How to Keep Your Sanity as a Nanny

When entering life as a nanny, you are somewhat becoming an extended part of the family, although a temporary, paid and bossed-around one. Being a nanny has great advantages. You can use it as part of relocating; pick a town, seek a job. Many parents advertise nationally for live-in nanny positions and consider relocating someone. Yet, there are pressures and expectations that every nanny must deal with successfully in order to keep her cool and her job.

Start things off on the right foot. You only get one chance to make a first impression is doubly true when it comes to introducing yourself as a nanny. You want to appear clean cut, professional and yet ready to play with the kids. Avoid dressy clothes, clothes that are in any way skimpy, and clothes that are unkempt when showing up for your first day on the job. If you can get an idea of the kids' hobbies from the parents and also get a parental okay, it's a good idea to show up with a small gift for each child as a "hello' gift. This shows your thoughtfulness and that you are there as a fun, positive influence, not a babysitter to be dreaded.

Be aware that nanny cams are very popular and inexpensive these days. Don't look for them, though. If there are hidden cameras--and the parents find you sifting through their things--you're probably out of a job. Instead, behave like you are always on film. That's a good rule of thumb, anyway. Avoid any kind of delinquent behavior on the job. This goes without saying, but never smoke, drink, etc. when watching the kids, even after they've gone to sleep. Keep your wits about you for the entire time that the children are under your care. The nanny cam isn't there just to look out for that sort of behavior, though. It's also to make sure that you don't just send the kids off to do their own thing or break the rules set by the parents.

Keep in mind that the nanny cam can go both ways, though. If you think you're being falsely accused, set up or mistreated by the parents, feel free to set up your own version of the nanny cam. How admissible something like that may be really depends on several things, but it will at least help you feel better if you can't immediately escape an unpleasant employment situation.

Keep the rules of the house, even when the parents aren't there. The children will likely come up with lies and tall tales to get you to break them. They may try pouting or even blackmail. However, don't give in. If you break the rules of the house, the parents will find out. Kids have big mouths, or something will come out. Protect yourself.

Respect the religious or spiritual preferences of your host family. If a family is a vegetarian, don't take their kids out to McDonald's for a celebration. This may mortify families, and it can get kids really sick who haven't had meat before, aside from the obvious ethical implications of such a decision. The same is true for all different beliefs, as long as they aren't detrimental to the well-being of the children. If you suspect any child is being mistreated or harmed by his parents or their rules or beliefs, report it to the authorities immediately. That's a very important role a nanny can play.

Befriend the children that you nanny, but make sure that they follow your instructions. If you let the children take advantage of your kindness to them, you're really not teaching them how to behave at all.

Always keep ten back-up plans for the day when you're watching children. Birthday parties and play dates fall through. You never want to be stuck with kids without having a plan for something to do. Have games that you make up and play outdoors and indoors. Keep a couple of favorite child-friendly DVDs that aren't the norm, so that you always have something the children haven't seen to show. Tell stories. Read books. Keep back-up plans at all times.