2 minute read

Setting Nanny Up for Success

7 tips to ensure you and your new caregiver are on the same page

Courtesy Mommybites.com

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Congrats! You’ve found the perfect person to care for your children. Now what? Aside from the necessary paperwork for household employees, there are things you’ll want to do to ensure your new nanny is set up for success. Michelle Brown, who has been in the NYC child-care industry for almost 15 years, shares seven helpful tips to ensure you and your new nanny are on the same page from the start of the relationship.

1. GET YOUR NANNY THE TRAINING THEY NEED

Look into the trainings that are available for nannies. Decide which ones would be most important for your children’s needs—CPR, swimming safety (if around a pool), first aid, food allergy, administering medication. It’s always good if parents pay for the training so it doesn’t have to come out of the nanny’s pocket. Remember: The training is for your child’s benefit.

2. CREATE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST

Include the parents’ phone numbers, work information, and information for other relatives and/ or good friends who live locally and could be contacted in case of an emergency. Include your pediatrician’s phone number, other specialists (if applicable), and ambulance, fire, and police departments. Have the contact list available as soon as the nanny starts and post a few around the house. There’s no reason for a nanny not to call for support if needed if the list is handy.

3. PROVIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFO

Be sure to write a letter authorizing a nanny to bring a child to the doctor or hospital if needed. And provide your nanny with a copy of the child’s insurance information. It’s good to do that ahead of time so it’s there when they need it.

4. MAKE YOUR PREFERENCES CLEAR

It’s helpful when families make their preferences clear from the start. For example, some families are okay if their nanny sits down when the child sleeps, while others would prefer that the nanny do light housekeeping. Some families provide lunch for their nanny while others prefer that the nanny help themselves to what they can find in the fridge. Talk to your nanny at the beginning so you can be on the same page.

5. MAKE SCHEDULING NEEDS CLEAR

It’s best when parents are very honest and vocal. If your nanny will be caring for an infant, provide a set schedule they should follow. And if your nanny is caring for an older child, make sure to outline any programs, lessons, playdates, etc. your child might have.

6. MAKE FOOD LIMITATIONS KNOWN

Train your nanny on what your child should and should not eat. It’s best to test any new foods with your child when you are with them. After all, it’s not ideal to have your child try a new food with the nanny and then they have an allergic reaction.

7. IT’S YOUR HOUSE AND YOUR RULES

Nannies should make sure they and the kids follow the household rules set by the parents. But if a nanny sees something that is not working, they should tell the parents. For example, if there’s a switch that needs child proofing and could be dangerous. When your nanny warns you about something or suggests a change, please be receptive.

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