It’s only natural to dream of the “perfect” caregiver who checks every box on your list. Perhaps you envision someone seasoned with an impressive resume, and a background that aligns perfectly with your parenting philosophy.
But what if the ideal caregiver doesn’t fit neatly into the vision you had in mind? Instead, they bring something invaluable: an ability to connect, adapt, and nurture in a way that exceeds your expectations?
Breaking Down Stereotypes: What Makes an Excellent Nanny?
So you’ve decided it’s time you got to finding your perfect nanny. Close your eyes and picture them. Got it? You’re not alone. It’s super common for families to begin their nanny search with unconscious biases about what a “great” nanny looks like, how they seemingly read your mind and blend right into your household, and what’s in their endless bag of tricks. There are all types of stigmas and stereotypes about age bringing wisdom, youth bringing energy, a formal education bringing exceptional on-the-job skills, a British accent bringing the perfect blend of structure and a spoonful of sugar, etc.
What we’ve found to be true time and time again is that skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence define an excellent nanny rather than their age, appearance, background, etc. The best nannies out there:
- Create a nurturing, safe environment where children can thrive
- Thoroughly understand child development and tailor their care to the correct ages and stages
- Communicate effectively with both parents and children
- Adapt to a family’s unique lifestyle and needs
By releasing any preconceived notions about who your nanny should be, you open the door to discovering a nanny who could be your perfect fit where it really counts.
Finding the Perfect Nanny vs. Finding Your Perfect Nanny
Rather than focusing on on-paper traits and preconceived notions, families should prioritize the skills and qualities that truly matter. Keep these questions in mind the next time you’re looking for a nanny:
- Does this nanny align with my child’s needs and personality?
- Can they handle the daily responsibilities and schedule on an on-going basis, all the while contributing to my child’s development and growth?
- Do they have a track record of reliability and trustworthiness?
- How are their communication skills with both me and my children?
- Since nannies can’t be expected to read minds, do they seemingly have the capacity to learn quickly and ask for clarification when necessary?
Keeping an open mind throughout the search can lead to new discoveries about who might actually be a great fit for your family, as opposed to who you assumed would be. Meeting with and hearing perspectives from a diverse array of candidates just might lead to an unexpected match. A calm, patient, and structured nanny may be a better fit for an energetic child than someone who can match your kiddo’s energy levels. Someone greener to the industry who has a solid foundation and is eager to please and learn might be a better fit than a career nanny. It’s all about keeping your options open, even if a candidate doesn’t match the initial picture you had in mind.
Unexpectedly Perfect Nanny-Family Matches That Thrived
Many families discovered with surprise how well their relationship with their nanny flourished despite not being what they initially envisioned. Here are a few examples:
The Grounded Nanny for an Active Family
A busy couple assumed they needed a high-energy nanny to match their fast-paced lifestyle and kids’ active day-to-day. Instead, they found that working with a calm, grounding nanny helped balance out their household, leading to a home life that felt easier and smoother.
The Career Nanny vs. The “Newer” Caregiver
A family initially sought a super high-energy “big sister”-type nanny but ended up hiring a seasoned professional who brought decades of experience (and the know-how that comes with it) and routine. They found that their children thrived under the routine and guidance they only someone who’s seen it all could provide.
The Unexpected Personality Match
One family expected to connect best with a nanny who shared their background and interests. However, they found a wonderful caregiver whose different perspective enriched their home, broadening their children’s worldview and creating a dynamic learning environment.
Finding the perfect nanny isn’t about finding a fit to a mold. It’s about finding someone whose strengths, personality, and values align with your family’s needs. By keeping an open mind, focusing on skills, and recognizing the potential in unexpected matches, you may just discover that the best caregiver for your children is someone you wouldn’t have expected.