The First Day with Your Nanny
The first day of work for a nanny can be exciting and stressful at the same time. It’s exciting to start a new chapter in your nanny career with a new family and new children to nurture and guide. However, there can be a lot of stress that comes from new routines, being in a new home, adapting to a new family structure, and learning the inner workings of the home.
Listing down below are the things needed to know on the first day with your nanny.
1. Keys Please
During the first day with your nanny, she gets a key for the house and knows where the spare key is hidden. Some families do not like to give out keys to their home; instead, they give the garage door code. If this is the way they choose to handle entry to their home, be sure your nanny remembers the code and how to enter it on the keypad. Know gate codes and obtain any key cards or passes needed to access the home, property, community center, activities, or the children’s school, too.
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2. Know Your Numbers
These days most communication is done using our cell phones, which is how most nannies communicate with parents. A nanny should also have the parents’ business numbers programmed on your cell phone. We never know when a parent may leave their cell phone at home or in the car.
3. In Case of Emergencies
A nanny should get emergency contact numbers of several relatives, friends, and neighbors. We are a very mobile society, so it’s wise to have a long list of people to call if needed.
4. Service calls
Know when the landscaper or pool service person is coming. Plan ahead if animals need to be let out. It is also a good time to make sure all the doors to the home are locked and that you have your cell phone with you. Ask the parents if these service providers have a regular schedule they follow and know whether they call in advance of arriving or if they just show up? Knowing this helps the nanny plan, prepare, and stay focused while strangers are on the property.
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5. Phone-y Business
A nanny should always keep their cell phone with them. It is important to be able to get to their phone quickly in the event of an emergency. Establish how communication will flow, via phone, text, or email, and which parent is the final decision maker if the parents give them different answers to their questions.
6. Safety First
Know the location of all first aid kits in the home and what’s in them. Know where the thermometer is kept and how it works. Find out where medications are stored that the children may need while in your care; know the dosage amount and when to give it. Be sure they know how to operate any medical equipment the children use, such as a nebulizer. Make sure to obtain permission before giving medication to children. Also be sure to record the time, date, dosage amount, and any reactions for the parents’ review and record keeping. Know CPR, first aid, and how to swim. Ask where the family’s emergency meeting place is and whether they have an emergency code word. Where are fire extinguishers located in the home? Have you ensured that they are not expired? Where are the smoke detectors? Are they operating correctly? Are there carbon monoxide monitors in the home?
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7. Medical Matters
Get a signed, dated, and notarized (if needed) medical release form for each child, granting permission for the nanny to make the decision to treat each child in the event of an emergency. Also, get a letter of permission from the parents for them to take the children to the doctors.
8. Appliance Heaven
Make sure they know how to operate the dishwasher, dryer, washing machine, TV, microwave, oven, stove, door locks (some are self-locking), what dishes the children can use, and if and when the children are allowed to use the TV, computer, iPad, or phone. Also, ask the parents to show them how to operate all childproofing items in the home. Be aware of what cleaning products the parents want them to use to clean the children’s clothes, toys, and belongings.
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9. Diaper Days
If a nanny is caring for a child in diapers, they should know where the extras are stored and what products to use for diaper rash. If a child is potty training, they should know where clean underwear is kept, and learn any potty training routines they may already have in place.
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10. Routine
Have a clear understanding of the children’s routines and when and where they must be dropped off for school or activities. Know the amount of time it takes to drive them to school. This way, if the nanny is in charge of getting them up in the morning they know how early to wake them so that they can plan accordingly. Know what the children’s nap and bedtime routines are. If a bath is to be given, know what products are to be used. Some parents prefer to bathe their own children and put them to bed and prefer that this not be one of the nanny’s tasks.
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11. Play Dates
Know where the children are allowed to play in the home and outside and who they are allowed to play with.
That is a lot to know and be aware of! Nanny has a lot of responsibility! Being prepared is one of the most essential parts of their job. Staying one step ahead can ward off potential problems and allow them to enjoy their new job!
If you’re finding yourself in need of help – either looking for someone to handle the entire search for you or to just coach you through certain steps in the process, don’t hesitate to find a time to speak with us. You may also visit our blogs here for more Nanny Tips and Ideas.
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