Nanny and Family Compatibility

What Makes a Nanny and Family Compatible? 

For a family and nanny to be compatible, many aspects on both sides must be in alignment to make sure the work environment is ideal for everyone involved. From personalities and parenting philosophies to more logistical factors, there are many things to consider when choosing which nanny or position is right for you. 

Whether you’re a family looking for a nanny or a nanny on the hunt for their next position, below are some significant factors to consider when trying to find a match.  

Job Logistics Compatibility 

Days, Hours, and Flexibility

Starting off, both parties must be on the same page about the days and hours childcare is needed. If a family needs a full-time nanny, five days a week, and a candidate is looking for a position where they will work at most 30 hours a week, then they are not compatible. Similarly, if a nanny is looking for an afternoon-evening position and a family needs morning assistance, there is no need to pursue each other for the role. 

Another thing to take into account is how much flexibility a family needs from their nanny. Does the family travel often? Does a family need a nanny who is flexible enough to travel for days or weeks on end? Does a nanny need a dynamic and ever-changing work environment for them to feel fulfilled? Are they available to work occasional overnights and weekends? If all these aspects align with both the nanny and family, then it could be a potential match! 

Timeline

For a nanny and family to work, they both need to be aware of how long they’re looking for this arrangement to play out. If a nanny is looking for a long-term position, it won’t make sense to look at a temporary position unless it’s used as a stepping stone to their next long-term role. Similarly, if a family wants a nanny who can grow with their family, looking for a nanny who is willing to commit to multiple years would be a smart move. All parties need to be honest about timelines and what they’re looking for. 

Pay and Benefits

After getting scheduling, flexibility, and timelines checked off, it’s important to compare a family’s budget to a nanny’s expected hourly rate. This can clarify whether it’s a good fit for both parties. Sometimes, negotiation is required to bridge the gap between the two. Agencies do a fabulous job at handling these conversations. 

Just as some nannies expect a higher hourly rate due to experience, some nannies expect more benefits than others. Some require standard benefits such as two weeks of PTO & sick days versus some who expect health insurance.

If a family and nanny agree about schedule, flexibility, pay, and benefits, that’s a wonderful foundation to work with. Yet, there are still a few more things to consider before jumping in! 

Children’s Ages and Special Needs Compatibility 

When choosing a position, a nanny needs to have adequate experience with the age ranges of the children they will be working with. Whether that experience comes from a degree in child development, a course, or from hands-on experience, it’s essential to be well aware of the developmental milestones a nanny will be fostering with a specific family. If a family needs a nanny with special needs experience, that must also be communicated.

If a nanny does not have experience with the children’s age ranges in a specific family, it’s up to the family if they would like to take the chance on the nanny. Factors that could play into that decision are if the nanny has ample experience working for children who are a bit older than the children would be at the time of the start date, or if the family sees the nanny has some babysitting experience with that specific age. While occasional babysitting isn’t going to give nannies all the expertise they need to care for specific ages, it’s definitely a start and enough for some families to take the leap.

It’s also important for a nanny to consider what age ranges they prefer working with. Especially if the position is multiyear, the nanny should choose an age range that aligns with their experience. If they’re incredible with elementary-aged children, it may be a good idea to start with a family when the children are just getting out of their preschool years. 

Parenting Style and Philosophy Alignment 

One of the most important factors to consider when finding the perfect fit is parenting styles and parenting philosophy alignment. This will make or break a nanny and family’s compatibility - and rightfully so. 

Nannies and families should always be on the same page when it comes to discipline, redirection, and boundaries. If both parties overlook this aspect, it will lead to children being confused about what is expected of them and it will warp their sense of what boundaries and discipline look like. Families and nannies who practice consistent communication on how to handle situations that arise with the children set themselves up for long-term success making sure everyone is on the same page. 

Overlapping Interests and Passions 

When a family and nanny are considering each other, they should pay special attention to if their passions align. Some families have very special interests or hobbies and would work well with a nanny who can participate in those activities with their children. Does a family love water sports and frequent lakes and oceans? It would only make sense to get a nanny who is a confident swimmer. Is a family very musically inclined or artistic? Prioritize nannies who can tap into their creativity or who know how to play an instrument. If a nanny joins a family and their interests overlap, this will solidify a compatible fit.

If a family doesn’t have any special interests and is just flowing with the children’s interests, be sure to get a nanny who can foster those interests. This will cultivate an environment where the children’s interests can be nurtured.