Parenting Pointers: Tips for Choosing a Nanny

 

• Parents can develop peace of mind if they are able to trust their nanny to treat their child as their own. Having a nanny takes an invaluable amount of trust on behalf of the parents.

• Parents should expect the nanny to meet their family's needs, whatever those needs might be. Not every position is going to be right for every nanny; and the juxtaposition of that is not every nanny is going to be right for the job.

• I think it's important to remember that the person you hire, is an extension of you (the parent). Beyond that, you want the nanny to be similar to you in the areas that are important to you; and/or be able to carry out your expectations as fluidly and successfully as possible.

• You can certainly expect your nanny to be as candid as possible with you. This is not a typical job interview where so many questions are off limits. You MUST get to know your nanny and understand their background, experience, personality and values. Your child is going to be influenced by this person, and you need your nanny - in truth - to be a role model.

• It's also important for parents to do a background check and ask thorough questions to the references that their nanny-to-be provides.

• Something important to remember, in terms of expectations, is this: Your nanny doesn't replace your role as a parent. The nanny is there to carry out your values and expectations, care for your child, educate them, keep them safe, love them - among other things - but parenting must continue in addition to your nanny's influence on the child/children. You are still the parent. Your nanny doesn't replace the responsibility you have - the unspoken contract you make - when you have children.

Florence Ann Romano, The Windy City Nanny (www.WindyCityNanny.com), is a dedicated philanthropist and former nanny who has always had a special place in her heart for children. Romano worked for over 15 years as a nanny, beginning as a 'Mommy's helper' at the age of 11. She shares her experiences in Nanny and Me (Mascot Books, May 2015), her beautifully illustrated debut book for children making the transition from being cared for solely by their parents to having a nanny in their home.

 

Born and raised just outside Chicago, Romano earned a degree in performance theatre at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. She is the owner of Trinity, LLC - a 100% woman owned and new family company that runs the Original Six Media production company and the online publication TheSixThirty.com. Romano also serves as President and Founder of a junior board for young professionals that supports Autism awareness for children and adults.