How Nannies Can Prepare for Their First Day With a New Family
Starting a new job can be an anxiety-inducing experience for anyone. But for a nanny, it can be utterly nerve-wracking. After all, you’re stepping into a family and caring for the most important members — the kids.
But with a bit of preparation, you can help calm those new-job jitters and be ready to enter the family dynamic with relaxed confidence.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first day:
- Understand what’s expected of you before you start.
Prior to accepting any job as a nanny, you need to know exactly what the family’s needs and parenting style are. Do they let their baby cry it out during nap time? Will they require meal prep and some light cleaning? What is their discipline style? These should all be ironed out before starting the job. - Determine any overtime and vacation days upfront.
Conversations about time off and money can be uncomfortable. Have all the details regarding days off (Will they be paid or unpaid?), salary, raises, expenses for travel, and food hammered out before your first day. - Take time to bond with the kids.
Discover their interests and what they like to do, and make sure there is ample time to do it on days when you’re working. It would help if you also got to know the child’s emotional habits. Do they get overwhelmed in crowds? Will they have a hard time separating? Be prepared to be a supportive, calming, and protective presence in their life. - Prepare for the worst.
Accidents happen, and they can feel a bit amplified when they happen on your watch. Ask your employer about a plan of action should there be an injury or medical emergency. Save important numbers like the pediatrician’s on your phone. The best nanny is a prepared one! - Be ready to give details to the parents.
Parents are inevitably going to want to know what their child did all day. Be prepared to discuss where you went, how you got there, who the child played with, what they ate, and more. You can also download the Stroller Patrol app so parents can be updated throughout the day without having to call or text.
