Choosing a nanny you can trust will quell your feelings of guilt and separation anxiety, which can be quite overwhelming for a lot of new moms. It’s one of the toughest phases in motherhood: leaving your child to go back to work for the first time. A nanny you can trust would mean the world: you can be assured that at the very least your child is safe. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right nanny, which can be overwhelming in it’s own right, that is why we’ve drawn up five things to consider when you begin this journey.
Tips When Choosing A Nanny
Use Word Of Mouth
Ask fellow moms to recommend a nanny to you, this will cut down on time and energy spent looking through agencies. Ultimately, you can trust a mom who has had a good experience with a particular nanny more than any other source. You will also be less worried about your bundle of joy when you are away from them because you can be assured that they are in good hands. If you’d like to connect with fellow moms and ask them for recommendations, join our new mom community here.
Gauge Their Empathy for Children
A nanny may look good on paper and have all the right credentials but that doesn’t mean they have the emotional intelligence to care for children or get along with yourself and your partner. Emotional intelligence is important to assess when you interview the nanny because you will entrust your bundle of joy to them and you need to be sure that they are safe with this person. Additionally, the nanny should be able to adjust to your lifestyle without invading your intimate spaces or time.
Know Your Nanny’s Lifestyle
The key to having a good relationship with your nanny is to understand them. That means you need to know where they live, if they’re married, whether they’ve got any children, and what familial or other personal obligations they have. Information is very important because it’ll help you decide what level of commitment this person can realistically offer and whether or not they are the right fit for your family.
Find Someone With Experience
As much as you may be tempted to give someone their first working opportunity, nothing trumps experience – in any field. You’re new at being a mom and you’re probably learning as you go, so bringing in someone who has experience will take a whole lot of your plate. Consider this: you won’t have to teach them a lot, with the exception of how things work in your home. They will know how to make meals for children, how to care for your child in different situations, like when they cry because they’re sleepy.
Explore Using An Agency
There are a few agencies in South Africa that offer this service. This allows you to explore vetted, trained nannies that have extensive experience. They’ll also help match you to a specific kind of nanny, with varying responsibilities, roles and salary structures.
Consider A Trial Period
If you’d like to ensure they’re aligned with your needs and your baby, consider trialling them for a short period of time to see if the relationship works for them and works for you before committing for the long term.
