How To Keep Your Nanny Happy

Nannies who feel overworked and unappreciated usually don’t last. It is important to have consistent and reliable childcare as constant change can be very stressful and difficult for your family-especially your children. Because of this, it is often worthwhile to make an effort to address any reasonable concerns your nanny may have and make an attempt to find solutions. In most cases common problems that occur have a relatively easy solution.
Interfering Parents. Nannies sometimes encounter a situation in which a parent interferes with their relationship with the children when it comes to disciple. This is especially evident if the mother or father works at home or does not work. This can cause a great deal of frustration for the nanny and confusion for the children. Sometimes the children start to question and challenge the nanny’s authority.
It is important to tell your children that when they are with their nanny she is in charge. If your children come running to you because they don’t like the way she is dealing with a discipline issue the children need to know that you support the decisions their nanny is making. Before she begins the position it is important to discuss your discipline philosophy so she clearly understands what works for your children and what is important to you.

Being underpaid.: This is one of the main reasons a nanny will start to look for employment elsewhere. Unfortunately they are often not confident enough to bring up their concerns regarding this matter. It is important to pay your nanny based on the market rate, their experience and education and the job description. If this does not happen she may feel under valued from the start and may be influenced by peer and family to look for other employment. It is also important to give your nanny pay raises, pay appropriately for over time and give bonuses to let them know you appreciate a job well done

Janet MacDonald
www.opti-mum.com

I agree with everything you said. I have been a nanny for the past 13 years and opened up my own nanny placement agency 3 years ago. I hear about disciplinary problems and salary issues between nannies and families all the time.

Have a look at totallychildcare.com it has got lots of useful information for nannies and parents and agencies