Nanny likes and dislikes
Nanny likes and dislikes
I was lying in bed the other night and remembering a recent conversation that I’d had with a nanny, who was telling me how lovely her family is and how much she enjoys her job. Those kinds of conversations are great! I started to recall other such conversations I’d had over the many years of running this nanny agency and also some which weren’t quite as positive.
I realised that running through my mind I had a list of nanny likes and dislikes which might be worth sharing with you, the families who employ them or who might be considering a nanny for your childcare, so here goes.
Nannies Like…
Consideration
Nannies prefer it when their feelings, their plans or their opinions are considered. It makes them feel good about themselves and they feel respected and valued. And let’s face it, we all want that! Ways that you can demonstrate consideration are respecting their plans if they have to be somewhere or have requested a specific day off work; listening to their thoughts on something to do with the children; and you can show respect by being polite and courteous.
Being allowed to get on with their job
No one likes being monitored all the time whilst trying to do their job and nannies are no different, even if they are caring for your most beloved.
A great way to have confidence in your nanny is to do the groundwork: use an agency, carry out thorough interviews and make sure that the expectations are clear from the outset. As I always say, good communication is essential too – both parties should be able to discuss issues or raise questions without fear of argument or a lack of respect.
A nice work environment
By this I don’t mean that they have to be in a mansion style house with landscaped gardens and a pool! What I mean is a house where everyone is treated with respect, from the smallest child to the oldest adult; a house where they feel safe and they know the children are safe too. This might sound dramatic but it’s hard for nannies to work in an environment where, say, the parents are arguing before work and arguing after work all the time. Or it could be that the nanny has identified some additional needs in a child but the parents are refusing to accept it. Imagine what it would be like for you in your work environment if there was constant disagreement or refusal to listen to new ideas.
The environment doesn’t have to be something out of a Disney film but, on the whole, it should be a happy place to live and to work.
Nannies Dislike…
Issues over pay
No one likes issues over pay as often they mean that a confrontation is needed to resolve the issue. People don’t seem to like talking about money. To avoid pay issues, make sure you understand how nanny pay works. There are lots of companies out there who can help or you can always give me a call.
And then if there is an issue and you know about it or know that it might happen, communicate this with your nanny. If they know that you’re aware, that’s going to help them and perhaps ease any worries.
Try to resolve it asap – don’t leave it hanging for weeks or months as that will create tension. As always, communicate what you’re doing and expected timings. Most of all, remember that this is someone’s salary and they need it to live on so don’t put it to the bottom of the to do list.
Disputes over time off work
Similar to pay issues, a nanny gripe can be when there are disagreements over holiday allowances or when it can be taken. The holiday allowance should be in the initial contract as well as expectations about how it can be used.
Bear in mind that sometimes nannies need to take holiday at a time that doesn’t suit families. Talk it through with your nanny, treat them with respect and approach the conversation with an open mind. It will help the relationship going forward.
Undiscussed changes
Nannies have very clear ideas of what they’re paid to do which is simply to look after your children and do tasks that are for your children. As a favour, they might do other tasks but really their sole focus is the children.
Nannies really don’t like it when they’re expected to do other tasks around the house for other members of the family, including pets, without being consulted. It could be that you ask them very nicely to ‘just make a quick family dinner’ or ‘it’s raining and I’m going out, could you just take Patch round the block?’ but that isn’t the point. It hasn’t been pre-arranged and it’s not covered in their job description.
Again, it all comes down to what was agreed at the outset. If the nanny’s role was clearly defined with responsibilities outlined, then to stray from that there needs to be a conversation before new tasks are added. As employers, you can’t just assume that your nanny will act as your housekeeper/dog walker etc. You must discuss any change with your nanny in advance of you needing that ‘service’ otherwise you’re likely to cause resentment and an unhappiness to come to work on the part of your nanny.
I hope you find that list helpful. Communication is key and if you’re in doubt, either as a nanny or as an employer, I’m always happy to have a chat with you. I used to be a nanny myself and now work with nannies and families so I have a lot of experience!
Hazel x