Summer is finally here! The playgrounds are packed, ice cream trucks are singing and the water sprinklers are on. This is wonderful news not just for the kids but also for mom, dad and … the nanny! But along with the fun of summer in this amazing city, there are many dangers and concerns that can arise with the extra time spent out of the home.
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In any relationship, regular and intentional communication is important but in a nanny-family employment relationship, it is even more so. Beyond the fact that this “job” carries the weight of being responsible for your most precious little people, this position does not come with an HR department and every family’s parenting style and expectations for their child is very different. So before issues come up this summer take a few minutes to chat with your nanny about your summertime policies and safety concerns for enjoying the great outdoors.
Here are some topics that you may want to address with your nanny:

​Perimeters for Outdoor Time
Where is your child allowed to go while outside? Specific parks/playgrounds? Hoboken only? Jersey City with permission? Walking only, or is it ok to take public transportation to Jersey City or NYC? Is your nanny allowed to ever take your child by car (personal or Uber/Lyft/taxi)? Is the nanny allowed to run her own errands while out? How much time are you comfortable with your child being out of the home? Is there a minimum amount of time you would prefer your child to spend outdoors on nice days?

​Playground Caution
Are you comfortable with your nanny observing your child in play from afar or do you want her to be actively involved in play? How should she handle bringing toys from home to the playground (sharing, collecting toys to bring home, etc.)? Be sure to remind your nanny to check the temperature of the playground equipment so as to protect little legs and hands from burns.

Water Park Rules
What is the appropriate attire for your nanny while at the waterpark? What about your child? Should your child wear a swimming suit (swim diaper?) or are street clothes acceptable? Should your child wear a specific pair of shoes or can they be barefoot? Are you ok with your child’s clothes being taken off/changed in public? Also, be sure to point out water balloon choking hazards for young children and broken balloon clean-up for older children!

Bathroom Use
Are you comfortable with your nanny changing your child’s diaper in the grass or on a park bench? What are the approved locations for your potty trained/training child to use the bathroom? Can your nanny leave your child with a trusted nanny or mom friend while she goes to use the restroom for herself or should she bring your child with her?

Strollers
Is nap time allowable in the stroller? Do you have concerns with blankets tied above the stroller for shaded naps? Do you have a clip-on fan for the stroller? Discuss the length of time which is developmentally appropriate to have a child awake in the stroller vs. mobile and free to move around.

Food on the go
Is it allowable for your baby to have a bottle and solids on the go? A picnic lunch for older children? Are they allowed to have ice cream and other cool treats? If so, how often and do they need permission from you? Will you leave cash for the nanny to use or should she submit receipts for reimbursement? And please discuss with your nanny the importance of food caution with allergens (peanut products in particular) and the unintentional dangers that feeding your child outdoors can cause to others!

Weather Advisories
What temperature or conditions are you not comfortable with your child being outside: air quality alerts and/or extreme heat advisories? Will you inform your nanny of any unsuitable conditions daily or should she check a weather tracker?

Outdoor Preparation and Safety
·     What should your nanny bring outside? Some items to consider: a cooler for snack and cold water; cash for emergencies; sunhat, sunscreen, spray bottle, fan, etc.
·     Discuss animal safety such as: Animals (wild and domestic) and insects in the parks. What should she do if she finds a tick on your child? Are you comfortable with your child petting a strangers’ dog with your nanny?
·     Do you have emergency contact and medical information in the stroller or diaper bag so someone can reach you in case your nanny loses her phone or in the event that your child or nanny has a medical emergency?
·     Phone use: now is a good time to remind your nanny that being distracted on their phone is a safety concern for your child, and to reiterate the importance of engagement with your little one.

Parents often assume that the nanny knows what the family wants as “common sense” (you know the same way I assume my husband know what I want without telling him-haha!). But having a sit down to lay out all your expectations up front will be so much healthier for the relationship than waiting until a concern arises.
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Have a question about your nanny or how to find a quality nanny? Reach out anytime hflanders@choice-parenting.com or learn more at www.choice-parenting.com

Let's face it... mornings are tough for many of us! They were difficult for me before a child but now with the sleepless nights and a little monkey that somehow always ends up in our bed by morning, its really impossible to get out the door early with ease. Even if you are a morning person and your child sleep well in their own bed, getting your family moving fast enough to get out the door at a set time each day can be stressful.  So lets consider the pros and cons for daycare and nanny for the morning routine. 

