1. Establish Guidelines From the Start With Your Nanny
One of the best ways to start a parent nanny relationship is with a clear contract that both parties agree to. Before they ever start providing childcare services, sit down with your nanny to discuss everything from pay to house rules to your kids’ likes and dislikes. If both sides get the opportunity to make their expectations clear from the start, it is more likely that you will have a good experience moving forward.
2. Communicate With Your Nanny
Keep your nanny in the loop as much as possible. It is better to over-communicate than under-communicate. Nannies should know when they should call you and how to reach you. They should also be informed about anything pertaining to the ins and outs of their day with the kids, from schedule changes to children’s moods. You want your nanny to feel comfortable asking you any questions they might have, and you should not feel awkward talking to them either. Frequent two-way communication is key to a successful relationship.
3. Don't Hover
Staying in touch with your nanny is one thing. Constantly micromanaging them is quite another. Once you have shown the nanny what to do and where to go, step back and let them be in charge. Since you hired childcare services, you know that the person you chose has experience working with children. Trust their judgment. Nannies should be more than willing to take advice from parents, but you should respect their knowledge and experience as well.
4. Resolve Issues Quickly
If there is ever any kind of issue or conflict with your nanny, get it out in the open as soon as possible. It is not good to let things fester and grow into a bigger problem than needed. Be respectful but honest about what you are seeing and feeling. At the same time, don’t be too quick to jump on your nanny for having an off day. We all get tired sometimes, so if the energy is lower than usual one day, it is probably best to give your nanny the benefit of the doubt.
5. Say Thank You
A little thanks goes a long way. Nannies do essential work for families. It would be hard to do your job if they didn’t do their job. Take the time to say thank you. Your nanny will appreciate it. Small gifts or bonuses around the holidays can help show how grateful you are for the help they provide. Never underestimate the power of a little encouragement.
Looking for Nanny Services?
If you need a nanny, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency can help. We provide professional, convenient childcare full and part-time. All of our nannies go through a criminal background check, a civil background check, social security number verification, a driving record check, and are CPR certified. They have at least three years of experience working with children and pass our extensive interview process. When you hire childcare services from Twinkle Toes, you know you are getting childcare you can trust and depend on. Visit Twinkle Toes online to learn more about our services. We are here to help.