Anything I should know/do for first nanny's first day later this week?

[eversomuch]

We recently hired our first nanny, who will start later this week, full-time, shared-charge.

Since we're new at this, I'm just wondering if anyone has advice or experience regarding how to make the first day/first week successful and manage a smooth transition.

Also, is there anything in particular that those of you who work as nannies especially appreciate when you start a new job?

Some of us like being dropped in the deep end... just left to get on with it.
Have you found someone you have enough confidence in to leave with your children on the first day?

Shared-charge - how are you doing that? Try to make it clear who is responsible for the children when.. and be aware that if you are both at home then the children may play you off against each other... mum said I could, x said I could etc.

I find shared care a bit of a nightmare as parents are often far more permissive than I am, and children don't behave in the same way.

My advice would be to decide who is the boss when you're both around so one can defer to the other if children ask for things. My boss often comes home to a million requests from the children, to which she responds "What did Louise say?"

I also find it hard when we are both looking after the children and I'm not sure if I should be entertaining or not. I very rarely share care so have never really broached this, however it would be great to be told "I know I'm about this morning, but would you mind taking the lead as I have things to do." Or "I'm happy to look after the kids if you want to get on with some laundry/cooking/ironing".

Hope that helps.