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Nanny/Babysitter/Au pair or Housekeeper - Tips for parents

Nanny - Primary responsibilities

The nanny's primary responsibility is caring for the children. Nannies are able to assist families with errands such as dropping children off and picking them up from school, driving children to activities and occasional medical appointments, etc. If time permits, nannies may perform light housecleaning chores pertaining to the children's requirements, prepare children’s meals and assist with the children’s laundry.

Whether you work full time outside the home or are simply going out for the evening, you want the best possible care for your children while you are away from them. Before you hire anyone to watch over your children, however, make sure that he or she is a mature, experienced, and capable individual who truly cares about the welfare of children. Check all references, and make sure to observe the Nanny with your children.

Above all, ask your children about whether they like and trust the Nanny and what activities took place during your time away. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has prepared the following guidelines for parents in finding and training a Nanny and preparing your home for temporary child care. Also included here are important safety tips for you and your children.

Finding a Nanny

The best sources of child care information are the recommendations of family, friends, and neighbors. You may also advertise for a Nanny in the newspaper or through your local high school, church, or civic organization.

If you are new to the area, check the yellow pages of the telephone book (under "Sitting Services") for a list of child care services. Certain sitting services advertise that their nannys are "bonded". This means that the babysitting service has purchased an insurance bond that will cover certain damages or loss of your property. The bond most likely will not protect your children in any way, however. Determine whether the sitting service has made a criminal history check on or has otherwise screened its employees.

In some states, you may be able to obtain a listing of child care services through the County Office for Children or even the police department. Look in your telephone book under "County Government" or call your local police department.

Hiring the Nanny

Once you have made a list of possible Nannys, check their references carefully. Contact the nanny's past employers, teachers, counselors, relatives, friends, or neighbors and ask them about the nanny's qualifications for child care. Most important, interview several prospective nannys personally and observe their interaction with your children. Look for mature and responsible people who listen and respond well to your children and appear relaxed and happy with them.

Last, outline the Nanny's duties and responsibilities and discuss an imagined emergency situation and how he or she might react. When you decide on a Nanny who meets your high standards, discuss the hours and fees for service. Also write down his or her name, home address, and telephone number and, if an adult, the driver's license number.

When the Nanny Arrives

Carefully go over any family rules and daily routines, paying special attention to eating or sleeping arrangements. Take the nanny on a tour of the house, showing him or her any first aid equipment and all doors and possible exits. It is a good idea to discuss the family rules regarding television, snacks, and bedtime with both the Nanny and the children present. It is the parents' responsibility to let the children know what rules are to be obeyed when the parents are out of the house.

The Nanny should be given the following specific instructions:

• Lock all doors when the parents leave.
  
• The children should be watched carefully while they are awake and kept away from dangerous objects or chemicals and protected from household accidents.
  
• The nanny should not be permitted visitors or guests, nor should the nanny leave the children alone in the house at any time.
  
• When the children go to sleep, they should be checked regularly. The nanny should stay awake during his or her stay in the house.
  
• If the telephone rings, do not tell the caller that the children are alone with a Nanny.
  
• Ask the caller to leave a message for the parents.
  
• Do not open the door to anyone unless the parents have given prior permission. Ask to take a message.
  
• If the children are taken outside to the yard, they must be watched carefully. It is the parents' responsibility to let the Nanny know whom the children may play with or visit.
  
• If the children are with the Nanny in a public place, they must be watched carefully and not permitted to wander. Avoid sending the children to public restrooms alone.
  
• Make sure that you lock all windows and doors before you leave. When you return, if something seems suspicious (broken window or door), call the police immediately from another house.
  
  

When the nanny leaves

Most important, when the Nanny has left, talk to your children about what happened while you were gone. Ask them what games they played and about any other activities. Ask your children if anything happened that made them uncomfortable or afraid.

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