Enhancing Communication Between Nanny and Family

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” - James Humes

One of the most vital aspects of hiring a nanny is the relationship and communication between them and your family. This person will be caring for your precious children, have access to your home and belongings, and share a lot of time with your family. This can be a comfortable situation when boundaries are set and wants and needs are communicated effectively from both the family and the nanny. HoustoNanny has compiled 7 benefits of proper communication between family and nanny.

7 Benefits of Effective Communication Between Nanny and Family! 👊

1. Peace of Mind

When a family clearly outlines the job duties, expectations, wants, and needs they would like their nanny to perform, they are able to have satisfaction and comfort knowing their child is taken care of as they see fit.

2. Boundaries are Respected

By communicating clear boundaries, both the nanny and family are able to respect each other and be respected.

3. Problems are Solved

A problem that is never communicated will never be resolved. When either party is experiencing an issue, it is imperative that they speak up to have a conversation about how the problem can be approached and solved.

4. Growth is Faster

Growth will be faster in a few aspects with great communication. The growth of the children, the growth of the family, and the growth of the relationship between the nanny and family will all flourish.

5. Time is Managed

There are always going to be times where the parent or nanny is running late or needs an adjustment to the schedule. With time being such a valuable aspect of our lives, it is important that any changes to scheduling are communicated in a timely manner to avoid conflicts.

6. More Benefits to the Children

Through effective communication, children can receive numerous benefits. This includes having an ideal environment to play, learn, and grow. The children will also experience consistency, problem solving, and guidance.

7. Prevention of Errors

Errors can easily be made when duties aren’t clearly outlined, wants and needs are not addressed, schedules are not communicated, and problems are not addressed. Talking through details of one's daily agenda can be a great way to prevent any errors.

Here is a video that might help you:

A Guide to Communicating Effectively to Increase Relationship Satisfaction:

• 1.Talk Prior to Hire: It is imperative that all details of the hire are communicated before proceeding with the hire. For example, a nanny may not be comfortable driving children. If that is not discussed before she accepts the job, it would create a big issue.

• 2. Set Boundaries: Boundaries should be met on either side. A nanny may not be comfortable with having a parent overly involved while she is trying to perform her job duties with the children. A parent may say that a certain room in the house is off limits. Whatever each party's boundaries are, they must be communicated to be met.

• 3. Define Expectations: Will your nanny be required to clean, cook, or drive? Are there any other expectations that are outside of purely childcare? Defining these duties can avoid the nanny being surprised by extra expectations.

• 4. Ask Questions: As a nanny, it never hurts to ask questions and it is appreciated by the parents. This is especially true when it comes to discipline, learning, and behavior. When aspects like safety and proper guidance of one's child are at hand, it is always better to ask than to assume.

• 5. Discuss Scheduling: Time is crucial to everyone, and it must be respected equally. Giving maximum notice when one is going to be late or needs a day off is important in time communication.

• 6. Have Pre and Post Talks About the Day: Are there any special events going on that day? Will someone be early or late? Should the children be doing or eating something different? A quick morning conversation with reminders about the day's events and a post conversation about how the day went can be a great way to keep effective communication.

• 7. Bring Up Concerns and Compliments: It is important when a nanny or parents feel a concern either for the child or themselves, it is communicated promptly. Praise can be just as important as correction.

  Overall, communication really works wonders in so many aspects of our daily lives. With the safety and growth of children being so important, the position of a nanny is not one to be taken lightly. Communication not only prevents problems but facilitates growth.