her Periodically – While it’s not feasible or rational to call your nanny every 15 minutes, you should make a habit of calling at least once during the course of your work day to make sure that everything is going well. Listen for signs of stress, anger or that the children are not being supervised properly.
- Count Diapers – Infants can go through as many as 12 to 15 diapers each day, so counting the number of diapers your nanny has on hand before you leave and comparing it to the number available at the end of the day can give you an idea of how often she’s changing them. Just because you come home to a clean, dry baby does not necessarily mean that she’s been vigilant about diaper changes all day, and neglecting to change diapers in a timely manner can lead to irritating rashes.
- Track Food Supplies – You should be able to get a fairly accurate idea of how often your child is being fed by the amount of formula, expressed breast milk or solid food that’s remaining at the end of the day. Nannies that willfully withhold food from a child are rare, but you will be able to tell if yours is one of those very few by taking note of how much food, formula or breast milk is used during her shift.
- Examine Kids’ Bodies – When you come home to a child who’s already in pajamas and leave before they wake up in the morning, bruises and other injuries can go undetected. Making a point of checking a child’s body for signs of injuries that are not age-appropriate can help you detect abuse on the slight chance that it’s occurring.
- Observe Kids’ Behavior – A child who is being mistreated or is suffering abuse at the hands of his nanny will almost always exhibit changes in behavior, so be alert for any such signs. Kids that are normally outgoing and gregarious can become withdrawn and reluctant to socialize, among other things.
- Ask Her About Her Day – A direct question about your nanny’s day and the events it held can be one of the most accurate methods of monitoring her behavior, unless she’s a particularly skilled, smooth liar. If she doesn’t meet your eyes when she relays the events of the day or gives an account that seems off, don’t be afraid to press the matter further.
- Come Home Unexpectedly – Stopping in when your nanny least expects it is a surefire way to get a feel of what’s going on when you aren’t home. Having to come home to get a forgotten item or for lunch periodically and stopping by the house at various times can give you a sense of the quality of care your child is receiving.
- Ask Around – If your nanny and child attend a mommy and me class or library story time, ask other parents or the class or group leader for feedback regarding how your nanny interacts with your child. If you have trusted neighbors or friends that see your nanny at the playground, ask them what their impression of your nanny is.
Though it’s absolutely imperative for any parent who leaves their children in the care of someone else to be alert for signs of abuse or neglect, it’s also important to remember that the vast majority of nannies are dedicated to their careers and would never dream of harming one of their charges. For parents who opt to use a nanny cam, they should be cautioned about having a false sense of security. Nanny cams can only capture what is in the camera’s view and less expensive models may not stream real-time footage.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on How to Monitor Your Nanny Without a Nanny CamHow to Communicate to Your Nanny She’s Done Something Wrong
November 15, 2012Finding a great nanny is one of the most difficult tasks that a working parent can undertake, especially in areas that have a higher concentration of families seeking childcare providers than nannies seeking families; finding the perfect nanny is downright impossible. Even if your nanny speaks three languages, holds an advanced degree in something related to childcare, loves your children unconditionally, and is never late or inattentive, there will be times when she makes mistakes. Approaching an adult with reprimands, though, is almost as difficult as securing a good nanny in the first place. Worded incorrectly or spoken in a fit of anger, accusations of wrongdoing or scolding her can spark a disagreement that ends badly, up to and including a nanny with no post and a family with no nanny. Handling these situations effectively and gracefully is always a challenge, but there are a few ways to help facilitate a productive discussion, rather than an outright argument.
- Think Twice About Your Complaint – Before you decide to approach your nanny with an admonishment, be sure that your gripe is a legitimate one. It’s far too easy to become mired in working-parent guilt and to feel jealous of your nanny and the time she gets to spend with your children while you’re working; as a result of those feelings, you may also begin subconsciously looking for flaws in her methods.
- Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – If your nanny is a wonder with the kids, an exemplary tutor, and is willing to perform chores unrelated to childcare without complaint, it’s okay to let some small shortcomings slide. Counseling your nanny on her failure to thoroughly dust your guest bathroom might be a bit excessive, especially if she didn’t agree to perform housekeeping chores as part of your agreement in the first place.
- Wait Until You’re Calm – In the case of serious grievances, it’s best to adopt the same “count to ten” policy that you use with your children. Bite your tongue until you’ve calmed down enough to be reasonable, especially if you hope to retain your nanny’s services after the conversation. Being aggressive or confrontational will put her immediately on the defense, setting the stage for an all-out battle.
