Welcome to Your New Role as a Kensington Nanny

Congratulations on Your New Position!

Starting a new role as a nanny is exciting, and it’s essential to ensure you’re fully prepared to meet the family’s expectations and needs. This document will guide you through the steps to take and the key questions to ask during your first days on the job to set yourself up for success.

Use This on Your First Day!

It’s crucial that you come prepared on your first day by bringing this list of questions with you. Over the first week, as you ask these questions and learn more about the family, be sure to write down the answers. Keeping notes will help you remember important details and better tailor your care to the family’s unique needs.

Understanding Family Preferences and Needs

Every family is unique, and even if you have years of experience, it’s important to tailor your care to their specific preferences. Being proactive and asking the right questions will help you deliver care that fits their lifestyle.

Onboarding Instructions for Nannies

Step 1: Ask About the Family’s Daily Routine

Understanding the family’s daily routine is crucial for consistency and structure. Key questions to ask include:

• What does a typical day look like for the family?
• What are the children’s usual wake-up, nap, and bedtimes?
• Are there any particular routines or activities you want me to follow?
• What times are meals typically served, and are there any dietary restrictions I should be aware of?

Make sure to write down their answers so you can refer to them throughout your time working with the family.

Step 2: Clarify House Rules

Each family has its own values and household rules. Make sure to ask about:

• The family’s policies on screen time for the children
• House rules regarding phone use and social media while working
• Preferred methods of discipline and how to address misbehavior
• Any household expectations, such as tidying up, use of certain rooms, or other rules

Document the family’s preferences so you can easily follow their house rules.

Step 3: Be Prepared for Emergencies

Knowing how to respond in emergencies is a critical part of your role. Be sure to ask:

• Where to find emergency contact information, including family members, doctors, and neighbors
• The location of the first-aid kit
• Instructions for handling medical emergencies and how to contact emergency services
• How to operate the home’s security system, if applicable

Keep these details written down in an accessible place for quick reference.

Step 4: Get to Know the Children

Understanding each child’s personality, preferences, and needs will help you bond with them and care for them more effectively. Ask:

• What are the children’s favorite activities, toys, and games?
• Are there any allergies, health conditions, or fears I should be aware of?
• Are there any developmental goals or skills you’d like me to focus on?
• How should I handle emotional needs like tantrums or separation anxiety?

Recording this information will help you provide personalized care and meet the children’s individual needs.

Step 5: Understand Household Responsibilities

Different families may expect you to help with different tasks. Clarify:

• What household tasks are expected of you (e.g., cleaning up after meals, laundry, meal preparation)?
• Are there specific cleaning or organizing standards you should follow?
• Should you be responsible for any errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning?

Writing down the family’s expectations will help you manage your responsibilities more efficiently.

Step 6: Establish Communication Preferences

Good communication is key to building trust with the family. Ask:

• How would you like updates throughout the day (e.g., texts, calls, or a daily log)?
• Should I provide a written summary of the day’s activities, meals, and behavior?
• If there’s a minor issue, do you want to be informed immediately, or should I handle it and update you later?
• Are there regular check-ins we should schedule to discuss how things are going?

Take notes on the family’s preferred methods of communication to ensure a smooth exchange of information.

Step 7: Support Child Development

Your role extends beyond caregiving to supporting the children’s growth and development. Discuss:

• Any specific developmental milestones or educational activities they’d like you to prioritize
• How you can support the children’s emotional and social development
• Whether the family prefers any structured learning (e.g., reading time, educational games)

Document these goals to ensure you’re aligned with the family’s expectations for their children’s development.

Your Role in Building Trust

A successful nanny-family relationship is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. As you begin this journey, consider these steps:

Be Observant and Adaptable

Pay attention to the family’s needs and preferences. Even subtle cues from the parents or children can guide how you adjust your care style. For example, if a child has trouble settling down before bed, you might modify the evening routine to be more soothing.

Be Open to Feedback

Encourage open communication by asking for feedback regularly. It shows the family you’re committed to doing your best and are willing to improve in areas where needed. Ask the family how they feel things are going, and be proactive in discussing any challenges.

Maintain Professional Boundaries

While forming a close bond with the family is important, it’s equally crucial to establish professional boundaries. Ensure that you and the family have clear guidelines about your working hours, responsibilities, and personal boundaries.

Continue Your Professional Development

Being a great nanny means being a lifelong learner. Look for opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge. You might consider taking professional courses through organizations like the US Nanny Institute, which can enhance your caregiving techniques and deepen your understanding of child development.

Final Thoughts

Your role as a nanny is an important one that can have a lasting impact on the children you care for and the families you serve. By coming prepared with this document, asking thoughtful questions, and documenting the answers, you’ll be well-equipped to meet the family’s unique preferences and needs.

Good luck, and enjoy your new role! For questions, please contact us at 561-923-0856.