By Katie Brenneman
Hosting a live-in nanny is a great way to ensure your children are cared for around the clock. Paying for your nanny’s room and board is a great way to ensure that you receive high-quality childcare, too, as experienced nannies are looking for living situations that help them save money while they work.
However, you must modify your space to ensure that your children’s nanny is given all the tools and support they need to succeed. Even simple accommodations — a stocked private bathroom — can meaningfully boost your nanny’s wellness and productivity.
Functional changes can give you peace of mind as a parent, too. Securing your home before hiring a nanny can help you prevent common accidents, improve your overall health, and ensure your household runs smoothly.
Private Spaces
Live-in nannies deserve to feel safe and secure within their private area of your home. You should provide them with their own bedroom and bathroom that is “off limits” to the children. Giving your nanny a space is crucial for their health and wellbeing, as it ensures they can switch off after a demanding day looking after your kids.
Providing a private bathroom is particularly important. While nannies are a part of your family, they shouldn’t have to queue up to use the shower or restroom. You can make your nannies’ bathroom space that much more appealing by:
- Providing free toiletries;
- Decorating the space with scented diffusers;
- Leaving them with an ample supply of towels, bathroom mats, and soap.
If you live in an older home, consider hanging up a small sign within the space to ensure your nanny knows what should never be flushed down the toilet, including things that may seem flushable, like tissues and napkins. This can save all parties significant embarrassment, as items like tissue paper, feminine products, and makeup remover will not flush down older pipes.
Support for Household Tasks
Depending on the contract you devise for your nanny, they may be responsible for taking care of everyday household cleaning. However, as the homeowner, it’s your responsibility to ensure they have all the tools they need. At a minimum, provide:
- All-purpose cleaning products;
- Vacuums, mops, and brooms;
- An ample supply of household items like bin liners, dusters, and sponges.
It’s a good idea to separate your children’s chores from your nanny’s responsibilities. Chores build character, while a nanny’s tasks resemble labor that you pay for. Empower your nanny and help them support your children’s development by providing age-appropriate chore charts for kids. Doing so gives them an organized, clear list of what they need to get done. These tasks can include:
- Making the bed;
- Tidying their desk;
- Putting away clean clothes;
- Cleaning the car.
Provide clarity by posting your child’s chores somewhere around the house. Doing so will give your nanny some leverage when children don’t want to do their chores and will ensure that your new nanny feels they can ask your kids to complete their responsibilities.
If you work remotely, consider creating a schedule with your nanny to ensure your presence doesn’t distract the kids while they complete homework or get ready for school. Working with your nanny to create a work-at-home plan is crucial, as you can accidentally undermine their hard work quickly by appearing unexpectedly during lunchtime or quiet time.
Conclusion
Simple adjustments can help your new nanny feel safe and welcome in your home. Create a functional plan together, as your new nanny will offer a few tips to improve the cleanliness and safety of your home. Supporting their ability to complete household tasks can dramatically improve your new nanny’s productivity.
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.