Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you approach hiring a nanny:
- Be sure to include the whole family in this process. In some instances, this may mean getting input from step-children or in-laws. Everyone’s participation up front will foster a positive, receptive attitude towards the nanny.
- Resist the urge to set aside your own personal needs in favor of focusing exclusively on your child. If exercise is an important part of your day, consider adjusting your nanny’s hours to accommodate your visits to the gym.
- Consider how you can establish a foundation of mutual respect and courtesy between you and your nanny right from the start. As she becomes integrated into you family you will also become a major factor in her life. Don’t forget that she is a person with feelings and interests. If you define her role with this in mind, it will help you develop a job description which encourages a workable combination of her role as employee and family member.
- It’s best to define your nanny’s role as an extension of your parenting style, rather than as a substitute for your own perceived parental short comings. Here’s a difficult situation: you like on junk food, but want to emphasize healthy eating habits for your child. You insist that your nanny offer strictly nutritional meals but you invariably give in to your own bad habits when you’re in charge. This approach creates frustration for everyone.The answer is obviously not to hire a junk-food addict for a nanny! The best advice is to proceed with the conviction that your children will always follow what you do, rather than what you say (or tell your nanny).
