I've Hire A Nanny! Now What?
You are hired! It is an exciting and intense feeling all at the same time. Some parents feel the excitement fade as you become overwhelmed with handling a caregiver in your home. In some cases, it may feel like you have another child. The good news is the excitement can last if you can remember a few simple rules. All of our rules can apply to hiring a babysitter too!
Rule # 1 Outline your expectations
§ Do not leave anything for questioning, especially if you have a young or inexperienced caregiver. You need to make your expectations known upfront and repeat them several times until she clearly understands, especially if the caregiver is young.
Rule # 2 Spend a little extra time training your caregiver
§ TRAIN your caregiver! Remember if you fail to train your caregiver, then your caregiver will more than likely not to meet your expectations. In any job, an employer must always train a new employee, even if the employee has done a similar job for 10-years. Each job is unique and different, especially in the home. TRAIN your caregiver for at least 2-weeks or longer. If you are hiring a babysitter or a caregiver on a short-term basis, then spend minimum 30-minutes of “prep” time with them. You will need to go over your household needs before you leave them alone with your children.
Rule # 3 Get your children involved in making a “mini” Caregiver manual
§ If you put a little time and effort into a “min” caregiver manual, then it can be a huge lifesaver for your family, especially if you change caregivers frequently. A “mini” caregiver manual can be made by your children or bought at your local store. For example, you might have the children cut out a picture of macaroni and cheese, pizza, apples, etc and paste them on “Kid’s Favorite Foods” section of the manual. Have your children practice writing their address and phone number on the “Important Phone Numbers to call list”. Another example might be to write in there what to do if you are going to be late (call ahead), what to do if a stranger comes by the door looking for me or says they need to unclog the toilet, and how to answer the phone and so on. You can spend valuable time with your children while making a useful project that will help your caregiver understand your family a little better.
Write out your expectations and keep them handy for her to refer to during the day. For example, keep a list of things to do if she has downtime during the day. It is always a good idea to have a back-up plan for your caregiver if she runs out of things to do with your children or around your house.
Have your caregiver keep a notebook and a pen handy. When your caregiver walks in, you should immediately take her around the house and show her things that need to be done while you are gone. Have the caregiver take down notes. For example, walk her into the pantry and tell her to jot down a list of any items that need to be purchased at the grocery store and so on or what medicines the children need to take.
Remember to lay out your expectations, train your caregiver and provide a “mini” training manual for the caregiver to refer back to if needed. You will enjoy your night out or workday better if you know that the caregiver understands your family’s needs and expectations and your children will be thankful.
Q I hired a nanny a few weeks ago for the first time. I gave our nanny a daily list of “To Do’s”. I told her that she could watch t.v. if she wanted to do so if the list was completed. My nanny seems to be watching more t.v. and slacking on her everyday job duties and talking on her cell phone. We had an agreement that she could do these things only if she finished other tasks. I told her as she was leaving work that she needed to remember not to watch so much t.v. and talk on the phone. Am I being to harsh? How can I get her to change?
A Great Question! Many parents run into problems during the first few weeks after hiring a Nanny because they never clearly laid down rules or expectations or they had too many relaxed rules. As an agency, we encourage the parents as well as the nannies to reframe from any personal use of cell phones, t.v. time, etc. while working in the home. Many parents give the nanny freedom during the first few weeks of work and then wonder why things are not working out down the road. In order to fix your problem, you will need to sit down once a month for 10-15 minutes and have a “Nanny Review”. Try to have a Nanny Review before the workday begins if possible. This way you can both be refreshed and not feel rushed. Go over what is working in the home and what is not working. Allow her to express her feeling to you as well. If things do not change over time, then it may be time to look for someone new.
For more information, please contact
www.GaDreamNannies.com
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Pointers For Hiring A Nanny
Pointers For Hiring A Nanny
Many parents have an initial guilty feeling of hiring a Nanny in the home because it involves finding the right person with morals, great character and skills needed to help run the home smoothly. The issue of hiring a Nanny can be done smoothly if the parent researches and plans for the change.
