Having a nanny is more than having a fulltime babysitter. Essentially, nannies become an integral part of our lives and family! Our nannies provide care for our children when they are sick and hurt, and allow us to have freedom in our careers! This close relationship needs to be based around the children, and their well being and safety.
As a parent, you need to think of things you can do to help your nanny be prepared in case of an emergency or accident, and find ways to work together in the best interest of the child.
One of the best ideas to be able to communicate with your nanny, not only during times of an emergency, but also for regular contact, is to purchase her a cell phone. Whether you buy a prepaid cell phone or add her to your cell phone plan, it is important she has one! With prepaid cell phone you simply add a dollar amount every month or so, and she can call you, the police, or emergency help if she needs it.
Most prepaid cell phones have web access to the account, so you can monitor phone usage and the phone calls made. You should make clear that this phone is for work and emergency phone calls only. Having your nanny have a cell phone will give both of you a feeling of comfort and safety, especially if she takes your children out of the home for any reason!
A GPS locator on the family car your nanny will be driving can also be a useful tool! Perhaps she is in an accident and can’t call you, or gets lost taking your children to a birthday party…with GPS you or the local authorities can locate her quickly and easily, and if there is an emergency, emergency responders can get to the site quickly!
There are also GPS devices that attach to your child! While at first thought, this may seem a bit overboard, think about how easy it is to become separated from your child – at the playground, in the mall…anywhere really. Even the most diligent parents have lost sight of their child for a few moments and then had a panic attack! My daughter used to love to hide in clothing racks and my heart always stopped when I couldn’t see her! These personal GPS devices can be worn as a necklace or bracelet, or attached to shoestrings, and in some cases, sewn into a jacket!
Communication is key in working with your nanny! Take time when you get home to discuss the day with her. Find out what she has planned for the next day, or get an over view of the following week! Keep a chalkboard or dry erase board in the kitchen, where notes can be left for each other. A nice touch is to leave her praise on the board so it’s a pleasant surprise for your nanny when she sees it!
A simple ‘We’re so happy to have you as part of our family’, or ‘The kids really love you! Keep up the good work’ will make her day! Don’t limit the board to reminders of picking up dry cleaning and grocery lists!
With technology and communication you and your nanny will be ahead of the game when it comes to keeping your children safe!