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Nanny Guide > Nanny
Orientation Tips
A little preparation and a few hours of orientation of the new nanny greatly improve the comfort level of both the nanny and family.
- Experts
recommend that the parents spend a minimum
of 4 hours with the nanny and the children in a typical day BEFORE leaving her on her own.
This gives you, the new nanny, the opportunity
to ask questions, become familiar with the routine,
and communicate concerns to the parent(s). Parents
can use this time to become comfortable with
your judgment and observe your interaction with
the child(ren).
- Most
parents will check in a few times unexpectedly. This is not a sign of distrust, but
rather another opportunity to observe your performance,
unrehearsed. This actually helps the parents
become more comfortable with you - a big plus
to you later on!
- Do
a home safety check with the parents - before they leave you for the first time.
Locate known hazards (the 7 year old's Legos
that are a risk to his little sister) and the
storage of medicines and household chemicals.
Discuss placing poisons in a locked cabinet.
Are there firearms in the home? Please insure
these are properly stored out of harms way.
- Become
familiar with the operation of the
home alarm system, washer and dryer, pool filter,
and any other mechanical items you will need to operate.
- Meet
their neighbors and close family member. They can help you acclimate to your new job
(and maybe new home).
- Make
sure you have an emergency contacts
list that is up to date.
- Drive
with the parent(s) to the store, hospital,
schools, doctor's office and any other areas
you will need to drive their child(ren). Let
the family observe your driving skills. Ask
the family to leave an area map booklet, the
type that indexes all streets and public places,
in the auto for future reference.
- Introduce
the nanny to public transit if applicable.
Give her a transit system map and make sure
she knows how fares are paid/collected.
- Review
safety procedures before leaving the nanny. Remember not all nannies are experienced
living in densely populated urban/suburban areas.
Don't open the door to strangers, keep doors/windows
locked at all times, tell callers the parents
are 'unavailable', not 'they aren't home", no
bike riding/roller blading without a helmet
(and knee pads/elbow pads as appropriate), always
use seatbelts and car-seats are all typical
admonitions. Nannies should keep the children
in sight at all times when they are outside
the home, and never send them into public restrooms
alone (young boys CAN go in the ladies room
with the nanny.) Make sure she knows where first
aid supplies are, Band-Aids and first aid creme
especially.
- Buy
a notebook and ask the nanny to keep
a daily log . This would include what
was eaten at meals, napping time, activities
of the day, when medicines were administered,
and other items that occur during the day. Review
the log at night and ask any questions.
Related
Pages
Beginning
the Arrangement
Sample
Nanny Log Page
Emergency
Contacts Page
Authorization
to Obtain Emergency Medical Treatment
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1998-2003, 4nannies.com Inc. All Rights Reserved
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