Childcare is not one size fits all. Some families love the structure and social aspects of daycare, while others find the flexibility and attention their child receives with a nanny something they cannot live without. Making the choice between daycare and nanny care is not always simple as both options come with benefits and challenges. During my childcare coaching sessions, I emphasize to families the importance of understanding the industry standards, assessing the details of their family’s needs and parenting style and educating themselves beyond the commonly discussed pros and cons of daycare vs nanny to find the best match. This series was created not to suggest that one type of care is better than the other but rather to point out some of the differences that you may have not thought through to assist you in making the best decision for your family.

Giving a child time to explore nature and the world around them has so many wonderful benefits! I could write all day long about the value of outdoor play in the heath, development and education of young children but so many experts can communicate the scientific findings and reasons why it is essential for children to have regular expose to nature better than I can. Here are a few of my favorites articles that I encourage you to read: 

• Why Playtime Is An Essential Part Of Childhood Development
• The Importance of Outdoor Play and Its Impact on Brain Development In Children 
• ​The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children
• Quality Outdoor Play Spaces for Young Children 

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One of the biggest mistakes that I see parents make when searching for a nanny is that they jump directly into their nanny search by asking other moms for “good nanny” recommendations and start interviewing candidates without first taking the time to communicate the basics of the job, family preferences and budget. While I empathize with a parent’s anxiety to find a “good nanny” quickly, the interviewing process will be a whole lot less stressful and time consuming if you slow down and follow these simple steps before you begin the nanny interview process.
 
Step 1:  Create a Nanny Wish List and Job Description
Before you start your search, you need to first identify and clearly communicate what type of nanny you are looking for. Of course, you need a nanny who is safe, reliable, loving and attentive to your child but let’s think beyond those important characteristics (as they should be a prerequisite for any caregiver) into the basics of the actual employment. Take the time to write out:
 
“The Non-Negotiables”: Requirements that a nanny candidate must be able to fulfill to apply for the position

• What is the location of the job, schedule and level of flexibility needed?  E.g. UES (86th street N,Q train); M-F; 8-6pm with flexibility to stay later 1x a week
• When is the start date for job? E.g. Start date 2/15/17 with 2-5 days of training before official start
• What is the desired experience and/or educational level that you prefer? E.g. 5+ years working as nanny in NYC; recent experience with twins and/or young babies
• Do you need someone with the ability to be paid according to the legal standard? E.g. Must be eligible to work in the US and be paid “on the books”
• What household responsibilities are needed beyond the basics of childcare? E.g. Child-related and light housekeeping
• What skills are necessary: E.g. driver’s license and clean record; CPR certified; ability to swim, speak “X” language, provide homework help?
• What provisions are required for the job? E.g. A car to use on the job; able to work with a dog or cat in the home; willing to abide by special dietary rules of your family (Kosher home, allergies, healthy/organic food

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“The Wants”: Things that would be preferred but the inability to provide these things will not immediately disqualify an otherwise qualified nanny E.g. Can babysit one Saturday night per month for a date night; ability and willingness to prep or cook simple meals for your family; physically fit or athletic to play sports with kids; willing to do family laundry

“The Extras”: These are non-essentials but they make a strong nanny candidate look amazing! E.g. Willing to travel with your family on occasion; able to teach your child piano; able to develop a curriculum plan for your child’s education; ability to work as a weekday live-in nanny during the summer in the Hamptons

Step 2: Research the Nanny Market

• What outlets do parents use to find nannies in your area? E.g. Care.com; Facebook parenting groups; nanny agencies; local job websites; communication boards, etc.
• What is the local average hourly rate for a nanny with a similar number of hours weekly, same number of children, household needs, special skill requirements, experience/ educational background; payment situation (on or off books)?
• Educate yourself on your legal obligations and the costs for employing a nanny: taxes; insurances; hourly minimums and overtime guidelines; payment frequency and record keeping. (I highly recommend contacting www.homeworksolutions.com, when you mention “Choice Parenting” they offer a free nanny tax consultation plus $100 off your payroll costs. During the consultation, Homework Solutions will talk you through the cost of paying on the book, the deductions available, flex spending accounts, your responsibilities for record keeping, checking immigration status, and insurances; plus the overall benefits for paying legally and the risks if you do not)
• What benefits are typically offered to nannies in your area? E.g. vacation, holidays paid; guaranteed hours; paid public transportation; sick and personal days; meals; annual bonus; etc.

