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The Official Blog of Morningside Nannies

5 Things Parents Need to Know When Hiring a Nanny

By Michelle LaRowe

Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your family — and it can feel overwhelming. As a seasoned nanny and parenting consultant, I have long guided parents through this process with wisdom, practicality, and a child-centered approach. Drawing on that same mindset, here are five essential things parents should know when bringing a nanny into their home.


1. Define your family’s needs before you search
Too often, parents jump into hiring without first getting crystal-clear on what they need. Do you want a full-time or part-time nanny? What hours, duties, and expectations are non-negotiable? What role do they want the nanny to play in the family? What is your budget for the role? I often remind parents that if you don’t know what you’re looking for, how will the nanny be able to meet your needs? Write down your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers. This clarity will save you — and the candidates — time and frustration. Sometimes parents believe they can find the candidates than define the role, but successful nanny searches do not work that way. You have to have a clear understanding of what you job is and who is going to fit best in the role to recruit viable candidates. Families who don’t have a clear job description or understanding of their needs are a red flag for experienced nannies.


2. A resume is not the whole story
Yes, a resume matters — but it is just one piece of the puzzle. A nanny’s temperament, values, and ability to fit into your family culture are just as critical. You’re not hiring a babysitter; you’re hiring a partner in your parenting. During interviews, go beyond the resume. You want to ensure you understand the candidate’s complete work history and her motivation for starting and ending each job. Ask situational questions about how the nanny has handled child related occurrences, observe how the nanny interacts with your children, and trust your instincts. Sometimes the most qualified person on paper isn’t the right fit for your family.


3. Background checks and references are non-negotiable
No matter how warm or impressive a candidate seems, you must do your due diligence. That means conducting a formal background check, verifying identity and work eligibility, and calling references. Trust, but verify. You are entrusting someone with your children’s safety and well-being and you need to know who is going to be caring for your children. Gather as much information as possible so you can make an educated and informed hiring decision.


4. Be clear about the job — and put it in writing
A common point of conflict between families and nannies is unclear expectations. Avoid this by creating a written work agreement that outlines duties, schedule, pay, benefits, vacation time, and any household rules or expectations. It is up to parents to understand their legal and tax responsibilities and to be compliant in those areas. Any nanny employment should be treated as professional employment — because it is. This protects both you and the nanny, ensures alignment, and builds a foundation of mutual respect.


5. Invest in the relationship, not just the hire
Hiring a nanny is not a “set it and forget it” situation. Regular check-ins, honest communication, and appreciation go a long way. Schedule time for feedback, be open to hearing the nanny’s perspective, and show gratitude for the work they do. A thriving nanny-parent relationship benefits everyone — especially your children.


Final Thoughts

It’s not just about finding a nanny — it’s about finding the right nanny for your family. Take your time, do your homework, and remember: when you hire thoughtfully and lead with respect, you’re setting up your family for peace of mind and your children for loving, stable care.

I’ve put together a Welcome Family Guide that helps parents understand what it takes to find, hire and keep the right nanny for their family. Welcome Family Guide 2025. If you are in Houston and need help with your nanny search, contact me for a complimentary consultation.

Posted in Advice for Parents | Leave a comment

From RBT to Nanny: Transitioning to Nanny Care

If you’re a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) considering a move into private nanny care, you bring a highly valuable set of skills to the table — but you also face unique challenges in transitioning from a clinical or therapeutic setting to a family-centered home environment.

Many parents today are looking for nannies who align with positive discipline, gentle parenting, and child-led approaches. This can sometimes feel at odds with the structured, data-driven methods used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and RBT work. So how can you make a smooth and successful shift?

Here are some important things to keep in mind as you make this transition:

Highlight Your Strengths — Carefully

Your training as an RBT has given you exceptional observation skills, patience, and knowledge of child development — all major assets in nanny care!
When applying for nanny positions, highlight:

  • Your ability to understand behaviors and anticipate needs
  • Your experience creating structure and routine
  • Your calm and composed presence during challenging moments
  • Your communication skills with both children and parents

But be mindful not to present yourself as a “therapist” or suggest you will implement formal behavior programs unless specifically requested. Most families are not looking for in-home therapy — they’re looking for a loving caregiver.

