There are some amazing resources available for Nannies to meet and connect – here in Cincinnati and nationally. But, what should you know before posting?
High5: Connecting Through Online Communities
5. Protect Anonymity
It is important as you begin sharing online that you are thoughtful of your families’ privacy. This may seem obvious, but not all Nannies have used this guideline. Share pictures only with permission! Most families may not care if you share a picture here or there, but it is respectful to ask. Keep names private; terms like “MomBoss” and “DadBoss” are often used as well as their shorthand “MB” and “DB”. For the children, some Nannies make up nicknames like “Princess” or “Buddy” or simply use their first initial – “B” for Brian, etc. Obviously addresses, phone numbers should never be posted online, but have you thought about some of the not so obvious things, like occupations, affiliations, companies, etc? Be careful. You never know who is stalking online and there is no reason to share personal information about the family.
4. Resist the Urge to Vent
It is always awesome to find places where Nannies are gathering, whether it be in person or online. Our careers allow us to interact with very few adults on a daily basis. It is exciting to finally find like-minded professionals who can share our highs and our lows. Forums are a great place to read experiences and ask questions. As you connect, resist the urge to share a negative situation in the heat of the moment. Wait until you have had 24 hours to think about how to word your question in a constructive way. Personally, if I see drama (for the sake of drama) on a discussion board, I stay FAR AWAY from the conversation. I may choose to message the person privately, if I feel I can help. I realize that many people may stop by to read the colorful posts only to roll their eyes and shake their heads. I don’t want to be associated with it.
3. Be Un-offendable
Just like email and text can be a confusing way to communicate about important things, online social networking can be harmful. Often times with sarcasm it’s hard to “read between the lines”. Someone may be trying to help your situation, but…. really, are not. There are so many points of view! Take everything with a grain of salt and think like a duck….let it all roll off your back.
2. Share
Live out the golden rule… “Do unto others as you’d have done unto you”. Use this opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise. There are great observations and unique experiences that you can bring to the community – nationally and locally. Please give feedback and encouragement. I was challenged at last year’s INA Conference to “give what I have to give”. For each Nanny this is a unique set qualities. While it is easy to read over a discussion without commenting, think of the validation and encouragement a quick note would be for them.
1. Keep Up Your Guard
Just as you protect the family, protect yourself. How much is too much too share? I recently have reduced my self-exposure of my life on Facebook. You see, a year and a half ago, I got an iPhone and updating my “status” in seconds was fun and entertaining. I also enjoyed (enjoy) reading others’ statuses. I had an instance where a casual friend asked me a very personal question, one that I had no idea how she would know. I realized I must have hinted on Facebook, and turns out I was correct. It kinda rocked my world and I realized I either needed to lighten my friend load, or lighten my status depth. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Facebook and I am on daily – reading, connecting, inviting, just now I am more aware. I came across Oversharers, tagline “when people feel the need to tell us too much.” This website/twitter feed pokes fun at the people who are sharing way too info. on social networks. It’s humorous, but the point is you never know who is reading along! There is a line and you should make a decision where your line is and keep to that boundary. Set up your privacy options and as Ezinearticles.com‘s article (How to Use Social Networking Online) says “recognize that whatever you do, and say, can and is instantly broadcast around the world!” By the way, have you ever “googled” yourself? Prospective employers may be doing just that.
Here are a few resources…
This is an online national discussion board open to all Nannies, since 1996. A wealth of information has been answered a few times over, so you may find your answer in the posts without even asking. Open for public viewing.
Current threads:
- Free Courses Deal for Week of the Young Child
- Nanny Support Groups – Community Service, Spring 2010
- Poll: How Much Do Spend on Gifts for Your Charges
This forum has over 800 “islanders”! Nannies share blogs, posts, events, private messages, pictures, and can format their own page. There are currently 30 groups to join – such as INA, Nannies Who Knit, Boston Nannies, CincyNanny, Nannypaolooza, and so on. This is a Ning forum, so if you are already part of a Ning, then joining will be easy. Main page is open for public viewing, but requests a person to join/sign in.
Current threads:
- Child Car Seats…(rear-facing vs. forward-facing)
- How Should Nannies Dress for Work?
- Unpaid Vacation
Private forum for local Cincinnati Nannies only. This is also a Ning forum and functions like Nanny Island. Nannies can share blogs, posts, events, private messages, pictures, and format your own page. This was created after feedback that our Nannies felt uncomfortable posting info. on our Facebook group page, not sure who was could access all the info. they were sharing. That is why all who are invited must be known and be approved. Currently 21 Nannies are active – sharing ideas, encouragement and coordinating local meet-ups. If you are a Nanny in the Cincinnati area and would like an invite, please email gretaschraer(at)mac(dot) com.
Current threads:
- Resume Help
- Quick Tips
- Playdate: Sunrock Farms
I hope this has been an encouragement to take advantage of the tools that have been created for you! Use wisdom and have fun!
Great info Greta, and as always well written and well presented.