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Putting the work arrangement in writing. The agency has sent you a sample work agreement form so that you and your caregiver can both have a written record of what your obligations are are. By writing down your caregiver's work schedule, days off, pay, benefits and other...
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03/09/10 | Tips to succeed as a nanny
1. Putting the work arrangement in writing. The agency has sent you a sample work agreement form so that you and your caregiver can both have a written record of what your obligations are are. By writing down your caregiver's work schedule, days off, pay, benefits and other details you've both agreed to, you'll minimize misunderstanding's about the basics of your caregiver's job.
2. Agree on house rules. Just as you set rules for your children about acceptable behavior, you owe it to yourself and your caregiver to be clear about what you will and won't tolerate in your home. Don't assume the caregiver knows how you expect her to act around your house. Tell her. Items families usually clarify involve telephone use (how do you feel about her getting or making personal calls during her regular working hours?), use of your home and your things either when she's working or off duty (do you mind if she has friends over and if they congregate in your family room or living room and listen to your prized Beatles albums?) and curfew (set one that makes you comfortable). 3. Plan on a reasonable break-in period. It takes nine months for a baby to develop in the womb, yet why do all of us expect a young and untrained caregiver to be fully oriented and totally productive in our homes in a week or two? If you have hired a mother's helper who has just left home for the first time, she will be adjusting both to her new job and to her new life in a new place, just as you are adjusting to having a new person in your home. Be fair, be patient and be prepared to repeat instructions. 4. Listen to your instincts. What if you discover during her first week or two on the job that the nice girl you interviewed and hired over the phone is someone you don't even like? Or who makes you feel uncomfortable? Or doesn't inspire confidence? Take advantage of the agency's replacement policy to find another caregiver who may be better suited for your situation. If you have reservations about your caregiver's ability to do your job in the early stages of your work arrangement, the situation is not likely to improve over time. It's ok to say good-bye, but do be fair to your caregiver; she will need time to make other arrangements and shouldn't be expected to leave on a moment's notice unless glaring misconduct is involved. 5. Make plans for regular communication. Schedule a regular time when you and the caregiver can go over your work arrangement and talk about how the children are growing, changing, needing different kinds of activities, etc. Use these communication sessions to offer both praise and suggestions for changes to your caregiver. Be open to hearing what your caregiver thinks and wants, too. Don't leave communication to chance; if you do, more likely than not, it simply won't happen. 6. Be fair to your caregiver. Be careful about consistently asking your caregiver to work hours outside the scope of the original work agreement, even if you do pay her extra or give her extra time off. If your needs seem to have changed considerably, renegotiate the entire arrangement with her. Always pay the caregiver her agreed-upon wage even if you let her off work early - it's your choice for her not to work, not hers. Though from time to time, you may need and ask for an extra set of hands, avoid adding to her list of job duties unless you renegotiate your arrangement. 7. Treat your caregiver with respect. When appropriate, introduce her to your friends and guests. Ask her what she prefers to be called (babysitter, nanny, etc.) Don't undermine her authority in front of your children. If you can't treat your caregiver with respect, she's not the right person for you. Start over. 8. Express appreciation often. Well-deserved recognition and praise go a long way. Money also talks. Be generous with raises, bonuses and benefits if your caregiver is doing a good job. 9. Be aware of common problems between families and caregivers. If you know what to expect, sometimes you can head off problems Source: advancenannies.com |
