Hiring a Nanny-Tips to Consider
Could Personalized Caregiving be the Key to Happiness in Your Home?
Jun 22, 2008
Many people think hiring a nanny as their child care provider is out of their reach. Often they assume nanny agencies only cater to affluent families or that to have a nanny she must work 40 hours per week. Not true. Read on for some basic "Nanny 101", where you'll learn just what a nanny is and how your family can benefit from having one.
What is a Nanny?
According to The International Nanny Association, “A Nanny is a child care specialist.” While not all nannies are professionally trained, there are some certain basic requirements that all nannies must meet. Nannies must be at least 18 years of age, a high school graduate, and in an overall healthy condition. Depending upon where you choose to get your nanny from, certain immunizations and shots may be required as well.
There are as many different types of nannies as there are families they work for. Some are full time, others are part time. Some are just for before and after school. There are newborn overnight nannies, group nannies, and nannies to help out with special occasions such as parties, vacations, and when parents just want time to themselves.
Nanny Role and Responsibilities
A nanny is there to take care of your child’s every need. The nanny is responsible for meeting the child’s physical and emotional needs, while at the same time maintaining appropriate discipline techniques to be determined at the interview. Nannies support the parents and help them to achieve desired results from their children. They can be a liason between parents and the child’s doctors, teachers, and friends if necessary. Many nannies enjoy educational activities with youngsters and read, write, and make crafts quite frequently.
In addition to the nanny’s roles with the children, most also perform household tasks/duties like laundry, light cleaning, meal preparation, and transporting the children to designated activities. Some nannies will run errands and perform various tasks the parents ask them to do. Parents should be aware of favors becoming expectations, as you don't want your nanny to become resentful.
Typical Cost of Nanny
Depending on experience and hours worked, having a nanny could cost anywhere from $150 and up per week or more. If you have two children in daycare, it may be more convenient and financially wiser to invest in one-on-one child care. You may be able to do so for the same or about the same price. Some agencies charge one-time flat fees for providing access to their nanny networks and then you pay the nanny directly after she begins. If you choose not to go through an agency, the rate of pay will be determined by you and your nanny.
The Benefits of a Nanny
Obviously the biggest benefit of having a nanny is the convenience and the personalized care for your child. Instead of being one out of eight or so in a daycare setting, your child will be the primary focus. This alleviates neglect caused by a caregiver being pulled in too many directions and gives the child a more secure feeling. There is also less of a chance for communicable illnesses. Since the nanny will be working from your home, it also makes things more convenient and stable. Having a nanny requires the least amount of change in a child’s routine.
A nanny can also keep a more watchful eye and may notice quicker if something is wrong with your child. It's also nice not to have that nervous feeling when meeting yet another babysitter or sub; you know nanny and she knows you. Last but not least, a full-time nanny is with the child consistently and generally exclusively, which means she will develop a more personal relationship with everyone in your family, ensuring a loving and respectful relationship for all involved!
Now that you are familiar with the "nanny basics", you may find the nanny-family relationship to be the most effective, beneficial, and surprisingly easy process for your family.
