What The Nanny Heard

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie debate the pros and cons of nannying in the city versus the countryside. From the convenience of public transport and vibrant social opportunities to the freedom, space and slower pace of rural life, each setting offers its own unique advantages and challenges. The ladies explore how location can impact a Nanny's work-life balance, social life and even their dating pr...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie reflect on the roles that have shaped their careers, exploring both the highs and the lows of life as a Nanny. Every position teaches us something. The positive experiences often help us identify what we value most in a role—whether that's travel, proxy parenting, shared care, or a particular family dynamic—while the more challenging moments show us what we'd rather l...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie explore the unique privilege—and responsibility—of being entrusted with a child's secret. When should a nanny keep a child's confidence, and when is it necessary to share information with parents? Drawing on their own experiences, they discuss how Nannies can navigate these delicate situations, including how to handle conversations with a child when information may ne...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie offer advice for Nannies navigating family crises, from bereavement and divorce to major household changes. They discuss the role of the Nanny when working conditions shift — including changes to hours, communication and treatment — and how long difficult situations should reasonably be tolerated. The episode also explores safeguarding concerns, where professional bou...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss attachment, and how those bonds affect both children and Nannies. The ladies dissect the importance of attachment figures for children. It’s not about competing with parents — it’s about championing the children. Realistically it is not uncommon for a Nanny to wake a child in the morning and put them to bed five days a week, so creating a secure attachment is...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss the wealth gap between Nannies and their employers. How do Nannies manage the wealth that their employers are displaying whilst asking you to be frugal. How can Nannies keep the children in their care grounded, whilst feeling they are on an upward struggle.  The ladies discuss the key indicators that Nannies are working with high-net-worth (HNW) families,...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss the often overlooked safety protocols. Yet they’re essential for every Nanny — especially when working solo with no one to call on in an emergency. The ladies discuss the key safety procedures all Nannies should know, how to handle unexpected situations calmly, and when to rely on formal risk assessments versus personal initiative and experience. From managing...

Charlie and Millie discuss the current hot topic surrounding sleep experts and Maternity Nurses, exploring the lack of regulation within the industry and the wider gaps in postnatal support available to new parents. The ladies question who can truly call themselves a consultant, and whether experience should be measured by years in the role or genuine expertise. They highlight how the title has be...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss the difficult moment when a Nanny realises they may have accepted the wrong role. Starting a new position can be exciting, but it can also come with the sudden shock of recognising that the job, family dynamic or expectations are not the right fit after all. The ladies explore what a Nanny’s next steps might look like in this situation. How long should a nanny...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss when is it time for a nanny to leave the profession? There’s an important distinction between stepping away from a particular role and deciding to leave Nannying altogether. Sometimes a role no longer fits due to changing circumstances, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the career itself has run its course. Nannies need to think ahead. What will their current...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie dive into the world of babysitting apps—are they a smart way for Nannies to boost their income, or do they come with hidden risks? They share practical advice on staying safe while taking on app-based jobs, from what to check when arriving at a booking to trusting your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. The conversation also covers simple but crucial habits, l...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie are joined by Emma Dolan, ex Nanny and founder of The Gentle Approach, who shares a refreshingly honest account of her own children’s sleep struggles from babyhood through the toddler years. Faced with ongoing challenges, Emma explains how these experiences pushed her to an alternative to the traditional “cry it out” method, shaping the gentle approach she now champio...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie explore the question of who is responsible for setting boundaries and expectations for the children in their care. While Nannies often bring professional experience and a strong understanding of child development, parents ultimately define the values and parenting approach they want for their family. The conversation highlights that the most successful arrangements co...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie discuss how a Nanny can approach what is often an awkward and sensitive conversation with employers when they have concerns about a child’s development. They explore how to handle difficult reactions from parents, including denial or anger—responses that, while challenging, are not uncommon. The conversation also looks at how Nannies can manage their own frustration w...

Charlotte, Charlie, and Millie explore different styles of early years education, taking a closer look at the Montessori, Waldorf Steiner, and Reggio Emilia approaches. They break down how these philosophies overlap, where they differ, and the unique developmental benefits each one offers. The discussion turns personal as each host reflects on which approach best aligns with their own nannying sty...

Charlie and Millie sit down with their very own Charlotte to talk all things rota life. Charlotte opens up about stepping into her new rota role—does it really suit her work-life balance, or is it more challenging than expected? They dive into the nitty-gritty of what being a rota nanny actually involves: what’s expected on the job, how Charlotte adapts to being away for two weeks at a time, and t...

Charlotte, Charlie, and Millie wrap up the Careers After Nannying series with Ishbel, the Scottish Surrogate. While not a traditional “after nannying” career, Ishbel’s path is a fascinating one. Her varied roles include working with Twins Trust, where she supported families with quadruplets. Ishbel speaks candidly about her lifelong love of babies and how even her childhood play was a little diffe...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie are diving into all things Mother’s Day. Spoiler alert: Charlie confesses she’s firmly anti-craft and baking! But jokes aside, the conversation gets real. How involved should a nanny be when it comes to Mother’s Day? Where’s the line between thoughtful support and overstepping? The ladies also explore how to navigate the day when families don’t fit the traditional “mu...

Charlotte and Charlie continue their Life After Nannying series with Rebecca, founder of The Parent’s Companion. Rebecca shares her journey from nannying — a role she loved — to training as a maternity nurse around eight years ago, realising the pace and variety of the role suited her personality. She also reflects on taking a career break as a flight attendant with Air New Zealand, where she disc...

Charlotte, Charlie, and Millie sit down with Georgina, who has supported over 200 families,  to talk through her journey from nanny to maternity nurse — and everything in between.  She speaks about the deep job satisfaction that comes from supporting new parents through the intense transition from couple to family of three. We discuss the realities of the role, the importance of empoweri...

Charlotte, Charlie and Millie chat to the wonderful Adeline, who has spent over 25 years in childcare and early years. She is now a postpartum doula and hypnobirthing practitioner, supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and those deeply transformative early weeks. Adeline shares how her first role in London, working with a child with a serious illness, shaped her understanding of truly holi...

Charlotte, Charlie, and Millie discuss whether the elusive “unicorn job” really exists. They explore how a Nanny can turn a job advert on paper into a role that truly works for them, including who to speak to, when to speak up, and how to communicate professionally and effectively. Charlotte, Charlie and Millie are clear that once a role begins Nannies need time to earn their stripes—roles can’t s...

Charlotte, Charlie, and Millie discuss the key differences between routine and free flow, and why free flow should not be confused with uninvolved care. They explore how structure can exist without rigidity, and how boundaries, expectations, and consistency still play a crucial role even in a more child-led day. Does personality influence how a routine is set—or whether one exists at all? From hig...

Charlotte, Charlie, and Millie interview Julia, a teacher, tutor, and experienced travel nanny, as she shares her adventures and anecdotes from working around the world. Julia talks through what to consider when deciding whether a travel role is the right fit, starting with the brief. Does it align with her values, experience, and instincts? If so, the initial interview is absolutely imperative. S...

Charlotte, Charlie, and Millie discuss the age-old question: who are Nannies really training — the children or the parents? They explore the delicate balance of managing expectations, routines, and boundaries in a role that often extends far beyond childcare. The ladies discuss the familiar Monday struggle: returning to work after weekend routines have been completely undone. Is it back to square...