Hello, Tribe!
Can you believe the middle of summer is already here! The 4TH of July just passed us by like a bolt of lightning. Chris and I decided because the holiday was in the middle of the week, that we would stay home and indulge in some comfort food and a relaxing afternoon.
I made some yummy vegetarian crockpot chili, relaxed on the couch, and read a great book. It was amazing! I’ll have to share my chili recipe in the future as it is so yummy, easy, and quick to make. Perfect for a lazy day.
The book I read “The Nanny Manual” was incredible! Of course I am always researching and continuously trying to educate myself to improve my business skills and The Nanny Tribe.
A few weeks ago I received an email asking if I ever have guest bloggers on my site? I have not yet, until today! The Author of “The Nanny Manual” Alyce Desrosiers has offered a little informational blog for The Nanny Tribe to help members like you when you are in search of a nanny. Even though I do most of the steps in finding a nanny when using my service, this book is not only about that. It also gives you incredible information on how to manage your nanny. Tips like: How to communicate with your nanny, what to ask in an interview, how to prepare in case of an emergency. Alyce explains how to manage situations like the difference between what mom expects on a daily basis and how the nanny understands those expectations.
My favorite part about this book was the short stories throughout the chapters. Each story is about an individual nanny or parent with an everyday predicament. The stories range from a dad who feels left out in decisions with the nanny, to a nanny who doesn’t feel fulfilled in her job as a nanny. They are about real people and real situations, which can help you understand that you’re not alone in your concerns about the little things, that turn in to big things, when having a nanny in your home.
With that Alyce has been so kind to write up a little information for The Nanny Tribe to help parents like you during your part of the process of finding a perfect nanny.
How to Go About the Process of Hiring a Nanny
4 Tips for Parents to Do It Right!
Experts agree that nannies can provide safe, responsible and loving care for children but hiring the right nanny means going through a thoughtful and informed search.
Here are 4 tips to do it right!
#1. Know before you go
- Determine the hours/days you need care. Don’t’ forget those additional hours on evenings and weekends!
- Check your childcare budget to match current hourly rates. Remember that nannies are hourly wage employees and must be paid for all hours worked, including overtime.
- Determine the amount and kind of childcare experience you require.
- Set realistic expectations about responsibilities and prioritize these.
- Set clear conditions of employment: CPR/First Aid certification, TB test clearance, Tdap and MMR vaccinations, a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and criminal background check clearance.
- Start the process early to give yourself enough time. It can take 4-6 weeks to hire a nanny.
#2. Go through a thoughtful and informed hiring process
- Get the word out to friends, colleagues, mother’s groups and online.
- Do a thorough screening.
- Interview 4-5 qualified candidates and then a 2nd interview with the two best candidates.
- Go through a 1 to 2-week trial / training period with your best candidate.
- Write, review, approve and sign a contract with your nanny.
#3. Establish a Standard of Care and Best Practices
- Create a ‘Rules of the House’ policy statement on safety and communication.
- Establish a policy on the use of social media and privacy.
- Train your nanny on how to handle medical emergencies.
#4. Create a collaborative working relationship with your nanny
- Recognize that nannies create relationships with parents and with the children they care for.
- If the nanny-parent relationship is healthy then good care happens.
- Remember these 3 key points: Collaborate, Communicate and Compensate a livable wage!
The Nanny Manual is a comprehensive guide for parents hiring a nanny. It includes checklists, forms and a step-by-step process to hire the right nanny. Beyond this, it is about the parent-nanny relationship, encouraging parents to use their heart, soul and mind when going through the hiring process. Checklists, forms and sample contracts are available for download: https://www.tiffan.org
I hope these tips can be a great start to guiding you to find your perfect nanny. Please pick up your own copy of “The Nanny Manual” today!
The Nanny Tribe is always hungry for education. If you have any information to educate us about this post please email us or visit our forum and teach us what you know.