Dear Nannies:

Dear Nannies:

I am writing this blog to beg you/remind you to please be professional. I know that's what we all strive for. I mean, who actually wants to be known as an unprofessional nanny? Umm, no one...because you're not likely to find a job, at least not one that pays well with that reputation. Anyhow, this just really came to light today because of someone else's experience with being fired from a job due to her employer seeing her blog. I'm not going to specifically call this person out, but I will say she's young (not that I'm old!). I started nannying when I was her age (19) and I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know anything about contracts or how to be professional. I'm not going to say I'm perfect. I still make mistakes. I'm just saying when online, whether posting anonymously or not, we have to be extremely careful what we're saying. When you work for a private family, whether you sign a contract or not, you're agreeing to be confidential. That means if the parent asks you not to post pictures (I'm guilty of this one), identify where they work, give their names out, etc., you don't do it. And what you post online can and will be searched. A parent has every right to see what you're posting and fire you because of it. Before posting any pictures or kids' names, you need to talk to the parents and ask if they're okay with this. Think before you post. Would you be embarrassed if your boss or potential employer later read what you wrote? Don't post it. Could it get you fired? Don't post it. Would you say it in front of your boss/friends/family members? If not, then don't post it. Go ahead and vent. Just be careful what you're saying/what information you're giving out before you post it. If it's something that can't be posted and you still need to vent, confide in a close friend or family member, with them having the understanding that it's not to be repeated. I highly recommend having private accounts for nanny related posts, as long as you're still following your boss's wishes regarding what they don't want posted. That way, your bosses are less likely to see what you've posted. I just made one today for this very reason.

Also, before you post, just try to put yourself in your employer's shoes and think about how you would feel if you were the parent reading what your nanny was posting about you and your children. I personally know that if I was the parent, I'd be highly protective of my children. If I went online and found a blog my nanny posted stating that my children were brats, the nanny hated working for my family, I was a terrible parent, the nanny was looking for another position, etc., I'd fire my nanny. And I'd worry about my children's safety and well-being and how that nanny was taking care of and treating my children.

Okay, end of my rant. Just think twice before you post. :)