My Super Nanny : A Perfect Match
This Post is sponsored by My Super Nanny.
When it comes to finding the right nanny for your family it’s essential to find someone who is a good match for your families needs, values and expectations.
In my experience as a nanny that compatibility was the most important aspect of any job. It is an incredibly intimate working relationship a nanny practically become part of the family.
I’ve had interviews where I’ve known within minutes I wouldn’t get the job not because I wasn’t capable, but because we just weren’t “clicking”. Alternatively I’ve formed lasting friendships with families I’ve worked for and still have regular contact with many years later.
Which is why it’s so essential to find the right person for you.
Finding a Match
My Super Nanny help match families with their perfect nanny in a similar way to a dating website! You have heaps of different criteria you can select to sort through the tens of thousands nannies they have on their database, to find you a nanny that suits your needs.
The search criteria goes well beyond the basics like location, work type (full time, casual etc) and requirements like first aid certificate, working with children check, driver’s licence and so on.
My Super Nanny can match a nanny to a family based on what other languages they speak, sports or musical instrument they play, subjects they’re interested in, expectations with household chores, whether they understand healthy eating and much more!
Their nannies can go through a third party ID verification called Trulioo, to validate their contact details so you can be assured they are who they say they are.
They also have a feedback system, which can be used to highlight fantastic nannies, and also to eliminate nannies who receive negative feedback from parents.
The Interview
Firstly, it’s ideal to have you children at the interview to meet the nanny - after all they are going spend the most time with the nanny and so it’s important to see how they interact.
Trust your gut. It’s not necessarily that your gut is saying this is a bad person, maybe it’s just that they’re not the best match for you. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan to interview at least a couple of people before making a final decision.
While it’s important to talk about previous experience and generally getting to know each other I think it’s essential to get into the really nitty-gritty topics in the interview.
Some things that you might need to talk about:
- Discipline – What do you think is reasonable and/or necessary.
- Sleep and settling routines – What techniques do you use to put your baby/child to bed.
- Activities - What are you expectations about what your nanny should do with your children.
- Flexibility – Will they be available for any additions hours you might need?
- ANYTHING else that is important to you; nothing should go without saying.
What Should You Pay Your Nanny?
My Super Nanny is not an agency, you simply pay them a small fee of $6.95 per month to access their nannies contact details.
So, how much you pay your nanny is entirely between you and the nanny you hire. I will say though – beg even – please pay your nanny AT LEAST a legal minimum wage. You should expect to pay between $20-$25 an hour for a full time nanny, possibly more depending on their experience and your expectations (ie. extra housework or unusual hours.)
Settling In With Your New Nanny
Even with the most amazing nanny it’s still reasonable that some children might take a little bit of time to warm up to their new nanny. If think your child might experience some separation anxiety, one thing that might help is have your nanny come over for a visit or two while you’re still around, so you can all get familiar with each other. One family I worked for had me come over for the evening so we could walk through their dinner/bath/bed routine, so when the parents did leave, the kids were used to the idea of me doing that routine with them. Something like that can help everyone get off to a good start.
Final Thoughts
Finding a nanny can be a bit of a daunting task, especially if it’s the first time you’re leaving your child with someone other than close family and friends. Just remember there are so many wonderful nannies out there the key is to find the right one who can become a very special part of your family!
Their own car so we don’t have to drop them home!!! (Plus other important stuff, I’m sure…)
Oh yes! That’s important! When I was a babysitter I didn’t drive, but I was always prepared to get myself home (that didn’t stop a couple of lovely parents on insisting on dropping me home anyway.)
Experience and first aid certified.