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Between you and me

Nannies may be told more than they want to hear, and feel conflicts of pressure to pass it on or keep mum. Jennie Lindon weighs up the priorities Nannies are in a privileged position regarding family life. You are trusted with the children and the family home. Employers need to feel secure that you recognise privacy. Your responsibility is to ensure confidentiality for any family; it is not only an issue for the celebrity families. All parents have a right to expect that details of their family life do not become fuel for gossip.

Nannies are in a privileged position regarding family life. You are trusted with the children and the family home. Employers need to feel secure that you recognise privacy. Your responsibility is to ensure confidentiality for any family; it is not only an issue for the celebrity families. All parents have a right to expect that details of their family life do not become fuel for gossip.

But as a nanny you may face difficult decisions, sometimes dilemmas, about when it is appropriate to break confidentiality within any of the relationships that form part of your job.

What children say

Sometimes the children will tell you something and ask that you do not repeat it. You cannot give blanket promises of this kind, and it will help the children when you explain your reasons.

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