nightmare nanny

One Of a Parents Worst Nanny Nightmares

One of a parents worst nanny nightmares is probably finding out that your nanny is abusing your baby or child. It is a universal problem as discussed on a recent ABCs 20/20 when a mother, Whitney Matney from Springdale, Arkansas discovered just this. Read on for some of the ways a parent can protect themselves and their children from this danger.

nightmare nanny

  • Do an in-home trial. In addition to screening through interviews as well as employee references and background checks (these are necessary), it is essential to spend time observing her in the home prior to hiring. Remember, anyone can be great in an interview. During the trial, ask the nanny to do everything that will be required of her while you are out of the home. Observe her, leave, and pop back in unannounced. Have others drop by unannounced as well. If you have a video camera, monitor how the candidate is doing.
  • State the obvious. Early on openly lay down the laws at the outset for what you expect and what you will not tolerate. For example, you might say, “We do not want you to ever raise your voice or hit our child”.
  • Monitor. During the first few weeks, monitor your nanny.  If you do not have a camera, ask friends, family members or other babysitters to drop by unannounced often and regularly to see what is happening in the home.
  • Look for a child’s change in behaviour. if your child displays a radical shift in behaviour, immediately investigate. There will be some natural time to get used to a new caregiver but you do not want to overlook any changes in behaviour which can affect your child negatively down the line.
  • Create a work agreement up front. Your nanny’s main job is to care for your child. It is best to outline that cleaning or other household tasks should only be done when the child is sleeping. By creating a work agreement, you can talk through what is expected. 

There are many wonderful nannies out there and it is important to remember this, time to screen, monitor and communicate with a nanny can usually reduce the incidences of bad stories that one hears.

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