Finding a good nanny is one of the significant issues for today's parents. It is crucial to be meticulous in this regard and minimize the margin for error, as wrong choices can lead to various levels of problems for both the child and the family. Frequently changing nannies can lead to trust and adjustment problems in children. Even if you act very carefully or connect with one of the best consulting firms in the market, things may not go as you hoped. People may have negative tendencies and behaviors that they do not show, or they may have a hidden illness or ill intentions. A nanny you hire without much thought may not be someone who positively influences your child's education and development. Not being meticulous when choosing a nanny strengthens such possibilities. We understand that you have concerns about this issue and that you want the best for your child. You can ensure that your choice is more accurate by taking ideas from our article on tips for choosing a nanny.
If You Are Going to Search for a Nanny Through a Consulting Company, Research the Company Well
Research the best consulting firms online, ask trusted individuals which company they found their satisfied nannies through. Make sure that the company you will connect with has the legal documents required for this job and provides a correct address and phone number. If possible, visit the company's headquarters. See what kind of place it is, how potential customers are treated, and try to understand whether the relevant individuals are trustworthy and knowledgeable.
List Your Needs and Specify Any Special Circumstances
What kind of care do you want for your child? Is it sufficient for you to pay attention to sleep times, cleanliness, nutrition, and getting fresh air, or do you expect, for example, your child to start learning a foreign language or chess, or to receive help with homework? If you are looking for a nanny who speaks English, Filipino nannies are qualified in this regard, keep that in mind. If you expect more than just meeting your child's daily needs, it would be more appropriate to look for a trained nanny who has graduated from child development, preschool teaching, etc., or a good playmate. If your child has a health issue or a special circumstance that needs attention, consider these when choosing a nanny.
If you want the nanny to help with household chores and meals, be sure to specify this. However, do not forget that the time spent on such tasks will be taken away from your child. How much time can someone who needs to clean the house, do laundry, and serve tea and coffee to your guests dedicate to your child, and what can they do with them during that time? Think carefully about these.
Especially If You Are Not Experienced, Look for an Experienced Nanny
This will reduce the likelihood of the nanny misleading you. If there is a family elder around you whom you constantly trust for their knowledge and experience, the nanny's inexperience may not be a serious problem. However, if both of you are inexperienced, you may face some issues.
If Possible, Gather Information About the Nanny's Family Life
It would be beneficial to learn whether they have significant problems in their family and what kind of relationship they have with their children. Someone living in a very unhappy and troubled home may be a good person, but can they engage with your child appropriately and behave in a way that positively influences them? To give something to a child, one must be energetic, cheerful, talkative, patient, and tolerant. The nanny candidate's family life can provide clues about whether they possess these qualities.
It Is Important for the Nanny to Be Talkative
A child's mental development is closely related to the amount of conversation they hear throughout the day. Pay attention to ensure that the candidates you meet have strong verbal communication skills and know how to talk to a child.
Question Whether They Love Their Job
The performance of someone who does this job because they cannot find another job will certainly not be the same as someone who genuinely loves children, enjoys teaching a child something, helping with their self-care, and being close to them. You are a parent, you know; children can be as charming and fun as they can be unbearable. Someone who does not love children may exhibit negative behaviors and may not respond appropriately to a child having a bad day.
You Will Feel Safer with a Calm and First Aid Knowledgeable Nanny
If you pay attention to these characteristics when choosing a nanny, your child will be more secure against life's unpleasant surprises. A good nanny should not panic when a problem arises, should quickly decide what the best thing to do for the child in their care is, and should implement it.
Do Not Make a Decision After Meeting Just One Candidate
We mentioned at the beginning of our article the possible negative consequences of a wrong decision. It is better to meet with more than one candidate to find the ideal nanny and make comparisons. If you have only met one person and your instincts about them are positive, deepen your research, ensure that no detail has been left unasked, and request reliable references.
A Good Nanny Listens as Well as Gives Ideas
Ultimately, the one being cared for is your child, and they should be cared for in the way you want. Make sure your nanny understands this. However, do not forget that there may be times when you are wrong, and they are right. If they have opposing ideas about something you want, listen to them, and if you have any questions, investigate. Of course, your child's nanny should act in the direction you want, but the main thing is to do what is right for the child, right?
Conditions and Expectations Should Be Discussed Thoroughly
This prevents any setbacks related to this issue later on. Clearly state what you want and what conditions you will provide. Learn about the candidate's expectations from you as well. Do not promise things you will not do, and do what you said you would do. And you have the right to expect the same from the other party, of course.
Nanny and Caregiver Selection