Parents: What do you look for in a NANNY?

Question

Parents: What do you want in a nanny?
So:
Do you want a nanny that does what you tell her to, runs everything by you for your approval, or a nanny that is good at decision making and planning appropriate activities for your kids?

Do you want a nanny that tells you about every time-out or minor issue that occurs throughout the day, or someone who feels competant in her ability to handle minor issues and only discusses issues that are staring to become problematic?
Do you want a nanny that is a "playmate" for your kids, or someone who is more like a third parent?

Do you want a nanny that takes your kids out to all sorts of activities (like swimming, museums, library) , or a nanny that stays in your home with the exception of the nearby park?

Would you care if while the nanny was out with your kids, let's say to go swimming, she stops at the bank or grocery store (short, quick personal errands since she doesn't get a lunch break)?
...And anything else you'd like to add?

Answer 1

Well, I am a nanny. I'm a young grandmother and I have 35 years experience with children. I'm very fortunate with the family I work for- but maybe it's also that they feel fortunate to have me- that I have a lot of leeway and not much "interference" from the parents. It's strange to put it that way, I know, but when a family takes their time and finds as close to as perfect a fit in a nanny for their family as possible, I think they feel more comfortable leaving most of the decisions up to the nanny. My "family" and I understand each other pretty well... I know they don't approve of TV, so (although I disagree) there is no TV on at their house. I know they want a lot of music played and lots of trips to educational places, so we go somewhere almost everyday after picking the 5 yr old up from school. Other than that... I'm free to do what I want- I go to Walmart, I take the kids to my house on occasion, I take them to the vet when the puppy needs a shot, I take them to my grandkids school events- they are treated as part of my family. It's not just a "job"- that family is part of my family and I think that's great! I am fun, but I am also the only disciplinarian those 2 kids have and I do have to be that for them. A nanny is not just a babysitter- she is a person who has a great influence in a child's life- most parents don't need a nanny unless they are away working a lot of the time and need a parent figure in the home. I don't just have fun with my kids, I also have to train them up to be good people. I take my job very seriously. I love what I do and I love my "family". I wouldn't work for a family who controlled how I "parent" their kids too much because that is what they are hiring me to do. When you are interviewing, make very sure to be thorough, ask lots of questions and make your expectations clear- and ask her what her expectations are to see if you're on the same page. One thing you asked was about "playing with the kids and having fun all the time- I'm having that issue now. It's not healthy for a child to depend on someone to fill his every hour with fun. My older one- a 5 yr old boy- feels that is my role in his life and sometimes has a hard time when I tell him it's time for him to find something to do by himself. Children need to learn to use their imaginations and be resourceful. Just because you are paying a nanny doesn't mean her time is best used "entertaining" your child every minute. Don't feel "ripped off" if she is not busy with the kids every second. There are other lessons to be taught. Also, decide what else you want or need your nanny to do as far as the home or child care. Personally, I do the kid's laundry and some grocery shopping, pack lunch for the school age one and drop and pick up from school. I know nannies who do much more in the way of housework- it's all up to you and who you can find to do what will fit your family. Also, remember that your nanny is taking care of your most precious "possesions". Be a good employer if your want to keep a good nanny. Mine pay well, pay me when they go on vacations, which is frequent, give me paid holidays and a 2 week paid vacation every year, bonuses for almost every conceivable holiday from Christmas to my birthday and even pay me when I'm out sick. GOOD LUCK FINDING A GREAT NANNY!

Answer 2

If i were to get a nanny I would want one who would plan some activities and enjoy spending time with my kids while still obeying by my house rules. She shouldn't be a playmate but more like a "fun aunt". Someone who is an adult and in forces rules and safety, but doesn't have a problem using her imagination and laughing with my kids. I would want to have faith in her ability to handle everyday issues that my children have without causing a bigger issue. I would hope she would discuss with me with out hesitation if she sees a serious problem constantly occurring. I have a pool and plenty of things at home to do, so I would want her to stay at my own or in the neighborhood area. I wouldn't want her running around with my kids. I'd give her some time to do so on her own. I would want someone who was just doing this to make money, but who enjoyed working with kids. I would hope she would feel part of the family and be able to talk to me as a friend and not just an employer. Someone responsible, who my kids taking a serious liking to and who enjoys doing her job.
I personally wouldn't hire a nanny, but I did a lot of babysitting as a teen and was a nanny twice myself. It was a great job and I had a lot of fun. Now that I'm a parent and am seeing the nanny/babysitting thing from the other side of the fence, there's certain things I look for that I didn't do myself.
Best wishes and good luck! =]

Answer 3

If I had to choose a nanny, I would want one that.... could make their own decision making and plan appropriate activities for my kids, I would choose one that was confident in her ability to handle minor issues without always coming to me.... I would want a nanny that is a playmate to my kid but also a parent at the same time... meaning had a good head on her shoulders , but yet played with my child... so my child wouldn't be so lonely . I would love a nanny that would take my kids to all sort of activities... and it would be okay for my child to run to the grocery store and things like that.... thats what I consider a nanny to be.... a loving fun caring person.... but someone who is very responsible... I would also lay down the rules of what I allow and don't allow my child to do.... and where I would like my child to go and not to go......


what do you look for?

Answer 4

i think that the nanny should run everything by me that involves transporting my children beforehand, so there are no problems.

as far as behavior goes, i'd want to be told in brief about the minor issues, just to stay informed. i'd definitely want to be told in detail about recurring problems or big things

a nanny that played with my children & had fun with them is good, but she should still keep that distance for disciplinary purposes.

taking the kids to outside activities, like the pool & library are would be fine, just not excessively. & if she stops at the bank, thats ok, or even the grocery store to get one or two things. but if these errands became frequent & lasted more than, say, 20 minutes i'd begin to get frustrated.

Answer 5

Here's my checklist when I was nanny shopping:
1. Someone who loves being around kids
2. Believes in the magic of touch. Someone who loves hugging children
3. Someone who is patient
4. Someone who understands that even though she is experienced in taking care of kids, I am still the expert when it comes to my child
5. Someone who takes criticism constructively and wants to better themselve

Answer 6

1 cant afford a nanny 2 i dont trust anyone with my kids 3 i'll im u on number 3 lol