It can be challenging to find the proper fit when hiring a nanny, which is a significant choice. There are many benefits of hiring one such as:
- They can be very helpful especially if the family in big
- The child can stay in the familiar environment
- It is convenient and parents can have quality time
- Child will receive one on one attention from the nanny
- They will put the kids to bed on time and will also fix a meal for them if parents are unable to do so.
How To Hire a Nanny?
It can become a daunting task to hire a nanny especially when the parents have no idea where to start from. But it is always a great idea to start with:
Analyze What Is Required
It is important what is parents’ requirements like if they want a night nanny, live-in nanny, a part-time nanny, etc. Make a list of requirements that are negotiable and non-negotiable.
Budget
It is not necessary to go all board and take tension about how much nannies will charge and whether parents will be able to afford it. Decide the budget prior to interviewing nannies and explore options in that range. Or even parents can negotiate over the hourly rate too.
Don’t forget to consider things like expenses for activities, annual raises, and bonuses. Parents should make sure to include taxes as well
The following three-step process is recommended:
- First, consider all the factors that might affect the nanny’s rate.
- Then research the hourly rates in the area. Since the rates might vary from place to place.
Interviewing:
Will interviewing a potential candidate make sure to ask all the questions that might be important before hiring like childcare experience, why they left the previous job, why they choose this field as the profession etc.
Don’t hold back on awkward, blunt, or direct questions, as this will only cause problems down the line. Instead, be open and approach what you expect, so that you are both on the same page. At the same time, be just as keen to answer any questions they may have of you, so you can truly focus on the best partnership possible.
Check References
Always call the provided references and ask about them did other families have good experiences with this nanny? are there any red flags to watch out for? Sometimes to make a CV look for impressive candidates add fake references too, so it is important to make sure that the child is in safe hands.
Make the offer
At the end of the interview with the potential sitter, make an offer with them, and if they agree with the parent’s terms sign the contract helping them to understand the responsibilities and parents to have the best nanny services.
Mistakes Made by Parents While Hiring a Nanny
Following are some of the common mistakes made by parents while hiring a nanny:
- Not making a contract and letting the nanny sign it.
- Parents usually don’t ask the right questions from the nanny.
- They don’t map out the responsibilities and expectations that they have from the nanny
- Underestimating the nanny’s salary
- Not checking the background and references
- Not offering the right payment package
- Not letting nanny adjust in or providing them even basic training
- Fail to see the importance of setting boundaries early
- Offering minimum wages
- Parents usually don’t describe their parenting style.
Difference Between Nanny and Babysitter
Unlike babysitters, who are often hired on an as-needed basis, nannies are employed on a regular or semi-regular basis. In other words, they are employed to monitor kids after school or while parents go out to dinner. Their responsibilities also vary; a babysitter’s primary concern is watching children and ensuring their safety. While nannies, who are often childcare professionals with educational backgrounds and/or training, are childcare workers.
Many of a child’s demands are met by nannies, who provide for their physical, social, and emotional needs. Nannies can reside in or out of the home, and some assist with homework while others perform cleaning-related duties like laundry or room organization for children.
Postpartum Doula Vs Nanny
A postpartum doula is kind of a different profession than a nanny, Postpartum doulas provide comprehensive care for the entire family throughout the postpartum transition, in contrast to nannies who concentrate only on caring for newborns and infants. They make an effort to see to it that the needs physical, mental, and emotional of every member of the family are satisfied and that everyone is adjusting well. They not only take care of the baby but of the mother too, making her recover from the delivery and postpartum depression if she has it.
Their duties might include:
- Daytime care for newborns
- Newborn support and education
- Family meal prep & clean up
- Light household cleaning and chores
- May help with laundry
- Bottle and breastfeeding support