Research the profession. Many parents forget this important step in hiring a Nanny. Make sure that you understand what a Nanny can do for your family.
Please visit my website for more information to help you www.GaDreamNannies.com
Plan What does your family need? Do both parents in the home work? Do you need an extra pair of hands around the house? Do you need a full, part-time, temporary or as needed Nanny? Many parents fail to plan. They do not fully experience the benefits of hiring a Nanny because of poor planning. Make sure that you understand your own expectations and what is needed in your home.
Pay What can your family financially afford to pay on a weekly basis? Make sure that you know what the going rates are for a Nanny in your area. The going rate for most nannies ranges from $12 – 15 + per hour. In some areas, you may be able to pay $10 - $15 an hour. Many full-time nannies also receive benefits or extra money towards benefits. Benefits are completely optional but may help fill your position faster if you need someone quickly.
Outcome
If parents spend a little time researching and planning, hiring a Nanny can be a very positive and rewarding experience for both parents and children.
Questions from parents:
Q When should I start looking for a Nanny?
A If you are using an agency, then you should start a minimum of 1-month prior to your needed hire date. Agencies have an advantage of finding you someone quickly because they advertise and interview on a weekly basis. Remember you do not want to rush the hiring process.
If you are searching on your own, then you want to give yourself at least 1-3-months to find someone. Always have a back-up plan. Always remember to PLAN ahead your needs!
Q Why do agencies cost a lot?
Is it cheaper to go on my own?
A Hiring a qualified agency is a small price to pay for the safety, wellbeing, and happiness for your children. With most Nanny Agencies, you are paying for the legwork involved in hiring someone, ongoing advertisement, employees, nanny training, and other costs involved in running an agency. An agency can help alleviate a lot of your precious time.
If you decide to go on your own, then you need to weigh out the cost of your time that you will spend interviewing, reviewing applications (if possible), placing expensive ads (usually costs $300 + to advertise 1-time in local newspaper), answering phone calls from your ad and the list goes on. Sometimes a family may hire a family friend and therefore it would be cheaper and possibly benefit the family.
For more information, please contact
www.GaDreamNannies.com
Many parents have an initial guilty feeling of hiring a Nanny in the home because it involves finding the right person with morals, great character and skills needed to help run the home smoothly. The issue of hiring a Nanny can be done smoothly if the parent researches and plans for the change.
Research the profession. Many parents forget this important step in hiring a Nanny. Make sure that you understand what a Nanny can do for your family.
Please visit my website for more information to help you www.GaDreamNannies.com
Plan What does your family need? Do both parents in the home work? Do you need an extra pair of hands around the house? Do you need a full, part-time, temporary or as needed Nanny? Many parents fail to plan. They do not fully experience the benefits of hiring a Nanny because of poor planning. Make sure that you understand your own expectations and what is needed in your home.
Pay What can your family financially afford to pay on a weekly basis? Make sure that you know what the going rates are for a Nanny in your area. The going rate for most nannies ranges from $12 – 15 + per hour. In some areas, you may be able to pay $10 - $15 an hour. Many full-time nannies also receive benefits or extra money towards benefits. Benefits are completely optional but may help fill your position faster if you need someone quickly.
Outcome
If parents spend a little time researching and planning, hiring a Nanny can be a very positive and rewarding experience for both parents and children.
Questions from parents:
Q When should I start looking for a Nanny?
A If you are using an agency, then you should start a minimum of 1-month prior to your needed hire date. Agencies have an advantage of finding you someone quickly because they advertise and interview on a weekly basis. Remember you do not want to rush the hiring process.
If you are searching on your own, then you want to give yourself at least 1-3-months to find someone. Always have a back-up plan. Always remember to PLAN ahead your needs!
Q Why do agencies cost a lot?
