High5 Friday: Privacy Protected

Sometimes being a nanny is strange when you think about it. "Living" in someone else's household. There is surely many ways your work home is run differently than your home-home. I occasionally have a thought, "didn't I already do this today? Oh yeah, I did... at my other house." It is amazing how comfortable we can become in a house that is not our own. We know where they keep the toilet paper, plunger, and carpet cleaner - in fact some nannies actually purchase and decide where to store the items! This is just one example of how it can be easy to forget we are working.

I find myself giving high fives, snuggles and zerberts to children; giving advice, good luck and thanks to the parents. The nanny-family relationship can grow into a very comfortable, easy-going relationship. Whenever I come home from a trip, I can look at my house and tell what my husband did all weekend. I notice the garbage, dishes, and items moved from a usual spot. These clues share what his time was like while I was away. It is the same with our work family, we've come to know this household so well, that when something is out of place it is obvious. This can be a great thing, as it allows us to step in and take over without interruption. Smooth transitions are ideal!

What we must be careful of getting too comfortable in this home away from home. During my first full-time nanny position, I was told to "just bring your laundry with you." I had just moved out into my own apartment and had to save quarters to do my laundry in the dungeon, err I mean basement, of my apartment building. I had seen too many lifetime movies to do my laundry in the evenings and gladly took my laundry anywhere to avoid the quiet, empty basement. (I also waited to take my garbage out until the cans were on the curb.) Looking back, I realize that not all families would be happy to see me using their washer and water. Some families may see this as a miss-use of time on the job.

In the same way, personal conversations and situations of a family should be respected. While we may overhear or even be told about a financial burden, family crisis or personal decision - it doesn't mean it is now ours to share. In fact, it best stay in the house as we leave for the night.

Though we are close to the children, legally they are not ours. We do not have the rights to make decisions for them (unless authorized), or even offer information about them. We must remember our place and in the family and prove trustworthy.

The word anonymity, comes from the word anonymous. Anonymity means "without name" or "namelessness", which I think is very fitting to describe a protective role we play in the lives of families. With social networking in mind, here are a few ways to live this out in our everyday work life.

High5: Privacy Protected

5. Protect names

I am careful to not use the first names of my boys in writing, but it vocal conversation only. If I am close enough to have a personal, live conversation with someone, then I would assume that their first names are safe to share. For instance, my husbands grandma loves to hear stories of the boys and what they are learning. She recently great-grandmother to twins, and is always curious of what they are learning and how I manage. I will say their names to her, family, friends, etc. However, when I say a comment on Facebook or twitter - live to the internet - I am careful to use a letter to represent each boy. For example John would be "J". I have noticed that other nannies will make up nicknames according to their personalities. One of my favorites is "the twincesses" ...as you can tell they are twin girlie-girls.

On Facebook, where you list your "job", what do you have written? Think about filling this in very vaguely. Instead of saying "professional nanny for the Williams family", say "professional nanny for the W family" or maybe just "professional nanny for a professional Cincinnati family" or "professional nanny".

I recently have changed another thing that I do. While I never share last names of the boys anywhere, I sometimes would be out and trying to get the attention of a boy not listening, and call out to him - first and last name. Another local nanny, said that she is very careful to not do that in public. Her reason is that her employer is a very high-profile in the city. I have decided to adopt this as well, simply as an extra precaution.

4. Time and place

Be careful not to announce to the world where you are going, when you will be there and how to meet... have you never watched 20/20? It is just not safe - personally and professionally. For instance this week, the boys had Vacation Bible School at their church. While I wanted to share that I would be watching them sing their VBS songs, I was careful to say "Can't wait to see the boys in their program tomorrow". It is still the same message I wanted to share, vague enough to protect the private life of the family. By the way, I do have privacy setting on my Facebook, that is no excuse for me to share info. Last year in Cincinnati, there were several houses robbed in the middle of the day, while the families were away on vacations. Teenagers were following status updates and walking into houses easily. Think about refraining from time and place announcements. Wait until you get home from the zoo to say you had a wonderful time.

