By Aunt Ann’s In-House Staffing
A nanny can be an indispensable help to busy parents. These professionals provide reliable care, allowing you to focus on other responsibilities while giving you peace of mind that your little one is in the best possible hands. But how can you be certain that your child will be comfortable? Easing into the relationship is the best way! Here’s how you can introduce your child to their new caregiver.
Involve Your Child in the Conversation
If your little one knows what to expect, they won’t be caught off guard by a new person in the home. Remember that even after you tell them, they may still be a little anxious, but it’s important that they are included. Get them excited by asking them what they are looking forward to showing this new person (such as their car collection or something they’ve painted recently)!
Take time to explain that their nanny will help take care of them, play with them, and plan fun activities. Kids mirror their parents’ behavior, and if they know you feel confident with this new face, they are likely to feel more comfortable too.
Schedule a Trial
Invite your new nanny over to spend a few days with your child and allow them to be in their company while you are present. Include the nanny in every aspect of the day, from playtime to mealtime, so your child knows their role when they become a regular part of the household. Allow the nanny to play an integral part and take the lead in steps like getting them ready for the day, plating lunch, or announcing nap time.
Maintain Consistency
Change can be alarming for anyone, but children may feel especially daunted if they are faced with a new and unfamiliar situation. Make it as smooth, seamless, and familiar to them as possible by keeping their routine structured.
Stick with the same schedule, and have their favorite stuffed animals, toys, and games available for their comfort. The idea is to help them realize that the comforts of home are never far away, even if you aren’t with them at every moment. With time, your little one will feel at ease with their new caregiver and look forward to their time together.
Aunt Ann’s In-House Staffing has accumulated over 60 years of experience successfully matching the personalities and staffing needs of San Francisco Bay Area households with the characteristics and work experience of professional, highly skilled nannies, housekeepers, estate managers, private chefs, personal assistants and more. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we’ve earned the trust and loyalty of both employers and domestic professionals. That’s why we are called upon time and again by established clients as their needs for domestic help expand. To learn more about our services, call 415-749-3650 or visit our website www.inhousestaffing.com.