Hiring A Nanny | Nanny Needed

Know your child and know your family in order to figure out what kind of person works best for you – and be open minded. You may be looking for someone outgoing, when a demure and quiet nanny is more compatible, allowing your “little star” to shine. You may think that you have a family with lots of big egos and you need someone mousey to fit in, when really only someone else with a big ego will be able to handle all the other energy your family brings to the table.

Do you want a male or female nanny?

Most nannies are women because most families, when hiring a nanny, are looking to replace the mother figure, but there are some men who choose this line of work. Most children who are young are more comfortable with a mother figure because they have spent most of their life primarily with women. Some older boys may prefer a male nanny who can throw a football around, and is more at ease playing hockey, shooting hoops, and other sports that boys tend to like. If you have more than one boy, a male nanny may be an interesting idea because of the extra physicality involved in raising many boys. However, that is not to say that a woman cannot be an excellent nanny to boys. Many women are sporty enough to talk or play baseball with boys in her charge, and many boys who are young still prefer a “mommy figure” in their nanny.

If you are working at home, then be honest about how comfortable you will feel with a grown man in close quarters with you – or a woman nanny in close quarters with you if you are a father working at home.

Most people end up dating folks that they work with. If the only opposite sex figure your female nanny sees at work is your husband, you may be prudent to consider this reality. Vice verse if you are a woman (married or single) who is interested in employing a grown man to be your child’s nanny.

Many people are comfortable with these situations. If you are one of them, then it is not an issue. If you have any discomfort, honor your feelings.

Do you want an academic, developmentally aware, or just plain playful nanny?

Consider what the nanny is good at doing and what he or she enjoys. A nanny who loves reading, and staying in the house may be perfect for your child. But if you have the kind of child who wants to be at the playground constantly, then you need a

Chapter 2

Do you want a male or female nanny?

Do you want an academic, developmentally aware, or just plain playful nanny?