Keeping Your Nanny Through (And Even With) a Nanny Surveillance System

Most parents who hire nannies will install a nanny surveillance system, no matter how simple it is. If you are one of these parents, then you need to know that most nannies know about hidden spy cameras, too. If you are fortunate to come across a nanny who accepts your surveillance measures, then you need to work on keeping her for as long as necessary. Here is how.

Mutual Respect and Professionalism

Nowadays, most agency-hired nannies have achieved secondary education and underwent special training. As such, you have to treat your nanny as a competent professional worthy of trust and respect. Since it takes two to tango, you have to work together with your nanny on this working aspect.

One way of showing respect is to install your nanny surveillance system in common areas within the house only. You need to allow your nanny her privacy by keeping off her bedroom and the bathroom areas.

Mutual Feedback

As parents, you have to provide feedback on your nanny's performance. Just as much as you are not a mind reader, neither is your nanny. You both need to discuss concerns regarding the children and the running of the house, which will be plenty during the adjustment period.

Similarly, you should appreciate the nanny's good performance by praising her. It need not be through material things but kind words of recognition will suffice. For both feedback and recognition, you can refer to your nanny surveillance system for details.

Written Job Descriptions

In order to avoid job misunderstandings, you have to formulate a written job description to which you and your nanny must agree on. In the future, both of you can refer to the written contract for salary increases and other concerns. Again, your nanny surveillance system can help you ascertain her performance.

Fair Salary

You need to pay your nanny on time since it is inappropriate for her to badger you about her pay. This is particularly true for nannies who have delivered on their part of the bargain. You have to perform your end, too - pay up on time.

For live-out nannies, you have to respect her hours. Avoid asking her to stay beyond the required number of hours since she has a life outside of your home, too. If you must ask her to extend her stay, be sure to give her adequate notice and to compensate for her overtime. For live-in nannies, you have to respect her off days. She needs to play, too.

If you forget about the days she went overtime, you can always refer to your nanny surveillance system.

Clear Expectations

You need to be very clear about your expectations regarding the children's discipline, limits and routines. You have to inform your nanny about the children's schedule of activities and how much flexibility she is allowed in altering the children's calendar. This way, fewer misunderstandings will ensue about who performs what duties regarding child-rearing.

When the time comes, your nanny will become part of your family. You will have mutual trust and respect, which could mean that your nanny surveillance system is unnecessary. After all, there is no need to doubt your nanny because she loves the kids as much as you do.