Is it cheaper to go on my own?
A Hiring a qualified agency is a small price to pay for the safety, wellbeing, and happiness for your children. With most Nanny Agencies, you are paying for the legwork involved in hiring someone, ongoing advertisement, employees, nanny training, and other costs involved in running an agency. An agency can help alleviate a lot of your precious time.
If you decide to go on your own, then you need to weigh out the cost of your time that you will spend interviewing, reviewing applications (if possible), placing expensive ads (usually costs $300 + to advertise 1-time in local newspaper), answering phone calls from your ad and the list goes on. Sometimes a family may hire a family friend and therefore it would be cheaper and possibly benefit the family.
For more information, please contact
www.GaDreamNannies.com
How To Hire A Nanny On A Budget
How To Hire A Nanny On A Budget
The child-care emergency Allyson faced a few weeks ago was a common one: The mother of three children was desperate for child-care help after giving birth to number three. Allyson’s day was consumed of feeding the babies, changing diapers, changing baby outfits, cleaning up spills, folding laundry, running errands, returning phone calls, carrying the older two children to soccer and ballet practice, cooking meals and working on assignments from work while on maternity leave. After an exhausting day, Allyson laid down to rest for a minute only to remember that she needed to start cleaning dinner dishes, start preparing lunches for the next school day and wash school uniforms. Does this scenario sound like your family?
The child-care emergency Allyson faced a few weeks ago was a common one: The mother of three children was desperate for child-care help after giving birth to number three. Allyson’s day was consumed of feeding the babies, changing diapers, changing baby outfits, cleaning up spills, folding laundry, running errands, returning phone calls, carrying the older two children to soccer and ballet practice, cooking meals and working on assignments from work while on maternity leave. After an exhausting day, Allyson laid down to rest for a minute only to remember that she needed to start cleaning dinner dishes, start preparing lunches for the next school day and wash school uniforms. Does this scenario sound like your family?
If you need an extra set of hands to help you, then a Nanny might be just what you are looking for to help your family. What is a Nanny? A professional caregiver that takes care of children, helps maintain the home and works part-time, full-time, or on a needed basis.
What to look for in a Nanny:
Passion for the Nanny Profession
Communication Skills
Kind but firm temperament
Commitment Level to your family and the job.
Flexibility
Experience working with children
Creativity
Fun to be around
Emotional and Financial Stability
Great Attitude
Respectful to you and your family
Values, Morals, and a Great Character
Clean background check
Professionalism
Willingness to be trained
What to look for in a family:
Family with “realistic” expectations about your job duties
Treats you with respect
Reasonable with your hours and pay
Communicates well with you
How do I hire a Nanny? I do not have time to advertise, pre-screen, check background checks, and interview candidates. The most efficient way to find a Nanny would be to hire a reputable Nanny agency with years of experience in placing Nannies. Nanny agencies know the pitfalls of the industry. In most cases, they are able to track a phony candidate through an application, phone interview or an in-person interview. Families will pay a reasonable fee to use a Nanny Service, but you will have a better chance of a faster placement and successful placement.
Why should I use a Nanny agency?
Established reputation with long-term success based on previous Nanny/Family placements.
No need to scroll through unqualified nanny classifieds
Years of experience finding out what works in advertising, recruiting, policies, trial-periods, guarantees, and placements.
Most Nanny Agencies will provide a thorough Nanny/Family Agreement that WORKS!
Georgia’s Dream Nannies, Inc. offers its Nannies socials, Nanny Training Workshops, and orientations and even a Nanny Conference.
Most Nanny Agencies recognize a good match because they know the pitfalls of the business.
All background checks completed by the agency.
Please feel free to write in your questions. I will be more than happy to assist you and your family.
Article written by:
Serra Deville, CEO of Georgia’s Dream Nannies, Inc. Georgia’s Premier Domestic Placement Service. www.GaDreamNannies.com Office (770) 517 – 0443
Help! My child likes our nanny more than me!