- Soften the Blow With Positive Statements – Rather than focusing solely on what she’s done wrong, try to also emphasize everything that your nanny does right. Let her know that her services are appreciated and that you’re thankful for her time and attention, but that there are some small areas that could use some improvement.
- Be Gentle, But Direct – While it’s not advised to upbraid your nanny in an authoritarian, heavy-handed manner, it’s also essential that you’re direct and honest. Mumbling vagaries and dropping hints almost never does the trick, so make sure that you’re open and direct about the things that you expect from your nanny that she hasn’t quite delivered. Nannies that don’t know exactly what they’re doing wrong can’t be expected to remedy the situation, so keep her in the loop by communicating both her strengths and weaknesses.
- Allow Her the Chance to Defend Herself – If your accusation is a serious one, or if there’s any room for ambiguity, it’s absolutely imperative that you allow your nanny time to speak her piece. The entire situation could be a big misunderstanding, but you’d never know if you refused to hear your nanny out.
- Refer to Your Nanny Contract – Written nanny agreements are becoming more and more common these days, and for good reason. The single most important document you can have at your disposal during a counseling session with your nanny is the contract you both agreed to and signed before she began working for you. When rules, expectations and responsibilities are in black and white and signed by both parties, complaints from either party about direct violations tend to hold more water.
- Keep Your Discussion Behind Closed Doors – Few things will humiliate and anger your nanny like a public dressing down, especially if you choose to do so in front of your children. Seeing their nanny scolded by a parent can affect their perception of her, making it difficult for her to maintain any semblance of authority later because you’ve effectively placed your nanny and your children on equal footing.
Rebuking a nanny can be especially nerve-wracking for someone who’s never before had an employee or subordinate report to them, leaving employers that are new to the game either reluctant to broach the issue of problems or overly-enthusiastic about establishing their authority. Trying to strike a balance between lax and authoritarian can be a challenge, but it’s also something that can be accomplished.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on How to Communicate to Your Nanny She’s Done Something WrongWhat You Should Include In Your Nanny’s Reference Letter
November 11, 2012Writing a reference letter for your nanny can be a tough job. It’s hard to summarize all the things she’s done for you, your child and your family into one letter. Below, you’ll find some questions that will hopefully spark some ideas for you.
As you’re writing your nanny’s letter of reference, imagine what would be helpful for you to read. It’s a good bet that the same type of information will be helpful to other parents.
What date did she start and end your job? This basic information helps nanny placement agencies and potential employers have a clear picture of how long your nanny worked for you.
What are the ages of your children? A nanny’s experience with a particular age group is an important consideration when parents are looking at nanny candidates. It’s helpful to list how old your child was when your nanny started and how old he is now.
What are her responsibilities? There’s not one standard job description for nannies. Every job is different and each job description includes tasks that are unique to that position. It’s helpful to outline in your nanny’s reference letter what she was responsible for in her position with your family. What child related duties did she have? Did she keep up with the children’s laundry, prepare healthy meals for your children, provide safe transportation to and from school, or plan play dates with neighborhood kids? Was she responsible for family related duties? Did she help with grocery shopping, run errands or help oversee the housekeeper? Giving potential employers an idea of what she did for you will help them decide if she has the experience and skills needed for their job.
What is your nanny’s relationship with your child like? This is an important question that every parent hiring a nanny wants to know. They want to make sure your nanny is the kind of person who can build a strong, positive relationship with children. Provide a detailed description of how your nanny and child interact, what your child loves about your nanny, and some examples of things they enjoy doing together.
How does she influence your child? Your nanny plays an important role in your child’s life. She impacts your child’s physical, social, emotional, educational and moral development. Detail a few of the most important ways your nanny has made a difference in your child’s life.
How does she support your family? Nannies don’t just take care of children; they also help families in many different ways. Your nanny’s reference letter is the perfect time to talk about how your nanny supported you in your role as a parent, how she helped manage your household, and how she kept the details of your busy life from slipping through the cracks.
How would you describe her personality? Every family is looking for a nanny with certain personality traits. They’re looking for someone who can fit into their household, who will mesh with their management style, and who they’ll enjoy having a relationship with. Personality is a big part of a successful nanny/family match. Your perspective on who your nanny is as a person, as well as a caregiver, will help future employers know if your nanny will fit in with their family.
