Risky business

Every job has its hazards, both physical and psychological, and nannying is no exception. Tune in to the 'top ten' in the 'danger' category and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of your profession.

10 Total exhaustion

In at number 10, this one comes as no surprise. Most people complain of extreme tiredness due to work at some point, but nannies are particularly vulnerable to this health risk because it is not possible to observe the rigid break times that others take for granted. The Health and Safety at Work Act provides guidelines as to how many breaks people should take, according to how many hours they work, but this is not something nannies could reasonably expect to stick to. However, it is important for your own well-being and for performing your job properly, that you take the concept of 'breaks' during your work day seriously. If the children in your care are young enough to need a nap, that should be your cue to put your feet up. You should not use their rest periods for household chores or other work; instead, consider your breaks as a part of your working conditions and as credit in your energy bank. Switch on the answerphone and ignore the doorbell, because you are 'off duty', even if only for 15 or 20 minutes. In addition to a short break, morning and afternoon, you should also plan a proper lunch break for yourself and the child in your care. Avoid being a 'waitress', staying on your feet and serving the child while she eats - sit down, participate and enjoy it. Adopting a flexible timetable and sensible attitude to how much activity can be crammed into each day will allow time for breaks and you'll be surprised how much better you feel.