What The Nanny Heard

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss what is and isn’t included in a Nanny’s job description, and how the little asks can gradually become part of the everyday workload. How do nannies suddenly find themselves walking the dog, doing the family washing or cooking for the whole household?

The ladies explore how a one-off favour can quietly become an ongoing responsibility, how small requests can snowball, and how this can leave Nannies feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and demotivated by work that falls outside their agreed role.

The conversation looks at how Nannies can navigate these requests, negotiate boundaries and feel confident enough to speak openly with their employers when the workload becomes too much.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie also discuss the importance of talking to other Nannies to gain perspective, share experiences and recognise when the little asks have become too much.

Charlotte’s DMs

At what age do you ask the children to clean up after themselves?

Podcast Links:

Your Nanny Network Contract: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/resource-library

Your Nanny Network Event: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/networking-events

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss how being treated like a member of the family can be wonderful, but can it also be a poisoned chalice. In a fully staffed household, is there something to be said for simply being able to do your job, feel respected and maintain professional relationships with the parents and other staff, without the complications that can come with blurred boundaries?

Being treated as family can create genuine bonds and a greater sense of belonging. When parents show their nanny love, trust and appreciation, it can strengthen the nanny’s relationship with the children and help create a more secure base for them. But where do we draw the line between being a valued member of the household and being an employee whose professional boundaries need to be respected?

Does being treated like family sometimes lead to blurred lines and job creep? Does it become harder to say no to extra responsibilities, longer hours or requests that fall outside our job description because we feel emotionally invested in the family? And can that sense of obligation lead to resentment over time?

The ladies discuss how we all strive to be respected; how/what can that respect be shown. Is it about being listened to, having our professional advice taken seriously and seeing parents follow through on agreed strategies? Or is it about the more tangible gestures, such as thoughtful gifts, being included in family occasions and feeling remembered? Perhaps it is a combination of both, but can material gestures ever compensate for a lack of professional respect?

When a relationship that once felt warm and trusting becomes awkward or strained, it can be incredibly difficult to navigate.

And what are the consequences of not being able to speak up? Unspoken frustrations, unrealistic expectations and a lack of boundaries can lead to resentment, burnout and the breakdown of a once-positive relationship.

Charlotte's DMs:

Hello, as an employer I would be very grateful to hear your opinion in this please. Our Nanny is absolutely wonderful nd great and our children adore her. Shem’s been with us for a couple of years However Recently she has started to eat a lot of food and I am starting to notice the cost. Should I say something if so how? Is it just part of the deal of having a nanny because I want her to feel at home.

Podcast Links:

Your Nanny Network Contract: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/resource-library

Networking Event Tickets: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/networking-events

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie chat with Olivia West about children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

With a father who was a social worker, Olivia went on to study, amongst other things, child psychology, childhood depression and children’s emotional development.

We discuss the importance of naming emotions, teaching empathy and modelling healthy emotional behaviour, and how Nannies can support children’s emotional development while remaining firm but fair.

Olivia also explores the value of natural consequences and why talking things through with a child after a meltdown, once they are calm, is so important.

Charlotte and Charlie also learn that they might be much more gentle carers that they 1st thought!

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss the art of negotiation — a skill that can, and should, be learnt.

Nannies are invited into someone’s home, but they are there in a professional capacity. That makes it essential to understand your value, know your numbers and feel confident having professional conversations.

One of the biggest lessons is never feel pressured to agree to something on the spot. Don't accept important terms verbally or make decisions under pressure. If you need time to think, it is perfectly professional to say, “Let me think about that and get back to you.”

And negotiation isn't just about salary and holiday. It is about the whole package and, increasingly, about work-life balance. Expectations need to be clear from both sides, and potential employers should be willing to give more than vague answers. A successful working relationship is a two-way street.

Whether the negotiation is about something big or something seemingly small, having the conversation matters. Avoiding difficult discussions can allow frustration and resentment to build, and over time that can begin to corrode the relationship.