Understand the Shift in Goals

As an RBT, your focus was often on skill acquisition, behavior reduction, and measurable outcomes. As a nanny, your role is about nurturing, caregiving, supporting development, and building a warm, trusting relationship.

Parents often want their children to feel safe, loved, and respected, not “fixed” or managed. Be prepared to relax your focus on data collection and compliance, and lean into child-led activities, emotional connection, and playful learning.

Learn About Positive Discipline and Gentle Parenting

Many modern families embrace parenting styles like:

  • Positive discipline
  • Gentle parenting
  • Responsive caregiving
  • Conscious parenting

These approaches prioritize:

  • Validating children’s emotions

  • Collaborating instead of controlling

  • Using natural consequences instead of punishments

  • Building connection over compliance

Take time to educate yourself on these philosophies. You don’t have to abandon your training — but you do need to understand how parents want discipline handled in their home, which may be less rigid than RBT protocols.

Communicate, Don’t Diagnose

As an RBT, you’re trained to spot patterns and note potential delays or concerns — but as a nanny, your role is not to assess, diagnose, or intervene clinically.

Instead, focus on open, respectful communication with parents:

  • Share observations as a caregiver, not a therapist
  • Respect the family’s parenting style and values
  • Ask parents how they want you to handle challenges

Embrace Flexibility

In therapy, sessions often have a set structure and goal. In a home, life is less predictable. There are messes, missed naps, spontaneous adventures, and moments when connection matters more than “progress.”

As a nanny, be ready to pivot. Your flexibility, sense of humor, and ability to go with the flow will make you stand out.

Your background as an RBT can be an incredible asset in the nanny world — if you’re willing to adjust your mindset from “interventionist” to “caregiver.” By emphasizing connection, gentle discipline, and emotional support, you can provide families with both your expertise and your heart.

Many parents are actively looking for nannies who are both knowledgeable and nurturing. If you can blend your clinical background with a warm, child-centered approach, you’ll not only be highly employable — you’ll be a gift to the families you serve.

Bonus Tip: Consider adding some professional development in positive discipline or gentle parenting to your resume — it shows parents you’re committed to supporting their values, not just bringing your own agenda.

Posted in Advice for Nannies | Leave a comment

Why Morningside Nannies Focuses on Quality

Why Morningside Nannies Focuses on Quality Over Quantity—and Why Your Nanny Search Takes Time
By Michelle LaRowe, Morningside Nannies

When it comes to hiring a nanny, faster isn’t always better—and more options don’t always mean better options. At Morningside Nannies, we understand the pressure parents feel to secure childcare quickly. But we also know that finding the right nanny—the one who aligns with your family’s values, schedule, and expectations—is a process that deserves time and attention.

Here’s why we focus on quality over quantity, and why a thoughtful, thorough search is well worth the wait.


Your Family Deserves More Than Just a Warm Body

We’re not just filling a position; we’re making a match. The nanny you hire will have a profound influence on your child’s development and your family dynamic. That’s why we don’t simply send the first few applicants your way—we present only those who are truly viable, based on your specific needs and hiring preferences.

We screen for more than just experience—we look for compatibility, communication style, approach to discipline, and long-term fit. A rushed placement may check a box, but it likely won’t lead to the relationship or peace of mind you’re seeking.


We Don’t Cut Corners on Screening

Each nanny who enters our candidate pool has passed a rigorous prescreening process before ever being considered for your position. This includes:

  • Criminal background checks

  • Sex offender registry screening

  • Social Security trace

  • Motor vehicle records review

  • Reference verification

  • A childcare and safety assessment

  • A personality profile used to support the matching process

We don’t wait until you’ve made a job offer to start screening—because we believe families should make educated and informed hiring decisions.


Great Nannies Don’t Sit on the Market

We’re constantly recruiting—and the best candidates get hired quickly. That’s why we move swiftly behind the scenes to evaluate every new applicant for suitability. We keep your job top of mind as we work through new applications daily. Still, a truly great match doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes the right candidate is just a few days away from applying—or we’re waiting for the last piece of data before we can accept the nanny into our candidate pool.


We Know What Works Long-Term

After more than 30 years of matching Houston families with professional nannies, we’ve learned what leads to long-term success—and what doesn’t. High-volume agencies or online platforms may flood your inbox with resumes, but many of those candidates wouldn’t pass even the first phase of our vetting process.

