Should a nanny post photos of their charges on social media?

This is a topic I often hear discussed, and one I think about a lot of the time.

In recent years the increase of use in facebook, Twitter, Instagram...... Has been a way to show our "friends" what we have been up to! I too am one of those people, I love photos generally, and love to show places I have been, or things I have done, but can I post pictures of my charges?

My opinion is no!! I have taken some super cute photos over the years, that I would love to share, but I dont, why? Because they are not my children!!! It is not for me to share to the world other people's children's faces and activities. Likewise on social media, I will never put their names.

When we start work as a nanny for a new family, we sign a contract that says we will keep all things to do with the family and their affairs confidential, and I believe this to includes children's names and photographs.

I don't at all think it is wrong to take photos of the children, in fact it is something I would encourage because I think it is a nice way to show their parents where we have been, and what they have done.

Photos can also make lovely gifts to their family members.

Keep on taking photos of your adventures, by all means share pictures of locations, but keep your charges images private!!

Going back!!!

So, tomorrow I travel back to work after 3 weeks off sick following a tonsillectomy - a week longer than I was originally told by the consultant, but a definitely much needed extra week!!

As I go back, I am sure I will be met with some disappointment as well as excitement, I am fairly sure I will get a Toria can you go back home now once our routine starts again.

Do I give in and let them get away with some things, or carry on as usual, whether I had been away or not?

Unfortunately for the charges, they will have the same old nanny back, if they refuse to eat then they won't eat, if they're cheeky they get disciplined, if they tell me to go away I will just turn and not say anything.

I believe very strongly, that we are not helping children by letting them get away with eveything. Boundaries are there for a reason, and we need to stay in those boundaries! We are not helping them by letting them get away with cheekiness or naughtiness, we couldn't say to our boss, oh we don't like this I am not doing it - so we have to teach them!!

Of course, I am sure it's not going to be that bad, I looking forward to getting back to some normality, and will be pleased to see the boys, and plan some Christmas activities!!

But for now, I think a coffee with my feet up is in order!