This past year has been like no other. As a busy parent, you’ve taken on many roles as mom or dad, teacher, sports instructor, chef and nanny all in one. Now that things are going somewhat back to normal, thanks to the vaccinations available, that means you can get your date night back with your spouse or head back into the office instead of working from home.
However, that means you need to find someone to take care of your children while you’re away. Finding the right nanny is already challenging. You want to ensure that they have all of the qualifications to watch over your children and that they’re able to do whatever else you ask of them. Doing this during a pandemic is even more tricky, especially with health restrictions and mandates.
If you have decided to hire a babysitter, then that’s great! Help is on the way! Here’s what you need to know about hiring a nanny this year. It looks a little bit different than in years past, but it’s still possible and much needed for you so you can take a break.
Determine Your Social Distancing and Masking Practices
What kinds of social distancing and masking has your family been practicing? You want to find a nanny that aligns with your safety and health needs. Additionally, when you interview the nanny, you should ask that same question of them as well.
This may limit or expand the number of nannies you interview. It’s essential to find someone that is going to hold up to your social distancing standards. Of course, if the nanny has to provide direct care with the children. For example, if you have younger children who need a diaper change, they can’t social distance, but they can still wear masks.
Consider If You Live With Anyone at a Risk of Getting COVID
When hiring a nanny this year, think about the people you come into contact with and if any of them are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19. If so, then you need to set boundaries with your nanny and ensure they follow any health measures you set.
Bringing in a nanny from another household or one that nannies other children may not be the best idea if you have someone in your home that is at serious risk of getting the virus. However, nannies are essential, especially if you have to go to work or cannot watch your kids. Again, ensure you’re setting clear expectations.
Follow CDC Guidelines
You and the nanny you hire are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Currently, these vary by state. Some states are open, and others may still require masks in specific locations.
Either way, when interviewing potential nannies, make sure that they follow the CDC guidelines. Mutually agree to follow safe hygiene practices. Perhaps your nanny will remove outdoor clothing at the door and wash their hands upon arrival. This will keep everyone safe and as healthy as possible.
Regularly Check-In With the Nanny
Every week, you should discuss with your nanny how things are going. This time during the pandemic has been stressful for everyone. In addition, your potential nanny has likely been out of work for a while due to COVID-19.
Ensure that your nanny is capable and comfortable handling your children. If taking care of children is too much with the added stress of the pandemic, you may need to seek someone else and encourage the potential hire to seek personal help.
Ensure You Can Trust the Nanny to Disclose Symptoms
Although every adult can receive a vaccine now, there’s still a chance that you can get the coronavirus even if you’re vaccinated. You can require that your household employee needs a vaccine if that’s what you desire for the safety and wellbeing of your family members.
When interviewing the potential nanny, ensure that you can trust them to disclose symptoms if there were to be a time where they think they have contracted COVID-19. Open communication about COVID-19 symptoms will be critical when hiring a nanny this year.
Additional Considerations When Hiring a Nanny
Besides the COVID-19 rules you set up with your nanny, remember to apply any other general rules and boundaries with your nanny. Here are some other things you need to know about hiring a nanny:
- Assess the nanny’s maturity levels and ensure that they can adequately care for your children.
- Ask the nanny if they can take your children to practices or events during the day.
- Ensure that the nanny is certified with things like CPR and other medical-related topics.
- Check the nanny’s background and references before hiring.
- Go over house rules and make sure the nanny has a complete understanding of your expectations while caring for your children.
- Be clear with the nanny about pay, vacation and time off.
- Start your search earlier than you think so you have time to decide on the right person.
- Hire experienced nannies who have a good reputation.
- Interview multiple candidates and have the potential nannies shadow your routine for a few days.
Keep these factors in mind as you search for someone to care for your children.
Finding the Right Nanny
Your kids deserve the best care. That’s why you need to understand how hiring a nanny may look a bit different this year. Do what’s best for you and your family as you navigate hiring a nanny.
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