Setting the Stage for Success: Basic Guidelines to Discuss with Your Nanny Before They Start
BY ELISE SILVER AND HEATHER RUSSELL
Establishing clear guidelines and expectations with your nanny before they begin their role can significantly enhance the parent-nanny relationship. It fosters open communication, sets the tone for mutual respect, and ensures everyone is on the same page. By discussing these guidelines upfront, you create a foundation for a harmonious and effective working environment, benefiting both your family and your nanny.
Why This is Important
A well-defined set of guidelines helps avoid misunderstandings and conflicts down the road. It provides your nanny with a clear understanding of your family’s routines, values, and preferences, enabling them to perform their duties confidently and effectively. For parents, it ensures that their children are cared for in a manner consistent with their expectations. Overall, clear communication about rules and guidelines can lead to a more positive and productive working relationship.
Creating Your Guidelines
Every family is unique, and so are their needs and expectations. Instead of providing a one-size-fits-all list of rules, consider these key areas when creating your guidelines:
Daily Routine and Schedule
Why It’s Important: A consistent routine helps children feel secure and supports their development.
Guideline: Outline your child’s daily schedule, including meal times, nap times, play times, and any regular activities. Ensure your nanny understands the importance of adhering to this routine.
Communication
Why It’s Important: Open and honest communication fosters trust and allows for quick resolution of any issues.
Guideline: Establish preferred methods and times for regular check-ins. Encourage your nanny to share any concerns or feedback and be open to discussing any issues that arise.
Discipline and Behavior Management
Why It’s Important: Consistent discipline strategies help children understand boundaries and expectations.
Guideline: Discuss your approach to discipline, including acceptable methods for handling misbehavior. Make sure your nanny is comfortable with and understands your preferred techniques.
Health and Safety
Why It’s Important: Ensuring the health and safety of your children is paramount.
Guideline: Review any medical needs, allergies, emergency procedures, and safety protocols. Make sure your nanny knows how to contact you and emergency services if needed.
Household Responsibilities
Why It’s Important: Clarity around household tasks prevents confusion and ensures a fair distribution of duties.
Guideline: Specify what household chores, if any, are expected of the nanny. This might include meal preparation, laundry, or tidying up after the children.
Out of Bound Areas and Objects
Why It’s Important: Clearly defined boundaries ensure the safety of your children and protect valuable or dangerous items.
Guideline: Identify areas and objects in and out of the home that are off-limits, and explain why they are restricted.
Car Rules
Why It’s Important: Safety during transportation is crucial for your children’s well-being.
Guideline: Outline rules for car travel, including the use of car seats, seat belts, and any restrictions on where the nanny can take the children.
Dietary Rules
Why It’s Important: Consistent dietary guidelines help maintain your child’s health and adhere to any dietary restrictions.
Guideline: Provide a list of acceptable foods, meal times, portion sizes, and any dietary restrictions or allergies. Ensure the nanny understands your preferences for snacks and meals.
Bedtime Rules
Why It’s Important: Consistent bedtime routines help children transition smoothly to sleep.
Guideline: Discuss your child’s bedtime routine, including activities leading up to bedtime, any specific rituals, and expected sleep and wake times.
Use of Technology
Why It’s Important: Setting boundaries on technology use ensures it aligns with your family’s values and routines.
Guideline: Outline expectations for the use of phones, tablets, and other devices. This includes the nanny’s personal use of technology during working hours and the children’s screen time.
Outings and Activities
Why It’s Important: Planning outings and activities enriches your child’s experience and ensures their safety.
Guideline: Provide a list of approved activities and places your nanny can take your children. Discuss transportation methods and any safety measures to be followed during outings.
Visitors and Social Interactions
Why It’s Important: Managing visitors and social interactions ensures your child’s environment remains safe and consistent.
Guideline: Clearly state your policy on having visitors while the nanny is working, and how to handle social interactions with other caregivers and children.
Confidentiality
Why It’s Important: Protecting your family’s privacy is crucial for safety and trust.
Guideline: Discuss the importance of confidentiality regarding your family’s private information and activities.
Cultural and Personal Values
Why It’s Important: Respecting cultural and personal values promotes a respectful and harmonious environment.
Guideline: Share any specific cultural or personal values you want to be upheld, such as language use, religious practices, or dietary restrictions.
Incorporating Guidelines into a Nanny Contract
It’s beneficial to include these guidelines in a nanny contract. A contract formalizes expectations and responsibilities, providing legal protection for both parties. It also ensures that both you and your nanny have a clear, written understanding of the agreed-upon terms, which can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes. For more insights on why to create a comprehensive nanny contract, check out our blog: The Importance of a Nanny Contract: A Win-Win for Nannies and Families.
Setting clear guidelines before your nanny starts ensures a smooth transition and establishes a positive, effective working relationship. It creates a shared understanding of expectations and responsibilities, leading to a happier environment for your children, your nanny, and your family. Take the time to discuss these areas in detail, and you’ll lay the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling partnership.
