6 tried and tested tips to help your children get used to a new nanny
Bringing a new nanny into your home is a big step, especially if it’s the first time your children will be cared for by someone new.
It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and trepidation - after all, you want the transition to go as smoothly as possible with minimal tears (and not just from the children!). That’s why if you’re going to ensure the onboarding process goes well, you need to make sure you handle the introduction of your new nanny to your children properly.
After all, it’s a big change for them - and for you - so it’s essential that you take the time to navigate the process. Luckily, as a specialist children’s nanny agency, that’s where we come in! With years of experience matching nannies to our families, we can help you make light work of introducing a new nanny to your children.
So, whether it’s your first time hiring childcare support, or if you are bringing in a new nanny following the departure of your previous caregiver, read on for these tried and tested tips to make the transition as easy as possible!
6 tips to get your children used to a new nanny
1. Set clear rules and boundaries
When it comes to hiring a nanny, communication is key - especially in those vital first few weeks. It’s essential to encourage and establish clear communication between you and your nanny from the beginning to make sure the transition goes smoothly.
First, it’s important to define your expectations from the start so everyone knows where they stand. Doing so will make sure the process is smooth and that your children aren’t disrupted by change.
Before your nanny starts working with you, be sure to outline their duties, working hours, and any specific tasks you want them to help with. Additionally, we’d also recommend establishing house rules from the beginning so that everyone knows where they stand.
2. Keep communication open
But it’s not just about keeping communication clear between you and your nanny - it’s also important that your children know they can communicate what they are feeling during this period of change too.
Firstly, make sure you take the time to talk to your children about their new nanny and the role they are going to play in their lives. Explain what they will be doing, how often they will be with you, and share some fun facts about your nanny too to get them excited.
Kids are smart and will pick up on what you say - so keep things light-hearted and positive. Introduce the nanny by saying something like, “We’ve found someone really kind to help look after you. They’re super fun and will take great care of you whilst Mummy and Daddy are working.”
Make sure they know they can talk to you too, and give them the opportunity to ask questions. It’s also vital that they know their thoughts and opinions are important. You could also get them involved and excited by asking them what they are looking forward to doing with the new nanny!
3. Get to know them together
One of the most important things to do when hiring a new nanny is to spend some time getting to know them and socialising with your nanny before they begin working for you.
You could set up a couple of meetings at home whilst you’re around so your child can get to know your nanny in a relaxed, familiar environment. Perhaps you could do some baking together, or start a craft project. Alternatively, you might choose to head to the park together for a play, or visit the library with your nanny to pick out some new books.
By taking the time to get to know your nanny outside of working hours, you will not only be able to get to know your nanny on a personal level, but it will also demonstrate to your children that the nanny is someone safe that they can trust.
If you want to, you can then remove yourself for small periods of time to allow their relationship to flourish, whilst also reassuring and demonstrating to your children that you always come back.
4. Routine is your best friend!
You already know that routines are very important for children and that a stable routine can help them feel safe and secure. Well, this is even more important during times of change, so make sure you stick to routines during this period of transition.
From sleep times to mealtimes, make sure your nanny is equipped with all the information they need to ensure they don’t deviate from routine.
For example, do your children have storytime before they go to sleep? If they still sleep during the day, how long do they nap for? Do they have any special toys or blankets that they sleep with? Likewise, when it comes to mealtimes, what time do your children usually eat? Do they have a favourite dish? What are your rules on snacks?
By making sure your nanny is up to speed on your children’s routines, you can ensure that their schedule continues as normal - which will help to make the period of adjustment that little bit easier!
5. Acknowledge their feelings
There’s no denying that hiring a nanny is a big change, and it’s totally normal for both children and parents to feel a bit of anxiety or sadness during times of change. They might be upset about not having quality time with you, or they could be missing their old nanny or caregiver.
The important thing is to let them know it’s ok to feel what they are feeling and that you understand. Acknowledging their feelings shows them that they’re being heard and reassures them that you’re there for them through the adjustment - which will in turn make sure the transition goes smoothly.
Also, remember that as the parent it’s ok to feel emotional too! Trusting a new person with your children is a big deal, and it’s only natural that you might be feeling anxious as well. Make sure you give yourself some grace - and trust that it will all smooth out in no time.
6. Be patient
Finally, Rome wasn’t built in a day - and neither is a successful relationship with your nanny! Remember, when it comes to onboarding a new nanny, patience and planning is key.
It might take a few visits for your child to get used to their new caregiver, or it could take longer - each child is different. The important thing is to be patient and offer everyone support and reassurance along the way.
How Hummingbird Home Staff can help
To sum up, although hiring a new nanny can be a big period of adjustment, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Rest assured that with a little preparation, empathy, and some creative planning, you will be able to help your child adjust to this period of change.
And remember, if things get off to a rocky start, that’s completely normal. Your child is adapting, you are adapting, and so is the nanny - and with so much change, it’s to be expected that things might take a while to settle down.
There’s lots to think about when hiring a nanny, but rest assured that everything will work out in the end. And, if you need more help and advice, we’re here to help! At Hummingbird as a dedicated children’s nanny agency, we've got years of experience matching families to their perfect nannies, and we will be there every step of the way to make sure the transition goes smoothly.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you find the right nanny for your needs, as well as how our team can help make the process smooth as possible, from registration to onboarding, get in touch today.