By narrowing the focus, we increase the odds of long-term satisfaction. Our goal isn’t to make a fast placement—it’s to make the right one.


The Right Match Takes More Than Algorithms

Childcare is personal. We don’t rely solely on automated matching systems or keyword searches. We have real conversations with both families and nannies. We get to know your parenting style, household rhythms, and priorities. Then we hand-select candidates who not only meet your qualifications but who we believe will thrive with your family and fulfill their commitment to your role.


In Closing: Trust the Process

We know that waiting for the right nanny can feel stressful, especially when you’re balancing work, parenting, and the many demands of daily life. But choosing a nanny is one of the most important hiring decisions you’ll ever make.

At Morningside Nannies, we take that responsibility seriously. We don’t just want to help you find a nanny—we want to help you find the right nanny. And that’s something worth waiting for.


Explore our current nanny opportunities or begin your search today at MorningsideNannies.com
Have questions? Call us at (713) 526-3989—we’re here to help.

Posted in All About Nannies | Leave a comment

Breaking the Cycle: Why Nannies Must Address Issues Head-On

As a longtime nanny industry professional and advocate, I’ve had countless conversations with nannies about challenges they’ve faced on the job—families coming home late, duties slowly expanding beyond what was agreed upon, or unclear communication about schedules and expectations. What strikes me most isn’t that these issues happen—it’s that the same issues keep happening, often with different families.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this keep happening to me?”—you’re not alone. But here’s the reality: when we avoid addressing problems as they arise, we carry them into our future roles. The pattern continues until we break it.

The High Cost of Avoidance

Avoiding conflict feels easier in the moment. After all, many nannies worry that speaking up might jeopardize their job or strain the relationship with their employers. But silence has a cost. The Harvard Negotiation Project emphasizes that unresolved issues in professional relationships inevitably lead to deeper dissatisfaction and disconnection over time.¹

Let me share an example. “Emma,” a seasoned nanny I worked with, had three jobs in a row where parents frequently arrived late. She felt taken advantage of—but never voiced her concerns. Each time, she hoped the new family would be different. They weren’t. The truth was, Emma hadn’t learned to communicate her boundaries early and effectively.

This cycle is what psychologists refer to as repetition compulsion—a subconscious drive to relive unresolved scenarios in hopes of achieving a better outcome, but without changing our own behavior.² Until we address our part in the dynamic, we remain stuck.

Why It’s Crucial to Speak Up

  • You teach people how to treat you. If you consistently tolerate crossed boundaries, people will assume it’s acceptable.

  • Unspoken resentment builds. What starts as minor irritation can turn into burnout or a fractured relationship.

  • The same problems will follow you. New job, same outcome—unless something changes.

How to Break the Cycle

  • Notice the Pattern

Reflect on what frustrations keep surfacing in your jobs. Write them down. Ask yourself, “Did I communicate my expectations clearly?” Identifying repeated experiences is the first step toward changing them. If you are experiencing job creep in each position, for example, consider if you’re being asked to take on additional duties or if you’ve started helping out because you felt something needed to be done — and now it’s become an expectation.

  • Use Your Voice Early

Address small issues before they become big ones. According to relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman, how you start a conversation predicts how it will end.³ Lead with empathy and respect. For example: “I really enjoy working with your family. I’d love to find a way we can keep each other updated when arrival times change, so I can plan accordingly.” If you are willing, consider asking if the family would like to expand your hours or your rate to make any accommodations that seem needed.

  • Clarify Expectations Upfront

Before accepting a position, confirm details in writing—work hours, responsibilities, overtime policies, communication preferences. Clear boundaries help everyone feel secure. Ensure you review a written job offer and complete a written work agreement with the family. Formalizing the work agreement ensures that both parties understanding the expectations and responsibilities of their role.

  • Document, Reflect, and Share

Keep a personal log of situations that feel uncomfortable. Writing things down helps you clarify your thoughts and prepare for productive discussions. Remember, if you don’t give your employer the opportunity to correct an issue, they issue may not be correct. Having natural opportunities to connect help ensure negative feelings and resentment do not build up. Consider asking for weekly check-in meetings at the start of each new job and adjust the interval when you meet as the job progresses.

