How To Become a Nanny and What You Need to Know To Be A Great Nanny

Raising children is a huge responsibility whether you are the parent or the caretaker who decides to assist the parent. By taking on such a responsibility you are agreeing to do the best job with the tools you have, such as patience, love, nurturing, imagination, etc. These are all necessary tools in order to become an effective nanny or babysitter. There are also a lot of things that you need to keep in mind, before making a career as a nanny. For one, there are many things that cause frustration between employer and nanny that can be easily avoided by being prepared prior to beginning your employment. First off, realize that these children are not yours, decide what you expect as far as income and other benefits and get it on paper, and finally be aware of age appropriate tools that are out there to help each child in on their own level grow and mature.

Raising Children With Their Parents Morals and Values

No matter how long you are with these children, no matter how much the parents love you, the bottom line is, these children are not your children. You need to be aware of the parents values and morals, and make sure that you are raising the children by their parents standards. If you think it's important to explore the world, but the parents are very worried about safety, you may have to go against your gut, in order to make sure that the child follows the parents rules. By not following the parents rules, you will not only confuse the child, but the parents will eventually find out and possibly get mad. For instance if you let their child climb a jungle gym you know the parents would not feel is safe, and they fall and get a cut. No matter how minor the parents may begin to feel they cannot trust you to watch their child with the level of care, they require.

Another biggie is spiritually. Make sure you are on the same page as the parents. For instance, don't sing "Jesus Loves Me," to a child whose parents are atheist. Even if you are both the same religion, there are going to be things that you may find you disagree, and be careful teaching children truths you believe that may stray from the parents beliefs. The Bottom line is these are not your children. You may want the best for them, but it doesn't really matter what you think is best. It matters what the parents think is best.

Disciplining Children By Their Parents Guidelines

First of all, never ever ever use any form of physical punishment like spanking. Here are some great ideas of effective non-spanking disciplines. Even if you avoid these kind of disciplines you still need to make sure that you are on the same page of disciplining as the parents. Make sure you discuss with them what kind of punishments they use as well as for what for. This will allow the children to know that regardless if they are there or not, the discipline will be the same. Model their tactics to a degree that you feel comfortable. If you want to try something new that you aren't sure you should, make sure you discuss this with them. But be careful on how you phrase it, especially if you have just started the job and the trust has not been solidified, because they may feel you are criticizing their parenting.

You Will Disagree With Your Employers

Now, do not be naive. No matter how similar in background, beliefs, or what not, you are going to disagree with your employers on some aspect of their raising the children. As long as you do not feel you're integrity or beliefs are being compromised, then you need to make sure that you are following the parents wishes. These kids are not yours. If you do feel your beliefs are being compromised, then maybe this is not the job for you.

Do You Want to Be Self Employed or an Employee

The difference between being self-employed and an employee is that a self-employed nanny has to take out their own taxes, as an employee the people you nanny for does it for you. I have done it both ways, and it has been fine both ways.

Caution to the self-employed nanny, you need to make sure that you are setting aside a portion of your paycheck. I have found setting aside 30 percent has been more than sufficient. You also want to keep track of your mileage you do for work, as well as any expenses that you incur yourself. You will be able to use these as tax-deductions at the end of the tax year.

Caution to the employed nanny, you need to make sure you are being compensated at a level that you feel comfortable. This is addressed in the next section.

What Do You Expect as Far as Wage, Overtime, Vacation, and Benefits

There are things to think about aside from just your wage. Do you expect paid vacation time? Do you expect to be paid for overtime? Do you want to get benefits? Do you expect yearly wages? Among many other things to think about. Take a moment before interviewing for a nanny position at what you expect, and make sure you discuss these things during your interview, so that way there are not any surprises once you are employed. But the most important part of this decision-making is to GET IT ON PAPER!

Get It On Paper

There are many reasons to get it on paper. This doesn't mean either they don't trust you or you don't trust them, it is a sure way to make sure you are both on the same page (no pun intended) as far as these issues go. It should be a written contract that you both sign detailing each of these. This will ensure that if they refuse to give you a raise or pay you for your vacation time, that you have proof that you had agreed on such things. If you do not get it on paper, there is no sure way you are guaranteed these benefits.

Learn What Is Appropriate Physically, Emotionally, Socially, etc.

Now here is my favorite part of the whole nanny part, the fun stuff. But for it to be truly fun, be very aware of what is expected at different levels. You can find this on many sites that discuss child development. Try to make sure, at the minimum that the children are stretching themselves to meet the age expectations for their development level. If not, learn new ways to make sure that they are capable. Also, by being aware you will know whether the children are falling behind in an area.

Find New Games That Boost Age Appropriate Learning

There are so many educational fun games out their for children. Just google the age group and type in games and you will come up with loads (looks like a new hub is on its way). For instance, "preschool games," "toddler games," or yes even "baby games." Choose the games that you feel the children could most benefit.

Choose Educational Tools that Are Grade or Age Appropriate

 Now personally, I love helping with homework, and I love putting together pretend school-time. Through my own little research, I have been able to teach the children to read by age four, add by age five, and much much more. It's one of the most rewarding aspects, because you see visual proof that you are making a difference in their lives. If you want to buy workbooks or art craft supplies, ask the parents if they are willing to pitch in the money for it. Chances are they will be more than willing. Especially if they don't have to do the shopping for it. But you do want to make sure that you are on the same page as far as how much to spend and what exactly you are buying. So there are no upset feelings over a confusion.

 No any person who has ever desired to do this should definitely consider doing this. But make sure that you think through several things thoroughly. It is probably one of the most rewarding... and hard jobs out there. You will find that it is possible to love children so deeply that are not your own. You will find a bond that you can't find in any other job. It is a life-changing, rewarding job!