Ultimately, good negotiation isn't about one person getting everything they want. Compromise has to come from both sides. Open, honest conversations from the beginning can prevent misunderstandings, protect the working relationship and help both the nanny and employer feel valued and respected.

Charlotte’s DMs

I've been asked by Nanny family to join them on next year’s sky holiday. Can I ask for time off to ski for myself? An hour or 2 a day.

Podacst Links:

Interview episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5n6tEH5uPggO38JONW7vZR?si=LzFjG2vxTGWXQ54ojMFssQ

Budget planner: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/resource-library

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie explore some of the biggest myths surrounding Nannying and childcare and put the truth out there!

Are Nannies just babysitters? Do they simply play with children all day? And is Nannying really a career?

The answer to all three is a resounding no.

Nannying is a skilled profession that requires knowledge, judgement, experience, responsibility and a genuine understanding of children and their development. And while some people believe that being a good Nanny is simply something you are born with — an innate quality that cannot be taught — there is so much more to it. Professional development, experience and learning all play an important role.

They also look at something that makes Nannying quite unique: what other career allows a parent to continue practising and developing their professional skills while taking a career break to raise their own children?

Then we get into some of the more fundamental issues surrounding the profession — from whether Nannies need a contract, to why Nannies resign from jobs and what can ultimately make a nanny-employer relationship work or fail.

And, of course, we tackle the judgement that surrounds Nannying. Much of it comes from people who have never employed a Nanny themselves — sometimes people who don't have children at all. So where do these assumptions come from, and why are they still so prevalent?

Charlotte’s DMs

I have been looking for a new job and have finally been offered 1 i absolutely love. There is a long story behind this that i sharnt go into but they need someone asap. This means I’m unable to honour my current family’s notice period. Should i go amd start or think of my current family, stay, and potentially lose out? I do know for a fact that there is someone else waiting in the wings that I know can start immediately.

Podcast Links:

Your Nanny Network Contract: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/resource-library

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie chat to Claire, the Wedding Nanny.

What started with one family asking Claire to nanny at their wedding has grown into a thriving business through social media and word of mouth.

Claire gives us an insight into navigating a high-pressure wedding day, where everything needs to run seamlessly while caring for a child she’s never met before.

She shares the hacks and tricks she uses to keep her working day running like clockwork, from meal and sleep times to safeguarding and risk assessments.

And, of course, Claire delves into the less glamorous side of the job too… including the dreaded poo-namis!

Podcast Links:

Claire The Wedding Nanny: https://www.clairetheweddingnanny.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claire_theweddingnanny/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555269519422&locale=sr_RS

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Charlotte, Charlie and Millie celebrate 100 episodes, they reflect on the journey so far — from the last 99 episodes to the growth of Your Nanny Network and the incredible community they have created along the way. They explore their shared passion for the podcast, the nanny profession and creating a space where nannies feel seen, understood and connected.

The ladies reflect on how their own relationships and dynamics have evolved throughout the podcast. They discuss the confidence they have built in one another, how their differing opinions have challenged and changed each other’s perspectives, and the personal and professional growth they have each experienced along the way.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie then take listeners through ‘100 hours in the life of a Nanny’ — a tongue-in-cheek, honest and relatable look at what nannying really involves. From hearing children screaming at 6am from the other side of the front door, to Weetabix removal hacks, discipline, emotional highs and lows, endless laughter and the moments that make you wonder how you got through the day, they unpack the reality behind the job.

At the heart of the episode is the unique connection between Nannies. There are experiences, challenges and inside jokes that only another Nanny can truly understand — the kind of things our friends, family and partners simply cannot relate to in quite the same way.

Finally, they reflect on the privilege of being a nanny and the lasting impact nannies can have on the children they care for. It’s about more than looking after children; it’s about being part of their formative years, watching them grow and knowing that the relationship, care and influence you provide can stay with them for life — shaping not only the children they become, but the adults they ultimately grow into.