Lean on Your Resources

Whether it’s your nanny placement agency, a mentor, or a professional nanny group, don’t navigate these challenges alone. Most reputable agencies provide support not just for job placement, but for long-term success on the job. Join the International Nanny Association to network with other like-minded professionals or join an online social media group like Nanny Counsel, where you can get advice from others.

Addressing Conflict is a Sign of Professionalism

It’s not unkind or ungrateful to speak up. It’s a demonstration of self-respect and emotional maturity. You’re not just protecting your current job—you’re setting the standard for the kind of work environment you deserve.

As researcher and leadership expert Brené Brown wisely said, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”⁴ By being clear about your boundaries and needs, you create healthier dynamics for yourself—and for the families you serve.

Sources:

  1. Stone, D., Patton, B., & Heen, S. (2010). Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. Penguin Books.

  2. Freud, S. (1920). Beyond the Pleasure Principle.

  3. Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Crown.

  4. Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead. Random House.

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Understanding Concierge Medicine

Dr. Benjamin Ho, Medical Director of Texas Children’s Pediatrics Concierge Medicine program, explains why parents should consider concierge medicine for their child’s pediatric care. 

“This is incredible!  I can’t believe you picked up the phone! This is just like the old days.” These are just some of the comments that I always receive when I merely answer the phone.  It has become increasingly clear to me that direct patient-doctor communication is a hallmark for this type of practice.  I have worked as a pediatrician at Texas Children’s in a traditional clinic for nearly 20 years and my recent transition to concierge medicine has been the most rewarding and amazing job that I have ever had in my medical career.  As a concierge doctor, I feel the same excitement and joy as I did as a young, budding medical student becoming a doctor. I’m passionate about giving children and families the highest standard of care, and consider it an honor to be able to do so.

What is concierge medicine?

While the practice of concierge medicine has certainly been around for decades, the concept has gained more popularity in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.  It’s just one of several new ways patients and families prefer to interact with their physician. While some prefer the traditional model, there are now other ways in which you can interact with your physician, such as telehealth or virtual visits. Concierge medicine is another option offered at Texas Children’s Pediatrics. It is a healthcare model that offers families an elevated level of service and attention through a focus on accessibility and convenience. Patients pay an annual or monthly fee to a primary care physician in exchange for direct access and enhanced services.  This fee covers a range of services, from extended visits, faster appointment scheduling and 24/7 communication with the doctor.  In this model, physicians have more direct contact with patients, which allows for more focused and holistic care.  In my experience, this has been game-changing for both my patients and me. 

What are the benefits?

For me, the transition to concierge medicine has been awesome!  I feel like I can deliver personalized care and communicate with the patients in a relaxed and easygoing manner.  For my patients, this has been just as transformative.  With direct access to me 24/7, my patients feel assured knowing that I am just one phone call or message away.  They are always enormously grateful when they receive a follow-up call from me every day their child is sick or when we discuss laboratory or imaging results and specialist visits the same day it happens.  A big part of why I wanted to be a doctor is the personal, human side of medicine and concierge medicine has allowed me to forge much deeper bonds with my patients and enrich our relationship.   

Who would be interested?

Anyone who prefers a more one-on-one, 24/7 approach to their child’s care should consider concierge medicine. Parents with children who have specialized needs find concierge medicine beneficial since they can get their questions answered right away. Also, families consisting of multiple children appreciate concierge medicine as it helps them maintain the multiple visits and health concerns that come with having more children. Regardless of family size or need, concierge medicine comes down to preference for the parents and patient. It can be impactful, while easing the stress that naturally comes with having a sick child or simply wanting to make sure your child remains healthy.

 The future is bright

The future of concierge medicine is bright, and I expect this emerging practice to grow exponentially.  As it continues to popularize, it will continue to become increasingly affordable for everyone.  The benefits for both physicians and patients are enormous and the positive health implications are endless. I am proud that Texas Children’s is the first pediatric hospital system in the nation to embark on this new endeavor and I anticipate other pediatric hospitals to adopt this healthcare model as well.  As the world continues to advance more towards computers and artificial intelligence, it is nice to know that this movement of medicine is becoming more human. 

 

 

 

Learn more about Dr. Benjamin Ho and Concierge Medicine at Texas Children’s Pediatrics.