3. Pictures

Always ask permission to use pictures of your children in a public manner. I take lots of pictures out with our nannies and children on play dates. These are not shared on the website, blog, Facebook, or anywhere in a public manner. I occasionally will come across an adorable picture that I will ask permission for - from parent and nanny - to use on the site. I also will occasionally share a picture of the kids in my care on this blog. They are mostly unrecognizable pictures. I always ask permission when using a full picture, with faces. Make sure that if you are posting and sharing pictures of your kids anywhere that the family is OK with this. When you do share, refrain from attaching a name to a face.

2. Respect personal lives

Do you ever get the question, "So.....what do they do?" I think that what people really want to know is "What do they do, that they can afford YOU!?" People are nosey! If they have to ask you, the nanny, what the family members do for a living...they probably have no need to know. I have many times often made up jobs in my head I wish I could shock them with "He is a bus driver and she works at the Holiday Inn front desk." I never have the guts to say it, so I give a vague answer that leaves them unsatisfied. But, who cares? It is none of their business.

1. Don't complain

No one, and I mean no one, is perfect. Everyone has a bad day, bad habits, and unique lives. It is not our place to put blame on anyone. As I write this, I am not saying I am perfect. I often times realize that I've made an unfair judgement, as my husband so gently will point out. If you are frustrated about something in your job I see that you have a professional choice to make. Choose to see is as part of the job package and accept it OR come up with a solution to either help fix it. If you need to seek advice, wait until you are calm enough to discuss it in a protective and professional way. Go to people that can actually offer you experienced advice, rather than someone that will just join forces in your negativity. We have recently started a "nanny roundtable" where our local nannies meet to discuss topics that have to do with our position. This WILL be a positive venue, or it will not continue. Same goes for our private online forum. It is meant as an encouragement, not a place to angrily vent. It is actually a rule. Live the example. It is so easy to go down a negative path. If you are in community, you will take them with you, whether you mean to or not. Choose words carefully. Stop and apologize if you crossed the line.

• Are you protecting the family you care for?
• Go back and look at some of your posts in social networks. What could you have done differently?
• What are your privacy settings? Do they need to be updated?
• How can you guard you tongue?

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Prepared Early

Quick Tip: Prepared Early

Our mornings are busy! (Have I mentioned that I am not a morning person?)Well, this week we have had Vacation Bible School getting us up early each day and reminding me of our school schedule. One thing that helps us get moving in the morning, is to have clothes laid out. The boys only sometimes care what they wear, but get to choose from 3 outfits....and get to pick there own underwear! We have been doing this with the boys since they were babies, and it works great. We are nearing the day, when they will be able to completely dress and undress themselves alone - head to toe!

High5 Friday: Celebrating One Great Year - Top Five High5's So Far!

Wow, it is hard to believe that we are celebrating a whole year of High5 posts. The CincyNanny Blog was a sporadic and random blog until the every week posts the High5 brought to Fridays!

People have asked me where did the idea of "High5" come from? I can't point to just one thing. The High5 has been a constant in my life forever. So, yeah, it is kind of a mix of things - 3 that come to mind.

Back when I worked for a youth ministry, we had a video series that we would create for the junior and senior high students, called "High Five". It might be something like "The Top 5 Ways NOT to Make Friends" - it was always humorous and had a catchy theme the I am singing as I remember.

When I first started with the boys, we had a few DVDs that we would watch, mostly ones that had music. We spent a lot of time in one large room in the house, and I needed some music to break up the day. They Might Be Giants has a few kids DVDs and CDs, and one all about numbers, "Here come the 1-2-3's!" There is a "High Five" song, that is totally a disco tune - I love it! Watch it here!

The other reference to the high-five, is that I just give them a lot! I cannot help it, I work with kids. It was always a safe, happy way to greet teens, and young kids always love it. My husband gives me a hard time that I over use it. I don't mind. In the swing dancing classes, as our students rotate they have to pass by us in the front of the room. Since we usually have 50-70 people in our class, I don't get a chance to talk to everyone, but I do get a high-five as they walk by!

So that is the history of my love and over use of the high-five. I have really enjoyed this fun way to share information, and it seems that you readers have to. Hopefully there are lots more to come! To celebrate today, I am going to share YOUR favorite High5's that we've had this last year. They are the most read.... I hope that you enjoy for the first time, or again. (Thanks for reading!)

