Why Is It So Hard To Find a Good Nanny?
Over the past years, the demand for finding a nanny has dramatically increased. According to Care.com, from 2008 to 2013 the search for a nanny for two-income households has increased to 85% annually. Chicago has the third-highest number of kids under the age of five so there are many families who need caregiving help. Interestingly, while there is a high demand for a good nanny, there seems to be a low supply of good nannies. You may have heard your co-workers discussed it over lunch how difficult it is for them to find the perfect nanny for their family or co-workers complaining about the nanny they have and some who are sharing about their nanny horror stories. Choosing a nanny is a difficult task, especially if you are doing all the legwork. This is why so many families used reputable nanny agencies, such as Karen’s Nanny Agency, to help them find the perfect nanny for them.
Why is it then hard to find a good nanny? Each family is unique in their own way therefore each family’s definition of “good” varies. What is acceptable to your family might not be the same as the other families. Each of us has our own set of must-haves or non-negotiable when it comes to finding a nanny for our children. Hiring a nanny is not unlike marrying without having to date your partner first. You should get to know your prospective nanny before offering her a job. Remember that she will be entrusted with caring for your children. She’s left with them when you’re away and you cannot just leave her with them and hope for the best. Communication is the key, you should be clear and concise from the outset. Your expectations should be incorporated into your interview to ensure that you and your nanny are both on the same page as the job commence.
Typically, the problems that arise during the employment stems from subtle-yet nagging- misdemeanors. It could be that the nanny sneaks sugary foods into the toddler’s mouth because she can’t say no to your toddler, or the nanny who takes the invitation to eat on the job as a license to mow through everything in your fridge and pantry on a daily basis. Under the best circumstances, getting accustomed to a nanny can take time coupled with painful compromise and trust-building. Many families would just accept their nanny’s little quirks and small discomforts and keep hoping for the best. Some parents accept it because the nanny does a “good enough” job in taking care of their children and they do not want to go through the tedious job of finding a new nanny, interviewing, and adjustment period over and over again. So, how do you find your forever nanny? Consider taking the following steps:
Define Your Family Identity
It has been established that each family is unique so it’s good to start your search and base it on defining your family’s identity. You may include things such as culture, backgrounds, food that you love to eat, that you don’t eat, if you are a vegetarian, or kosher. Go as much as including your pet peeves. If you love going to the beach, consider applicants who are not only a beach person but also know how to swim, and if possible certified in CPR and basic first aid. Don’t wait to find out that her cultural clashes with yours. Make clear what is important to you.
Write Out The Job Description
When you are writing your nanny’s job description, it is important to contemplate on your non-negotiable. Confront your own reality and bear in mind that your nanny is also seeking work/life balance. Remember they may have a family or other commitments outside of their role with you so try to be as flexible too as you can. Include in your list your expectations because no employee likes wondering if she is doing what is expected. Not knowing what your clear expectations are, is one of the reasons why nannies usually quit.
Screen Resumes Before Interviewing
An applicant’s resume tells a lot about an applicant that is why you should insist on getting one from the nanny agency before interviewing candidates. Gaps in employment should be looked at as red flags. A three-month gap could be a code for 90 days in county lock-up. Karen’s nanny agency makes it a priority that all our nannies passed our rigorous screening process and background checks to ensure your family’s security and well-being.
Communicate
Always communicate with your nanny if there is a problem or something you want to be done differently. Communication is the most important tool in any relationship. Open and honest communication with your nanny from the beginning of employment is a good foundation and you should see everything fall into place.
A successful nanny-family relationship involves a good line of communication. Nannies and families should agree on how often they communicate each day. If you can’t answer calls during the day, texting may be the best option for you to communicate with each other. It is also good to communicate with your nanny about boundaries. She may be like a member of the family but there are still boundaries that have to be observed.
Interview Smart
Before interviewing candidates, write down your questions and ask every candidate the same ones. This way you can gauge them equally and get to see if their personalities will match yours and your children.
Empower Your Nanny
Most nannies, especially those who have been on business for quite some time, typically like to be in complete charge or work as a team with the parents. If you prefer to micromanage and your nanny prefers to be in full charge, chances are, there will be a problem. When hiring a nanny, consider your management style and choose someone who prefers that kind of management style.
If they care applying the agreed rules to your children or situations such as nap times and eating vegetables, don’t undermine them. They are only doing what you have empowered them to do. And whenever you empower them, use language that is educating. In this way, they are treated as a professional and will certainly act like one.
Finding a good nanny in Chicago may be like finding a needle in a haystack, but it is not at all impossible. With Karen’s Nanny Agency, you will find your own Mary Poppins.