What makes her stand out as a nanny? There are a lot of nannies in the job market today. Even if your nanny has a great mix of education and experience, she’ll need to stand out from all of the other nannies who have the same mix of education and experience. This is where you can really help her shine. Outline key ways she’s different than other nannies you know, and tell prospective employers what she brings to the job that will be hard to replace.
Why is she leaving your job? You may have made the decision to replace your nanny, or she may have decided to leave your position. Either way, future employers want to understand why she’s leaving. If you made the decision to let your nanny go, it’s important to be honest while still framing your reason in the most positive way possible. Clearly if you’re writing her a letter of reference you feel she will be a good caregiver for another family, so make sure that your reference letter conveys that.
What is the best way to contact you for more information? Parents that are considering hiring your nanny will want to speak with you as they check your nanny’s references. Include your name and the best way to contact you.
Your letter of reference for your nanny will play a key role in her job search. Although it can be time consuming, it’s important to devote some time to crafting a letter that reflects the level of service your nanny provided your family.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on What You Should Include In Your Nanny’s Reference Letter10 Things Great Nannies Have in Common
November 5, 2012Although every nanny is different, there are certain traits that all great nannies share. These things are what enable them to be successful with their charges and loved by both kids and parents alike. Here’s a look at 10 things they have in common.
- They truly love spending time with kids. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a crucial trait to have if you’re pursuing a profession in childcare. There are a lot of people that love children, but it takes a special kind of person to spend 8 to 12 hours a day with kids for 5 days a week, and still be excited about doing so. Great nannies never get tired of hearing a giggling baby, watching a child make a new discovery, or getting a sticky kiss. In fact, they know those things are the best part of the job.
- They understand children. Knowing how to support and foster a child’s physical, social and emotional development doesn’t just happen. Great nannies invest in themselves, their knowledge, and their abilities through ongoing training and learning. They read childcare books, subscribe to parenting magazines, attend conferences, take online classes, and share tips and techniques with colleagues. They do whatever they can to help their charge grow into a happy, healthy adult.
- They’re problem-solvers. Every day nannies are presented with new and different challenges. Some are big, like how to help a child deal with the sudden death of a beloved pet, and some are small, like how to get a carrot stain out of a favorite white shirt. The size of the problem doesn’t matter. A great nanny won’t stop until she finds the solution.
- They have a good sense of humor. Great nannies are able to laugh at themselves and the situations they find themselves in. They understand that when met with a smile and a light-hearted attitude, everything is easier. They find a way to smile through toddler tantrums, poop explosions, and dogs actually eating homework. And while they may sometimes laugh because the only alternative is to cry, they still choose to laugh.
- They’re committed to doing an amazing job each and every day. Great nannies take their jobs very seriously. They recognize the huge impact they have on the children they care for and they’re determined to make those teachable moments count. They don’t settle for “good enough”. They bring their best every day.
- They’re resourceful. Nannies don’t have an HR department or resource library to turn to when they have a question. They have to figure things out for themselves. Great nannies quickly learn to be expert researchers; they dig and dig until they find an answer that works for them, and when all else fails, they create their own solution.
- They’re flexible. If there’s one personality trait that great nannies depend on more than any other, it’s flexibility. To be successful they have to be flexible with the kids they care for, the parents they work for, and the situations they face on the job. They understand that each day is different, each child is different, parents’ needs change, and what worked once is not guaranteed to work again. They’ve learned to live comfortably in the ‘let’s try it and see” and “it’s not a problem” space.
- They know how to say no. Nannies who thrive in their profession understand the importance of personal and professional boundaries and they’re able to say no when needed. They pride themselves on being flexible, yet speak up when something is too much, too often or simply out of bounds. They can communicate their needs and their boundaries in a respectful way and reap the rewards of being honest and upfront.
- They have a healthy work/life balance. Great nannies know that to take care of other people, they first have to take care of themselves. Their first instinct is to give without taking, but they also know that over time that attitude leads to burnout. So they make sure to take time out to relax, enjoy family and friends, get some exercise and have fun.
- They have a strong moral compass. Great nannies understand that a big part of their job is helping to shape the moral development of the children they care for. They take special care to model things like honesty, good sportsmanship, compassion, integrity, loyalty, fairness, kindness, respect and other important values. They use daily activities and interactions to teach the things that are important and know they’re making a real difference.