 

 

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Why Part-Time Nanny Hires Can Create More Problems than Solutions

As a household staffing professional with over two decades of experience helping families find reliable and professional in-home child care, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles many families face when seeking part-time help. While part-time care may seem like the most logical and economical solution for families who don’t require 40 hours of care each week, the reality is that part-time placements often present more challenges than solutions.

If you’ve found yourself frustrated with the process of securing consistent, quality part-time care, you’re not alone. Here are a few reasons why part-time nanny arrangements can be difficult—and why full-time care may actually serve your family better in the long run.

The Pool of Qualified Part-Time Nannies is Small

The truth is, most professional nannies are seeking full-time employment. For career caregivers, stability, consistency, and financial security are key priorities—and part-time positions often don’t meet those needs. This means your candidate pool for part-time roles is significantly smaller and can include individuals with less experience or commitment.

Built-In Back-Up Care Provides Peace of Mind

When you hire a full-time nanny, you’re not just hiring someone to care for your children during specific hours—you’re hiring a reliable partner. Full-time caregivers are more likely to offer flexibility during emergencies, school closures, and last-minute schedule changes. If your child gets sick or you have to stay late at work, a full-time nanny can step in without it being an exception to the norm.

Full-Time Nannies Can Fill in the Gaps When School is Closed

Summer break, in-service days, holidays—school calendars aren’t exactly parent-friendly. With part-time help, those days can become a logistical nightmare. A full-time nanny, however, is already built into your routine. There’s no need to scramble for coverage or patch together camps and babysitters. Your nanny is there, ready to adapt to your child’s changing schedule.

Help Around the House While the Kids are in School

If your children are in school for part of the day, a full-time nanny can use that time to assist with light housekeeping, meal prep, kids’ laundry, and organizational tasks. This not only enhances the overall efficiency of your household but also allows you to enjoy more quality time with your family in the evenings and on weekends.

Your Summer Solution is Already Secured

One of the most stressful times for working parents is figuring out summer child care. Camps are expensive, fill up quickly, and don’t always align with work hours. With a full-time nanny, you have a built-in summer solution. Your children can stay in the comfort of their home environment with someone they know and trust.

Longevity of Hire Increases with Full-Time Positions

Nannies who accept full-time roles are typically looking for long-term placements. This means you’re less likely to face the revolving door of caregivers that often comes with part-time hires. Children benefit greatly from consistent, stable care—and parents benefit from not having to constantly restart the hiring process.

Lower Hourly Rate Compared to Part-Time

It may seem counterintuitive, but full-time care often comes with a lower hourly rate. That’s because full-time roles are more attractive to nannies, and in exchange for guaranteed hours and benefits, they’re often willing to negotiate a slightly lower hourly wage. Part-time roles, with fewer hours and less security, tend to demand a premium.

Less Turnover, More Flexibility

Full-time nannies are more invested in their role and more likely to grow with your family. They’re also more inclined to offer schedule flexibility, help with travel or overnights, and accommodate evolving needs. With part-time care, you may find yourself constantly adjusting to someone else’s availability, rather than having a caregiver who adjusts to yours.

While part-time care can work for some families, it’s important to weigh the true costs—both financial and emotional—of an arrangement that lacks consistency and flexibility. At Morningside Nannies, we believe in creating solutions that truly support families, and often that means helping families see the long-term benefits of investing in full-time care.

If you’re unsure what care arrangement is best for your family, we’re here to help you explore your options and find the right fit.

Michelle LaRowe is an award-winning nanny, parenting author, and the agency director of Morningside Nannies. With over 25 years of industry experience, Michelle is committed to helping families find exceptional in-home childcare solutions that meet their unique needs. To learn more about Michelle visit www.MichelleLaRowe.com

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2025 Job Search Parameters

Due to the increase in demand for nannies, Morningside Nannies is currently only accepting positions that meet the following criteria, updated 4/9/2025 and originally effective 1/28/2022.

We will only accept split shift positions that guarantee 40 hours per week. To ensure families have the flexibility they need and to ensure nannies are not being asked for full-time availability for part-time pay, we have found this parameter to be essential for a successful long-term placement.

We will only accept part-time positions with consistent schedules. Because we only represent experienced caregivers and do not have entry level providers, those who are seeking part-time positions are most often seeking positions to complement their other commitments. For this reason, we will only accept part-time jobs that are set days and hours and jobs that offer only morning hours or only afternoon hours.

