The Nanny Book: The Smart Parent's Guide to Hiring, Firing, and Every Sticky Situation in Between

We had just started our nanny search when I stumbled upon this book. I'm glad I read it before we got any further into the search. As much as I knew a nanny was the right childcare option for us, the whole process was overwhelming to me. I feel armed with so much more insight and confidence now. It's a must-read if you're thinking of going the nanny route. I found it VERY easy to read and I really enjoyed the structure and tone.

What a great idea! A book that helps parents get along with their sitters. I've seen others, but they're so dry and boring. This book is not only informative but entertaining. The authors address the kinds of issues that my girlfriends and I actually talk about, plus some we hadn't thought of. The tone is very friendly. Even my nanny has been avidly reading the book. This guide is a must for both parents and their caregivers.

The relationship between nannies and their employers is both incredibly important and complicated. I actually disagree with the previous reviewer about this book's approach. I found the conversational "structure" easy to navigate. I've been continually struck by how little consensus there is about some of the most basic ground rules in the nanny-employer relationship. It's really hard not to feel as if you're winging it. And I thought this book is a good antidote to that feeling. I found the tone really accessible, and not fussy. The idea of including both perspectives-of employer and employeee-also seems crucial, and useful.

This book is a "Must Have" for anyone with or looking for a nanny or long-term childcare provider. Carlton and Myers offer no nonsense coverage of a vast array of the issues and dilemmas one faces in hiring a caregiver and creating a satisfactory, workable relationship. Anecdotal "real life" examples are discussed in a clear, concise manner giving useful advice enabling the parent to apply the approaches suggested to many situations that may arise. The information on the rules of dealing with a nanny, including pay, overtime, family vacations,transporation costs, etc. have been enormously helpful to me - a busy lawyer and first time mom! The book is a fabulous resource sure to come in handy over and over again.

Two weeks ago, my favorite nanny/housekeeper gave me notice. What a shock. Coincidently, I spotted a rave review of this book in the May issue of "Mirabella" magazine. Even though I consider myself an experienced employer (three nannies in nine years), I thought the timing was too good to be true and I checked it out. I can't get over how on-target the advice is and how easy it is to read. I feel like the book was written by a group of my most savvy friends. It's amazing how many of the situations they highlight have actually happenned to me or a friend of mine. And since their advice as to how to reconcile those situations is so close to how I eventually handled them, I know I can trust them on those experiences I've yet to have. This book is a gem. A must-have for anyone even considering hiring a nanny. The "Mirabella" reviewer was right when she said it deserved a place right next to Dr. Spock, Penelope Leach and the "What To Expect When You're Expecting" books.