You’ve hired your first nanny. How exciting! A nanny is a wonderful addition to your family, helping your provide care and support for your children. As you begin to navigate this new lifestyle, here are some tips from the top nanny agency in Orange County for preparing your home and your children for the nanny’s first visit.
Preparing Your Home
When your nanny first arrives, you want your home to feel open and invited. You want to make sure that they feel welcome and know where everything is to make the transition as smooth as possible. Make sure to give your Orange County nanny the following information as it applies to your situation:
- Building codes, key codes, and any sets of keys necessary for coming and going from the home
- Emergency numbers for family members and doctors’ numbers
- Cash, credit card, or prepaid card so that the nanny doesn’t have to worry about using their money for gas, special outings, etc. Determine a weekly budget for these types of expenses.
- All information about children’s allergies, medical conditions, and any current emotional, behavioral, or physical problems
- How to use the appliances in your home
- Any special instructions for how to install car seats, open strollers, etc.
You also should create a comfy guest room for nannies who will be staying overnight or for extended times and ask them for a list of their favorite foods and drinks. Stock the kitchen with these items to make them feel at home.
Nothing is too much when it comes to preparing your home for your new Orange County nanny. It’s better to be too prepared than not prepared at all. Careful preparation makes it easier for this person to integrate into your family right away and with fewer awkward moments.
Communication
Nannies come from many different backgrounds. There are female nannies and male nannies. There are nannies who grew up in the Orange County just down the street from your home and those who are from other countries. Nanny services in Orange County hire out nannies from all backgrounds. When a nanny is assigned to your family, get to know him or her and where they’re from. If they’re from another country and have a different cultural background from yours, learn how to communicate with them. It’s not as if you’ll need to learn a new language because individuals hired to help your family should be fluent in English. However, make it a point to learn their birthday, the names of their family members, and any cultural holidays (if applicable) they celebrate. Remember, the nanny is now a part of your family and should be treated with kindness and consideration. After all, you’re entrusting them with your children.
Preparing Your Children
If this is the first time you’ve hired a nanny in Orange County, sit down with your children and explain this new family dynamic. Set clear boundaries with your children about what this person’s job is and how they are there to help them. Let your children know you’re still their parent(s) and that you are always available for them.
Do you need a full-time or part-time nanny in Orange County? If so, contact OC Home & Family to learn more about hiring home and family care help.