8 things NOT to do to a professional nanny

The new movie “The Nanny Diaries” has the founder of the first and only English nanny school in America a bit perturbed about how nannies are portrayed.

Sheilagh Roth, founder and executive director of the English Nanny & Governess School in Chagrin Falls, OH, says, “Professional nannies — those trained for the role of nurturing and rearing children through childhood — would never, never tattle about what goes on in the personal lives of her employers.”

Here’s her list of eight “No-nos” for employees.

1. Respect: Don’t treat nannies as live-in slaves. They are professional child-care experts, not housekeepers, maids, or family chefs. Verbal abuse is not tolerated.

2. Duties: Don’t expect them to be on call 24/7. Duties outside of normal hours are considered overtime. Nannies sign contracts spelling out duties, benefits, and compensation.

3. Authority: Don’t allow other family members to give orders. Nannies report directly to the heads of the household.

4. Privacy: Don’t discuss the nanny’s private life. Nannies are trained to be discreet about your family matters and expect the same courtesy. Nannies should have separate and private living quarters.

5. Communication: Don’t abdicate child development responsibility. Open dialogue is essential for discussing the child’s developmental progress.

6. Vacation: Don’t automatically expect the nanny to accompany the family on vacation. Expect to pay for travel and overtime.

7. Exclusivity: Don’t expect the nanny to baby sit for your friends or relatives.

8. Clean-Up: Don’t expect your nanny to clean up after your parties or mishaps.

Nanny-Governess.com