Become A Nanny

100 Tips on Becoming a Nanny

Do you like children? Maybe you aren’t ready to have your own, but you’d like to care for someone else’s children. If the idea of becoming a nanny as a career appeals to you, then you want to make sure you know as much as you can about the field.

Educational Background and Personality

Although becoming a nanny doesn’t require a specific college degree, there’s no such thing as too much knowledge or experience. Likewise, certain personal elements can make it easier finding your perfect job.

  1. If you decide to work through a nanny service, some states have minimum age requirements. If you aren’t 18, you’ll have to wait.
  2. In addition to age requirements, agencies may expect you to have a minimum education of a high school diploma. If you are a high school dropout, the life of a nanny isn’t for you.
  3. Employment through an agency often requires proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are not a citizen and want to work with a host family, you can become an au pair.
  4. If you are not a U.S. citizen but are not looking to work with a host family, a green card or work permit is required.
  5. Certificates or degrees in child development make you far more appealing to families looking for a nanny.
  6. Degrees in education tell a prospective boss you can help children with homework and learning new skills.
  7. A degree in psychology, especially child psychology, may help you to understand the children you watch.
  8. EMT training or a nursing background can be very helpful and will likely impress prospective employers.
  9. Do you have a background in childcare? Have you ever worked in a daycare or babysat for younger siblings or neighbors? The more experience you have with children, the more attractive of a candidate you’ll be.
  10. A degree in business can help prepare you for the relationship between yourself and the family who hires you.
  11. Patience is absolutely essential in dealing with children. If you’re the type to snip at people over small things, consider a different career path.
  12. A clear criminal history is very important. Most families do background checks, and some will consider you a no-go even for a parking ticket.
  13. It might surprise you, but your credit history may be part of a background check. If you think all those late payments on your credit card only affect your ability to get more credit, think again: a bad credit history might make a prospective family feel you are too irresponsible to watch their children.
  14. Multi-tasking is always necessary with children. If you have trouble paying attention to more than one event at a time, being a nanny may not be for you.
  15. Punctuality is important for nannies. Whether or not you live with the family, if you can’t be on time, you won’t have your job very long.
  16. The ability to communicate openly and comfortably will go far in your career as a nanny. Parents like to know what is going on with their children; remember, you aren’t being a child’s friend by keeping secrets from their parents.
  17. Sensitivity to constructive criticism can make it difficult to be a successful nanny. Remember, you are the employee and the family is your employer; there may be times where they don’t agree with your practices. Don’t take it personally.
  18. If you have trouble forming bonds with people, the career of a nanny may not be right for you. Families will look for someone who will grow close to their children, like another member of the family. If you keep yourself at too great a distance, the children may never warm up to you.
  19. Within your background check, prospective families will likely investigate how long you remained with previous jobs, childcare-based or not. If you have a tendency to job-hop, families might not trust you to settle in with their children.
  20. A calm demeanor is important during and after the interview. Fidgety behavior, nervous action, and talking too fast can give the family the impression you’re too high-strung to be their nanny.
  21. When you first interact with the children (often at the end of an initial interview), remember to talk to them like kids. They aren’t adults, and they’ll take to you better if you understand what’s interesting and important to them.
  22. Even if you have a wild streak, remember you applying for (and possibly being hired for) a job with children. You’re going to spend long hours with them, and you should dress comfortably and conservatively. Your hours as a nanny are not the time to show off your risqué new outfit.
  23. Are you organized? Do you write everything down, or at least take notes for future reference? Being organized is a great characteristic for nannies.
  24. Perhaps you’re able to hide your anxiety from your prospective employers. However, if you really are a nervous person, or a person who panics at the first sign of a problem in any aspect of life, the career of a nanny may not be for you. Remember, kids are unpredictable—there’s a good chance you’ll encounter at least one unexpected event during your nanny stint! The more easygoing you are, the better the results of a potential calamity.
  25. As a nanny, you need to be flexible. Certain aspects of childcare should try to be scheduled, but don’t be too rigid. If you aren’t comfortable with spontaneity, learn to relax.
  26. If you have a tendency to use foul language, you may want to practice self-restraint ahead of time. Besides the initial interview, no family is going to want a nanny with a sailor’s mouth.
  27. If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, forget the career of a nanny until you have fully detoxed. Even then, families are reluctant to hire someone with a history of substance abuse.

Health and Nutrition

Caring for children means you need to have a grasp on what is and isn’t healthy for them. You need to be prepared for anything—they’re kids!

