How to find and keep a good nanny
Are you changing nannies as often as you’re changing your underwear? Are you still searching for a good nanny?
Here are 8 tips to finding, AND keeping, a GOOD nanny!
1. Get recommendations
Referrals from trust-worthy family, friends, neighbors or acquaintances are great! Ask around. Someone may know someone. If your new nanny comes highly recommended by someone the both of you know and trust, your nanny will be flattered by their recommendation and will be less likely to disappoint.
2. Have a Process and Don’t Skip Steps!
Your process should include a thorough interview, a reference check, and a background check. Even if the nanny was highly recommended by your church members, GO THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS. You owe it to your loved ones to do your due diligence.
3. Be Honest
When looking for a good nanny, be upfront and honest about all things concerning your child. If your sweet angel likes to play with matches, this is something that should be disclosed! Full transparency is best. If you are not honest about your child’s
temperament, personality, and/or behavior, your nanny may feel blindsided, overwhelmed, and may leave you high and dry at the most inopportune time.
4. Make Your Expectations Clear
Developing a contract outlining your expectations is highly recommended. If you have certain rules and expectations, uphold them and expect your nanny to abide by them. You can never ask for too much when you are entrusting your child to someone else’s care. If the nanny is unwilling or unable to do what is expected, this is not the best nanny for your family. Avoid adding additional responsibilities after you have hired your nanny. Baiting and switching is never a good idea. If you think there is even a slight chance they will have additional duties (housekeeping, errands, overnight stays), have that conversation before offering them the position.
5. Trust Your Gut
Listen to that nagging voice shouting “red flag”! Don’t settle out of desperation. Take your time, think it though, trust your instinct, and go with what feels right. If you are not at peace with your decision, it is NOT the BEST decision. Do not be quick to dismiss those second thoughts or weird feelings. Trust your intuition!
6. Give Constructive Feedback
A professional nanny with emotional intelligence will not be offended when given feedback. However, remember to be tactful! Be honest about what’s going well and about what is not going well. If the feedback is met with resistance or if the appropriate changes are not made, do not be afraid to amicably sever ties.
7. Give Compliments and Verbal Praise
Is your child’s nanny a ROCKSTAR? Tell them if they are! Most people like compliments from their boss. Let your nanny know how much you appreciate the care and concern shown to your baby. Did your nanny wash a sink full of dishes? Let them know you were able to have family time after dinner because that chore was taken off your plate. Do not forget to say “thank you”, especially if they went above and beyond!
8. Don’t Forget you are Mixing Business with Personal
You hired your nanny and you are paying them to provide a service. This is a business arrangement. However, they are caring for your child—your greatest joy. This makes it personal, so treat your nanny as a person and not just a business deal. Is it your nanny’s birthday? Pick some flowers from the garden or have the kids bake a cake to celebrate. Introduce your nanny to friends and family. Find that healthy balance where professional boundaries are not crossed, but your nanny still feels valued and important to your family.
Good luck with your search and remember a good nanny can be hard to find. If you have a good one, don’t be surprised if the Jackson family shamelessly approaches your nanny and offers a bigger salary! Your nanny will more than likely remain loyal to you because of the relationship and the MUTUAL level of respect AND trust that has been established.