Lesson 4: On the Job
Gaining Respect From the Family
Being a respected professional is a goal most people have. Respect is not something you are guaranteed. It is something you will gain by continually living up to the family’s expectations. In order to gain respect, you will need to do a good job for them. In the beginning, it might seem like the family is watching over your shoulder and you may find this frustrating. You know that you do a good job but they will not know that until they have seen it first hand.
It is hard to work when everyone is watching you to see if you are going to make a mistake but take the time to perform well and the family will soon see that you are skilled at being their nanny.
Another approach is to let them know you are aware they are watching you. You might ask them how they feel about the way you are helping the children to do home work or if they liked the way you disciplined the child for throwing food on the floor. Not only does this show that you want to cater your behaviors around them but you are also letting them know that you know you are being watched. This opens the door to further communication and reinforces your relationship. Try to see building trust as an opportunity and not a threat.