Great nannies are a unique group. They’re devoted to the families they work for and have special relationships with the children they care for.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on 10 Things Great Nannies Have in CommonHow to Handle False Accusations About Your Nanny
October 10, 2012Allegations of abuse, misconduct or illegal activity can be very damaging both to your nanny’s reputation and to the level of trust that you have in her. These accusations can also spread throughout your neighborhood or social circle, making an unfortunate situation ripe for discussion among friends, family members and acquaintances that have a much larger opinion on the matter than they do a grasp of the actual facts. When allegations leveled against your nanny are false, you may be forced to explain your motivation for keeping her on to the people around you. Determining whether or not the accusations are founded in truth and deciding how to handle the situation is never easy, but there are some steps that you can take to help muddling through the process be less of a nightmare.
- Consider the Source – If your four-year-old claims that your nanny rode a dragon and flew across rooftops one week, and that she punched him in the eye the next, it might be wise to think twice before branding her an abuser. Likewise, if the source of damaging information against your nanny is a vindictive ex or someone in your neighborhood whose veracity you question, giving the nanny that you trust and admire the benefit of the doubt is the best course of action. Provided that you have no qualms about her performance and absolutely no doubts regarding her innocence, letting the whole situation slide by with a minimal amount of melodrama may be wise.
- Discuss the Issue with Your Nanny – In the event of serious accusations being leveled against your nanny, it’s natural to be worried; even if you’re almost completely sure that she’s innocent, it’s never a good idea to ignore any concerns or doubts, however small, that you might have. Discussing the matter with your nanny in a calm, non-confrontational manner will allow you to ease your mind and give her the much-deserved opportunity to defend herself. When both of you are on the same page and are fully aware of the intricacies of the situation, defending her honor and your judgment will be easier should news of the fiasco leak.
- Confront Gossip Head-On – Unless you manage to nip allegations and the ensuing controversy in the bud very quickly, keeping the news from being spread by neighborhood busybodies can be almost impossible. Rather than dodge their stares or pick your way carefully around loaded questions, confront their suspicions directly. Provide as much information as you feel is appropriate when defending your decision, but don’t sacrifice your nanny’s right to privacy in the process.
- Cooperate with Authorities – Should the allegations your nanny is facing involve law enforcement, it’s of the utmost importance that you cooperate with them fully. Even if you’re angry that she’s in the unfortunate situation of defending herself against charges of which you know that she’s innocent, allowing your indignation to show in the form of reticence or disrespect for the investigating officers will only hurt her.
- Present Any Exculpatory Evidence You Have – Nanny cams, among other things, can provide unassailable evidence of wrongdoing by a nanny or childcare provider. In some cases, however, they can also provide very powerful exculpatory evidence. If you have any evidence that indicates your nanny’s innocence in the matter at hand, handing it over to the authorities or, in the case of allegations that do not involve law enforcement, referencing its existence to her detractors may help her rebuild her reputation.
- Carefully Consider Your Options – Even if you know that your nanny is absolutely innocent, dealing with the gossip and disruption that allegations against her can bring may be more than your household is equipped to handle. Should you decide to end your contract with her early as a result of this unfortunate situation, you should provide her with a full severance package and a glowing letter of recommendation for her next post. That being said, terminating a contract with a trusted, capable nanny simply because she’s been wrongly accused of misconduct is a very gray area, ethically.
- Ride it Out – The juiciest gossip becomes old news before too long, so battening down the hatches and riding out the storm of loose lips might not be the impossible task that it seems at the peak of the frenzy. If you love your nanny and know without a shred of doubt that she’s innocent, holding your head up and supporting her through a difficult time while ignoring neighborhood gossip will only strengthen the relationship you have with her in the long run.
The appropriate reaction to any accusations made against your nanny will vary, depending on what she’s been accused of and your personal level of trust in her. Use your own best judgment when it comes to handling your end of accusations, but be sure that you offer her as much support as possible if you know that she’s innocent.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on How to Handle False Accusations About Your Nanny10 Ways Agencies Screen Nannies
September 27, 2012One of the most appealing aspects of utilizing a dedicated nanny agency to find and hire a nanny is that each candidate has been thoroughly screened and subjected to a series of tests and background checks prior to being hired, saving parents valuable time during the interview process. Though each agency has different standards and policies, there are a few criteria that are common among most of the more popular choices. Here are 10 of the ways that the agency you’ve chosen has probably screened your nanny before her resume ever made its way to you.
- Exhaustive Interviews – Reputable nanny agencies begin the process of accepting a nanny into their job pool or database with an exhaustive interview, much like a standard job interview that parents will later conduct with candidates they’re interested in. These interviews include pertinent questions about their work and educational history, any special certifications they have obtained, and other areas of concern that will later be verified through further screening.
