Introducing Your New Nanny to Your Children

So you have finally done it! After many interviews, conversations, and long deliberation you have selected a nanny that meets all of your expectations. But, there so much is still to be done- there's the orientation to your household, explaining daily schedules for each child, mapping out drop-off and pick-up locations for after school activities.... and the list goes on!

And then there's the question of how your children will get along with the new person who will be spending so much time with them. How can you help both your nanny and your children to transition into their new regiment? Well don't worry, we have a few tried and true tips that will help your children feel comfortable with their new nanny, and leave your new hire feeling prepared and ready for anything.

1. Plan a Nanny Date

A great way to introduce everyone is to invite your new nanny for a "meet and greet" hangout before their first day of employment. This should be in a relaxed setting, perhaps with snacks and drinks. During this time, you can be casual with your nanny, encourage conversation with the children, and observe how everyone interacts. This will make the nanny's first day all alone with your children a bit more comfortable.

2. Have a Heart To Heart Talk

After the first week or so of your nanny working with your family, it may be helpful to talk with your kids about how they are adjusting. Ask them if they are having fun with the new nanny, what they enjoy doing most with them, or even what they like best without them and why. Through these questions, you can find out how your child is coming along, and encourage open dialogue as time goes on.

3. Give Up The Inside Knowledge 

Give your new nanny a head start by letting them know which activities, games, or places your children enjoy the most. Is your kid a newly confessed Wonder Woman fan? Suggest your nanny play a superhero game complete with arts and crafts costumes. Is there a new park in town that your family has yet to visit? Plan for your nanny and children to explore a new place together. Your children will be pleasantly surprised to find that their new nanny is a fan of all of the wonderful things that they are, what a great way to bond!

There are many ways for your family to welcome the new nanny, and ultimately you will know how to do so best. This is a very exciting time for everyone involved, so enjoy every moment of it! Soon enough, your nanny will become a seamless part of your family, and you will wonder how you ever got along without them.