As part of their research before hiring a new nanny, parents often screen candidates on Facebook, and sometimes what they see online makes them decide not to hire a particular candidate. Additionally, once parents hire a nanny, they’re trusting this person to care for their most precious commodity – their children – and many parents are turning to social networking sites to see what their nannies are posting.

When families hire nannies to take care of their children, they do due diligence to check out the candidate. Most parents check potential nannies’ references and, now more than ever before, research them on social networking sites – before and after they’re hired. Sometimes, these parents find suggestive or offensive information about these candidates – such as drinking alcohol, posing suggestively or posting inappropriate comments.

Additionally, many parents find it awkward when they get a Facebook “friend” request from their nanny. Like any other professional relationship, it’s a good idea to separate business and pleasure. It can be awkward to read the daily musings of your nanny – and visa-versa – just as it could be uncomfortable to share intimate details of your life with your boss, client or other professional contacts.

As the president of Nannies4Hire, parents come to me often for advice on hiring – and working with – nannies. Recently, I had a conversation with a mother who was Facebook “friends” with her nanny and found uncomfortable information on her nanny’s social network. I recommended that the parents have a conversation with the nanny about their concerns. It was yet another reminder that people – nannies as well as employees everywhere – need to be mindful of their Facebook etiquette. Photos of inappropriate behavior will not serve you well in your professional life, so think carefully about what you post and how you’re presenting yourself.

Social networking sites are wonderful in many ways, but nannies – and all professionals, really – should have an online presence that’s presentable and in good taste.

http://www.nannies4hire.com

On the other hand, I was actually thinking of “friending” them (nanny and house cleaner) just so I can keep tabs of them not posting pics of my babies on their FB page!