High5: Celebrating One Great Year - Top Five High5's So Far!

5. New Years Resolutions for a Professional Nanny

I defined S.M.A.R.T. Goals and discussed HOW to set goals and gave ideas how to make goals for your job, career and personal life.

4. What Does a Nanny Want?

A national agency asked what a Nanny wants from an employer, and I responded with my opinion - my High5.

3. Things This Nanny is Thankful For

At Thanksgiving, I shared the things in my personal life that I feel grateful for and some funny pictures of our eatable craft!

2. Characteristics of My "Nanny-Pack"

I share the basics for finding the perfect bag - a much needed accessory with triplets! Pictures galore.

1. Positive Discipline for Young Children 0-3 Part #1 and Part #2

Returning from the INA Conference, I shared my favorite workshops in a 2-week series. This caught the eye of Author, Jane Nelson, and the Positive Discipline website and then the INA, making this the highest viewed posts of the last year.

What's Up Weds? Nanny Roundtable "Summer Safety"

Tuesday Night we had our first "Nanny Roundtable" as a CincyNanny Community! Nanny Lindsey returned from the International Nanny Association conference with the desire to create an informal time to chat over coffee or dinner about the issues and questions we face daily. We had a great turn-out and some good conversation about Summer Safety. Below are the notes Lindsey put together for us!

Nanny Roundtable: Summer Safety

Tues., July 20. 2010

Statistics:

• This year one in four children under the age of 14 sustains an injury requiring medical attention. [National Safe Kids Campaign]
• 40% of injuries that are seen in the emergency room and 42% of all injury related deaths occur between May and August. [Discovery Health]
• 90% of those accidents can be prevented by educating ourselves and our children about basic safety. [Discovery Health]

Bites, Stings & Ticks:

• Reduce the incidence of bites and stings:
• Dress is light (not bright) colors. Bees and other bugs won’t be as attracted to these colors. This also makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Use fragrance free lotions/soaps. If you smell like lavender, a bug will think you are lavender.
• Use repellent sprays
• Insect repellent not recommended for children under 18 months.
• DEET is a common ingredient in repellent. It can be toxic, particularly to children. Choose a repellent with low levels of DEET (about 10%). Or avoid it all together but choosing one containing picaridin or lemon eucalyptus. Both are non-toxic and are just as effective as those containing DEET. Repellents containing DEET will work against ticks but any repellent containing permethrin are an alternative.[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -CDC]
• Tick season is April thru October in most regions of the country can be picked up even in your own yard while playing. Be sure to do thorough checks at least once a day on clothes and along hairline, neck, arms and legs. Symptoms from a tick-born illness can take up to 36 hours to show. [CDC]

Water Safety:

• In 2006 more than 3,700 kids under 6 years old were injured in near drowning incidents. [SafeKids]
• More than 830 kids ages 14 and younger die due to unintentional drowning each year.[SafeKids]
• Installing self latching gates and fences over five feet tall can prevent an estimated 50-90% of accidental drownings of children. [Discovery Health]

Use common sense:

• Never leave children unattended near a pool or lake, no matter their age or swimming abilities.
• -Floaties are not life preservers, simply swim assistance- they are not made to prevent drowning.
• -Build your child’s water skills and confidence with lessons and experience.
• -Obey pool rules (walk, only swim when lifeguard is on duty etc.)

Playing Safely:

• Playground related injuries cause more than 205,000 emergency room visits each year. [Consumer Product Safety Commission -CPSC]
• More than 300,000 kids end up in the emergency room due to a bike related injury. [CPSC]

Prevent such injuries:

• Check playsets for loose pieces (to prevent falls) or unsecured chains and ropes (to prevent strangulations)
• Be sure a playground area is over a soft ground cover (often mulch or rubber tips), never grass or concrete to cushion falls and prevent head and neck injuries.
• Dress appropriately: avoid open toed shoes, strings on hooded sweatshirts and avoid clothing that is loose enough to catch or tangle on playset equipment.
• Be sure child is riding the proper size bike (a 1-3 inch gap should be between child and bike when child stands over bike frame).
• Always wear a helmet on bikes, scooters and rollerblades.

