Characteristics of a great nanny

Whilst there is no set formula for what characteristics and qualities make a good nanny there are some standard elements that tend to be considered universal essential attributes.

Having said that, most importantly is that the candidate fits your family and needs.

Finding the right nanny not only depends on the individual candidate but it also depends on your situation and family circumstances as you will have specific things that you are looking for in a nanny, such as age, qualifications or being able to drive, previous experience, etc.

Each nanny will have their own set of knowledge, experiences and skills based on their past positions and/or qualifications and only you can determine if they are the right fit for you and your family.

Being a good nanny requires more than a genuine love of children. A nanny is welcomed into a family home and generally spends long hours with the children with no or limited supervision. Parents need to feel confident in their choice.

Compassion, understanding and reliability can be defined as paramount for a nanny to be professional, although there are other characteristics of a great nanny.

A great nanny will take great pride in providing and promoting the growth and development of the children in their care.

A good nanny will be nurturing, however it goes deeper than that.

• A nanny that takes a genuine pleasure in caring for children. After all they will be spending long hours with often just children so a genuine love of children is necessary.
• They seem to have the right fit for you and your family. There is no point employing a nanny based solely on their credentials and not based on the feeling you have with them.
• They should show that they are committed to all aspects of your child’s emotional, social and intellectual development. A good nanny should have at least a base knowledge of child development in order to provide developmentally appropriate experiences, activities and to foster your child’s growth and development.
• They can use their initiative and are imaginative in dealing with problems.
• They will share your approach to raising a child especially in relation to discipline, care and education.
• That they can work within the routines you have established for your child as well as within the family environment.
• They are able to provide on a daily basis for the child in an educational fun way with the activities, interactions that are not only suitable but stimulating.
• They are a good communicator and are able to keep you up to date with your child, what has occurred each day and if there were any concerns and/or issues. A good nanny will have good, open communication at all times to effectively relay and receive information.
• They are flexible. Working as a nanny is different to any other position and requires flexibility (within reason) for the interest of the child and to accommodate the family situation.
• Be an advocate for the children in their care.
• Have a great deal of patience and understanding. A child as they grow will go through many behaviours, moods and quite possibly many tantrums where a great deal of patience and understanding is required.
• Be responsible. As a nanny is in sole care of the child and responsible for their health and safety a good nanny with be a responsible professional.
• Confidentiality. A nanny will be privy to intimate family information and situations and must remain a high level of confidentiality at all times.
• Organised and self motivated. As a nanny role is a sole charge position it is imperative that the nanny is able to organise themselves to fulfill their duties, complete tasks and ensure the child’s safety and well being as well as continues to do the role as best they can.