In times like these, when the economy and job stability seems uncertain, it is important to stay positive and to think of ways that you can excel in your job.

At Town & Country, we have been helping families hire household employees for over 25 years. From that experience, we have learned the characteristics families’ value about their Nannies. We want to help you be as successful and feel as secure as you can by sharing some of this knowledge. Here is a brief glimpse at what qualities stand out to clients and what you can do to incorporate these attributes into your Nanny position.

1. Excellent references.
	Maintain contact with past employers. An easy way to keep in touch is sending a Holiday or birthday card for the child.
	“Rose still comes to see my daughter even now that she no longer works for us, which makes my daughter feel so special!”
2. Education or training in child development.
	Read one book a month on child development, child psychology, nutrition, or activity suggestions.
	Enroll in an Early Childhood Education class. Most Junior colleges offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes.
	Don’t be afraid to discuss the child’s developmental needs with the parents.
	“Kate cares as much about my son’s development as if he were her own child.”
3. Strong communication skills.
	Keep a journal or log about the day you spend with your charges.
	Offer to check in with a parent at the end of the day and schedule a monthly check-in to go over what is working and what’s not.
	“I loved that Jessica took the time to tell me cute stories about the day!”
4.  A pitch-in attitude.
	Look around the house and assess what would be helpful for this family. Perhaps do a load of laundry, unload the dishwasher, or organize the child’s toys.
	“It was such a relief to come home at the end of my work day and find the house tidied up! I don’t know what we would have done without Louisa.”
5. Interest in a long-term commitment to a family.
	Honor the length of time you agree to stay with a family.
	Be forthright with the family about your future plans.
	“I felt so lucky to have had Melinda care for Ben from when he was an infant to when he started preschool. She was so influential in his development and I loved having the consistency of a single Nanny for him.”

 

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