- Drug Testing – Some established nanny agencies also include drug testing as part of their hiring process in order to ensure that childcare providers with substance abuse or addiction problems don’t obtain access to your home and children.
- Criminal Background Checks – While parents who choose to hire a nanny without the services of an agency are beginning to take advantage of criminal background checks, nanny agencies have been conducting these checks for years. Most agencies perform a background check once a candidate has been extended an offer of employment.
- Driving Record Checks – Verifying that nanny candidates have a clean driving record serves more than one purpose; in addition to screening out applicants that have an excessive number of accidents and moving violations, it can also return information regarding intoxicated driving or operating a vehicle while under the influence.
- Education and Credentials Confirmation – Ensuring that each candidate has reached the level of education that they claim is another screening process that many nanny agencies employ, which can eliminate those applicants that claim to have more advanced degrees or a higher education level than they actually possess.
- Resume Investigation – Employment history verification is a standard aspect of the screening process, and is done to ensure that all nanny applicants possess the level of experience that they state on their resume. Some agencies will contact each previous employer on a resume to show their diligence.
- Verification of References – Even agencies that don’t conduct exhaustive resume checks consisting of all or most of a nanny’s previous employers will make an effort to contact each reference that an applicant lists on her resume. Though you’ll probably call or email those references yourself when a promising candidate presents herself, there’s a very good chance that the agency who referred her completed that step when she joined their pool of candidates.
- CPR and First Aid Training Verification – Nannies without first aid and CPR training are often barred from submission to the job pool until they obtain those certifications and show evidence of completion to a placement agency, as the ability to effectively handle emergency care is one of the most important skills any nanny can have at her disposal.
- Psychological Testing – Personality tests and psychological screening are becoming more frequently used by placement agencies as there’s a growing number of services that boast these intensive screenings.
- Social Security Number Confirmation – Confirming that your nanny is legally eligible for employment in the United States or that an American-born citizen is who she claims to be is almost always accomplished through a Social Security Number-driven verification process. For workers that aren’t citizens but are eligible for employment, there are other steps that agencies can take to verify their identity; in the case of United States citizens, this screening process can also return address and employment history going back for several years, making it a valuable tool that nanny agencies seldom ignore.
Controversy surrounding online nanny services often stems from a misunderstanding of their role in the hiring and screening process. While Internet based referral sites like www.enannysource.com or www.nannypro.com give parents access the tools they need to do the same type of screenings that reputable agencies do, they also make it clear to parents that nannies in their pool are not prescreened and that screening potential nannies is the parent’s sole responsibility.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on 10 Ways Agencies Screen Nannies7 Things Your Nanny Needs to Know About Your Child Custody Terms
September 5, 2012In the unfortunate event of a divorce, families and their nannies are forced to acclimate themselves to an entirely new schedule. Adjusting to these changes can be difficult for an established nanny who has been with the family for years, and can be equally as confusing for a newly-hired childcare provider caring for the children of a couple whose divorce is very recent. If you’re divorced and employing a nanny, here are seven of the things you should make sure that your nanny knows about regarding the terms of your custody agreement.
- Scheduling Basics – Whether your nanny is just coming on board after a divorce or if she’s been working for you since before you separated from your ex, she will need to have a basic idea of your custody and visitation agreement. This especially holds true if she won’t be working during the time your children spend with a non-custodial parent so that she is able to build her own schedule as well.
- Which Parent They Work For – Some divorced parents will make separate childcare arrangements and others will make them together. When divorced couples share a nanny the arrangements can be complex and require a nanny to provide care at both parents’ homes. As such, your nanny will need to know who her primary employer is and what, if any, instructions they’ll be expected to follow from the other parent.
- Right of First Refusal Provisions – Provisions that grant non-custodial parents the first chance to care for their children when the other parent is unavailable are called “right of first refusal” provisions, and are relevant to your nanny because it can limit her work if they exist in your custody agreement. These provisions are put in place to allow a non-custodial parent to maximize the time they spend with their children, giving them precedence over a babysitter or nanny. If your nanny’s schedule could potentially be altered due to your ex’s insistence on watching the children when you’re unavailable, she should be informed as soon as possible.
- The Particulars of Your Parenting Plan – In the majority of divorce cases that involve the custody of dependent children, the parent who has physical custody is also the one charged with making decisions regarding childcare and schools, and often determines what is considered “reasonable” regarding visitation schedules. Your nanny should be aware of which parent makes these decisions and the ways in which they will affect her as spelled out by your parenting plan.