  1. If you don’t already have a CPR certification, you need to get one. Very few families will hire a nanny who cannot perform CPR.
  2. A certification in first aid is very helpful. Skinned knees and minor accidents are part of being a child, and you need to know how to treat a bee sting properly.
  3. Many children take medications for behavioral problems and minor ailments, such as asthma or allergies. You should know how to administer such medications as necessary, especially if you end up caring for a child who requires an Epi-Pen.
  4. If you’re a smoker, quit. Aside from your own health, you need to consider the health of the children you may watch; most parents won’t hire a smoking nanny.
  5. If you are dealing with very young children, keep the number to Poison Control handy. You never know when a small child will swallow something they shouldn’t, and Poison Control can instruct you in the proper steps to care for the situation.
  6. When dealing with children, hygiene is important. Practice proper hand washing techniques (at least 20 seconds in warm water) and try to monitor your charges to ensure they do the same.
  7. Consider creating your own first-aid kit. A personal kit will eliminate the frantic searching for bandages or insect bite ointment.
  8. Discuss a nap schedule or quiet time with the prospective family. Naps in young children can improve behavior later in the day and help with cognitive function.
  9. If the children you watch have food allergies, you need to acclimate yourself to reading food labels. Allergens may be hiding in the most innocuous places.
  10. Familiarize yourself with the nutritional guidelines set forth by the USDA. If a nanny job requires you to be with the children from sunrise until bedtime, you’ll probably be responsible for meal consumption.
  11. Create a simple recipe book of healthy, tasty snacks for children. Kids love to snack, but they often choose empty calorie junk food. Parents will appreciate your efforts.
  12. If you have a tendency towards unhealthy eating, you should acquaint yourself with healthier choices within your own habits; that way, if you have to cook for the children, you won’t be introducing bad habits that the children’s parents might not appreciate.
  13. Learn about special diets that you may encounter during your career as a nanny. Celiac disease, diabetes, and lactose intolerance all require alternative food choices and careful label reading.
  14. If you must care for very young children or infants, remember to keep foods soft and simple. Don’t try to feed a child with two teeth raw carrots.
  15. If the parents okay an occasional fast food meal, try to help the kids make healthier choices. It’s difficult to find healthy fare at a fast food restaurant, and even more difficult with children, but the parents will be grateful for your efforts.
  16. Remember to give children smaller portion sizes than you would adults. Their stomachs are only about the size of their fists.
  17. If the parents are adamant about the children’s diets, and the children are adamant about not eating something healthy, try the stealth technique: chop or grate up the offending food in something they normally eat and enjoy.
  18. If you’re caring for multiple children all day, it may be difficult to stick to a schedule; however, try to maintain one at least for mealtimes. Sticking to a routine for meals can help cut back on unnecessary snacking.

Salaries, Expenses, and Past Careers

Some people begin as nannies early in life, while others take on the task as a second career in their later years. Who is most likely to become a nanny, and how do the salaries stack up in your area?

  1. Salaries will vary greatly depending on the number of hours worked, experience level, and whether your status is live-in or live-out.
  2. If you are between 18 and 21, or if you have less than two years of childcare experience, the average salary for a 40-hour workweek is $350-$500 as a live-in, or $9-$12 an hour for a live-out.
  3. If you are over the age of 21 with more than two years of childcare experience but no prior nanny experience, the average salary for a 40-hour workweek is $400-$550 as a live-in, or $10-$15 for a live-out.
  4. If you have more than two years of experience as a nanny and a child-related college degree, the average salary for a 40-hour workweek is $500-$800 for a live-in, or $10-$18 an hour for a live-out.
  5. Nannies in large metropolitan areas generally receive larger salaries than nannies in suburban or rural areas.
  6. Areas in the U.S. with greater than average salaries include San Francisco, DC, Boston, New York, and New Jersey.
  7. Statistics show that affluent areas of the country with inadequate public transportation tend to have higher nanny salaries than other areas.
  8. The Fair Labor Standards Act requires live-out nannies who work more than 40 hours a week to receive overtime pay (time and one-half).
  9. Be sure you understand the difference between gross and net pay. If the family tells you they are paying you gross, you are responsible for your own taxes and deductions.
  10. Retired persons in fields of social work, education, and child development often become nannies.
  11. Individuals who have spent many years in the daycare field may take on careers as nannies.
  12. Some individuals take on a nanny career prior to a degree in another child-related field, such as pediatric nursing or childhood education.

Tips for Fun with Children

If the children don’t like you or don’t enjoy your company, your job may not be secure. It’s important to know how to entertain the kids, not just discipline and supervise them.

