The Three Big Mistakes Nannies Make in a Family Placement:

The Three Big Mistakes Nannies Make in a Family Placement:

1. Nannies Fail To Ask Enough Questions in the Interviewing Proccess: They accept a job offer too quickly and learn there is a lot more to the position than they intially thought. A nanny needs to ask what a typical day & week will be like, but also what will an atypical day & week will be like working for this family. If a family is vague, then they need to ask the family to be more specific. You will need to draw up a detailed job description that defines the work schedule, days & hours off, salary, overtime compsation, benefits and other details you have both agreed to before you accept a position.
2. A Nanny Accepts an Offer with a Family whose Approaches to Discipline are very Different than theirs: Do not proceed with an offer if you find after a trial visit the parent's philosophies of dicipline are very different than their own. Parents have every right to raise their child as they see fit. You will be very frustrated, and you will send the child(ren) mixed messages. Ask the family what consequences do they use with their different age children and observe their approach during your trial. Wait for the family offer who has a similar discipline approach.
3. Poor Communication Skills: Nannies often get intimidated by Type A personalties (their employers) and will let things "fester under their skin" and breed resentment. This can result in a "blow up", and that is very difficult to recover from in a positive manner. Most of these parents are very busy people who are absolutely oblivious to what is bothering you. So when you address things, always be tactful; no one likes to be criticized. Start by saying, "I realize you have been so busy lately working on that project, and I'm sure you are not even aware of this, but in the last two weeks this has happened X times." Encourage BOTH parents to sit down with you at least once a month to have a 20-30 minute parent/nanny conference. A meeting where the three of you will discuss issues going on and how you will work in partnership to address those issues with the children. A nanny cannot work in concert with a family if she does not possess good communication skills.

Katherine Leary Robinson

President

Beacon Hill Nannies, Inc.

The Three Most Common Mistakes Made by Families in a Nanny Search

The Three Most Common Mistakes Made By Families in a Nanny Search:

1. Failure to Clearly Define Your Nanny's Duties and Responsilities at the onset. Don't be vague; it is essential that you inform your nanny what a typical & atypical day will be like. Draw up a contract that clearly defines the work schedule, days & hours off, salary, benefits, sick days, holidays, working vacations and other details you have both agreed to, and you will minimize misunderstandings later on. If needs change, it is important to sit down and renegotiate your new hours or duties needed with your nanny.
2. Different Philosophies of Child Rearing and Discipline. Some families chose a nanny because of their effective discipline approach, but when they come home, they fail to follow through on that agreed upon approach. Support your nanny when they apply the approach you have told them to use. For example, when you come home ask your child, "Did (your nanny) say you could do that?/ have that?/ eat that?" All children try to "get away with murder" at transition time. ~Let your children know there is only one discipline approach in your home.
3. Poor Communication Skills. Both families and nannies are often quilty of letting things "fester under their skin" and breed resentment. In your nanny's first month, clearly define her role and your expectations. Tell your nanny your child's idiosyncrasies and what approach works best with them. -Your old nanny knew what you wanted before you knew what you wanted; but that took months and years of observation. ~ It is essential that both parents sit down for 20-30 minute nanny/parent meeting once a month to discuss issues going on with the children, and how you will all work in concert in addressing those issues. The reality is ALL PARTIES WILL ANNOY EACH OTHER AT TIMES in a home. Try to let the trivial things roll off your back.

Katherine Leary Robinson

President

Beacon Hill Nannies, Inc.