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rockmybaby blog2

The pressure of finding a nanny in a hurry can cloud your judgement and make the final decision and hiring process a messy affair.

Finding a nanny using one of the many popular online sites that allow anyone to list themselves as a nanny is also a dangerous gamble for the family.

The best way around the problem is to use a recruitment consultant with expertise in nanny placements which can save you time and money in the long run.

A reputable nanny recruitment agency will help avoid the following pitfalls when you are hiring your nanny.

1. Insufficient Reference Checking and Background Checks

Taking the time to contact previous employers and families that have been nominated as referees is essential. 
Failing to contact referees and speaking honestly about your needs and their experiences with the nanny is a common mistake.
 Identifying a common thread of ideas and values that have been shared and experienced by previous families is the key to a stress-free working relationship with a nanny.
 Not asking for a current Criminal Clearance and verifying that it belongs to the nanny is putting your children at risk and not worth the omission.

 2. Offering a Lower than Standard Rate of Pay

Hiring a nanny can be expensive but offering a low rate of pay will undervalue their worth and commitment to you and the family.
 The old adage,  “you get what you pay for” holds true for this attitude towards the worth of a nanny.
The nanny may find it easier to take a day off or to leave for a better paying job, leaving you stranded and in need of emergency child care!

3. Expectations for Housekeeping and Cleaning

Hiring a nanny is not synonymous  with hiring a cleaner. Being unrealistic and inflexible when considering what the nanny will be doing while the baby has a nap does not mean you need to fill every minute of their day with housekeeping duties.

Light housework IS expected and keeping areas clean tidy and safe are necessary. The kitchen surfaces and food preparation areas need to be kept tidy and clean. And yes a toilet may need to be cleaned if the children have soiled or “missed” the bullseye!
 But expecting the nanny to hang the family washing, mop floors, vacuum and dust the house all in a day is both unrealistic and an unfair working condition.
 Most nannies work independently, without assistance or regular breaks. Their working days can be 8 to 10 hours in length. 
The chance to take a break, have a coffee or make a necessary private phone call will not lead to “bad habits” or a lazy nanny!
 Making an effort to understand their day is an important factor in building mutual respect and a committed employee.

4. Not Providing a Contract with List of Duties and Remuneration Details

Offering a Nanny Contract could be considered overly efficient and even over the top, but you are not making a new friend.
 You are paying the nanny to perform duties and tasks that require a level of skill, and competence that are appropriate to your requirements.

A contract of employment outlining expected duties and remuneration for any extra duties, such as use of own vehicle etc is a simple way to avoid misunderstandings.
 Review the contract regularly and discuss any changes with the nanny. Allow them to also make changes and suggestions.
 Remember to agree on the type of employment and payment schedule i.e. weekly, monthly etc and add this into the contract. 
It’s important that the nanny understands the terms of engagement and the nett or  “Take Home Pay” after deductions, etc. Signing and dating it will seal the deal.

5. Not Explaining Your Style of Parenting

This can always be an after-thought by many parents when interviewing a prospective nanny. The differences in child care styles can be immense and if not discussed, can be the cause of the end of the relationship. Remember to always ask what the nannies view is on discipline and play. Ensure your philosophy on both these areas is clear and understood.
 Your children deserve consistency.

6. Inadequate Orientation and Training

If possible, have the nanny spend time with you and the family. This is a great way to orientate and welcome the nanny to your home and routine. Most importantly it allows the children time to get to know and develop a relationship with their new nanny.

7. Demanding Detailed Diaries and Work List

Asking the nanny to keep a diary of the days events is perfectly ok so long as it doesn’t become your check list to complain and find things they haven’t done. Micromanaging in this way will create tension and frustration on all levels.
Allow the nanny to manage their own day and if some days you receive art work and iced cakes instead of a detailed written account of the days activities, it speaks for itself.

Rockmybaby Nanny & Babysitting Agency offers a professional service that will help anyone planning to hire a nanny avoid these pitfalls. A Rockmybaby Recruitment Consultant will provide interview tips, guidelines and a personalised, planned approach to finding and placing the perfect nanny to suit your needs.

Author's Bio

Tanya-pic150Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Tanya is Swiss by Nationality and lives in Zurich with her husband, Russell, and her two little girls.

After having her second baby, and understanding only too well the challenges of working and having children (with no family support as they are all back in South Africa), Tanya is determined to provide a service, through her franchise business, Rockmybaby, that will help make life a little easier for families when it comes to childcare. She strives to help parents feel confident in the care of their children so that they can have some well-deserved time-out’s for themselves.

Over her career, Tanya has worked in corporate environments, providing recruitment services to clients across different industries.

www.rockmybaby.ch