Life can get busy, which can sometimes make it necessary to call on the assistance of a nanny. If you and your spouse both have full-time jobs and are raising young children, you need someone to look after them while you’re in the office. No parent enjoys being away from their children, but calling on the services of a nanny in Orange County will ensure they’re being properly taken care of when you’re not around. The interview process for hiring a new nanny is both time-consuming and exhausting, but now that you’ve locked down the best candidate for the job, it’s time to prepare them for their varying responsibilities. It can be nerve-wracking to introduce your children to someone who they’ll be spending a lot of time with, especially if you’re worried about their ability to get along with one another. However, if you’ve prepared properly, you shouldn’t have anything to fear when your nanny and kids meet for the first time. Here are some helpful tips for introducing your new nanny to your kids!
Chat with Your Children Beforehand
Once you’ve hired a new nanny, the first thing you’ll want to do is talk to your kids. Let them know that you’ve hired someone to help around the house while you and your spouse are away. Be open and honest with your children, and answer any questions they might have to the best of your ability. Let them know what their new nanny is like, what they enjoy doing, and when they’ll be starting. The more information you can provide your children, the more comfortable they’ll be with their new nanny.
Properly Prepare the Nanny
Every family is different, so your nanny should know exactly what to expect when taking care of your children. Whether one of your kids has a rare food allergy or you have specific instructions on housekeeping chores, make sure your nanny is properly prepared to excel in their position. Setting expectations and communicating them to the new nanny will help you avoid any unforeseen surprises down the road.
Have the Nanny Over for Dinner
It can be helpful for your children to get to know their new nanny on a personal level before they start working. Have them over for dinner so your children can chat with the nanny in a casual, comfortable environment. You don’t need to prepare anything special or have a serious conversation about the nanny’s responsibilities. Just focus on having a good time with your family and establishing a bond and sense of comfort between your nanny and your kids.
Listen to Your Kids
Once your nanny begins working, it’s important that you check in with your kids to see how he/she is doing. If your children aren’t getting along with the new nanny or notice he/she isn’t fulfilling their responsibilities, you might want to check in with the nanny and have a chat. Transparency and openness are incredibly important when it comes to building a strong relationship with your nanny. If your kids have things to tell you about their nanny, good or bad, it’s in your best interest to listen to them.
If you’re in need of a live-in nanny in Orange County, contact OC Home & Family! We’ll take the time to pair you with a nanny that’ll fit perfectly with your family’s needs. Call us today to get started!