Practically Perfect Podcast- For Nannies By Nannies!

In this episode, Sue discusses the differences we see in behavior with kids when they are with nanny vs. parent. Why as nannies are we so quick to assume it is because parents are not following thru. Myrna Alphonse, former "know it all nanny" and current parent weighs in on the difference between being the nanny vs. being the mom. 

Our second profile is Danny Wakefield, who shares thoughts on being a manny and a male in a female dominated profession. A joy!!  Connect with Danny at  https://www.facebook.com/Danny-The-Manny-812341965464214/

We discuss the ending of Downton Abbey. SPOILER ALERT!! This show has given us much to think about regarding the world of service. AND it is fun! 

What manners are important? What is the most effective way to teach them to children? 

A new feature for our podcast- community profiles. Meet other nannies we know and that we think are awesome! First up- Sue talks with Devon Bushouse from Boston!! 

Everyone has highs and lows when it comes to how they were raised. Some have more lows than others. In this episode we discuss how your own parents and upbringing can affect your caregiving. We also discuss how to talk about this with potential employers and how to examine and process it yourself. 

With the rise of online groups in Facebook etc... more and more nannies share their experiences and vent. But this has led to some negative behavior in the way people respond. Should we ever tell someone, "you shouldn't be a nanny" on the internet? How can we respond to posts that we disagree with? Our listener Sarah suggested this topic, and it was a great one for us to discuss.  

What is your childcare philosophy? How do you develop one and why is it important to know and be able to communicate your thoughts and beliefs? 

To kick off 2016 we talk about a big benefit for nannies that is often misunderstood- guaranteed hours and how it differs from salary. 

We discuss a question sent in by a listener- what does it mean to be engaged with a child? Does it mean the same thing to parents as it does to us as nannies? How do you talk to parents about engagement? 

Sue does a solo show brainstorming some ideas about Holiday gifts!  https://www.pinterest.com/suedowneypa/nannypalooza-gift-ideas/

In a recent story on Good Morning America, there was a report on a growing trend of employers hiring a private investigator to follow their nannies. We discuss this plus the nanny cam. Why do nannies get so upset?? 

Our special guest Laura Schroeder talks with Sue about her experiences with Autism, both as a parent and as a nanny. 

This week is National Nanny Recognition Week in the U.S. and we celebrate by having a conversation with Kellie Geres who runs NNRW. We talk about how and why it was started and how it can be celebrated.  www.nnrw.org

Sue has a conversation with Beth Smith of GeeWhiz Education about what exactly are we talking about when we talk curriculum? Why is it important? And we learn a bit about GeeWhiz online curriculum.    www.geewhizeducation.com  

How often do you find yourself drawn into a power stuggle over issues like cleaning up, homework or eating? It happens to all of us but here's the thing- you really can't win when you engage in a power stuggle with a kid. We discuss our emotional response and how to avoid these situations. 

SO if you are in a position where you are paid off the books, how do you approiach the conversation to make a change. We talk about ways to set your mindset and specific language to use for talking to employers about transitioning to being tax compliant.    www.homeworksolutions.com

Misbehavior is tough to take at any time, but it creates a unique situation when that misbeahvior happens in front of parents during those transition times at beginning and end of day. Do you correct or just leave things be? How much stepping in is appropriate for kids and for the parents? We discuss and offer a few different viewpoints. 

We discuss the question- if you could have dinner with 5 people that have inflenced you as a caregiver or that you would love to speak with about children, who would it be? 

Recently Care.com announced a partnership with Hand in Hand and the Domestic Workers United movement to promote the Fair Care pledge to domestic employers. What does the pledge say? Will it affect any real change? We discuss!  https://www.care.com/a/what-is-the-fair-care-pledge-20150408165743