Continuing our 'Top ten things you need to know' series we're going back to basics in this post about the do's and don'ts of nannying. Please help us by adding your 'do's' or 'don'ts' below!
DO be professional
As a nanny it can be hard to maintain your professionalism as the lines between employer/ employee and family blur. At KiwiOz Nannies our attitude is that no matter how friendly you become with the parents, you are still an employee and a professional attitude to the role should come first.
Being a professional nanny means you are more than just a carer. You have employment goals a childcare strategy and a reporting plan to communicate with parents.
Anyone can work as a professional nanny- if you're not sure how then we highly recommend you complete our Trainee Nanny Certificate.
DO be punctual
Even if the family you work for have a casual attitude towards timekeeping, be punctual. Show up on time and be prepared for the day ahead. This helps to ensure a calm environment for the children and starts the day off on the right foot.
DO be polite
This should go without saying but unfortunately some people just don't get it. We recently heard of a nanny referring to a child as 'a little brat'- to his mother! Yes some children do behave badly but with an attitude like that I doubt that this nanny is going to have the skills to guide better behaviour. Always communicate with absolute professionalism, no matter how comfortable you feel.
DO NOT eat all of the families food
Well we always have a bit of a giggle with this but you'd be amazed how frequently this problem comes up! We all know that if you work from home it's hard to stay away from the fridge sometimes. However, it's not great for your health or the families bank balance if you're slowly working your way through the biscuit cupboard! Cut up some vege's or have lots of fruit on hand to snack on during the day- plan your day in advance and keep busy!
DO NOT send personal texts and emails during the day
Working as a nanny you'll usually have a phone on you and often the family will have a computer/ internet handy. This is a pretty straightforward rule- DON'T send personal emails during the working day, DON'T make personal calls and DON"t spend your whole day texting. Your focus should be on the children not on your personal life.
DO NOT leave children alone
Basic safety here team. Even if you're in the next room toddlers and babies should never be left alone. Never leave a child alone near water or in the bath.
DO NOT bring visitors to the house without permission
Employers if you're reading this- make it clear to your nanny that visitors are not allowed as a rule. Nannies, if you'd like a visitor to come around, you MUST ask permission from the parents. The safety of the children is always their first concern, and even though you may know the person the parents do not and are well within their rights to say no.
DO be tidy
If you are a live in nanny always maintain a tidy and clean room- the space is your private space however as a mark of respect for the family it should always be well presented.
There are so many more do's and don't that I can't think of right now so help me out below!
Do wear appropriate clothing! :)
ReplyDeleteAh yes good point! We've had nannies show up to interviews with three inch heels and wonder why they haven't got the job... and big earrings/ facial piercings are also a no- wee children just love to grab!
DeleteOooh this is good! I can add -
ReplyDeleteDO NOT ask to use the family car on the weekend. This is potentially an acceptable request after about a year with the family....
Ah I've thought of something else! What would you say are reasonable 'rules' live in nannies should abide by in terms of going out/ coming home at a reasonable hour? In my experience a live in nanny should be home before around 11 if they're working the next day. It's sensible to text the parents to tell them when you'll be home- not because they're in charge of you but because it's courteous!
ReplyDeleteIn my experience the nanny's need to separate themselv's from their work after they have finished for the day. Putting a time on when a nanny needs to be home and txtg the parents is a no no! You are not one of their children and Im sure the parents have more important things to worry about then what time the nannys coming home. Often I have found when babysitting during the week the parents have strolled in well after midnight or what ever time it may be then I guess its fair to say, providing the nanny is considerate i.e entering the home quietly,not playing music or talking loud on mobile ph after returning home AND always punctual in the mornings then the nanny's time after hours is hers to spend freely as if she were living out. Nanny's need a life outside of their working enviroment and having this freedom allows the nanny to enjoy her work just as any employee of any job would...
DeleteI agree that nannies need time to wind down and have some private space at the end of the day. Parents should try and be home on time and respect the nannies need for privacy. Also agree that the nannies time is to do what she wishes with and she should be able to come and go as she pleases. However, as a live in nanny you are living in somebody elses home, families often do worry about their nanny- especially with younger, less experienced or travelled nannies. I think the sensible thing to do would be to discuss the families boundaries and the nannies feelings at interview. to ensure your expectations match! For me, I'd be happy to send the parents a text if I knew they would appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteA full respect is deserving to anyone. Brilliant blog.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTaking care of a child seems easy to perform but in actuality, it is one of the hardest points of being a mother. Of course, most parents don’t prefer to stay at home and take care of their child all the time because they need to work outside to give all the best basic needs of their child. This is the main reason why babysitters or nannies are popular and commonly hired by busy parents doing their job outside. Hiring babysitters are good but as parents we have to take care of our child when we have enough time to make them feel our love and care. Thank you for sharing this great and informative content, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteMark Cruz SitterCity - CareCom