Nurturing Your Nanny – A Tripod Of Strength For Your Household

There is perhaps no experience in life more intimate than raising a child. You, as a parent, have decided it’s time to bring a Nanny into your household, to share this journey with you. As you seek out the best candidate for the job, take a moment to imagine that, whether it’s a bit-part, or a character that is central for a chunk of the story, this person is going to play a substantial supporting role in the film of your child’s life. Nurturing this person as they enter into your very private sphere and share all those first moments with you will not only benefit your Nanny greatly, it will also offer you and your child far more enriching connections, forming potentially long lasting bonds.

 

Keeping The Emotional Energy Batteries Charged

Your Nanny is a person who has chosen to pursue a profession that requires a huge amount of emotional energy. When we bring a child into our lives and connect with them we are vulnerable and open. The Nanny’s relationship with your child is a different one to that of a parent, but it is an intense experience none the less. Your Nanny’s job is of course to support you and your family but as your Nanny invests energy in your family take the time to invest in their well-being too. You know how tiring it can be to look after a child and you also know that external factors can have a huge impact on our professional performance. Take the time to check in on how home life is for your Nanny, how they are managing each day, and share your acknowledgement and appreciation when they are doing their job well.

 

A Friend And An Ally

While it might be tempting to approach your Nanny in a strict or formal manner, many families find that this approach feels unnatural in relation to such a personal role. Of course you have to set boundaries and ultimately you are in charge as an employer, but when you relate to your Nanny in a warm and engaged way they will feel valued and you will see this reflected back in their work. This approach can work wonders in strengthening the way your household operates as a team.

 

Share Where You Are Too

Keeping your Nanny in the know is crucial. Your well-being will have an impact on both your child and your Nanny so if you are exhausted or have a lot going on, express it. You don’t have to be specific but if your Nanny has this insight she is more likely to step up and support you a bit more when you need it. It is still a professional relationship so it is crucial to stick to work specifics like agreed schedules and terms of pay. If something unexpected crops up, communicate quickly keeping in mind that your Nanny has her own responsibilities and commitments.

 

A Nanny’s Own Style

If you see a positive relationship blooming between your Nanny and your child but they are going about things in a different way to your own style it may not necessarily be cause for concern. You as a parent need to present a united front with your Nanny when it comes to rules and bad behaviour, but even if their care approach is a little different to your own, keep in mind that diversity is a wonderful gift for your child. If you still feel uncertain, discuss your thoughts with your Nanny to ascertain the reasons they are choosing certain methods. This will ensure that you remain unified as a team, playing to your individual strengths.

 

Finding A Great Nanny And Ultimately Letting Them Go

You might not find the right Nanny for your family right away, but when you do find a Nanny who meets the needs of your household you can enjoy a wonderful working relationship as the employer of a great professional. Review the position once in a while to make sure that your Nanny is happy in their role as this will give you valuable insight and give you the opportunity to address any concerns. When the time ultimately arrives for your Nanny to move on it will be a big change for the whole family. Focus with your child on supporting your departing Nanny as they move on to the next chapter of their life, celebrating the positive things this experience has brought, and the excitement of potentially bringing another person into your home and enjoying the development of a whole new phase.