- About Supervised Visitation – In some unfortunate cases, a non-custodial parent is awarded visitation only under supervision, either by an agreed-upon party or a person designated by the court. Often the result of substance abuse or violence on the part of the non-custodial parent, these situations can be particularly tricky for childcare providers. If your ex-spouse is only allowed access to your children under supervision, your nanny should be informed so that she doesn’t inadvertently facilitate an unsupervised visit.
- If a Parent Has No Visitation Rights – Should your ex-spouse’s visitation rights be stripped and sole custody awarded to you in your divorce agreement, this information should absolutely be passed along to your nanny. Child Find(R) of America estimates that up to 78% of kidnappings are committed by non-custodial parents; if there’s any chance at all that your ex could be considering the option of abducting their children, your nanny needs to know so that she can be vigilant, both for the well-being of your children and to ensure her own physical safety.
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off Protocol – Some divorces are more amicable than others, with parents more than capable of comporting themselves in a civil or even friendly manner long enough to arrange drop-offs and pick-ups. Others may find that keeping their temper or bitterness in check, even for a brief period of time, is almost impossible. In these cases, you may opt to arrange for these meetings to be handled by your childcare provider, but she should be well aware of that situation and given the chance to accept the arrangement in advance. You and your ex-spouse should agree, if on nothing else, to keep conversation civil and refrain from making snide comments about one another to the nanny, who is essentially a neutral party despite who signs her paycheck.
Like every marriage, every divorce is different. There will be particular situations applicable only to you and your family and others that are dictated by the laws of your state; regardless you should make sure that your nanny is left as well-informed as possible to prevent any confusion or melodramatic scenes in the future.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on 7 Things Your Nanny Needs to Know About Your Child Custody Terms30 Blogs About Child Safety to Follow
September 3, 2012When it comes to kids and their safety, there’s no such thing as too much information. Thanks to the network of parents, childcare providers and parenting experts around the world connected through the blogosphere, there’s also no shortage of it. Anyone looking for kids’ safety tips, lessons and helpful hints can find them easily through these thirty blogs, and others of their ilk.
Water Safety
While teaching kids water safety and brushing up on the guidelines for supervising children during water play tends to be something that most parents and caregivers only think of during the dog days of summer, when scorching heat sends kids in search of a way to cool off, summer isn’t the only time when water safety is important. Though these blogs feature pool and water play safety as a theme, it’s important to be vigilant when kids are around even small amounts of water, year round.
- Summer Water Safety
- Water Safety For Parents of Young Children
- Keeping Kids Safe in the Water
- Summer Water Safety Tips!
- Water Safety For Kids
Fire Safety
Though no one wants to think about the prospect of being caught in house fire, parents, nannies and childcare providers simply must take the time to impart basic fire safety rules and lessons to their children and charges. These five blogs offer some helpful hints and tips for passing those lessons along to kids of all ages.
- Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog
- Home Fire Safety Update: Top Home Fire Safety Tips For Families With Kids
- Teaching Children Fire Safety
- Teaching Kids About Fire Safety
- Fire Safety Lessons to Teach Your Preschooler
Sports Safety
As the childhood obesity epidemic becomes even more problematic for America’s youth, programs and initiatives designed to get kids off the couch and engaged in active play and organized sports have mounted a counterstrike. While keeping kids in shape is of vital importance, and sports is a great way to accomplish that goal, it’s important that safety come first.
- Kids, Sports and Safety
- Youth Sports Concussion Safety Center
- How to Set Up a Safe Sports Program For Kids: What You Need to Know
- Keep Sports Fun and Safe
- Lightning Safety Tips for Outdoor Sports
Stranger Danger
In a world of National Sex Offender Registries and television news specials chronicling real-life sting operations, it seems that parents can’t be too careful when it comes to Stranger Danger. Because the concept of instilling an inherent wariness around strangers in children has both proponents and detractors, here are five blogs on the subject from both ends of the spectrum.
- Teaching Kids Stranger Safety
- The Problem With Teaching Kids About Stranger Danger
- Is Stranger Danger Outdated?
- Teaching Stranger Danger
- Stranger Danger: A Parent’s Perspective
Online Safety
Parents today are forced to understand a set of safety rules and guidelines that their own parents never dreamed of: Internet safety. Keeping kids out of trouble online can be daunting, especially when kids aren’t quite sure how to keep themselves safe. These five blog entries can help you learn how and what to teach your kids about safe online practices.
- Facebook For Kids: Is it Such a Bad Idea?
- Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World
- 10 Online Safety Tips For Kids and Families
- Blogging For Kids and Online Safety
- Keep Kids Safe Online!
Bullying Prevention
The rising number of suicides in young teens has drawn visibility to the very real problem of bullying. Because part of keeping kids safe is ensuring that they understand how to treat one another, and how to react under the pressure of being bullied, here are five blogs that tackle the subject.
- Bullying Isn’t Just “Kids Being Kids”
- Bully Prevention: Helping Kids Cool Hot Tempers
- Bullying Prevention: Tips for Teacher, Principals and Parents
- 7 Bully Prevention Tips For Parents
- The Tender Years and Bully Prevention
Valuable information doesn’t only come from the blog entries themselves; often, parents and childcare providers will share their own advice and perspective in the comments section at the end of a post.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on 30 Blogs About Child Safety to FollowAvoiding Risk When Employing a Nanny
September 2, 2012Hiring a nanny can feel like risky business. In addition to the risk you take when hiring someone to come into your home and care for your children, there are other risks, as well as ways for reducing them, that nanny employers should also consider.
The IRS Risk
The penalties are high for misclassifying or failing to report your employee. Fines and penalties can exceed more than you’d ever imagine a nanny could cost you. To avoid the IRS risk, hire your nanny as an employee and comply with tax regulations. While many employers try to pass their nanny off as an independent contractor, she’s not. Reporting her as such can put you at risk.
Payroll Errors
If you fail to pay your nanny properly it can come back to haunt you. Many nannies have sued their employers for back wages, and have won. Nannies are entitled to be paid for each hour worked, and live-out – and in some states live-in – nannies, are entitled to overtime pay. Nannies must also be paid according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Reduce the risks of payroll errors by hiring a qualified household payroll and tax service provider.
Risk of Injury
While Workman’s Compensation isn’t mandatory in all states, all employers should strongly consider purchasing it, required or not. Employees who accept Workman’s Compensation coverage, in some states, forfeit their right to sue their employer’s for pain and suffering that result from on the job injuries. Having Workman’s Compensation may reduce the risk of being sued by an employee for a work related injury.
The Risk of Misunderstandings
Miscommunication and misunderstandings are popular reasons why the nanny and family relationship end badly. Using a work agreement that outlines the terms of employment, including salary, benefits, hours, responsibilities, duties and tax responsibilities, can reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
The Auto Accident Risk
Many nannies transport their children for work related purposes. Checking your nanny’s driving record can help you make an educated and informed hiring decision. Having the proper automobile insurance coverage can also reduce your risk. If your nanny is using her own vehicle to transport the children then you’ll want to be sure she has the proper coverage to use her vehicle for work related purposes. If your nanny is using your vehicle, you’ll want to be sure she’s an insured driver and also confirm with your agent that your policy will extend to your nanny as well.
Risk of Theft
Conducting a thorough background screening, including reference checking, can help parents make an educated and informed hiring decision. If you have a live-in nanny, you’ll want to be sure your home owner’s policy will extend coverage to your live-in nanny’s personal belongings should they be stolen from your home.
Additional Risks
Suppose your nanny is caring for a friend’s children at your home? Or hosting a play date at your home? Having an umbrella or general liability coverage may reduce any risks you may incur in these types of situations. Since homeowners insurance typically will not extend to your employee, adding on additional coverage that does extend coverage to household employees may reduce your risk.
If you’re concerned about the risks involved with hiring a nanny as your employee, another option is to utilize a nanny placement agency that has their own nanny employees on staff. If the agency sends one of their employees to your home, the agency typically has extensive liability coverage. Since the nanny would then be a guest in your home, rather than an employee (since you are paying the agency, not the nanny), your homeowners’ insurance may extend coverage to the nanny.
There’s a lot to think about when hiring a nanny. Reducing your risks as an employer must be one of them.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on Avoiding Risk When Employing a NannyShould I Let My Nanny Drive My Kids Around?
August 9, 2012When it comes to having someone else transport their children from place to place in a vehicle, many parents have justifiable apprehensions. But as is the case with many personal decisions, when it comes to allowing your nanny to transport your children, there isn’t one answer that’s right for everyone.