The Sun:

• Getting one blistering or peeling sunburn during childhood double chances of developing Melanoma. [Skin Cancer Foundation]
• Regardless of age, skin type (dark or light, easily burned or not), it is recommended that waterproof sunblock rated to protect against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF rating of 30 or higher be used. [American Academy of Dermatology]
• Using a lotion sunblock is more effective than popular sprays because it holds a stronger physical barrier against the sun. [Thanks, Dr. Allison]
• It is important to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours at minimum.
• If using sunblock and insect repellent, apply repellent after sunblock.

Beat the Heat:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and sports drinks with electrolytes (Did you know that milk has as much electrolytes in a serving as Gatorade?)
• Stay in the shade or air conditioning during the hottest part of the day (afternoon).
• Heat Exhaustion: mild symptoms, thrist, fatigue, cramp. Can progress to heat stroke if untreated.
• Heat Stroke: categorized as “severe”, feelings of dizziness, trouble breathing, headaches, confusion, changes in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, body temperature as high as 104F. Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to organ damage- particularly kidney, liver and brain.
• Kids are more susceptible because their central nervous systems are still developing, making it even harder for the body to “keep up” in these conditions.
• Anyone with Diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are at a higher risk.
• Never leave children in a car, even with windows down, for any amount of time especially in heat.
• Pay attention to what kids are eating, how much they are drinking and make sure they periodically take some time to stop play and rest.
• Kids active in sports and active play should drink 5 ounces (for a child weighing 88 pounds) every 20 minutes. [The American Academy of Pediatrics]

Helpful Sites:

Discovery Health: http://health.discovery.com

National Safe Kids Campaign aka Safe Kids: http://www.kidsafe.org

Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov

Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://dpsc.gov

Skin Cancer Foundation: http://www.skincancer.org

American Academy of Dermatology: http://www.aad.org

American Academy of Pediatrics: http://www.aap.org

About CincyNanny Roundtable

A new event to the CincyNanny Community!! The goal is to have a positive atmosphere with helpful answers. "Nanny Roundtable" will fall on the last Tues. of the month and have a pre-set topic. Lindsey will be hosting and gathering topics/questions from all involved ahead of time. This quarter each night will be at the same location. Join us!

Panera Hyde Park

3806 Paxton Ave, Cincinnati 45209

Tues., Aug 30 and Tues., Sept. 28th

7:00 - 8:00 pm

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Noted.

Quick Tip: Noted

I am a list-maker. It is how I function. I hate forgetting things, so I am constantly writing things down on my "master list". I have fallen in love with these Post-It Pads. They are great for short notes, phone messages, errand lists, directions, quick lists.... and the list goes on. They are the perfect size, very sticky, and lined. These little notes help keep me organized. If you cannot tell, I LOVE THEM! I use them at home, at work and even in the car.

High5 Friday: Manners Matter

My* boys are three and a half ... THREE AND A HALF! (*No they are not my children, but I love them like they are mine.) Sometimes I wonder, how did that happen? They grow up so fast. It seems just the other day I was mixing up formula, feeding a boy, burp them and repeat times two! I remember those milk burps were welcomed. "Good job, any more?" I would say to the triplets. And now we all sit at the table, open cups in hand. Sometimes they race to see who can drink their milk the quickest... boys = competition, you know. Then accidentally, someone (usually H) shares a burp. My response is a little different than 3 years ago. "What should you say?" H replies "sooze me!"

Since they were young, we have encouraged and modeled manners to them.

H, T, and N picked up little sign language as babies. The sign "more" was definitely our first and longest-lasting sign, and used mostly in their high-chairs when food was coming and there was only one of me to keep up with three of them. They would excitedly sign when I couldn't get to them fast enough. When they learned to talk, they would say the word "more" - repetitively, strong and almost zombie-like. They did not mean it disrespectfully, but it did sound a little harsh to our ears. So, we then encouraged "more, please" and taught them the sign "please" . I can still picture in my mind - H - looking up at me, signing "more, please" with aggressive hands. The "please" looked more like beating his chest then the calm manner that it was intended. (I knew what he meant.)

