Preparations

What should I be doing to prepare for my new nanny ?

Well, she's here, now what ?

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What should I be doing to prepare for my new nanny ?

 

1. Start by writing virtually everything down so she can have a reference of instructions, names, numbers, how to's. See our Nanny Notebook section for a great print out version.

2. Designate a message center.  One of PWN's members said her Dry Erase board on the refrigerator was a great investment. It's great for quick and/or important notes that we need to remember to tell each other. You can also use some form of a journal (a blank notebook) to write each other messages.

3. Clean out the room that will be hers (If she will be a live-in).

One PWN member said " I do not intend to decorate the room. I planned on stripping it of everything and allowing her to pick linens, decor when she arrives. I will buy these things at my expense. My hope is that it will make her feel more welcome and comfortable surrounded by things SHE likes (and I agree with)."

4.  Call the phone company and get another line installed if you plan to get nanny her own phone.  Likewise with cable TV.

5.  Do you need to get any spare keys made?

6.  Are there towels, etc for her to use in the bathroom?

7.  If she will be driving your car, contact your insurance representative and make sure you are covered for another driver.

8.  If she will be using her car to transport the children, tell her that you would like to have a mechanic check it out at your expense.

9.  Find out what Nanny likes to eat for breakfast, lunch and snacks so that you can have the house well stocked when she arrives.

Here's an idea I liked that was shared by a PWN nanny " I received something that were a godsend when I started my last job! a laminated phone list one for my room and for my purse.  The family has the phone list at all phones and one with each of them at work...on it..911 and the emergency number, poison control, the child's name and birth date, parents name and address, home #, work numbers, cell phone numbers, nanny name and numbers, pediatrician's name, phone and address, nearest hospital, phone and addy, emergency contacts (3), and non emergency numbers...police, fire, electric, gas, plumbing, ac/heat and auto."

A Nanny's Note:  You may want to put some fresh flowers in the room to "welcome" her or a small gift (like a journal) just to make her feel more comfortable. If I was coming into a new house, it would make me feel more at ease. But that is strictly my opinion!

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Well she's here, now what ?

Here is a list of questions to ask yourself during her evaluation period.  These questions are compliments of the National Association of Nannies. 

EVALUATING JOB PERFORMANCE
Does the nanny use positive statements?
Does she convey a sense of enthusiasm through voices?
Does she exercise self control?
Is she animated?
Does she have eye contact with the child?
How does the nanny respond to the child's questions and requests (i.e., is she patient, direct, proficient)?
How does the nanny react to viewpoints that are different from her own?
Is she patient?
Does the nanny demonstrate an appropriate sense of humor?
Does she create a positive rapport?
Does she exercise leadership and control with a sensible amount of flexibility?
Is she forceful on discipline issues, and does she follow through?
Do you get a sense of her integrity; is she a child advocate?

See our Training Nanny section for more advice on what to do now.

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