When parents leave the house and their children to go out at night or to work in the daytime, they find a nanny to watch over the kids, feed and bathe them and make sure they are taken care of the way mommy does. So what qualities do parents need to look for in a potential nanny?
Interviewing the potential nanny face-to-face will show nuances of traits and characteristics which are not reflected on the certificates she has acquired through education. Does she genuinely like children? Does she have a cheerful countenance? Does she hold the same values and principles as the parents? Continuity and consistency of values and beliefs is important to avoid confusion in the child’s mind. Aside from possessing the basic child rearing skills, parents should find a nanny who will get along well with their children. The resulting camaraderie will go a long way towards a long-term nanny-child relationship.
Does the nanny come from a nanny agency? Parents are better off getting a nanny from an agency. Caregivers who are placed through an agency are screened for their credentials and are checked for criminal and police records and their driving record. They usually have formal child and infant care training on meals, bathing, playtime and emergency care and treatment. The agency should also provide families with references for the nanny from her previous or current clients.
Hiring a nanny through an agency will save time for the parents since it has tested methods for recruitment and screening of nanny job applicants. The agency will consider the family’s needs, the children’s ages and the schedule for the nanny and match them accordingly.
A contract between the nanny and family detailing payments and terms of employment should be done to eliminate doubts and questions. The specifics should be spelled out leaving no room for confusion. This is for the protection of both parties.
In the parents’ quest to find a nanny, it is always best to remember that the agency who will be providing the nanny should have established itself as a reliable and reputable one.
By: Rashel Dan
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