As with most every choice, there will be pros and cons to your decision. When you allow your nanny to transport your children around it opens up the door to a new level of customized, personalized, and individualized childcare. Nannies who are allowed to transport their charges can embark on a variety of age-appropriate outings that they may not otherwise be able to venture on. These include trips to the library, local museums, zoo, parks, and friend’s homes for play dates. When parents allow their nanny to transport their children, it also opens the possibility for their children to partake in other rich social experiences, such as attending ‘mommy and me’ type classes or playgroups. Nannies who can transport the children can also take their charges to doctor and dentist appointments, preschool classes, or to any other necessary appointments that otherwise would pose a scheduling conflict for the child’s parents.
However, granting transportation rights also may have some downsides. For parents who worry about their children’s safety, their worry may outweigh any potential benefits of their children leaving their home in a vehicle driven by their nanny. Parents may worry that their nanny will abuse the transportation privilege and embark on errand running or other unapproved outings. For some parents, worry about giving over control of where their child goes and when to their nanny is a real concern.
Before making your decision on if you’ll allow your nanny to transport the children, consider these 5 factors:
Driving record and experience. Part of your nanny’s pre-employment screening should have included a driving record check. If you didn’t do one prior to hiring, now is the time to conduct one. Reviewing a copy of your nanny’s driving record will provide information on driving patterns, citations, and violations. But, as you know, the record will only include instances of bad driving if your nanny was caught. Taking your nanny for your own test drive or two can help give you a sense of her driving style. Inquiring to past nanny employers about your nanny’s experience in transporting her charges could also provide helpful insight.
Car seat and passenger safety knowledge. Chances are, if your nanny pointed out that your car seats were installed incorrectly (which up to 90% or more are), she’s concerned and knowledgeable about child passenger and car seat safety. Other indicators would include if she suggests you have your seats checked by a child passenger safety technician or if she is a safety technician herself, points out any aftermarket car seat products you have and suggested that they not be used, and asks if you have the children’s emergency contact information affixed to their car seats.
Insurance. When anyone is transporting your children you’ll want to be sure that they have proof of the proper insurance. If your nanny would be using your vehicle to transport the children, you’ll also want to make sure she is added as an additional insured driver. If she’ll be using her own vehicle, you’ll want to ensure that her coverage allows for transporting children as part of her job duties. Whether your nanny would be driving your vehicle or hers, it’s important to make sure that it’s safe for transporting the children.
Boundaries. For some parents, allowing their nanny to transport their children is not a black and white issue. For example, in some instances driving back roads to the library may be acceptable, but driving on the highway to the zoo is not. Some parents won’t want their nanny doing any personal errands, and others will gladly allow their child to accompany their nanny to the bank or post office, where they can experience and learn about waiting in line, how the bank or post office works, and what the workers there do. Some parents may prefer that their nanny calls upon leaving home and arriving at her destination, while others view that as an added stress and prefer the nanny to just call if assistance is needed. Establishing boundaries that fit your family and clearly communicating them to the nanny can ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to transporting the kids.
Your comfort level. Above all else, your comfort level must be considered as you contemplate allowing your nanny to drive your children. Evaluating your level of trust for your nanny, your realistic versus perceived fears, and how much discomfort you’re willing to endure if it means your children having the opportunities you want them to have will help guide you in your decision making.
When hiring a nanny, it’s essential to discuss the possibility of her driving the children during the interview. Many nannies expect that they’ll be allowed to transport the children, especially if they work outside the realms of public transportation. If your nanny has that expectation and it wasn’t uncovered prior to the nanny’s start date, it could be problematic. Few seasoned and professional nannies are willing to take on a position that requires them to stay in the home all of the time. If you’re against your nanny transporting the children, hiring a nanny without a license may be your best bet, as a nanny who doesn’t drive won’t have any interest in transporting your children.
Posted in Background Check | Comments Off on Should I Let My Nanny Drive My Kids Around? ← Older posts Newer posts →Run A Background Check Now
Fast, reliable & secure background checks are just a few clicks away.
Choose a plan & click to start your check at eNannySource.com

Recent Articles
- How to Reject a Nanny Applicant Gracefully
- How to Monitor The Quality of Care Your Children Receive
- How to Check Up on Your Nanny When You Don’t Have Nanny Cams
- 10 Unwritten Playground Rules All Parents Should Follow
- 12 Tips for Keeping the Backyard Safe This Spring
- 10 Things Moms do That Could Get Them in Trouble with the Law
- How to Snoop on Your Kid While He’s Online
- 10 Reasons Parents Should Not Have Guns in the House
- 10 of the Most Important Things to Include in Your Nanny Contract
- 10 Signs a Nanny Candidate Might Be the Wrong Choice
Article Archives
- September 2013
- August 2013
- June 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- May 2011