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Are you falling into the 'mummy' trap?

With employers working long hours nowadays, it's not unusual for a nanny to have an extremely strong emotional bond with her charge, especially a young baby. She may perceive that the parents do not have such a strong attachment and feel it is necessary to mention her worries to them. But this may be impossible to do without causing offence, according to Claire Fearon. 'The length of time you've been with them makes no difference; some will listen to you and others will sack you. I would only speak openly to parents if they actually asked my advice. Otherwise it can change the dynamics of your relationship forever.'

But this may be impossible to do without causing offence, according to Claire Fearon. 'The length of time you've been with them makes no difference; some will listen to you and others will sack you. I would only speak openly to parents if they actually asked my advice. Otherwise it can change the dynamics of your relationship forever.'

Rosie Best is the manager of the Norland Employment Agency, which finds jobs for graduates of the famous nanny college. She agrees with Claire.

'Many parents value their time with the children at home, but others employ a weekend nanny too. If a nanny feels worried about the parent and child bond, she must try to be diplomatic - after all, they may feel perfectly happy with their relationship with their child.

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