Etiquette - At social events what is time off and what is not

At social events what is time off and what is not

When at social events (rodeos, etc.) this is normally considered a governesses time off, so don't assume that she is a full-time Nanny.  If you would like her to mind the kids for more than 30 minutes constant care, then let her know before what you expectations are.

I find when at events like this I am happy to help the kids find parents, buy drinks or little things if they come up and ask.  I also reprimand if they are doing something very dangerous.  But I don’t want them hanging around me, I would rather see them off with their own friends.  Anymore than this is working for me and I don’t drink when I work.

I enjoy employers who are upfront about expectations. I am willing to be flexible when the need arises.  It makes it a lot easier to know where I stand.  

Etiquette - The only people who understand are the ones in the same situation as you… but can you trust them to talk to

The only people who understand are the ones in the same situation as you… but can you trust them to talk to.

I worked out a long time ago about governessing, that the only ones who understand the situation and job is other people living in the same environment, doing the same job. 

You need to choose who you use as a sounding board carefully.  I have three trusted mates from one from high school and two from governessing.  I know they will listen while I bitch about my job, never repeat, never interfere but offer advice if they think I am ready to listen.  They also won’t tell my parents who would try and protect me. 

Choosing a person you have only know for a year can be difficult. 

Liebster Blog Award

I received this emailed comment from my blog a couple of weeks ago in an extremely busy time.  As the emails stacked up I forgot all about it until last night I started cleaning the old inbox out.

Etiquette: Every meal you are at the table always make an effort to pack up the table

Every meal you are at the table always make an effort to pack up the table

Many governesses have their own house and for a part of the time care for themselves.  When this is the case it is hard to gauge how much to help around the house.  My policy is for every meal I am at the table I always help setting or packing up the table.  I also make sure I take care of anything around my own cottage and schoolroom…I.E. watering and weeding garden, sweep paths, tidying up.