Raising Boys World

This post was submitted by Candi.

As a mother raising two very active boys, I considered my childcare options and decided to hire a nanny.
In addition to making my life easier, I recognized that a nanny can help in the development of my busy, curious boys.  I wanted someone who would focus solely on my kids – as opposed to daycare where caretakers are responsible for multiple children each day. I wanted daily activities to revolve around my boys’ favorite things, like swimming, basketball and going to the park, and found a nanny would accommodate their preferred activities.

Before hiring a nanny, I considered the qualities that were most important to me.   I wanted someone firm but loving, who would provide consistent routines. I view my nanny as part of my “core team,” and have asked her to reinforce and help implement my rules. I want her to encourage good manners, remind my boys to be kind to others and teach them new skills, while having fun in the process.

Since my boys are so active, I need someone who can keep up with the hectic pace. I’ve asked my nanny to plan “active” pursuits – such as sports, swimming or long walks – each day, to help my little guys release some of their energy.   She is wonderfully creative and plans something new every day – racing around a nearby track, a nature walk in a park, visiting a petting zoo or a trip to the local swimming pool.

My nanny also encourages some quiet time – such as reading books or coloring – each day. She teaches my boys important skills, but in a fun way.  For instance, she cleverly provides lessons about math while they’re measuring ingredients for cookies or muffins.

I learned some key lessons during my search for a nanny:

• Give yourself ample time to conduct your search.  You don’t want to “settle” for a mediocre nanny – if you’re not confident about the nanny you hire, you’ll spend tons of time and energy worrying about your boys while they’re in her care.
• Do your homework:  ask for references, conduct an interview, check their background and watch how they interact with your boys.
• Ask questions:  what’s her experience, has she worked with boys before, how would she fill their days, how would she handle a meltdown, etc.
• Find out your nanny’s schedule and availability, making sure it coincides with your needs.
• Determine whether your nanny is CPR certified and if she’s familiar with emergency procedures.
• Ask about any other special skills or experience that is important to you, such as lifeguard experience, working with special needs children, etc.
• Ask about your nanny’s childcare philosophy.  Will she support your preferences in terms of rules and discipline?  If it’s important to you that your children eat healthy nutritious foods, will she serve fruit – not Doritos – at snack time?

With some planning, research and strategic questioning, you will surely find a nanny that meets your family’s needs…and who can keep up with your busy boys!

Candi Wingate, President of Nannies4hire.com, is a mother who knows how hard it can be to find the perfect nanny. Nannies4hire.com provides a database is designed to assist families in finding a quality nanny for their specific needs and requirements and offer nannies an enjoyable employment experience.