What is important to know when choosing a person who will become almost your family member
WHAT DO PARENTS USUALLY PAY ATTENTION TO?
One recruiting agency recalls the questionnaire of one wealthy family – the list of requirements included “reading a prayer and going to church on Sunday.” Despite the fact that, according to statistics, more than 77% of the population consider themselves to be believers, most parents do not attach any importance to the religious affiliation of a nanny. For those who adhere to a certain confession, it is more important that children are not imposed on something else.
Of course, parents are primarily interested in babysitting skills. For example, parents may ask the hired person to be fluent in English, play guitar and cook deliciously. The appearance of the candidate also plays an important role. The agencies receive requests for blonde, blue-eyed nannies, at least 1 m 70 cm tall. Apparently, the scandal in the family of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner does not frighten anyone.
HOW TO CONDUCT THE INTERVIEW?
When meeting a nanny applicant, observe how quickly she established contact with the child, whether she listens to your advice and writes down the recommendations. In the first 10 minutes of communication with a stranger, be close to the baby, then try to leave the room. When a child begins to stay with a nanny and in the case your child is old enough to talk, ask every day how his day went, what he did, what he ate, where he walked. Come home unexpectedly a couple of times and see what the nanny is doing and how neat and happy the child looks. If the baby refuses to be alone with the nanny, temporarily stop attempts and resume them after 1.5-2 weeks.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD PARENTS ASK IN THE INTERVIEW?
• What’s your education?
• Do you have a hobby?
• Have you had experience with two children? How do you organize their communication and games?
• Who is more interesting for you to work with: a boy or a girl?
• What is the greatest need for a child at this age?
• Why did you leave your previous job?
• Where do you live?
• Do you have small children?
• Can you organize a small children’s party?
• Are you ready to stay with your baby overnight?
• Do you have a passport?
• The child has been hit hard. What are you going to do?
• Can a child be punished and for what?
• Do you agree to work if video surveillance is installed in the apartment?
HOW TO DISTRIBUTE ROLES IN THE FAMILY?
Parents should give the nanny the status of a “significant adult”. Children should not be allowed to treat her with disdain. On the other hand, it is important that the nanny does not exceed her authority. The roles in the family must remain the same. For example, a nanny should call a child only by name without diminutive forms and constantly mention parents. “Let’s draw a house as a gift for mom!” The child will feel the presence of loved ones, even when they are not around.
HOW TO CONTROL THE SITUATION WHILE YOU ARE NOT AT HOME?
Install video surveillance in the apartment. In controversial situations, it is always better to watch and listen to a recording than to rely on words. If a nanny stays with a child who is just taking the first steps, bruises and bruises are inevitable. To avoid any complaints, it is better to put video tracking. It is imperative to warn about filming or recording – covert surveillance is prohibited.
How to break up with a nanny?
The important point is the right parting. If the nanny needs to leave or you have to part with her, explain to the child that you will remain friends. Communication should not be abruptly interrupted. It’s better to prepare for the nanny’s departure in advance and gradually reduce the number of her working hours in the last month. Be prepared for the fact that the nanny might have become a very significant person for the baby. Parental jealousy is a completely normal reaction. Don’t compete with a nanny for attention. Think about what you want: for the child to be satisfied and well-fed, or to rush from the nanny to the mother with tears, proving that he adores you more than anyone else in the world? To be happy when the baby is OK is a direct proof of parental love.