We will only accept part-time positions that have a four-hour minimum shift per day. While after school nannies are in demand, the jobs that successfully place offer 4 hours per day, 5 days per week for a 20 hour per week minimum guarantee.

We will only accept full-time positions that offer industry standard benefits. While you are not legally required to offer benefits, to attract and retain quality nannies and to remain competitive, standard benefits must be offered. Full-time nannies that we successfully place typically expect their offer package to include two weeks of paid vacation, guaranteed hours, paid vacation days, paid holidays, paid sick days and mileage reimbursement for on the job driving when the nanny is using her own vehicle. We are unable to accept positions that do not offer these minimums.

We will only accept positions that do not include deep cleaning or pet care. Our candidates are childcare providers. They take on all tasks related to the children including cleaning and organizing the children’s rooms, preparing the children’s meals and cleaning up afterwards, and doing the children’s laundry. The general rule of thumb for general areas of the home is the nanny will leave the home in the same or better condition as when she arrived. Our clients and nannies are most satisfied when a housekeeper comes into the home once a week or once every two weeks to deep clean, and a dog walker to provide services for families whose pets require more than being let in and out of the home daily.

We will only accept legally paying jobs that offer a minimum of $22 gross per hour. We educate both our nannies and families on the importance of fair and legal pay. Our jobs typically place between $22-24 gross per hour. Part-time jobs tend to have a higher hourly wage expectation than full-time jobs.

We will only accept jobs in our immediate service area. This extends from Conroe to Sienna Plantation and from Katy to the 610.

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Top Ten Tips for Nannies Driving with Children

Driving children who are not yours is a common part of being a nanny, but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you agree to do so. Safety, of course, is paramount to ensure you, your little passengers, and other road users can enjoy their journeys—but what else should you consider?

Here, we run through ten tips for nannies driving with children, either in their own vehicles or those of their employer.

1. Ensure the Car Is Safe to Drive

Before setting off in any vehicle, always do your own external and internal checks to ensure all the lights are working, the tires are undamaged, and the engine is correctly filled with coolant, oil, and wiper fluid. Regular services and sufficient tread on the tires are essential for driving safely on the road. Make sure any official inspections are carried out as scheduled and the registration is up to date. It’s also important to check the requirements of each state you will be driving through, as road-worthiness requirements for vehicles vary depending on location.

If the vehicle is your own, be sure to keep it clean both inside and out. Not only does this showcase your professionalism, but it also ensures a healthy environment for the children to travel in. Remember, it’s perfectly reasonable to expect your employer’s car to be clean before you drive it too.

2. Make Sure You Have the Right Car Insurance

Car insurance is a legal requirement in most of the United States, regardless of whether you’re using your own car or driving someone else’s. However, requirements on the type of insurance you need vary state by state, so it’s always best to check before you travel.

If you’re driving someone else’s vehicle, it’s important to check whether your insurance covers you while driving it—the owner will need to have their own valid insurance too. Additionally, it’s a good idea to clarify with your employer who will be responsible for deductibles should an accident happen. It’s much easier to sort this out beforehand, rather than trying to agree in the emotional time after an incident has occurred.

3. Ensure Your Driving License Is Valid

Similarly, the validity of driving licenses can vary across the US depending on the state. If you’re relocating for a new position in a different state, you may find your license is only valid for a set period of time before you need to apply for a new, state-specific one.

4. Use the Right Car Seats

To ensure the safety of each child in your car, you must ensure they travel in a correctly fitted, suitable car seat. A child passenger safety technician can verify installation for you. The type of car seat needed depends on the individual child’s weight, height, and age, but laws around suitability also depend on where you’re traveling.

Especially if you’re using your own vehicle, it’s best to have new car seats for each child to ensure they are in good condition. Car seats should not be reused after they have been in an accident, even if they appear undamaged.

Whenever driving with children, using taxis, taking public transportation, or flying, be sure to check the local laws on car seats to ensure compliance and keep everyone safe.

