Hiring a Live-In Nanny
Pay for nannies increased slightly during last year according to industry bodies.
The rise is driven by more women going back to work or cutting short maternity leave during the recession.
As they do, many are looking to employ a live in nanny to take care of their children.
However, if you make this decision, it pays to make sure you make the right choice.
Turning over care of children to another person - even for a short period of time - can be an emotional step.
In the case of a live in nanny it's even more important.
This is will be more than just an employer/employee relationship: you are inviting someone into your home; someone who, if everything goes well, will become an extra member of the family.
For this reason you should be extra careful when making the choice.
Some people choose to conduct the search themselves.
If this is the case make sure you do a thorough background check, for criminal and child abuse clearance.
Request at least two previous references and check these thoroughly.
Alternatively, you might want to use an agency.
Professional bodies such as these conduct their own research and can provide a certain amount of peace of mind.
However, when choosing the agency you should still be thorough.
Find out how they select their staff and what guarantees they offer.
A good organisation will charge significant sums for this service, so it pays to be picky.
Once you have made your choice it's time to think about pay.
With a live in nanny arrangements can be complicated.
Not only do they generally receive competitive weekly pay but they also get free room and board.
You will need to make sure there is a separate bedroom with bathroom available as well as making arrangements for use of the car.
Above all it's important to be welcoming.
You are recruiting an extra member of the family here.
The nanny should be invited on family outings and all events.
However, at the same time you should set boundaries.
Agree set working hours in advance.
If you require more than this then you will have to pay extra.
Don't expect them to be on call 24 hours a day.
Bringing in a live in nanny can be a huge step.
Because she or he will become an extra member of the family you make your choice on all sorts of different grounds: experience and professionalism, but also character and personality.
However, if you get the early stages right, it can be extremely useful for you and your family.
The rise is driven by more women going back to work or cutting short maternity leave during the recession.
As they do, many are looking to employ a live in nanny to take care of their children.
However, if you make this decision, it pays to make sure you make the right choice.
Turning over care of children to another person - even for a short period of time - can be an emotional step.
In the case of a live in nanny it's even more important.
This is will be more than just an employer/employee relationship: you are inviting someone into your home; someone who, if everything goes well, will become an extra member of the family.
For this reason you should be extra careful when making the choice.
Some people choose to conduct the search themselves.
If this is the case make sure you do a thorough background check, for criminal and child abuse clearance.
Request at least two previous references and check these thoroughly.
Alternatively, you might want to use an agency.
Professional bodies such as these conduct their own research and can provide a certain amount of peace of mind.
However, when choosing the agency you should still be thorough.
Find out how they select their staff and what guarantees they offer.
A good organisation will charge significant sums for this service, so it pays to be picky.
Once you have made your choice it's time to think about pay.
With a live in nanny arrangements can be complicated.
Not only do they generally receive competitive weekly pay but they also get free room and board.
You will need to make sure there is a separate bedroom with bathroom available as well as making arrangements for use of the car.
Above all it's important to be welcoming.
You are recruiting an extra member of the family here.
The nanny should be invited on family outings and all events.
However, at the same time you should set boundaries.
Agree set working hours in advance.
If you require more than this then you will have to pay extra.
Don't expect them to be on call 24 hours a day.
Bringing in a live in nanny can be a huge step.
Because she or he will become an extra member of the family you make your choice on all sorts of different grounds: experience and professionalism, but also character and personality.
However, if you get the early stages right, it can be extremely useful for you and your family.
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