Has the Traditional Handshake Become a Thing of the Past? Recently, I was talking with one of our nannies at Tried & True Nannies & Sitters about something surprisingly simple: handshakes. As nanny agency owners and mentors, we’ve always encouraged nannies to offer a confident handshake when meeting a family for the first time. A good handshake has long been considered a sign of professionalism, confidence, respect, and enthusiasm. But somewhere along the way, things changed.

Let’s be honest. No one expects a teacher, nurse, business owner, athlete, executive, or even a hairstylist to grow professionally without mentorship, continuing education, and guidance. Yet somehow, that’s exactly what we expect from nannies. Families expect nannies to understand contracts. We expect them to know industry standards. We expect them to negotiate compensation. We expect them to advocate for themselves professionally. We expect them to understand payroll laws an

A nanny agency’s job should not end the second you accept a position. Unfortunately, many caregivers quickly discover that once the contract is signed and the placement fee is paid, communication suddenly changes. Texts go unanswered. Concerns get brushed off. Support disappears. And suddenly the nanny who trusted the agency is left navigating difficult situations completely alone. Let’s be honest: That is not real nanny agency support. A Good Nanny Agency Should Continue Sup

Let’s be honest: nanny trial days can be awkward. The nanny is trying to impress the family. The family is trying to evaluate the nanny. Everyone is trying to figure out if this could realistically work long-term. And somewhere in the middle of all that, there’s usually at least one painfully awkward goodbye where nobody knows: “Are we moving forward?” “Are they interviewing someone else?” “Who follows up first?” “Did that go well?” Trial days are important — but they can als

Too many kids struggle with motivation today. Parents tell me all the time: “She won’t help around the house.” “He doesn’t want to do chores.” “They expect everything without contributing.” And then comes the big question: How do we motivate kids without raising entitled adults? One practical solution that often surprises parents? A kids debit card for motivation. Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Why a Kids Debit Card for Motivation Actually Works As adults, we work an

If you want to hire a professional nanny, you need to understand something upfront: professional nannies expect professional benefits. One of the biggest issues in the nanny industry right now is families wanting career-level childcare while offering benefits that don’t even match entry-level corporate jobs. And unfortunately, paid holidays are one of the most common areas where confusion — and resentment — starts. Let’s be blunt: if your nanny is helping raise your children,

Nannies need rest too. ✨ Our latest blog breaks down why nanny paid time off isn’t just a perk—it’s a must. And when nannies are well-rested, kids thrive. 💡 Plus: Why PTO should be standard in every family’s nanny contract. 🔗 Read the full blog now!

Every parent wants to feel confident their child is safe, loved, and well cared for-- and that often comes with wanting to be "hands on." But sometimes, good intentions turn into over-involvement. Micromanaging your nanny might seem harmless, but it can quietly chip away at trust, disrupt routines, and lead to bigger nanny micromanaging issues. Even frequent texts or overuse of nanny cameras-- while meant to ease your mind-- can leave your caregiver feelings mistrusted and wa

Many parents ask whether childcare assistance programs in Tennessee can be used to hire a private nanny through an agency. Here's why agencies typically cannot participate-- and what supportive alternatives may be available.

Can grandparents hire a nanny for their adult children? While many grandparents generously offer to help with childcare costs, nanny agencies still need to work directly with parents to ensure the right fit. Here's why parent involvement matters for successful nanny placements.

Many nannies are confused when agencies prioritize recent nanny experience over older childcare roles. The reality is that families want to see consistent, up-to-date experience caring for children, and gaps in childcare work can raise questions during the hiring process. Here's why nanny agencies focus on recent experience and what caregivers can do if they're trying to return to the field.

A healthy marriage after kids requires intention. Why dating your spouse and protecting your relationship strengthens your children's emotional security and stability.

Emotional regulation in parenting shapes how children learn discipline, respect, and self-control. A career nanny's perspective on why adult emotional stability matters more than parenting labels.

As a nanny placement agency in Nashville, I often question whether my work is truly making a difference. Here's what families and nannies have taught me about impact, trust, and the responsibility behind every placement.

High conflict co-parenting is emotionally exhausting, but your child still needs stability. Here's how tension between parents affects children-- and what to do about it.

Are screens replacing toys? Here's what every parent should know about screen time effects on child development and how it impacts learning, focus, and behavior.

The nanny interview process is not one-sided. Families aren't the only ones evaluating. Here's what professional nannies are really observing during interviews.

Nanny family flexibility is strongest when it goes both ways. Clear communication, mutual respect, and balanced expectations create healthier, longer-lasting nanny-family relationships.

When nanny structure vs parental discipline aren't aligned, children feel it first. Here's why consistency, transitions, and leadership clarity matter more than most families realize.

Nanny social media boundaries are essential in today's childcare industry. Learn why agencies conduct social media checks and why families and nannies should maintain health work-life separation.