How do I bond with my children?
HELP! My child likes our caregiver more than me…..At least it seems that way
This is a common misconception and fear of many parents. It’s okay to allow your child to bond with other people outside of your family. If you have found a reliable and consistent caregiver for your child, then be thankful that they are bonding. It is very important in the early years of a child’s life that they have a consistent caregiver that makes them feel safe.
VALUE TIP I: Remember that you want to have QUALITY and CONSISTENCY rather than QUANITY.
VALUE TIP II: Remember to spend quality time with your child. If you are a working mom, then make sure that you spend time with your children when you get home from work. If your house needs cleaning after you get home from work and that tends to take away time from your children, then consider hiring a housekeeper. Your children need to feel loved and wanted. You will feel better about bonding with your child if you spend QUALITY time with them rather than “rushed” time.
What is quality time? It is spending one on one time with your child without disruptions. Quality time might consist of giving your child a bath, reading a book, playing ball outside, helping make dinner, helping him or her with homework, folding laundry together, going for a walk and anything else that your child might like to do with YOU.
VALUE TIP III: If you are still feeling guilty after spending time with your child, then you may want to revaluate why you are having these feelings. Your natural instinct may be telling you that your children need MORE of you then leftovers.
Enjoy your children while they are young and your bond will continue to GROW!
Question: I am a working mom and I just don’t have very much time to spend with my children when I get home. What can I do with my children to make them feel that I love them?
Great Question!!! Depending on what time you arrive home, you may want to purchase fruits or veggies that you can turn into a quick edible craft. The edible craft will keep your little ones tummy full until you get dinner on the table and their heart happy while you spend time with them. For example, purchase pre-cut/washed celery, peanut butter, and raisins. When you get home take out the snack and make ants on a log with your little one. It will be a quick, fun and meaningful project with your child. It will also taste great!
www.GaDreamNannies.com
Office: (770) 517 - 0443
HELP! My child likes our caregiver more than me…..At least it seems that way
This is a common misconception and fear of many parents. It’s okay to allow your child to bond with other people outside of your family. If you have found a reliable and consistent caregiver for your child, then be thankful that they are bonding. It is very important in the early years of a child’s life that they have a consistent caregiver that makes them feel safe.
VALUE TIP I: Remember that you want to have QUALITY and CONSISTENCY rather than QUANITY.
VALUE TIP II: Remember to spend quality time with your child. If you are a working mom, then make sure that you spend time with your children when you get home from work. If your house needs cleaning after you get home from work and that tends to take away time from your children, then consider hiring a housekeeper. Your children need to feel loved and wanted. You will feel better about bonding with your child if you spend QUALITY time with them rather than “rushed” time.
What is quality time? It is spending one on one time with your child without disruptions. Quality time might consist of giving your child a bath, reading a book, playing ball outside, helping make dinner, helping him or her with homework, folding laundry together, going for a walk and anything else that your child might like to do with YOU.
VALUE TIP III: If you are still feeling guilty after spending time with your child, then you may want to revaluate why you are having these feelings. Your natural instinct may be telling you that your children need MORE of you then leftovers.
Enjoy your children while they are young and your bond will continue to GROW!
Question: I am a working mom and I just don’t have very much time to spend with my children when I get home. What can I do with my children to make them feel that I love them?
Great Question!!! Depending on what time you arrive home, you may want to purchase fruits or veggies that you can turn into a quick edible craft. The edible craft will keep your little ones tummy full until you get dinner on the table and their heart happy while you spend time with them. For example, purchase pre-cut/washed celery, peanut butter, and raisins. When you get home take out the snack and make ants on a log with your little one. It will be a quick, fun and meaningful project with your child. It will also taste great!
www.GaDreamNannies.com
Office: (770) 517 - 0443
Getting Your Kids To Eat
No, I am not hungry!
How to handle a toddler that refuses to eat.