These days, manner words are said often throughout our days together. Sometimes it is their idea, other times it is our encouragement. Sometimes it is said with a calm, nice, tone and other times it is said harsh and loud.

A manner, defined by Merriam-Webster, "is a characteristic or customary mode of acting or a mode of procedure or way of acting". This discipline is not just for oneself, but greatly affects a child's social relationships - with adults and other children. I always hope that when H, T, and N are in conversation with people that they will have manners. This is not just to show that they are well-taught, but so that there is a mutual connection made between them and that person (adult or child). One of my personal goals is to show my respect to all people without judgment - whether I agree, disagree, or even understand. I am no more deserving or better than anyone else. I guess that is the discipline I hope to teach the boys. Whoever is on the other side of any social interaction is to be respected.

This is a subject that is important for us to revisit constantly. For the last week and enxt week upcoming our theme is "Kind Manners". I'm focusing on the manners that are appropriate for the boys at their age level, and seem to come up in their daily life. The strategies that I will share can be modified and used for any age child.

High5: Manners Matter

5. Pre-moment Chat

There are moments in our day that I have all the boys attention. I have learned this awhile ago and started using it to my advantage. A few of them are:

(1) during breakfast at the kitchen table

(2) in my car while driving

(3) reading time on the couch

The common denominator? All 3 boys are in the same location, sitting, facing the same direction, and somewhat pre-occupied in their mind or with their hands. So, on Monday during breakfast, I brought out our 10 Manners, written on foam circles. To add to the excitement, I reminded and taught the signs for each of them. One at a time, I talked, signed, then displayed on the windows next to us. For some of the manners, they signed along and others they looked at me like a deer in headlights (which means they are paying attention, "YES!"). While eating breakfast I talked about each of them and gave examples. "Wait your turn...hmmm, can you think of a place where we wait in line to play and we have to be patient and wait our turn? What about Jump Zone? Do you wait your turn at JumpZone?" Of course they knew the answers, and hopefully are thinking of all the fun they have at Jump Zone, but they also could be thinking of that line they stand in before climbing the inflatables. Throughout the the weeks, I will change the examples to moments in their life where they will have the choice to use their kind manners. The boys were totally enthralled with the new colored circles! The visual aids are just as much for me as for them, they are big and in my face and remind me to bring up the topic. I wrote notes of how to sign them on the back of the circles for reference. Some of them are similar and new to me.

4. Post-moment Chat

Similar to the hypothetical questions about the manners, I am using them to follow up on unacceptable behavior. The boys play this game where they steal each others' toys or blankets and run away, laughing and skipping. They all laugh until one of them is done with the game and ends up very frustrated that they cannot have their "stuff" back. This happens with N a lot who resorts to crying or screaming or hitting as his method to get what he wants. Depending on the event and the discipline needed it is handled. This week, I took N by the hand to the windows with the manners, "What kind of voices are good to use in the house?" He has learned the sign for "inside voices". In another situation we practiced together "Ask nicely". I again took him to the circle, then to H. I demonstrated, laying my hand out flat palm up, "N can you say, 'H can I have my toy back please?'" Usually H says "No", so then in the same way I ask N to ask for "help" from me - another manner on our window.

3. Our own example

It is important that I am over-using my manners as an example. This week, I am pointing to the circles (when near them) as I am carrying them out. This morning at breakfast, I forgot the boys cups of milk. They of course reminded me of what was missing. T says "I need my miiiiilk!" This gave me an opportunity. "Oh, T, what manner word could you ask with?" T, turns around to the window and points "Pleeeeeeease!". I exaggerate my excitement, "Oh yes!!!" I get his milk and before handing it to him, I say, "Now what word could you say AFTER I give you your milk, he looks again... quiet. I set the milk down and he says "Thank you". So, I say, Yea! You said this one, pointing to the "Thank You" circle on the window. Lastly, I say..."Now it is my turn, I am going to say "Your Welcome!" (pointing to the circle). This became a fun games, so I repeated the game for H and then N. Now, I am not going o tell you that I do this ALL day long, but a few of these a day, when they are in those teachable moments and they eat it up. These seeds were planted a long time ago, we just continue to water them with the age appropriate and life-applicable methods.

