The Nanny Parent Exchange: Open Communication Between You and Your Nanny

 

When parents and nannies first begin working together there is a mutual understanding of the importance of open communication. But as time goes by, even with the best intentions, open communication often doesn’t happen. Everyone is busy, the kids are sick, the holidays are approaching—there’s always a reason why that potentially awkward conversation needs to be pushed pack one more day.

Adding to this pragmatic challenge, parents and nannies can find it difficult to discuss important and yet emotionally charged issues. Is the child’s behavior getting out of control? Is the nanny not getting the laundry or dishes done while the baby naps? Does the nanny want more money? Are the parents chronically late coming home? What was once a small issue can escalate between nannies and families if open lines of communication are not in place, leading to annoyance and resentment.

Talking to your nanny about certain issues may be challenging—you may feel like she’s such a part of the family that you’re reluctant to tell her what to do, or you may be dealing with your own feelings of inadequacy as a parent for leaving your child with a caregiver. Chances are, every parent who has hired a nanny will feel face communication challenges at one time or another, as this New York Times article from 2010 describes.

Although written five years ago, the topic and themes woven through the article are still oh-so-relevant in 2015, and well worth a moment of your time to read—even if it simply helps you feel as though you’re not alone when it comes to nanny parent communication challenges.

The Nanny Parent Exchange: Open Communication Between You and Your Nanny

 

When parents and nannies first begin working together there is a mutual understanding of the importance of open communication. But as time goes by, even with the best intentions, open communication often doesn’t happen. Everyone is busy, the kids are sick, the holidays are approaching—there’s always a reason why that potentially awkward conversation needs to be pushed pack one more day.

Adding to this pragmatic challenge, parents and nannies can find it difficult to discuss important and yet emotionally charged issues. Is the child’s behavior getting out of control? Is the nanny not getting the laundry or dishes done while the baby naps? Does the nanny want more money? Are the parents chronically late coming home? What was once a small issue can escalate between nannies and families if open lines of communication are not in place, leading to annoyance and resentment.

Talking to your nanny about certain issues may be challenging—you may feel like she’s such a part of the family that you’re reluctant to tell her what to do, or you may be dealing with your own feelings of inadequacy as a parent for leaving your child with a caregiver. Chances are, every parent who has hired a nanny will feel face communication challenges at one time or another, as this New York Times article from 2010 describes.

Although written five years ago, the topic and themes woven through the article are still oh-so-relevant in 2015, and well worth a moment of your time to read—even if it simply helps you feel as though you’re not alone when it comes to nanny parent communication challenges.

Seven Steps to Hiring a Nanny with the Right Qualities

You’ve made the momentous decision to hire a caregiver for your child. But now what? How do you ensure that you will find a qualified nanny who will seamlessly blend with your parenting style and family values?

Choosing the right nanny for your child can be a stressful and time consuming endeavor. But arming yourself with a step-by-step plan can be the key that leads to peace of mind, knowing that you have matched the ideal candidate with the most important person in your life—your child.

Here, seven Chirp-recommended steps to ensure you find a nanny perfectly suited to you and your family.

1. Evaluation of Need: What do you want in a nanny? Consider practical aspects such as her schedule and responsibilities as well as the personal qualities you’d like your nanny to possess. Write them down in order of importance.

2. Getting the Word Out: Let the world know that you are searching for a qualified caregiver for your child. Ask relatives friends and colleagues for leads, and post notices in local mother’s groups, online and with college and university job offices.

3. Prescreening: Before you meet the candidates in person, conduct brief telephone or email interviews to determine suitability. Request that resumes, letters of recommendation, certificates of education and background check clearances be emailed for your review.

4. Interview Process: Choose the top 3 to 5 candidates from the prescreening process and evaluate them for a fit with your family. Use your instincts as well as evaluating her past work to make the final decision. After all, you want a nanny who will feel like part of the family.

5. Trial Period: Though the trial period is scheduled and paid, it is a time when both the nanny and family determine whether the arrangement will work long term. During this time, your nanny will obtain CPR/First Aid training, TB testing and complete background check requirements.

6. Contract: If she is a fit for your family at the end of the trial period, offer her a contract. Sit down at a formal closure meeting to review emergency procedures, review employment documents and to review and sign the contract.

7. Performance Reviews: For the first few weeks, conduct a weekly discussion about your child’s care with your nanny to ensure that you both feel comfortable with the situation. Once you are confident in your nanny’s abilities, formal discussions can be held monthly or quarterly.

For a more detailed explanation of the Seven Steps to Hiring a Nanny with the Right Qualities, click here.

Photo credit Simon Blackley