Podcast links:

Stikins: https://www.stikins.co.uk/

‎WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IfRMqKnrhZ47z5O8QlSIkP?s=sh&p=i&mlu=4&ilr=4

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss how we can help raise resilient children and how nannying and parenting have evolved over the years.

Have we become too quick to step in? Are children being given enough freedom to make mistakes, experience disappointment and sit with difficult emotions? The ladies discuss the importance of allowing children to learn through doing, rather than constantly rescuing them or jumping in too soon.

They explore why we should not underestimate children. Often, children know their own capabilities and limitations and deserve to be trusted to try, fail and try again. The girls discuss praising and acknowledging the process, effort and learning — not just the end result, especially when the outcome is not what the child had hoped for.

They also explore how we can support children in developing the skills to eventually regulate their own emotions, rather than becoming dependent on constant external reassurance and intervention.

Finally, the ladies discuss whether Nannies may sometimes be in a unique position to help children develop resilience. With a different and, in some ways, less emotionally intense attachment than a parent, can Nannies sometimes find it easier to hold firm boundaries and support children through difficult emotions without immediately trying to fix them?

Charlotte’s Dms

I am about to take a child I look after to the airport, fly with them, solo, to their destination long haul by the way, and then turn on my heal and fly back to the UK. How do I invoice them for this?

Podcast Links:

Dr. Becky Kenedy https://open.spotify.com/episode/01wUW6WogsKV1pDwAiXYDX?si=C2BxHWCKR-ivHLUUkI1gOQ&utm_source=whatsapp&nd=1&dlsi=0741c1dc02c24ecd

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss the difficult and sometimes uncomfortable reality of being a nanny when a child simply doesn’t seem to like you.

Is it something the nanny is doing? Is it about the child? Or is there something deeper going on? The girls explore how a child’s emotions and personal circumstances can affect their relationship with a nanny — from separation from a parent to feeling unsettled, anxious or lacking control.

They also discuss how to begin a new role and find the right balance between setting clear boundaries and allowing the relationship to develop naturally. The conversation explores how they personally build bonds with children, negotiate boundaries and respond sympathetically to difficult emotions.

Finally, they look at the powerful role parents can play and how the language they use about a nanny and the childcare arrangement can significantly influence how a child feels.

A thoughtful conversation about navigating rejection, building trust and remembering that sometimes, it isn’t personal.

Charlotte’s Dms

We’ve just experienced a mad heatwave in London and most of the country to be fair. This is likely to happen again next year. What are reasonable adjustments to ask our boss for.

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie explore what happens when a Nanny role becomes overbearing and crosses the line into micromanagement.

Parents are, of course, entitled to be involved in their children's care, but Nannies also need to be trusted and given the space to do the job they were hired to do. The ladies discuss the importance of autonomy, realistic expectations and recognising when demands become unreasonable.

As usual it is all about communication and boundaries! Passive aggression is never the answer. Nannies cannot address a problem if they don't know it exists, and honest, respectful conversations are far healthier than unspoken frustrations and growing tension. As well as respecting a Nanny's finish time to ensuring they are always spoken to with kindness and respect. 

The conversation also explores the pressure Nannies can put on themselves to be perfect. Balancing an employer's expectations with their own professional standards can be challenging, particularly when there simply isn't enough time to complete everything expected of them. There is a difference between working efficiently and being expected to achieve more than one person reasonably can.

Ultimately, the Nanny/employer relationship is a two-way street. Nannies should respect the family, their home and their expectations, while employers should equally value the Nanny's time, professionalism and expertise. The strongest working relationships are built on trust, communication and mutual respect.

Charlotte’s DMs

I am at the end of my tether! I have no idea where to go or what to do. My employer is such a micromanger. I have tried to speak with him but it doesn't seem to calm down. Can we as Nannies try and change someone's way or do we just have to agree to disagree?

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_nanny_network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145513705160641

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.yournannynetwork.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.