What Are You Looking For In A Nanny?
A nanny is a childcare specialist who often lives with the family they serve. This nanny care specialist may also perform other services for a family, such as running errands or cleaning the house, but their primary focus is the children they watch over every day.
Whether you need a nanny because you work from home or have to take time for yourself, or you need nanny services only periodically, who you choose is important. You want a nanny your children can enjoy and who you feel comfortable with. You can interview several potential nannies via a nanny service company, or you can seek individual nanny care out yourself using your own childcare solutions.
Here is a guide to help you know what to look for in a nanny.
Years of experience
Unless your children are older or you have very few responsibilities set aside for a nanny, you want to hire a nanny that has some experience in the ages of your children and their specific needs. For example, if you have children who need rides to sports or a newborn who needs their diaper changed often, you need a nanny who is both experienced in and ready to take on the needs your children have.
Specialty services
Do you have children who have special needs or a baby who has food allergies? Any nanny you hire should have a specialty in the things your children need as well as first aid and other medical training to show they can safely manage your children in the event of an emergency. You can ask a nanny services company to only refer nannies who have worked with special needs or other medical needs when you go through the hiring stages to help narrow down your end options.
Salary expectations
The average wage for a nanny varies from state to state, but expect to pay a nanny a livable wage in order to keep this type of specialist on staff. If you're on a budget, let any nanny you interview know how much you can pay them weekly. They can then tell you how many hours a week they can work for you or what services they can provide under that wage. A live-in nanny may be more expensive, so be prepared for the investment when you hire any nanny to work with you.
You can use a childcare solutions company to help you find a great nanny based on your needs, where you live, and your budget. Once you find a great nanny, pay them on time and give them regular raises to keep them happily employed with you.
For more information, contact a local company, like Seattle Nanny Network Inc.