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The Truth About Bad Reviews of Nanny Agencies

By Michelle LaRowe

During college, I stumbled into the world of nannying — and quickly discovered it was so much more than just babysitting. I found an entire ecosystem: nanny agencies, professional organizations, support groups, conferences, even nanny schools.

While studying chemistry at my local university, I landed my first nanny job. I saw the ad in the newspaper, applied, interviewed, and was hired. I immediately fell in love with the work. In fact, it never felt like “work” — I had found my calling.

By junior year, when it was time to gain hands-on experience in chemistry, I dreaded it. The idea of spending my days in a quiet lab, coat on, isolated, just didn’t fit who I was. As the first in my family to attend college, I was committed to finishing my degree — but I knew I’d never work a day as a chemist.

I graduated on a Sunday and started my first full-time agency nanny role on Monday, caring for newborn twins. The agency’s screening process was rigorous: a written application, childcare philosophy statement, resume and portfolio, reference checks, background checks, and multiple interviews. I was competing with candidates nationwide, but I landed the job and stayed with the family until they relocated, when the twins were nearly seven.

As I immersed myself in the nanny world, I deepened my connections — joining the International Nanny Association, attending my first nanny conference, getting involved with the (now defunct) National Association of Nannies, and founding Boston Area Nannies, a local nonprofit support group.

We weren’t just babysitters — we were childcare professionals dedicated to the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and educational development of the children in our care. We were partners to parents, part of the family but not quite family — a distinction every seasoned nanny eventually understands.

As I advanced in my career, I worked with agencies that raised the bar even higher: psychological assessments, video presentations, specialized training. I came to value agencies that were members of the International Nanny Association (INA) and Association of Premier Nanny Agencies, both organizations that promote high standards in the field.

My next role was with a high-net-worth family, earning nearly $90,000 per year in salary and benefits — a significant package, especially back in the early 2000s, and far beyond what I’d have made as a chemist. By then, I’d been named the International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year and had written several parenting books.

I was all in.

Serving on the INA board opened my eyes to the business side of the industry: policies, procedures, best practices, tax and payroll compliance, vendor partnerships, and the importance of ongoing professional development. Meanwhile, life unfolded — I got married, started a family of my own, and stepped into a leadership role at INA, eventually becoming its Executive Director.

Since then, I’ve authored books (and been the subject of some), appeared on television, radio, and in print, advocating for professional nanny care. I championed fair, legal wages, develop the first U.S.-based CACHE/NCFE accredited nanny training program, published Nanny Magazine, the first industry trade publication, and since 2012, have served as managing partner of Longhorn Leads, overseeing a portfolio of nanny-related businesses, including Houston’s award-winning agency, Morningside Nannies.

On the personal side, I’ve also become a mother to five, including three adopted through foster care. My work is not just a career — it’s a lifelong commitment to making a difference in children’s lives.

So why share all this?

Because I want to lay the foundation for an important truth:

When a nanny agency — especially Morningside Nannies — gets a bad review, it’s often not a bad thing.

Early in my agency career, I’d cringe over every 1-star review. But over time, I’ve come to understand something critical: rejection is part of the work.

Our agency represents a select group of candidates. We apply clear, objective standards — consistently — to every applicant. And while we’re transparent about these standards throughout the process, not everyone meets them. Understandably, some rejected applicants are upset, and sometimes that frustration shows up as a negative review.

Our standards don’t label someone as a “good” or “bad” nanny — they simply reflect the criteria we’ve established to ensure all our placements meet client expectations. We require at least two years of verifiable childcare work experience under the supervision of someone other than the candidate’s own family. Being a parent or occasional babysitter, while valuable, doesn’t meet our agency’s threshold.

On the client side, not every family is a match for Morningside Nannies either. We uphold industry standards for fair and legal pay, benefits, expectations, and workplace compliance. When families want to pay under the table, expect 24/7 availability, skip guaranteed hours, or request only candidates from specific demographics, we say no, and we explain why. We offer educational resources. But ultimately, no means no — and not every client likes hearing that.

No, our nannies won’t work around the clock for $300 a week.
No, we can’t promise a Mary Poppins lookalike.
No, we can’t send you only candidates without children of their own.
No, we can’t fulfill discriminatory requests.

At the end of the day, I want both our clients and our nannies to be successful. That means setting expectations early, applying consistent standards, and being upfront — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Are we perfect? Of course not. But when we get it wrong, we work to make it right. That’s why we offer replacement guarantees and go above and beyond to support both families and nannies, ensuring placements that meet professional, legal, and ethical standards.

After more than 30 years in this field, I am proud of the work we do. And I know that sometimes, a bad review isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a sign that we’re holding the line on what matters most.

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