  1. Neighborhood parks are fun for children and free.
  2. If the children show a particular interest in a subject, suggest a trip to a museum that highlights that interest.
  3. With prior parental permission, set up an “art” studio outdoors, or indoors if there’s newspaper or a drop cloth available. Finger paints and watercolors are good for younger children.
  4. When it comes time for the children to clean up their rooms or perform an activity they hate, turn it into a contest for a small prize or treat.
  5. If going to the movies isn’t in the fun budget, bring the movie theater to them! Put in one of their favorite movies, pop some popcorn, grab some juice, and turn down the lights, just like a regular theater.
  6. Local libraries and bookstores often have Story Hour for children. Check their schedules and take the kids for a trip.
  7. With older children, try to take part in any video or computer games they play. Watch out for games with inappropriate content.
  8. Designate one day a week “cooking day.” Get the children to help you bake cookies or a healthy, simple snack. Kids love to help make treats!
  9. Teach the children about reusing old items as craft projects. Make milk carton bird houses, pinecone bird feeders, or aluminum can pinwheels.
  10. Make a Play-Doh volcano, complete with baking soda and vinegar. Teach them about science and have fun at the same time.
  11. If you are watching older children who are in school, make sure they do their homework, but reward them for correct answers. Offer five minutes of free time for every right answer they have.
  12. If there are multiple children with varied interests, give each one a day of the week to select that day’s activities. That way, no one is left out and everyone gets a chance to enjoy an activity of interest.
  13. Have the children select a favorite book and put on a play of the book. Kids love playing pretend and dress-up. Let them be creative!
  14. If you are with children who are older and capable of self-entertainment, help them find safe games on the internet to play. There are plenty of sites that don’t require personal information. Make sure the parents are okay with this beforehand.
  15. Try create-your-own story time. Start telling a story and have the children pick up from where you left off.
  16. Go “camping” inside. Use blankets and chairs to create a tent, use a flashlight as a campfire, and make s’mores in the microwave.
  17. Have a picnic. You can do this inside or outside. Just lay out a blanket and serve up some healthy, tasty snacks. Kids love anything that deviates from a normal situation (eating at the table).
  18. For young children, try memory games. Purchase or make sets of matching cards (keep pictures and colors simple), and have the children make pairs based on similarities.
  19. Play space explorer. Use an old cardboard box and have the children decorate their “space ship.” Set up a hallway with “space obstacles”, such as other boxes or toys. Let them push each other in the ship and see who can avoid the most obstacles. Whoever avoids the most wins a small prize.

Things to Discuss with Prospective Employers

It’s important to know the right questions to ask; that way, you avoid any confusion or problems later.

  1. Ask how many children and what their ages are. This may sound like a no-brainer, but don’t assume that there aren’t more children than you immediately see in the home.
  2. Is the family looking for a live-in nanny or one that leaves at the end of the day? Every family has unique needs, and you want to be sure you are a proper match.
  3. Find out if childcare is the only thing expected of you, or if they want a housekeeper/nanny.
  4. Discuss the number of hours you are expected to work, potential days off or vacation days, and how to handle any scheduling conflicts.
  5. Ask about transportation. Many families ask that a potential nanny have his or her own car and a clean driving record.
  6. Discuss an entertainment fund. Prospective families may or may not set aside a certain amount of money for you to take children out to the movies or to lunch.
  7. If cooking is part of the job description, inquire as to whether you will be making meals from scratch or simply heating up frozen foods.
  8. Sometimes, errand running might be expected. If you are asked to perform grocery shopping, discuss a budget and a detailed list of what is and isn’t to be purchased.
  9. Find out if any of the children have special needs. If you aren’t capable of handling a special-needs child, it is better to bow out gracefully ahead of time.
  10. Ask about treats or small gifts as rewards. Some families may not agree with such a practice, while others may respond enthusiastically.
  11. If you will be expected to take children to doctor’s appointments, make sure to get a medical history of the child and a list of any symptoms or signs from the parents.
  12. Remember to ask about disciplinary procedures. Some families will be happy to let you take a role in the process, while others will prefer you consult them.
  13. If you are expected to transport to children to and from play dates, appointments, or school, ask about a gas allowance. Some families will include this in your salary, while others may set aside a certain amount for travel costs.
  14. Discuss benefits other than salary. You may want to ask about health coverage, paid vacation days, and performance bonuses.
  15. If you are expected to clean, it might be wise to ask what areas of the house are considered your responsibility. You may only have to supervise the children in their own cleanups (or clean the room of very young children), or a family may expect all-over housekeeping.
  16. If you are interviewing with a blended family, inquire as to whether any absent parents have visitation rights. You don’t want to be caught off-guard in the middle of an activity with the child.
  17. Check if there are pets you are expected to care for in addition to the children. Some childhood pets, such as goldfish, require little work. Other animals may present a problem if you have allergies or a fear of certain animals.
  18. If you get to a discussion on salaries, ask about whether your employers will be filing tax papers on your behalf or if you must file as an independent contractor. Remember, you are responsible for tax withholdings if your employer wishes to pay you “out of pocket.”
  19. If you are going to be a “leave-at-the-end-of-the-day” nanny, find out if you are to feed yourself from the family cupboard or if you should provide your own meals. It may seem petty, but some families won’t be thrilled to discover you’ve been raiding their pantry.
  20. If you live a great distance away and are interviewing for a live-in position, inquire about relocation assistance.
  21. Ask about whether or not you will be expected to sign a contract of service. Some families prefer a minimum time commitment, usually about one year.
  22. It’s not a question to ask, but a strong piece of advice: offer up your references immediately. If you are forthcoming with your past references, prospective families will feel you have nothing to hide, and look forward to the praise delved on you by past families/employers. If you attempt to brush aside any inquiries about past jobs, it can signal your parting on less than amicable terms.
  23. Discuss which day of the week would be designated as payday, as well as the frequency of payday—either weekly or bi-weekly.
  24. Question whether or not you will need a work cellphone. Most families who want a unique number to contact you will purchase and pay for a work phone.
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