Starting a job with a new family can be nerve-wracking. Will the children like me? Will the dog get loose? What if the parents dislike something I do?
If you’re having day-one jitters, you’re not alone. It’s perfectly natural to be nervous. As uncomfortable as it is for you at first, it is just as uncomfortable for them too. But there really is no need to be uptight or anxious. Go into it with an open heart and work on building a foundation of mutual respect in a natural way.
That and a little preparation can see you glide through your first day. Here are eight ways to make sure you have a great day one—and start a successful working relationship.
1. Make sure your job expectations are aligned before day one.
Before that first day, nannies should have a strong initial sense of the family’s expectations—and should have already communicated their own needs and requirements, all outlined in a formal contract.
It’s so important to value the expectations the family has for you. But you should provide the expectations that you have for payment, communication, time management and overtime, and the overall relationship as well.
Ask specific questions about housework. Some families want 100 percent of your time dedicated to watching the children; others want housework done only when the children are sleeping. Others want you to include the children in the housework. You will never know unless you ask.
2. Understand the house rules and guidelines for the kids.
Ask parents in advance about the child’s daily routine, any allergies or medications that might be relevant, physical disabilities or mental impairments to understand, and anything else that might help a nanny and the children have a great day.
In any industry, you want to exceed expectations. You can’t do that if goals are undefined. Ask the parents for specifics on how they’d like the day to go, including when the children need to eat, snack, play, sleep and bathe. Parents should set the priorities—and the nanny should structure the day accordingly. But sprinkle in some of the fun and adventure you planned to make sure it’s a great day.
3. Dress for the job.
It may seem obvious, but what you wear while taking care of kids really matters. In fact, you’ll never regret planning nanny outfits ahead of time so you feel comfortable and can play easily down on the playroom floor or in the park at the playground, and so your movement is not constrained in any way.
4. Arrive with a structured plan for the day.
Top-notch nannies plan their days, just like a teacher does. Whether you’ve planned to explore a kind of animal, a country or a culture, parents and children are drawn to you when you’re thoughtful, educational and prepared.
Here’s an example: If the child you care for is a dinosaur lover, why don’t you develop a “Brontosaurus Day”? You can dress up in your favourite dinosaur-themed T-shirts, take a long nature walk, look at trees and leaves while stretching your necks like the long-necked dinosaur, and collect leaves for an afternoon art project. You can even eat spinach, romaine, rainbow Swiss chard and kale chips, just like plant-eating brontosauruses. It’s a great way to expand the child’s food palate while learning more about their favourite dinosaur.
5. Anticipate the worst-case scenario.
Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Nannies should do a quick scan to know where the obvious danger zones are—stairs, exits, pools, medicine cabinets, etc. Put away anything that could be a hazard.
Spend just a few minutes entering must-have numbers into your phone—parents’ personal mobile and work numbers, backup contact person’s details, etc. If you know where the closest A&E department or urgent care centre is, you’ll also feel better—and save time if needed.
6. Bond with the child by doing hands-on activities.
Some nannies use active engagement to draw kids out and get to know each other. It takes a while for a young child to form a relationship with a stranger. But different activities, games and other icebreakers that involve interacting with one another are so fun and so effective when developing that bond.
Age-appropriate activities, suitable for individual temperaments and ability levels, are always welcome. Even something as simple as colouring or walking to the local park are low-pressure but fun ways to connect.
7. Debrief the parents at the end of the day.
It’s always nice for parents to get a text now and again during the day with a picture or two of the children—but nannies should plan for a big debrief at the day’s end.
Nannies can show the parents that they’re proactive by giving a solid download on the day’s happenings. Give a high-level overview that includes the best and worst parts of the day. Ask questions for tomorrow and update them on the status of the house. For example, let them know if the dishwasher is loaded or if you prepped bottles for the evening.
When light housework is part of the contract, always leave the house better than when you arrived. You can clean up, load the dishwasher and put away toys throughout the day so you make their lives a little easier—and they see how organised you are if they happen to come home early.
8. Treat yourself.
A nanny–family relationship isn’t all about the family. Nannies need professional satisfaction and work–life balance just like anyone else. End your day by doing something for yourself so you don’t burn out.
Going to the gym, reading a book, enjoying a glass of wine, or doing something else that’s pleasurable are all good ideas for relaxing and reinvigorating yourself after a long day with energetic little ones.