It's no secret that single parenting is tough. For single dads who are trying to juggle raising their children and advancing their career, it can be downright difficult. While often times it's the support of family and friends who help single dads manage it all, when there's more childcare needed than friends and family can provide, single dads will often rely on the services of a trusted caregiver - the nanny.

While the media seemingly likes to portray the relationship between dads and nannies as less than professional at best, the reality is that dads, yes, even single ones, can establish and maintain successful and professional working relationships with their children's nanny.

To start the relationship off on the right foot and ensure it stays on track, follow these tips:

Clearly Define Roles. It's important from the outset to establish the role of the nanny in your children's lives and in the household. A nanny's role is to partner with parents in raising their children - not to replace them. While it can seem natural for a nanny to step in and fill an absent mother's shoes, it's imperative that the children understand that the nanny is their trusted caregiver, but isn't there to replace their mom.

Maintain Boundaries. If you want to treat your caregiver like a professional, it's important to be professional. This means paying your nanny legally, ensuring she has appropriate time off and having a work agreement in place that outlines the terms of your employment relationship.

While it can be tempting to ask your nanny to iron your shirts or make your bed as part of her daily task, keep her duties and responsibilities limited to childcare.

Expand Your Support System. It's important to have a support system in place that extends beyond your nanny. Realize that your nanny has a life outside of your employ. Sometimes it can be easy to assume that the one caring for your child will be available at a moment's notice. Although some nannies may have that kind of flexibility, others may not. Respect her time off and she'll be able to give her best to your family when she's on.

Be Respectful. The key to a successful nanny and employer relationship is mutual respect. Remember the golden rule of being an employer: praise in public and criticize in private. It's essential that the children know you and your nanny are a united front. When they know you are on the same team they're less likely to attempt to manipulate situations and you're both more likely to get consistent cooperation.

Keep Your Private Life Private. Resist the urge to share details of your personal life that don't affect your children with your nanny. It can be tempting to use your nanny as a sounding board or even a shoulder to cry on, but your nanny doesn't get paid to listen to your dating drama or workplace worries.

Be Conscientious. Yes, it's your home and you should be able to walk around in your boxers if you want to. However when you have a household employee it's important to be considerate and create a comfortable environment for her. Keep a bathrobe hung on the back of your door, make a habit to lock the bathroom door when you're in there, and use good judgment to avoid creating awkward moments between you and your nanny.

Like with any nanny and employer relationship as long as you commit to being professional, have mutual respect for each other, and ensure a clear understanding of the terms of your employment relationship you can maintain a professional nanny and employer relationship.

With over 20 years of experience in the nanny world as an award-winning nanny, agency director, and parenting author, Michelle LaRowe is considered a leading industry expert. A mom herself, she loves to educate parents and nannies on the importance of quality in-home childcare. Find out more by visiting @eNannySource on Twitter.