For many families, the prospect of hiring a nanny to help with childcare can seem daunting - it may seem like the more costly option, and it can be an adjustment to imagine somebody in your home on a daily or permanent basis.
But here at Good People we know, thanks to the feedback we get from our wonderful clients and families, that there are many, many good reasons to take the plunge and welcome a nanny into the home. We believe that the concerns which might have caused hesitation in the beginning soon pale in comparison to the rewards that having a nanny will bring.
What are our families’ top reasons to hire a nanny?
Flexibility and control
Having a nanny essentially means ensuring bespoke childcare adapted to your family’s individual situation, delivered in the comfort of your own home where your child feels safe and secure. You are in control of which days and times you can get help, rather than adapting to a nursery schedule or when your daycare of choice has availability. Also, when your child is ill you won’t have to take time off work to keep her home from school.
Less stress
Families with a nanny have less stress around their busy schedules - as your nanny comes to your home, you don’t need to worry about getting your child ready to leave in the morning as you prepare for your own busy day. As we all know, this can be one of the most difficult things about parenting! Likewise, at the end of the day you never need to leave a meeting or stop mid-task to fetch your child, because they’re already at home, being taken care of in their own familiar surroundings.
Extra support in the home
Although a nanny is not a housekeeper, having an extra pair of eyes, ears and hands in the home is a great support for any busy parent. A nanny might be the first to notice when certain supplies are running low, she will be there to take deliveries, and she can help with housework during the hours that the children are napping or out of the home. Coming home at the end of a busy day to a house that has been lovingly and expertly taken care of is a feeling that - our clients tell us over and over again - never fails to delight.
Individual attention for the children
Your nanny will spend a lot more time with your child than a caregiver at a nursery would be able to spend. She will notice if your child is feeling “off” or is worried about something, if the child’s sleep patterns are changing or if they have particular behavioural challenges than need addressing. She can also give individual attention when it comes to play, helping with homework or reading - the benefits of which will give your child an extra confidence boost.
They often have more experience than the parents do
Nannies are often highly experienced and have additional training that we as parents do not. Many of our Good People nannies have had training in CPR and first aid, they have vast experience with challenges your child might encounter - like potty training or, later, difficulty adjusting at school - and have developed their own effective strategies for childcare over time.
Regular date nights
If your nanny works in your home you can schedule regular date nights, or even the occasional trip away, knowing your children are being looked after by somebody you trust and they know well. This gives parents a sense of freedom that can feel impossible otherwise.
You can set the agenda for your children
When your child is at nursery or daycare, you have no real input into the flow of their day - they need to fit in with what all the kids are doing. At home with the nanny, you can be a lot more prescriptive about how they spend their time. It might be important to you that they spend a certain amount of time practising their musical instrument, or playing outside. You might want them to do their homework before dinner time, or have delegated quiet time for reading a book. You also have the freedom to arrange play dates with special friends in the home - there’s no need for your child to miss out on having friends to play while you’re at work. Whatever your priorities, you nanny is there to support you in ensuring they are honoured.
An extra person be loved by and to love in return
Many of our wonderful Good People nannies have been with their families for many years, and have become part of the family. Although nobody could ever replace a parent in a child’s mind, no love goes to waste. Having an extra person in the home to interact with, bond with and love your children - and for them to love in return - is the best gift you could give them.
Good People is a domestic staffing agency specialising in introducing high quality household assistance. We provide a simple, fast and professional service to recruit trained and vetted staff who match your family values. To discuss what we can do for you, or to join the Good People Club, get in touch today.