As a parent, I understand the need for reliable childcare.
We, parents, need helping hands from time to time to effectively manage all of
the many obligations and responsibilities on our plate. As we all know, the
only way to do this sometimes is to have reliable help.
It goes without saying that caring for children is a very
important role; not one that should be taken lightly or fulfilled by the wrong
person. So, for families who have decided to secure an in-home caregiver or a
nanny, you want to make sure you have hired the “Ideal” Nanny.
Nannies play a significant role in childcare as they take over the responsibility of ensuring the health and safety of a child while the parent is away. So, as parents, selecting the right person for the job isn’t something that is taken lightly.
Above all else, a great nanny is someone who genuinely loves and cares for kids, and is committed to their overall well-being.
There are so many things that are important, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the process.
When assessing the performance of your current caregiver or
when hiring a new one, below are a few helpful tips to ensure you have a good
nanny.
An ideal nanny is one who:
- An
ideal nanny has the safety of your children in mind first
and foremost. She or he keeps her full attention on your children at
all times. This is very important, especially when outside (i.e.
near playgrounds, pools, etc.), driving, eating and around strangers. A
good nanny is aware of the possible dangers of social media and is not
posting pictures of your children or sharing information about her
location or your home. Also, a good nanny is prepared. I suggest only
hiring nannies who have CPR and First Aid training as an emergency can
happen at any moment. Safety first, all the time!
- An
ideal nanny is not distracted. A good nanny can check any
personal issues or distractions at the door. She is not bringing her
private matters into your home which may cause her to lose focus. A good
nanny is able to not make her problems your problems.
- An
ideal nanny engages your children! The nanny should be
prepared and able to involve your children in fun, age-appropriate
activities. She should also know your children’s interests and create
educational or extra-curricular activities around them. As a bonus, a good
nanny should be skilled in introducing new activities to your child which
perhaps they had not previously considered. These new discoveries could
lead to the child’s growth and personal development.
- An
ideal nanny minimizes or avoids the use of her cell phone for
personal calls/texts. Good nannies set their phones aside and are not
always on them when working and especially when driving. Of course, your
nanny should have her phone close by in case of emergencies or for you to
reach her.….but that is it during working hours.
- An
ideal nanny tidies up after herself. A good nanny should leave
the house better than she found it, if possible. She should at least
always clean up any messes she or your child may have made during the day.
Who wants to come home to a sink of dirty dishes?
- An
ideal nanny is respectful of your privacy. During the course
of employment, a nanny may legitimately see, hear or otherwise become
privy to information about your family. The ideal nanny understands and
agrees that all information relating to the family is confidential and may
not be disclosed to anyone without the family’s consent.
- Communication
is very valuable and a vital tool to doing a job well. A good nanny
will report any problems with the children and relay
details about the day to you. Also, such a nanny will be able to
effectively communicate with various people they may encounter during the
day while caring for your child. This could be teachers, doctors, a repair
person, anyone. Your nanny should be able to receive and convey important
information on your behalf.
No one is perfect and caring for children is not an easy job. Yet, there are some really good skilled nannies available to care for your little ones. The ideal nanny is a good nanny. She is a professional who takes her job seriously. She keeps her eyes on the children at all times, she is a good caregiver and serves as a true asset to you and your family.