2.Example of those they watch

Each child has those in their life that are cool. They are watching! For some reason, the boys love my husband Doug. They call our house "Doug's house" our couch "Doug's couch". The boys love firemen, policemen, mailmen, and "struction men" (construction workers). Often times I will talk about how firemen and policemen would be helpful and kind in situations because the moment I mention their idol, I have their attention. "Point out other people exhibiting the behaviors you'd like to see in your kid," says Dr. Jodi Stoner, Ph.D a clinical psychotherapist and author of Good Manners are Contagious.

The boys also watch older children at the playground. Most of the time while we are out and about the boys are very well-behaved, so when we see other kids that are acting up they are surprised. They will stop and stare in amazement. When I see this happen, I will go to him, and quietly whisper, "what is happening?" (they know exactly what is happening). Once a mom was angrily dragging a screaming boy by the arm to the exit at Otterville. H says, "That boy is NOT 'sistening' to his mommy, he go to timeout at home". I usually follow-up with something like"Oh, I am so glad that YOU are playing well and sharing (manner on the window) these toys, that means that we get to stay and play longer! Great job."

1. Through books

Sometimes I get so sick of the sound of my own voice. Am I the only one? I know that repetition is good for children, but using books to speak character lessons is a great way to reinforce things that we are already talking about. This has been a great method for us since, like I said before, it is one of my top 3 focused moments with all three boys. I also love to read so it is fun for me to explore pictures, poem, and themes. My husband and I frequent books stores and end up at Half-price Books a lot! Last time we went in, I knew the theme weeks that I wanted to do for the summer, already, so we spent an hour looking for books that were interesting and spoke to the themes. We scored some great books for $1.98 - $3.98/each. This week we have been reading "The Berenstain Bears Learn to Share" and "The Berenstain Bears Say Please and Thank You" among others.

I hope that our simple experiences spark some ideas for you with the kids in your care! Happy teaching!

"While preschoolers are self-centered, teaching manners reminds your child that other people in the world matter and deserve respect", says Kathy Hirsch-Pasel, Ph.D.

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Squirt

Quick Tip: Squirt

First off, check out these cuties! Twins (S & G) are my husband's 2nd cousins and the stars of our family right now. We are all into their latest accomplishments, cute outfits and simply cannot get enough of their sweet smiles. First time parents, Cory and Sandy, love these spoons from Boon. They carry 3 ounces of baby food in the spoon itself and squirts a bite right onto the spoon. They say they are so convenient when they are out and about, and cannot wait to throw them in the cooler while vacationing on the beach! I am all about practical tools that make life easier, so I was totally impressed! Thanks guys for letting me share your family with our Nannies.

Boon claims it makes it easy to feed a baby one-handed. Well check out this youtube video that proves them correct!

See "Squirt" on the Boon website here

High5: Deep Roots of the Regarding Nannies (...and special announcement!)

I have a special announcement to share with you. As I continue to blog here on CincyNanny, I will also be joining the Regarding Nannies Development Team! I would like to introduce you to my friends and new colleagues: Glenda Propst, Alice Schaffer, and Kellie Geres! To "Meet the Nannies" jump over to Regarding Nannies and read the posts from this week. I interviewed them just I have here on the CincyNanny blog with our local Nannies!

POSTED TODAY ON REGARDING NANNIES...

Thank you for celebrating our birthday with us. The wonderful comments, the feedback and the support will motivate us through another year and we can’t wait to get started. We promised you a big announcement and here it is.

You may have noticed that there is a fourth bird in our new logo that we didn’t mention on Monday. As each bird represents a Regarding Nannies team member, we are excited to share a secret with you - and its been a hard secret to keep ... Greta Schraer of CincyNanny is now an official member of our Regarding Nannies Development Team. We never anticipated that we would take on a new team member but we all agreed that Greta was a perfect choice to join our Regarding Nannies Team.

We wanted to share a few words about why we wanted Greta to join our development team :

From Glenda:

I only met Greta briefly at the INA Conference in Dallas in 2009 but I knew that she was someone who had the potential to be a driving force in the nanny profession. She has determination, a strong sense of who she is, and a genuine passion for what she does. Greta also came home, and started a blog, I started reading what she wrote, and her words genuinely moved me. Greta wrote this as her mission statement on her blog.

