It is natural for families to grow comfortable with their nanny, making it an emotional experience for everyone when it’s time to make a switch in the household. The reason for changing nannies can be as simple as relocation or that the position has evolved and your family needs have adjusted. Other times, it’s important to recognize the signs of a bad nanny. These aren’t always visible at first. Below are some clues that parents should watch out for:
Signs of a Bad Nanny
- Lateness: Everyone is late occasionally but it should never become a habitual trait. A nanny that is frequently late is no longer reliable or dependable when it comes to your child.
- Lack of communication: Good nannies will always discuss their charge’s daily activities with the parents. Communication is the bedrock of any good relationship, especially one between a nanny and the parent. A good nanny will also never lie or make excuses.
- Inattentiveness and Unpreparedness: A good nanny will be attentive, mindful, and conscientious when there is a child in his or her care. If you find that your nanny isn’t paying attention to your child and instead parking them in front of the television or talking on the phone while with them at the park, it might be time to make a change. A good nanny will always be prepared for the child’s daily routine and have a plan in case an emergency should arise. Is he or she prepared for an allergic reaction? Does your nanny have CPR and First Aid training? These are all things to keep in mind.
- Most importantly, you notice your nanny isn’t adhering to your rules: While a nanny and a parent work together as a team, a nanny should never be critical of a parent’s parenting style and should always be open to following your instructions.
Ways to Fix the Situation
Sometimes the best option is to voice your concerns to your nanny first. There might be a reason as to why he or she was late on those particular days or forgetful at other times. However, if you find that you’ve addressed the issue and the problems haven’t been resolved, it might be time for both parties to sever ties and move on. This is when the Nanny Contract comes in handy.
The Nanny Contract
Parents should create a nanny contract prior to his or her nanny’s first day. The nanny contract should include a termination section explaining “at-will employment” for both parties as well as indicate if there is any severance pay provided by the family. “At-will employment” has no specific duration and can be terminated by either party with or without cause.
Changing a nanny can be difficult for children of all ages, so it’s important to make the transition as seamless as possible. To ease the process, seek the assistance of a reputable nanny agency. Contact the Nanny Authority at 973-466-2669 for help with your transition today.