 
Step 3: Write a detailed “Help Wanted Ad” with an overview of your position’s needs

• Build your job post so that it includes the non-negotiable requirements of the position and any strong “wants”.
• Post a compensation range that includes both the hourly and weekly “take-home” (net) pay. Why? Don’t waste your time with candidates that are out of your budget!
• If you are planning to pay on the books, include this in your ad
• Post your ad on care.com, Facebook groups, mommy boards, craigslist or any other outlet you chose to use for advertising.
• Create an ad that you can send via text message to nannies that were recommended to you and did not directly apply for the position or see your advertisement

 
By clearly identifying and communicating the basic needs for your job, you will not only weed out individuals who will not be a good fit but also create an interview environment that is focused on getting to know the nanny’s experience level, child-rearing style, personality and discuss the most important part of the job… your child!
 
To learn about Choice Parenting childcare coaching sessions and receive guidance as you begin the nanny interview process to hire a quality nanny for your family contact Holly Flanders for a free phone consultation.

Have a question? Or want to host a similar workshop? Please reach out to Holly Flanders: hflanders@choice-parenting.com

​Hiring a nanny or babysitter to care for and protect your children while you are away can be unnerving for any parent whether you have an infant or school aged child. While there are many steps you can take to ensure you hire a quality caregiver, parents often wish there were more ways to monitor their child’s well being throughout the day.  Is your nanny doing what she says she is? While outside are they going where she says they are? Is your child’s best interest at the forefront of their caregiver’s mind?

While the end goal is to trust your nanny- trust is something that should not be given freely but rather is something that grows over time, with relationship and a history of reliable behavior.  Nanny cameras are a great tool to check in on your child while in the home but how can parents know what is happening once they leave the house?

1. Know what type of nanny your are looking for and can afford: level of experience, educational background, what type of personality, child raising philosophies, physical activity level, and more.
2. What type of employment relationship do you hope to have with your nanny- strictly professional, trusted family member, or somewhere in between. Be clear about the style of communication and level of comfort you prefer to have with your nanny.  There is not a right or wrong but it can’t be hard to take a step back in the openness of your relationship once you have set a routine.
3. Write out the details of the job and employment expectations in a "Nanny Contract". What are the job responsibilities? What is the compensation? What parenting style do you want your nanny to uphold? What are the employment policies? Household rules? Privacy and confidentiality? Safety and emergency situations? 
4. Background check! A private Investigator is not as extreme or expensive as it sounds ( $200-$250). Unlike a cheap online background check, a licensed PI will be able to pull information beyond the public records and criminal conviction. Also don't forget to phone interview references AND previous employers- do not accept letters of recommendation. Do your due diligence and fact check. Be aware of family or friends giving fake employment references and question gaps in employment history.
5. Nanny Cameras are something I highly recommend having and telling your nanny about. Nanny cameras can and should be used for more than just preventing abusive behavior but also as a quality control check. You will be able to tell a lot about your nanny’s character, how satisfied or happy she appears, her attentiveness and relationship with your children and overall how she performs her job .  It will also allow you to communicate things that may not be wrong but not necessarily how you would prefer them be handled with the kids or household.
6. A written dress code: what type of attire should your nanny wear to work daily? Will you be comfortable with your 20-something year old nanny in a sexy two piece at the pool with your children and husband?  If she is a live in nanny what is or is not appropriate for her to wear after hours? Or is it simple things like you don’t want her to wear perfume with your infant or she needs to be prepared with clothes and shoes that she can play basketball and be active with your children.
7. Take inventory of valuables, medications, alcohol, and sensitive informations such as passports, financial records, social security numbers ( for your kids too!), credit cards and junk mail.

If you or someone you know is planning to hire a nanny I would LOVE to help!  I offer free phone consultation to discuss your situation and the benefits of my affordable childcare coaching sessions which can be done in person or over the phone.  I will give you the tools and teach you the best practices to find, hire and keep a nanny that matches your unique family! Call or email today!