For any parent, caring for your children is the primary concern that dominates your daily thoughts. Especially for working parents or single-parent households, childcare can be a major stressor if you cannot be home to meet children’s needs. While there are many benefits to daycare, hiring a nanny for your children may be the most beneficial for them. In their own home, children feel more comfortable and free to play, learn, and live under the guidance of a specialized child caregiver. When hiring a nanny, there are many important steps to take and tips to remember that will ensure you and your family the most positive experience.

First, and perhaps most important, do an adequate and thorough background screening and reference check of all potential nannies. As your children will be under this person’s supervision without your attendance for a large percentage of the time, you need to ensure your children’s safety above all else. Secondly, choose someone whose childcare style closely matches your own. Inconsistency in discipline is detrimental to your children and can cause serious long-term problems. Avoid any miscommunications about discipline and the like by discussing it in-depth with applicants.

Once you have hired your nanny, it is important to remember his/her role. Many parents may have misconstrued conceptions and expectations of their nanny, which causes unhappiness for him/her and for your family. After clearly discussing what is expected, a nanny may be responsible for: preparing children’s meals, children’s laundry, children’s bathing, grooming, etc., cleaning dishes/kitchen after children’s meals, and keeping children’s bedrooms and play areas straightened up. Remember that a nanny is not a housekeeper; his/her primary concern is the children and their needs. He/she should not be expected to clean all of the areas of the house, do the parents’ laundry, or clean up after any pets. Choosing the right nanny for your family can greatly ease your stress as a parent and can create harmony in your home and your children’s lives.

By: Billings Farnsworth

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