How To Find A Babysitter

A live in nanny is common in some homes.  Everyone knows though that not all families and nannies living together are happy with their set-up.  Unknown to some parents, the mutual comfort and happiness of both parties rely greatly on the way they treat their nanny.  If you are about to welcome a live in nanny into your home, here are some things you might want to consider.

Dealing With Accommodations

The first thing you have to consider is the accommodations.  Keep in mind that the nanny will be living under your roof.  She will need a room of her own, provide for her meals and possible offer some perks and benefits.  Do not go into hiring a live in nanny if the family budget does not permit it.

Some families believe that it is perfectly fine to offer your nanny less than what the rest of your family is enjoying.  This, they say, especially holds true if your nanny comes from a third-world country who is used to lesser accommodations.  Discrimination aside, and while it may be fair to some extent, it is important to keep in mind that nannies are human beings, too.  Also, parents would do well to remind themselves that the better they treat and regard their nannies beyond what they pay her, the better she would look after the kids beyond what she’s being paid for.

Day Off

Keep in mind that a live in nanny is not a 24/7 nanny.  While it is true that live in nannies are much able to respond to short notices and emergencies, they too need time away from work, just like any other human being.  Allow your live in nanny a considerable time off from watching your kids and make it a point to respect her privacy during her time off.  For as long you do not suspect anything awry with her actions, it is needless to constantly inquire on what she has been up to.   Aside from the fact rest and recreation is a right she should be granted with, a happy, healthy and well-rested live in nanny is more psychologically and physically fit to look after your child.

Settling In

Being new to the neighborhood or to the place entirely, your nanny would be appreciative of any effort to help her discover your area.  It won’t take much from your time to point her out to the nearest shopping areas, and the most popular scenic places where she can enjoy herself, take pictures to send home to her family and assure them that indeed, she is doing well in her new place and with her new employer.  Encouraging your live in nanny to enjoy her new place is one major way of keeping her longer.

Work Specifications

One common fault in employing a live in nanny is when parents begin seeing blurred lines between being a nanny and being a house help, between being a nanny and a cook, between being a nanny and a gardener, laundry woman, personal messenger, etc.  Nannies are nannies so keep in mind that unless otherwise previously agreed before employment, her primary duty is to take care of the kids’ needs.  To avoid any ambiguity in her duties and responsibilities, it would be helpful to point out the tasks she is expected to perform.

Finding a good live in nanny can be difficult.  You have to consider her work ethics, her training, her background and her ability to naturally get along with your kids.  Make sure you treat your nanny in the best possible manner.  As mentioned, the better you treat her above and in excess of what you pay her, the longer she’ll stay and the better she’ll look after your children above and beyond what she’s being paid for.