New Nanny or Babysitter? Don't Stress!

New Nanny or Babysitter? Don't Stress!

It can be really nerve wracking leaving your children with a new nanny, babysitter or before or after schoolcarer, but there are strategies you can put in place to minimise any tears (yours and your kids!).

Make sure you have all the administrative -stuff' sorted out before the nanny/ babysitter even starts work. For example, you should already have agreed:
duties
days/ hours of work
regularity of work (daily/ weekly/ fortnightly/ monthly)
rate of pay
regularity of pay (daily/ weekly/ fortnightly/ monthly)
expected outcomes

If you are engaging a nanny or before/ after school carer for a permanent role, you should also have considered whether you want to enter in to a written contract of employment. A contract of employment should include the above, and could also cover matters like:
Annual leave
Sick leave
Termination
Superannuation
Confidentiality

Write a Starter Checklist and run the nanny/ babysitter through this before their first day of work. Cover off topics such as:
Where appliances are and how they work
Home alarm, keys and rules around these
How the pram, high chair and other equipment work

Pre prepare the following and leave them on the fridge:
Emergency Contact List
Day Time routines
Meal Plan

Most importantly, and depending on the age of your kids, have the nanny or babysitter come around for a -practice' visit while you are still at home. This way your kids get to interact with the carer in the comfort and security of your company; you get to make sure that this is the person you REALLY want looking after your kids; and the nanny gets the opportunity to meet and bond with your kids while you are there to support them.

Babysitters and More is an online service putting busy people in touch with the perfect Nannies, Babysitters, Tutors, Cleaners, Housekeepers, Shoppers, Senior Carers & Companions, Dog walkers, Pet sitters and more! Babysitters and More helps solve ALL of your home help needs on one site – simply, efficiently and affordably. Open Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. For more information or for other tools to help you select and recruit a new nanny or babysitter go towww.babysittersandmore.com.au