Working parents and Nannies... I GET IT... Ive been there!!

Hi everyone! My name is Sharon and I am a working executive mother of two and ex-professional nanny. I hope my tried and proven systems, tips, creative tools and heartfelt stories can bring a little laughter and sanity to working parents and their nannies, stay home parents and babysitters too.

I have always had a passion for children. When I was 12 I became a camp counselor and began babysitting. When I was 16 I got a job at Baskin Robbin so I could serve ice cream to smiling little faces. When I was 18 with no way to pay for college I attended a condensed 24 unit ECE (Early Childhood Education) course so I could fund my University education by working with little ones. This was the beginning of my lifelong nanny adventure.

Between the ages of 18 and 23 I worked as a professional nanny (actually a super nanny... more on that later!). Then I screened and placed wonderful nannies with deserving families for a nanny agency all while doing my best to complete my college education. After finishing college I made a switch from working with kids and jumped into the world of high tech. I am now 37, married to the man of my dreams, have two brilliant and active children ages 5 and 2 and have employed professional nannies for the past 5 years.

Over the past two decades I have seen and heard A LOT working as a nanny and then employing my own nanny. My passion for children has been consistent but it has manifested itself in different ways. As a nanny, all I wanted was to be sure the children in my care were loved more than they could ever know and that every day was an adventure. Learning is fun and everything is an educational opportunity. I was the "Mary Poppins" of all my nanny friends and parents begged me to come work for them. Why? Because I had energy, was creative and most of all KEPT THE PARENTS INVOLVED WITH EVERYTHING.

Now, as a working mother I truly understand how difficult it was for my employers to leave their babies with me everyday. Feelings of guilt, fear, uncertainty, doubt, inadequacy, and so much more. As a nanny I created detailed communication and activity tools so the parents always knew what the plan for the week was. Where we were going? With who? For what educational purpose? What was my "Adventure Plan" for the week? The parents LOVED it and the kids were excited to see the action packed week in store for them too! What nanny EVER does that?

Fast forward 10 years. I am working as a National Sales Director for a top technology company, living in San Francisco making insane money and living in an adorable Victorian apartment with the man of my dreams. We get married and set off on our happily ever after. He is a Financial Planner, I am a software executive and we are definitely a power couple. I am becoming obsessive compulsive and a workaholic I work 80 hours a week, I travel 50% of the time, I wear a suit everyday, I negotiate huge deals, I rub elbows with the who's who of Silicon Valley, I dream of being the CEO of a technology company....

...... I get pregnant.

Hmmmm... this doesn't really fit in the plan. Yes I am married, but in 2001 I am only six years into my technology career. Pregnancy isn't really a desirable trait in a #1 producing national sales director who travels constantly and never sleeps.

Then......... I get excited.... I get to HIRE A NANNY!! The tables have turned and here I am on the other side!

The stories from here are hilarious, frustrating, frightening and heart-warming. So here I am, a Mom, an Executive, a Nanny and a Nanny employer. I plan to post my stories but most importantly my tips and tricks on finding, hiring and inspiring your nanny while you feel ok going off to work everyday. I promise to bring you the best of the best in organization, activities and adventures for your entire family. See you soon!

Sharon