I am a professional.
I am part of a family team.
I am one of many that will build into the lives of these beautiful, talented children.
I need a community.
I need respect.
I make mistakes.
I love children.
I want to grow in knowledge.
I want to grow as a person.
My gifts are unique and therefore I make my job unique.
I am faithful.
I am affectionate.
I am a leader.
I serve a True God who gives me forgiveness and guidance.
I have a passion to gather Nannies together to share experiences, gather resources, to challenge each other, and of course, play together.
I have found my calling.
I am a Nanny.

I see in Greta the next generation that will make a difference in the nanny profession. She is young, energetic, exuberant, has wonderful ideas, a gentle loving spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She is an ever present reminder of why we do what we do, and she is an inspiration to me.

Welcome Greta, I am so glad you are on this team!

From Alice...

I met Greta last year at the INA conference in Dallas. I had this feeling about her all weekend , that I wanted to get to know her better. I was running around as "Raffle Lady" to everyone and didn't have a good opportunity to chat with Greta. At some point I remember talking with Glenda about how this "nanny" Greta went to the board meeting, was excited about everything she was learning and how she wants to bring this information back to Cincinnati to the nannies that were there . Fast forward to Sunday morning in the hotel lobby as I went to sit with some of the board members, Greta was sitting on the couch on her mac laptop and starting her "CincyNanny" blog. She didn't waste a minute of what she learned that weekend. Later that year she came to Washington DC for Nannypalooza with the same enthusiasm as she had at the INA Conference. Greta came back to the INA conference with 3 of her CincyNanny members as well as hosting a Nannies Across America event this fall. She totally jumped on the train of "being a professional nanny" and learning anything and everything from all avenues in the industry. We have become friends over the past year, fellow board members on the INA Board of Directors and now fellow members of Regarding Nannies. I am so excited to be working with her on Regarding Nannies!

From Kellie:

Welcome Greta. I, like Glenda and Alice, met Greta at the INA Conference and she has proven to me to be a leader, a professional, a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration. I am in awe of all she has accomplished in such a short time and cannot wait for her to share all that energy, enthusiasm and knowledge with Regarding Nannies and our readers. I’m honored to be in a profession with all the ladies of Regarding Nannies.

From Greta...

It is so great that the cat is finally out of the bag, or... the bird is out of the cage!

As the ladies said, it was at the 2009 INA Conference that I briefly met Kellie, Alice and Glenda. I remember meeting Kellie at the roundtable for Nanny support groups. I was anxious to hear about this ADCAN thing. Having nothing in Cincinnati, before conference I thought I came up with the genius idea of a community bringing nannies together. Come to find out, there were many support groups all over the country! I quickly wrote notes and asked questions. 3 months later, the CincyNannycommunity was born.

Sunday morning, Alice and Glenda sat eating breakfast, and stopped me as I walked by. I remember telling them I was embarrassed to be be the only observer in the INA Board Meeting that day. They encouraged me, saying it was great that I cared and went to check it out. Looking back, I wonder if at their breakfast a spark of conversation and dreams of Regarding Nannies began? (And to think that I would be joining those strangers a little over a year later.)

That same day, I sat in the hotel lobby waiting for the shuttle, navigating the Blogger templates and writing my first post: a brief recap of conference. Later that summer, I wrote the post Glenda spoke off. For the first time, I spoke of my career in a public avenue, sharing my passions and purpose. I remember hitting "publish" wondering if anyone would happen to read it. Within hours, Glenda (representing Regarding Nannies) emailed me and asked to post it on their blog. What? Someone read it? Someone liked it? That day, I felt encouraged that my voice may make an impact locally and beyond. Largely due to this, I continued to write.

Over the last 14 months, these ladies - individually and as a team - have mentored and groomed me, daily, as I read the words they wrote. They encouraged me in so many ways and have each contributed to some amazing memories and professional accomplishments with me this year. As I look out among the industry as a whole, I can see the fingerprints and whispers these Nannies have left with so many! Their passion is contagious. Their love for the industry is genuine. The only gain they seek is to better the world and children in it.