Kathy looks over at the clock, notices that it is 5:00 pm, and closes her eyes and wonders if she can go through another chaotic dinner episode. As she opens her eyes, she immediately picks up her daughter and whisks her away. “Wee….. Let’s go fly into the kitchen for a yummy dinner”. No, No, No……..As Amy, a 13 month old toddler kicks and screams her way to the kitchen table, Kathy is flooded with feelings of being a bad mother and a bad cook.
It is no twist of fate that right around the time your child learns to walk that they become less interested in food. Toddlers are too busy discovering the world around them that they do not want to take the time to sit down quietly and eat.
What can a mom do? Give your child structured meal times, nutritious meals, and lots of encouragement. It may sound impossible, but it will work!
My child is a sporadic eater!
Do not be surprised if your toddler eats great one day and barely eats anything the next day. You may want to keep a small dry erase board on the fridge and keep an eating record for 1-week. You may be surprised to find out that your child will balance out their meals over a week’s time. You might even find out that they have too much juice right before dinner or other small snacks throughout the day that balance out to a meal.
Get your toddler involved! A fun way to get your toddler involved in eating is to make it into an educational craft.
Eating Craft: Gather 7 heavy-duty paper plates (1 for every day of the week), pictures of food from magazines, canned food labels, and other various food labels and Velcro. Make sure that you choose large pictures or cut out the small pictures and glue them to a larger piece of construction paper to make it easier for them to handle. You can even glue the pictures onto card stock for heavy-duty use before laminating the pictures.
You will need to laminate the pictures of the food because your toddler may put the pictures into their mouth. Once you have laminated the pictures, you will need to put Velcro on the back of the pictures. Each day before a meal, you can allow your toddler to make his or her plate using the Velcro. Your toddler will feel like they are helping you make the meal and its QUALITY time spent with you.
How to handle a toddler that refuses to eat.
Kathy looks over at the clock, notices that it is 5:00 pm, and closes her eyes and wonders if she can go through another chaotic dinner episode. As she opens her eyes, she immediately picks up her daughter and whisks her away. “Wee….. Let’s go fly into the kitchen for a yummy dinner”. No, No, No……..As Amy, a 13 month old toddler kicks and screams her way to the kitchen table, Kathy is flooded with feelings of being a bad mother and a bad cook.
It is no twist of fate that right around the time your child learns to walk that they become less interested in food. Toddlers are too busy discovering the world around them that they do not want to take the time to sit down quietly and eat.
What can a mom do? Give your child structured meal times, nutritious meals, and lots of encouragement. It may sound impossible, but it will work!
My child is a sporadic eater!
Do not be surprised if your toddler eats great one day and barely eats anything the next day. You may want to keep a small dry erase board on the fridge and keep an eating record for 1-week. You may be surprised to find out that your child will balance out their meals over a week’s time. You might even find out that they have too much juice right before dinner or other small snacks throughout the day that balance out to a meal.
Get your toddler involved! A fun way to get your toddler involved in eating is to make it into an educational craft.
Eating Craft: Gather 7 heavy-duty paper plates (1 for every day of the week), pictures of food from magazines, canned food labels, and other various food labels and Velcro. Make sure that you choose large pictures or cut out the small pictures and glue them to a larger piece of construction paper to make it easier for them to handle. You can even glue the pictures onto card stock for heavy-duty use before laminating the pictures.
You will need to laminate the pictures of the food because your toddler may put the pictures into their mouth. Once you have laminated the pictures, you will need to put Velcro on the back of the pictures. Each day before a meal, you can allow your toddler to make his or her plate using the Velcro. Your toddler will feel like they are helping you make the meal and its QUALITY time spent with you.
Avoid The Nanny Trap
Avoid the TRAP!
How to choose the right type of childcare that is right for your child
Do you feel trapped with your childcare options? As the new school year rolls around, many parents began to panic as they try to select the right childcare for their children. It may seem easy to take the easy road and select a childcare option that may not be best for the child or the family’s needs. Avoid the trap! There are many alternatives to traditional daycare and after school programs. It just takes a little time and effort to research the alternatives.
