Nannies - what to expect

A nanny is someone you employ to give one-to-one care to your child in your home. She’ll take responsibility for your child’s daily care, preparing their food and planning activities to support their education and development. Nannies aren’t usually expected to do housework or daily chores, but can reasonably be expected to clear up after the children and keep the house tidy.

If you employ a nanny, it’s best to draw up a proper contract. You’ll be responsible for paying her Medicare, Social Security, and payroll tax. You might also want to consider incentives such as some paid vacation days and sick leave – see nannies: your responsibilities as an employer for more advice.

What are the advantages?

- Dedicated one-to-one care for your child in your home on your terms.

- No dropping off and picking up.

- Potentially more flexibility if you need to work late, especially with a live-in nanny.?

- Will probably have a good network of other nanny friends, enabling your child to meet and socialize with other children of a similar age

- If your child is ill, your nanny will be able to care for him, whereas a daycare center or home daycare provider may not. [SUGGEST LINKS]

What are the disadvantages??

- It’s the most expensive option, though will cost slightly less if your nanny lives in.

- Nannies are unlicensed and although you can make a point of hiring a nanny with a degree in early childhood education she may not have the years of on-the-job experience you’d get from an experienced daycare center staff or a home daycare provider with children of her own.

- You’ll have to arrange a background check into her qualifications, experience and criminal record yourself unless you hire her through a licensed nanny agency, which performs these checks.

- It costs more than the other childcare options.?

- You’re responsible for paying a proportion of her taxes.

- You may have to provide a lot of incentives to hang onto a good nanny – for example, use of a car or health insurance.

- If she doesn’t socialize with other nannies your child may not get many opportunities to mix with other children.

- It’s difficult to monitor a sole child carer.

- If your nanny is unable to work for any reason, you’ll have to make contingency childcare plans.

What to look for in a nanny

- Training in first aid and CPR and experience in caring for babies and young children – always check references.

- A degree in early childhood education or certificate proving she has passed the Nanny Credential Exam – awarded by the International Nanny Association, this tests a nanny’s working knowledge of child development and education, safety and nutrition among topics.

- A warm, caring manner – a willingness on your child’s part to go to her without getting upset or anxious is a good sign.

- An obvious interest and delight in children.

- Ability to compromise and meet you halfway if your schedule isn’t going to plan.

- Punctuality if she lives out.

- A good communicator who helps you feel connected to your child by  filling you in on his day or jotting down what they’ve done in a daily journal you can read through after your child goes to bed. A secretive nanny may have something to hide.

- Good knowledge of general health and nutrition.

Nanny shares?

A nanny share is where two families employ a nanny to look after their children, and spread the cost between them. See nanny shares for more information.