Tips for Nannies, Household Managers, and Parents

No matter your profession (because let’s be honest being a parent is a full-time job in itself) starting a new chapter can be difficult, challenging, and quite exciting. Whether you’re an experienced nanny and/or household manager, starting a new family is always exciting and different. Every family has different expectations. For parents, the process of bringing a new person into a home can be stressful. So, let’s dive into a few tips and tricks helpful for everyone involved!

Nanny & Household Managers

Starting a new position with a family can be stressful just as stressful for nannies and household managers as it is for parents. Every family and household have different needs. Let’s start off by going over a few tips that may make your first week or two go a bit more smoothly. Let’s start at the beginning – the interview! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, you are a professional. If you were an Executive Assistant to a Chief Executive Officer, wouldn’t you need to know their daily schedule, where they prefer to eat lunch, if they have any allergies, or emergency contact information should something go awry? The same goes for a new household. Here are some questions to you might want to consider asking any family:

1. What are your expectations with hiring a nanny/household manager?

2. Confirm the children(s) ages? Are any children attending school or extracurricular activities?

3. Are any children going through potty training? What stage are they at?

4. If infants, or toddlers with nap times, what is their current sleep schedule?

5. Does anyone in the household have allergies? (Don’t just limit this question to the children)

6. Do you have any specific developmental goals for the nanny to work with children on within the first 3 to 6 months?

7. What type of diet are the children currently on? Do you have any nutritional or dietary goals?

8. How many hours per week are you hoping the nanny/household manager to work?

9. What household tasks are an absolute priority?

10. Household managers – Do you need dry cleaning? If yes, how often and would you like a service set up to pick up/drop off dry cleaning at your residence to save time? If yes, ask them their preferred dry cleaner and offer to check to see if that or others offer this service to their residence.

11. Do you prefer nanny/household manager use their own vehicle or will the family be providing a vehicle?

12. Will errands be involved? (I.e., groceries, doctor’s appointments, etc.)

13. Will travel be involved? If so, will you need assistance packing and coordinating travel arrangements?

14. Do you use any applications to travel feeding and/or diaper changes?

You get the idea! Don’t be afraid to ask these questions. Asking questions will help you prepare for your new placement ahead of time! Once offered the position, start your homework. Prepare organizational charts needed for meals, sleep schedule, travel, etc. You don’t have to be Marie Kondo to be an organizational guru! If you’re ever in doubt, visit YouTube or Pinterest for organizational tips and tricks or @thehomeedit

Parents

The search for the perfect nanny and/or household manager can be incredibly daunting for you! Time is not always on your side as a parent. Even more stressful is finding an agency you can trust to find you the right nanny/household manager. This is where The Nanny Cove focuses their energy! Our holistic approach places emphasis on building relationships with both families and nannies/household families. We want to know what you are looking for! We want to hear the yeses and the nos. Whether you’ve hired a nanny/household manager in the past, here are some ways to make the transition to bringing a newcomer into the household less stressful:

1. When interviewing a potential new nanny/household manager, ask what their

expectations in starting a new position.

2. Be forthcoming about your expectations and exactly what you hope will be different in bringing on a new nanny/household manager than what you’ve experienced in the past.

3. Set forth clear goals for your child’s development and any household goals (i.e.

organization, help with laundry, light housekeeping, errand running, increasing

efficiency, etc.)

4. Be clear about what is NOT expected of the nanny/household manager.

5. The interview can be an opportunity to learn more about the nanny/household manager, including their hobbies, family life, and where they excel most when working with children and/or household management.

6. Describe yourself, your hobbies and household environment.

7. If you feel comfortable, share your parenting philosophy to get a sense if you and the nanny/household manager will jive!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions but remember to set clear goals for your nanny/household manager. Just as you are bringing someone new into your private space, they are embarking on a new journey as well. Open communication with your nanny/household manager often leads to the most successful and long-lasting placements.The Nanny Cove is always here to assist families, nannies, and household managers. Our assistance goes beyond the placement. We encourage all parties to reach out to us should they need temporary assistance or have any questions!

And don’t forget, we have resources for families and nannies, including classes by Sproutable and we partner with International Nanny Association!