Discuss with your spouse:
What alternatives do we have regarding basic childcare? Alternative care can be hiring babysitters, on-site childcare at work, nannies, swapping childcare with neighbors, family members, or enrolling your child into an in home-daycare).
Do you want to hire a full or part-time, live-in or live-out caregiver to work in the home (nanny or babysitter)?
Do you want to register your child in a daycare or preschool setting (church, non-domination, private, or Ga Pre-K)?
Do you want to hire a baby caregiver or temporary caregiver for your infant on a temporarily basis until your child is old enough to enter daycare?
Do you have a budget in mind? If so, what works best for your budget and needs?
Do you need help deciding which type of caregiver would best suit your needs?
Do you need help deciding which type of caregiver would best suit your needs?
Do you want to go on a date with your spouse this weekend? A babysitter might be the answer!
Do you need a full-time or part-time professional caregiver to watch your children? A live-in or live-out Nanny may fit your needs.
Do you need help with your children when traveling on vacations? A traveling babysitter might be just the thing to help you!
Do you want a professional caregiver to teach your children etiquette and assist in home schooling or teaching? A governess might fit the bill!
Do you feel pulled in more than one direction when it comes to driving your children to after school activities? A driver or nanny might elevate your driving worries.
Do you need help during the night with your new baby? A Baby Caregiver would help solve your nighttime worries.
When making a childcare decision, it is always a good idea to ask, “What is my gut feeling about hiring someone to work in my home verses placing my child into a traditional daycare?” It is a good idea to evaluate your feelings and ask yourself why you may be hesitant or anxious about one of the childcare options.
E-mail Questions to: Nanny@GaDreamNannies.com
www.GaDreamNannies.com
How to choose the right type of childcare that is right for your child
Do you feel trapped with your childcare options? As the new school year rolls around, many parents began to panic as they try to select the right childcare for their children. It may seem easy to take the easy road and select a childcare option that may not be best for the child or the family’s needs. Avoid the trap! There are many alternatives to traditional daycare and after school programs. It just takes a little time and effort to research the alternatives.
Discuss with your spouse:
What alternatives do we have regarding basic childcare? Alternative care can be hiring babysitters, on-site childcare at work, nannies, swapping childcare with neighbors, family members, or enrolling your child into an in home-daycare).
Do you want to hire a full or part-time, live-in or live-out caregiver to work in the home (nanny or babysitter)?
Do you want to register your child in a daycare or preschool setting (church, non-domination, private, or Ga Pre-K)?
Do you want to hire a baby caregiver or temporary caregiver for your infant on a temporarily basis until your child is old enough to enter daycare?
Do you have a budget in mind? If so, what works best for your budget and needs?
Do you need help deciding which type of caregiver would best suit your needs?
Do you need help deciding which type of caregiver would best suit your needs?
Do you want to go on a date with your spouse this weekend? A babysitter might be the answer!
Do you need a full-time or part-time professional caregiver to watch your children? A live-in or live-out Nanny may fit your needs.
Do you need help with your children when traveling on vacations? A traveling babysitter might be just the thing to help you!
Do you want a professional caregiver to teach your children etiquette and assist in home schooling or teaching? A governess might fit the bill!
Do you feel pulled in more than one direction when it comes to driving your children to after school activities? A driver or nanny might elevate your driving worries.
Do you need help during the night with your new baby? A Baby Caregiver would help solve your nighttime worries.
When making a childcare decision, it is always a good idea to ask, “What is my gut feeling about hiring someone to work in my home verses placing my child into a traditional daycare?” It is a good idea to evaluate your feelings and ask yourself why you may be hesitant or anxious about one of the childcare options.
E-mail Questions to: Nanny@GaDreamNannies.com
www.GaDreamNannies.com
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