Kaboutjie SA Mommy Blogs by Lynne Huysamen
While it’s clear that you have childcare options, the love and care that a nanny can provide puts this option at the top of the priority list. Your little ones need an individual who will not only offer companionship, but also help them grow and learn in ways you never thought possible.
Looking for a nanny who will change your child for the better? Consider these tips when seeking out the qualities you desire and need for your family when hiring a nanny.
- Consider the Flexibility
One of the most evident benefits of having a nanny on site is that you don’t have to spend time rushing around getting your children ready for daycare. When determining what is best for your child or children, talk with potential nanny candidates about scheduling and flexibility. What hours is he or she available? Can he or she live in your home if needed? What type of routines does he or she prefer to conduct with the children on a daily basis to further expand their growth and development?
- Embrace the One-On-One Care
If you’re on the fence about hiring a nanny, it’s important to think about the type of care your child or children need. Nannies provide one-on-one care that is valuable for inquiring minds. When a nanny has your child’s full attention versus battling 10 other children in a daycare center, he or she has the opportunity to ask questions, dig deep into learning and get involved in carefully monitored play.
- Recognize That You Don’t Have to Do It On Your Own
It takes a village to raise a child, and a nanny is often a prominent member of that village. When determining how or why to hire a nanny, think about the help that you need and the care you want for your children. You have obligations that may prevent you from being with your children 24 hours a day. Consider the benefits of having a trusted individual nurturing your children in your absence, especially someone who the children adore.
- Identify the Social Needs of Your Family
Kids need to interact with others, which is why many families choose daycare centers over a nanny. However, nannies do provide social opportunities. When hiring someone to care for your children, inquire about ways he or she can develop your child’s need for socialization. Many nannies get together often with fellow nannies for playdates or arrange field trips to help develop more social children.
- Scope Out Professionalism
How a nanny carries himself or herself is important. You want to be able to find someone who represents your family, yet takes the job seriously. Evaluate the types of conversations you have with potential nannies and take note of the type of questions each individual asks. For instance, a professional nanny will ask about your expectations, goals and desires for childcare. In addition, a professional nanny should also be prepared to provide references from former employers. At Careworks, all nannies are screened to ensure they possess the qualifications, personality and professionalism necessary to succeed while on the job.
- Assess Interactions with Children
It is possible for you to find the “perfect” nanny, but even the best nannies may not always make a connection with your child or children. When interviewing a nanny, expose the individual to your children after a brief meeting or get together with adults only. Possibly arrange for a time when you and the nanny can take the kids on a play date or take a visit to the park. Seeing a nanny in action with children lets you know whether or not he or she is a good fit. It’s also important to assess how your children respond or act with the potential nanny candidate. Keep in mind that a nanny has the ability to change your child’s life for the better, and finding a person who is gentle, yet firm and nurturing is crucial to your child’s development.
- Evaluate the Chemistry
Not only do your children need to connect with a potential long-term or short-term nanny, but so do you, as a parent. Ask yourself if you felt comfortable while communicating with the nanny. Consider whether or not you felt like he or she understood your expectations. Spend some time getting to know your nanny during the interview and keep the conversation light to see if the two of you form an instant bond.
- Check References
First impressions definitely matter, but when hiring a nanny, you need to also rely on feedback from his or her former clients. Ask the former clients how the nanny helped foster trust, enabled open communication and put forth effort to make their children better as a whole. Ask for specific examples so you can identify whether or not the nanny’s style fits your family’s culture.
- Ask for a List of Goals
Your nanny should have a plan for how to help your children develop emotionally, socially and academically. Before hiring a candidate, have a conversation about goals for the future of your children. Many times, nannies will want a full report from you regarding how your children learn, interact with others and behave in general. This information can help him or her to set goals for nurturing the needs of your kids in the future.
- Schedule a Trial Period
In all reality, trial and error is how both families and nannies learn if the arrangement is a good fit. Consider hiring your nanny on a trial basis or schedule a test run as you run errands for an hour or two. If your children are old enough to provide you with feedback, you’ll be able to get a feel for how the nanny connects with your little ones. If not, spend some time with the nanny to see how the test run went.
Your family is truly one-of-a-kind, so the nanny you choose should mesh well with not only you, but also your children. If you’re struggling to find just the right person, contact CareWorks. We can not only find your family a nanny who is qualified, but also one who meets your unique needs and complements your aspirations, values and character.
