First Time Nanny Employer?

Your first Nanny can be a strange experience. You may feel guilty for leaving your child or even jealous of someone else looking after them. However, when you find the right nanny, it came make it an extremely beneficial experience for you and your children.

Communication

With good communication all your worries about letting a stranger look after your child should disappear.

It's a good idea to set aside time to catch up with your nanny. Some parents do this at the end of each day, even if it is a 5 minute chat before the nanny goes home. Others may want to have a more in-depth discussion each week. Perhaps you can set aside time to have a talk to find out what sort of things the child has been doing. 

Some working parents may not have the opportunity to catch up at the end of each day. Therefore you may prefer your nanny to keep a log or diary of what your child has done during the day.

At the start of the employment contract, it is very important to have as much communication with each other as you can. Iron out any problems at the beginning. For example, bring up anything that's bothering you, e.g. if plates are always left in the sink when they go off duty, or if you feel that they should be taking your child out more often. Try to say your comment in a positive way and avoid heavy criticism.

Making suggestions rather than simply criticising tends to work best. Always thank your nanny for doing the little things, like taking out the bins, putting the bottles in the bottle bank etc as it makes them feel appreciated and they are more likely to keep on doing a good job. 

One of the key things is to give your nanny notice of any changes to her working day, or if you require her to do anything differently. For example, if you think you may be late back from a meeting the following week, let the nanny know now so that it is not something that is sprung upon her, and might mean she has to cancel some of her own plans. You must always keep in mind that your nanny has a life outside of work - if you continually encroach into that time, your nanny is more likely to leave.

Information to leave your nanny

It is a good idea to leave your nanny a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses, even if you're in the house most of the day.

This list should include:

• The child's doctor and dentist
  
  
• The child's school, their teacher's name and class details
  
  
• Their activity classes
  
  
• The local hospital
  
  
• The local police station
  
  
• Your direct line work number as well as your partners
  
  
• Neighbours details
  
  
• Details of any local family members or close friends
  
  
• The vet's number if you have any animals

It is also a good idea to write down:

• School times
  
  
• Activity times
  
  
• Routines for sleep, eating, bath etc
  
  
• If the children have any allergies
  
  
• The child's favourite foods and what they won't or you don't want them to eat

The Nanny's 1st day

It is best if you can stay with your nanny for the first day or even be around for the first week, to help them settle into the job. Also this way the child can become used to them whilst you are around.

It is a good idea if you can:

• Introduce the nanny to the child's teacher, your local friends and neighbours, etc
  
  
• Show them how to work the washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, oven, microwave, etc
  
  
• Show them where the first aid box is or where you keep your medicine
  
  
• Show them where the gas, water and electric cut-offs are for emergencies and also when the meter reader's call
  
  
• Discuss the child's routine, bed times, feeding, activities, bathing, etc
  
  
• Go through the duties you wish them to do (these should not be different from what you discussed at the interview) and when you want them to baby-sit, etc
  
  
• House rules, e.g., locking doors and setting alarms when they go out, having people around, taking shoes off in the house etc

The Do's and Don'ts

Do...

• Leave your nanny a kitty so they can pay for playgroups, activities and extra food, etc. and top this up frequently. If you want to keep an eye on what is spent, ask for receipts
  
  
• Discuss problems straight away. Don't let it carry on for a long period as it will be harder for them to change
  
  
• Set suitable standards and ensure that these are met
  
  
• Let them know if anyone unexpected is coming to the house that they will need to deal with
  
  
• Remember that a nanny has their own life. Don't expect them to babysit at a few hours' notice
  
  
• Pay them on time, provide them with payslips and review their salary on an annual basis
  
  
• Appreciate your nanny, remember a good nanny is hard to find

Don't...

• Ring every few hours to check how everything is going, as they will feel that you don't trust them
  
  
• Assume they will know what you want doing and how to do it
  
  
• Be late home, or if you are going to be, ring and let them know
  
  
• Worry that your child will get more attached to your nanny than to you. Children always know who their parents are and if your child likes being with the nanny be reassured that they are happy with the situation.

Would you like to know more?

Please read the Process of Hiring a Nanny or by Amanda Coxen.

Tinies Employment Screening and Legal Services
Tinies understands that parents often source childcarers through their own searches, but may struggle to carry out the checks necessary for pre-employment screening, and require help with employing childcarers.

Tinies has developed a screening service for childcarers (which includes amongst other things reference checking, an Enhanced CRB check and an employment contract), and can also offer both a payroll service and a legal helpline. For more information contact your local Tinies agency.