BE AN ALL-STAR NANNY AND KEEP YOUR JOB!

Here you are, you found a nanny job that fits you. How do you keep it? How do you become the all-star nanny that every parent finds indispensable? Here are some tips to help you understand how to be a good nanny.

Be On Time!

Your employer is counting on you. Learn to be punctual and flexible especially on time as most employers are keen. Once given the time to report always adhere to it and in case of any inconvenience, be sure to mention before you commence working. Do not interfere with the parent’s program. Try as much as possible to maintain a good working and cordial relationship.

No Fibbing.

Call as soon as you know that you are running late, or will not be able to work due to illness. Plan your personal days. Do not call in sick at the last minute the day after a concert; ask for that day off with ample notice. Your employer plans his/her professional schedule around your work; they need time to shuffle commitments too. Be honest and up front. Dishonesty is the single biggest reason a nanny loses her job.

Anticipate and communicate.

Running low on diapers? Used up the last of the milk? Let your boss know. Need to schedule a routine doctor’s appointment. Ask your employer before you schedule if there are times that might work better for them unless it’s an emergency. Don’t walk into work and announce you need to leave the next day for a scheduled appointment. This impacts your employer’s work and career too!

Be Positive.

A smile and cheery attitude is contagious. Every job will have challenges at times. Before bringing a problem to your boss, consider possible solutions. Propose the solution that you feel works best, and be open to your employer’s point of view. If you have a problem and just want to complain, moan and groan to a friend instead.

Don’t gossip

Respect your employer’s confidentiality. Never post anything on social media that you would be embarrassed if your employer knew. Don’t post photos of your employer’s property unless you have been given permission to.

Recognize Opportunities to Help

Always volunteer when you can. You can offer to pick up or do some shopping at the market when you are out for a walk. Leave your employer a note or add to the family grocery list anything that is missing. Offer to prepare a simple at times even if it is not in your to-do list.

Respect Boundaries!

It is important to remember that, you are NOT a member of the family, it is a job. Behaviors, attitudes and issues appropriate for discussion in your private home with your family need to stay there. Don’t bring your fights to the workplace, and don’t interfere or in any way comment on the relationship between your boss and the family. Boundary issues are a two-way street. Sometimes it is you or the employer who is crossing the line.

Not Your Job?

In every job YOU occasionally need to do something that is not your job. If it truly is a once-in-a-while kind of thing, do the task without complaint. When your employer asks you to do something a little out of the ordinary, do not take offence and never say to your boss that it is not in your job description to do it.

It’s All about Attitude

A flexible “can do” attitude is valued in an employee. Life is not predictable all the time. An employee who is adaptable and capable of adjusting to a last minute change of plans is a treasure.

This post is from Nairobi Nanny, a company that offers experienced house managers and nannies. For more information email us on info@nairobinanny.com or call +254708518470.