As the 4th bird, the Hummingbird, I hope that I can also share with the industry. Have you ever observed the little Hummingbirds as they eat? At work we have feeders in the backyard and often I drift into amazement as I look out the window. They are busy, excited, little bodies with a super-focused, still head and beak. I look forward to writing about things that excite me in this career with children. I am always looking for ways to improve myself, be more productive and be excellent. I know that I have a lot to learn, but I'd love for you to look out your window and see my excitement and passion.

And I will warn you...you may get sick of my gushy heart towards the 3 year old triplet boys in my care. But, they are the best! (Truth is my actual favorite boy is my gorgeous husband, Doug.)

Each week on the CincyNanny Blog, I share a High5. This week I would like to share with you why this "birdie" is honored and humbled to join this team. They are truly amazing leaders, women, friends and Nannies. I see deep roots continuing to stretch deeper into a fertile soil. I only hope to grow with them in this new journey. Here are my High5 favorite ways I see their roots growing deeper.

High5: Deep Roots of the Regarding Nannies

5. Sharing Resources

I love their desire to share resources with so many! I see it as my daily, continuing education. They each dive into new subjects, methods and ideas, hoping to affect a Nannies daily life. So many of us are appreciative. So many of us are changed.

4. Connecting Nannies

Regarding Nannies has brought together Nannies across affiliations and across the world. They support without preference each individual and each organization that brings good to the Nanny world. They invite Nannies, young and old, experienced or new, educated or not, to the common ground of community. They invite industry professionals to share their specialty that we may glean knowledge from the best. What a value we have to gather, befriend, and share.

3. Giving Generously

Over the last year, I have seen these girls give expecting nothing in return. It wasn't until a few months ago, when I began working along side them behind the scenes that I was able to appreciate the gift of time, the fullness of heart, and finances that they have been sharing. Each is not living this leadership role to draw attention to themselves. They only hope to make a difference and that is their reward.

2. Mentoring to the Masses

These ladies are continually learning, changing, and growing. They seek to be their very best unique self. They take us with them on that path of growth, challenging us to succeed and with encouragement and understanding. If not challenged, I personally lose zeal and drive. I appreciate that there are people that want to give that to Nannies as individuals and the industry as a whole.

1. Enriching the Lives of Children

Ultimately we are Nannies because our heart is tugged towards the young. By educating, providing tools, sharing a welcoming community...our lives are refreshed and bettered. In return, the precious, innocent darlings that we get to help shape - are being blessed. Is there any greater purpose than sharing love with children? I think not.

Happy 1st Birthday Regarding Nannies! What an amazing beginning with only the best days ahead.

Today's Giveaway Winner

Thank you to all the wonderful thank yous and Birthday wishes from everyone this week! Our last winner was from the 23 notes that were emailed in. Random.org chose one winner to receive their choice of 2 ~ Regarding Nannies mug, tote bag, or notebook.

Congratulations to #7 - Carolyn Stulberg of the Alexandria School

Please contact us at regardingnannies (at) gmail (dot) com with your choices!

Here are our final birthday notes from Regarding Nannies readers and friends:

Dear Glenda, Kellie, and Alice - Happy Birthday and thank you so much for creating a portal where nannies can get different information for their professional and personal lives. I really enjoy all the various blog posts and have spent a lot of time archive hunting for past posts.

Buffi Gentry

Nanny

Happy Birthday/Anniversary Regarding Nannies! You guys have done a great job for a successful 1st year! Looking forward to many more!

Lottie S.

Nanny in Addison,TX

Happy Birthday Regarding Nannies. May you have many more. Thank you for all the great ideas and info.

Stacie

Nanny in Albuquerque, NM

Regarding Nannies has consistently brought excellent support, articles, ideas and inspiration to Nannies and agencies alike. We, as an agency have been so moved by the support of RN in the past year and we'd like like to say Thank you and Happy Birthday!

Pattie Mueller

NannyMall, LLC

Missouri

Kellie, Alice and Glenda - A big (and long overdue) thank you to 3 amazing nannies for your tireless contributions to the nanny industry, and for your personal commitment as role models and mentors to all of us! Thank you, thank you!

Christy Ochs

Nanny in Denver, CO