5. Stop Frequently

If you’re embarking on a long journey, it’s important to stop frequently for a number of reasons:

  • Children Don’t Need to Eat in the Car. Though it can seem an easy way to keep kids happy, snacking in the car poses a significant choking risk that is best avoided. Instead, stop regularly on longer journeys to allow everyone to enjoy some refreshments outside of the car in a safe place.
  • Babies Get a Break from Their Car Seat. Remember, it’s widely recommended that infants under a year old should not be in a car seat for more than two hours. This is known as the two-hour rule.
  • It gives you a chance to refresh yourself: Tiredness and fatigue are extremely dangerous when driving. Stopping allows you to return to the road with increased focus, reaction time, and concentration.

6. Minimize Distractions

Whether they’re excited or upset, children can often be quite distracting passengers. To minimize distractions while you’re driving, have a few tricks up your sleeve in case they become bored, restless, or loud throughout your journey.

Having some sing-along albums or songs loaded onto your phone can help keep them pacified, or you could provide them with a book or tablet to watch a movie if that’s appropriate. Games such as I spy can also be lifesavers when traveling with multiple children, but be sure to keep your attention on the road and encourage them to lead the game themselves.

If the children are old enough to understand, be sure to establish some car safety rules before you set off, and explain the importance of staying calm and quiet.

Remember, you should also model good behavior. Avoid using your phone unless you’re using it for navigation (if you are, make sure this is hands-free and safe). Calls can wait—even from your employer. They’ll know you’re driving and will respect your choice to prioritize their children’s safety.

7. Negotiate Finances

When it comes to paying for fuel, it’s always best to discuss the details with your employer before agreeing to drive their children. Be sure to add information about who will be covering the cost of gasoline and whether your employer will be reimbursing the mileage in your contract. The IRS mileage reimbursement rate is a good benchmark for ensuring that wear and tear is also included in compensation if you’re using your own car.

8. Plan Your Route

Most people have navigation apps on their smartphones, but it doesn’t hurt to have a paper map or standalone satellite navigation as a backup. Be sure to check your route before you set off and make yourself aware of possible alternative routes in case any key roads are closed or any traffic incidents occur.

9. Regularly Check In with Your Employer

Though your employer has agreed for you to drive their children, it’s natural for them to worry and want confirmation that everyone has arrived safely to their destination. Taking a moment to send a quick text or make a brief call to reassure parents and caregivers when you arrive can make a huge impact and will further reassure them that their children are safe in your care.

10. Prepare for Emergencies

Finally, it’s a sad truth that sometimes emergencies happen through no fault of our own. You should always be prepared for your vehicle breaking down or an accident when traveling with children.

Make sure you are covered with roadside assistance, and stock the trunk of your car with blankets, coats, lights, nonperishable snacks, and water—help can sometimes take a few hours to reach you. In the event of a collision, you’ll need to have emergency contact details and medical information for the children in your care.

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5 Tips for Choosing the Right Nanny Job

Finding the right nanny job is more than just landing a position—it’s about ensuring a good fit for both you and the family. Here are key factors to consider before applying:

Assess Your Strengths and Preferences

Identify your childcare strengths, preferred age group, and the type of environment where you thrive. Do you love newborns, toddlers, or school-age kids? Are you comfortable with pets, housework, or travel requirements? Do you wish to work in a home with pets?

Understand the Family’s Expectations

Read the job description carefully and review the expectations regarding duties, schedule, and candidate preferences. Make sure their parenting philosophy aligns with your childcare approach. Consider the information carefully provided to determine if you can meet the expectations outlined.

Consider the Location and Schedule

Ensure the commute is reasonable and the working hours fit your lifestyle. Consider traffic and the cost of any tolls involved with the commute.

Evaluate Compensation and Benefits

Competitive pay, benefits like paid time off, and job perks matter. Morningside Nannies only accepts positions that offer fair and legal page, competitive market wages, and industry standard benefits. If you know that your wage expectations far exceed local standards, be sure to communicate that up front.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off during the interview, trust your gut. A positive, respectful relationship with the family is essential for job satisfaction.

Taking the time to choose the right nanny job ensures a fulfilling and successful experience.  Only apply to jobs that meet your expectations. Consider what your non-negotiables are and avoid applying for positions that include them.

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Houston Nanny Training Day 2025

Morningside Nannies is pleased to sponsor the 2025 Houston Nanny Training Day.

To learn more or to register, click here.

 

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