You come home one night to hear your beloved, well-loved Nanny tell you she is moving on to a new family, even worse, it is a friend of yours! In cities across the country an invasion has begun, people are snatching nannies right before your eyes. Ok so maybe that is a bit dramatic but this is something watch out for.
Just as in an employment situation, you need to work at making your employee happy. Keeping a nanny happy enough to not be snatched up is often more difficult then a traditional boss has to worry about. This is someone who sees all the ups and downs of your life and your home. They spend more time with your kids then you do. Your employee is working when you aren’t even there to keep an eye on things, so what is a mom to do when so-called friends are lurking on the park bench luring your amazing nanny in to working for her? Here are a few tips that just may work.
1. Pay well
2. Be flexible when she needs time off and be generous with vacation time
3. Tell her how much you appreciate her and value her work
4. Don’t take advantage of her by having her do things outside her job description
5. Be sure she can talk to you about anything…even other mom’s wooing her!
6. Teach your kids manners, no one wants to raise bratty kids, especially if they aren’t your own.
In addition to being the best boss you can be don’t offer information freely to friends if they ask. It may seem like an innocent conversation, one mom to another, asking you about your great nanny or sitter. But you could end up nanny less and one friend short. Be direct, tell them your nanny is booked solid with your families needs, and even crack a joke to keep it light. It is hard to find someone you really, value, trust and respect with your kids so don’t be afraid to be selfish and hold on tight to that incredible nanny!
