Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step and started the process of hiring a new nanny.
You have high hopes that you will find a “dream nanny” just like the one your neighbor has (they are constantly raving about her)! You hope that your new nanny will be amazing and the extra set of hands that you so desperately need. Your children will adore her, she will have “the magic touch,” and she’ll know exactly how to keep your home in tip-top shape. Right?
Well… almost.
Family/nanny relationships like this ARE real, but what many families don’t know is that it takes time, patience, and planning to reach that “dream nanny” status.
Frustrations can arise after the first week or two with your nanny if you feel like she doesn’t “get” your family or she isn’t everything you hoped she’d be. Don’t worry, we are here to help!
Below are a few easy steps you can take to create a GREAT working relationship with your nanny.
Ask the Right Questions
Starting with your first interview, ask the nanny about her communication style. Has she had healthy communication with her previous employers? What kind of system did they use? Would she be open to your preferred communication style?
Next, when hiring your chosen nanny, utilize the nanny/family written agreement (read more about that here!) This enables you to set defined standards (personalized to YOUR family) from the very beginning, and lays the foundation for great communication about the more awkward, less talked about parts of the nanny/family relationship.
Set the Standard Early On
Remember that your new nanny has come from an entirely different family who may have had different preferences and standards, and she will need time to adjust to her new job and way of working. Families are super busy, this we know, but if you are able to take the time early on to teach the nanny about your family’s household style and preferences, things will go a lot smoother in the long run. Think of it as setting up your employee for success by taking the time to train her and equip her with everything she needs to do a great job.
Communicate
First, schedule times in the future to sit down with the nanny (preferably in a quiet spot without the children) to go over things that need discussion. Utilize communication apps, or even something as simple as a notebook or daily journal. Let her know how you prefer to be contacted for simple questions or emergencies. Make yourself available throughout the first few weeks to answer any questions or concerns that she might have. Just a little bit of time spent on these things can take your family/nanny relationship a long way. This will also help to build trust and rapport with one another.
Be Patient With the Process
The first few weeks with a new nanny can be a bit tedious, but remember to be patient with the process. You are all in it together, and soon enough your nanny will be in total sync with your family.
If you find yourself extremely frustrated, make time to sit down with your nanny and ask her how she’s feeling, and if you can help her in any way. She may be feeling the same type of frustrations you are, but is afraid to speak up. Write down the things you want to discuss with the nanny during your pre-scheduled meetings. Try not to bombard her with critiques every day, as that can be overwhelming.
Remember, with the right plan, diligence, and a sprinkle of patience, your nanny can reach that dreamy “rockstar nanny” status in no time!
Experienced professionals at Boston Nanny Centre are here to help you with your nanny search, and any issues that may arise along the way. Give us a call or send us a message, we would love to hear from you!
