10 Ways to Prepare Your Family for a New Nanny

Hiring a new nanny can be an exciting and overwhelming time. Parents may worry about all of the details involved with getting their family ready before a nanny begins. Ten helpful ways to prepare their family for a nanny are discussed below.

1. Get the kids involved. Before hiring a nanny, ensure that the children and nanny have had a chance to meet. Having a working interview prior to offering the nanny a job is the perfect opportunity to evaluate if the nanny and children connect.
2. Figure out what to do with pets. Many families have pets, so it is essential that a care plan is devised for the family’s pet in advance. You’ll want to be sure your nanny doesn’t have an aversion or allergy to your pet and you’ll need to work out what pet care, if any, she is willing to provide.
3. Create space for a nanny. A live-in nanny, at minimum, should have her own bedroom and bath. Parents should let a nanny know what parts of the house, if any, are off-limits. Providing your live-out nanny with a closet or area to store toiletries and a change of clothes is also customary.
4. Make a list of emergency contact numbers for a nanny. Before a nanny begins work, create a list of essential contact numbers. These might include numbers, for doctors, neighbors, kids’ friends, and parents’ cell phones and work phone numbers. Leaving contact information for utilities and service providers can also be helpful.
5. Write out procedures for any difficult to handle appliances. If there is a trick to getting a dishwasher to work, or connecting to the Internet, write or type out a step-by-step instruction manual for a nanny. This will save the nanny a lot of stress and hassle. If you have an alarm, be sure to provide operational instruction.
6. Execute a written work agreement. Having a written agreement that outlines your nanny’s duties, responsibilities, pay schedule and salary and benefits information can help to avoid misunderstands. You’ll also want to list any house rules, transportation procedures and any other information she needs to know to do her job well.
7. Stock up on groceries. Make sure the nanny has an assortment of foods to prepare healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for the children. Be sure to ask your nanny if she has food allergies or preferences and be sure she is made aware of any allergies or preferences the children have.
8. Label cupboards and closets. When a nanny first starts, it may be helpful to label where items are stored. This can help her become familiar with how the children’s clothing should be put way and where other important items are stored.
9. Provide petty cash. Manny nannies take the children on outings or pick up supplies and groceries. Be sure the nanny has cash available or a credit card in her name to make these purchases.
10. Create a welcoming environment. On the nanny’s first day, leave out a little sign or treat to welcome her. This is a gesture that a nanny will appreciate, and it will help to ease any nervousness that a nanny might have.

Making the necessary preparations to before a nanny begins her first day is very important. If a family prepares well, it will make the transition much easier for everyone.