A Guide to Developing a Successful Family and Nanny Relationship. Yes, it's Possible

The financial reality for many modern families is that both parents must work to make ends meet, creating the challenge of finding quality child care.

On the other side of the coin is the nanny, who loves caring for and interacting with children and is looking for a family, with which she or he can develop a positive relationship.

Time pressures can rush this process, forcing either side to make a decision based on convenience rather than continuing to search for the right pairing. But this can lead to larger and more difficult headaches down the line.

Regardless, the nature of a family-nanny relationship can create tensions and complications. In this good-humored guide, Alene Mathurin discusses, advises, and leads readers through the labyrinth of decisions and challenges involved in caregiving. It’s a celebration of the profession and a handbook to dealing with topics such as theft, the importance of the nanny’s own family, and specific sexual situations that can arise.

Mathurin’s insight is both firm and friendly, as she guides caregivers and parents toward a common ground that results in the best possible situation for the most important part of the equation—the children.

A native of St. Lucia, Alene Mathurin migrated to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. Getting a job as a nanny helped her realize her life's purpose-to understand the reasons for people's behavior, become a psychologist, and help create a positive and nurturing environment for children through compatible family-nanny pairings.

Mathurin has coached many nannies toward the goals of finding the best possible family, getting hired, and enjoying their work. She manages a blog, My Nanny Circle, devoted to the caregiving profession that is a resource regarding health, social, and family issues. She is also author of one children's book, with her second set for a late summer release.

A mother herself, Mathurin loves families, children, and has an insurmountable level of respect for caregivers and the services they provide day in and day out.