New nanny tomorrow-any pearls of wisdom?

[thorathora]

I am returning to work soon after a year off with my twins-now 13 months. I also have an older boy who is 4 and due to start reception class in the next few weeks.

Our new nanny starts tomorrow. She is working 5 days a week, although I will be at home for 1.5 of those, when we'll be sharing care and juggling school runs etc between us.

I really hope that we can develop a great ongoing happy working relationship and wondered if anyone had any top tips?

Thora

On the days you are at home, make it clear what YOU want to do, ie, take the DCs somewhere, have lunch with them, take on an outing with the nanny (extra pair of hands and all that). The days when you are both there could be the most difficult if you don't let the nanny know what your expectations are, even if it's just that morning!

Agree for days when you're about:

please tell the nanny if you have plans for the day and what these are, so that she can plan accordingly

also back up what the nanny says/does and if you don't like it then speak to the nanny away from the children - this way the children know that they can't play you against each other.

I was about to start a similar thread! I was hoping for some ideas on how to make the transition as easy as possible for her and for us. Am not sure how much guidance to give - I want to be helpful but not too prescriptive as I am sure she will find her own way of doing things as she settles in.

Thanks both.

I will definitely be particularly clear about the days I am around. One thing that really impressed me about her was her experience of working with families where Mum was sometimes around.

Thora

Hi there Smoothie!

I feel the same as you. Our nanny is experienced, whereas we have not had a nanny before. So in some ways she'll be guiding us through the transition, I suspect.

TT

That's what I am hoping TT!

Also think about some of the following (depending on how experienced your nanny is!)

• what meals you prefer your DC to have/not have
• what particular nursery duties you want the nanny to do, and if there is a day you prefer them done on (ie, beginning of the week for fresh bedding or end of the week)
• If there's a particular way you organise DC's room
• What outings you would really like the DC to go on (playgroups, parks, softplay centres etc)
• how much fabric softener (if any) you use in DC's laundry (my nanny used WAAAAYYY too much - the smell drove me bonkers!!!!)
• how you will run the handovers when you leave/arrive home
• Do you want your DC to be able to call you during the day?
• Under what circumstances should the nanny contact you, and when should she take independent action (ie trip to the doctor if they fall over, do you want to be there or do you just want her to tell you she is taking them to the Dr?)
• What sort of a record do you want the nanny to keep of activities? Photos?

Also take some time to talk to the nanny and find out what SHE would like to do, whether she has any particular ideas. Do this again after a few weeks as well. (Having seen other families in action she may well have ideas on things that had never occurred to you.)

Thanks chitchat, that's really helpful.

If you have any time a little folder put together is very helpful.

Include;

~Emergency Numbers
~Allergies etc
~Basic Routine, which you have/want, just can be as a suggestion, therefore you can state what you would like to keep etc.
~Numbers of friends if nanny feels isolated on days out etc.
~Doctors Numbers, not necessary but could be for piece of mind.

Also think about getting a purse with money in for the nanny for days out.
Also a place for the reciepts to go.

Also I am definately with the other posters about your days off, these are often the trickiest days, Children become unsettled with both around.

I will keep thinking of anything else to help.

agree when you are home, let nanny know if you/she is in charge and make sure you BOTH support and back up each other

i dont think you should ditate what days the nanny does her duties, as long as all done by end of the week, then leave her be

Talk to your nanny about these things! If she is experianced she'll be more than happy to help you. Good clear communication is the key to a good parent-nanny realationship. Make sure the children know who's in charge when you're both there otherwise they'll not know what to do x