Choosing Us Nannies by Nanny Frankie

So it is. This world we live in today forces most of us to work for a living. We found our partners, had our little "bundle of joy" and now we need to work and buy all the "stuff" we need. We need a car seat, we need a crib, we need a stroller, we need cloths, we need bottles, we need! we need! we need!! Don't even think about what we want. Not yet anyway.
Our maternity leave in Israel is usually 3 months. In the US only 6 weeks. Every country varies the amount of such time. Whatever the amount of time leaving your one for a kind perfect baby with a caretaker is no small task, NO SMALL NEED! What really matters to almost everyone is peace of mind and someone you can trust with our precious child. If a grandparent is willing and able to give you this care you are sssoooo lucky! Many grandparents are unwilling to be a full time babysitter. Life holds new horizons for your parents. The love is there but they now have a life of their own. Been There Done That, but always around to help and do love! Just don't feel bad if this is not your option. Relatives are of-course the best but if none are available - on to plan B.
Who will take over?

Nanny searching should start months before the care is needed. The best network is word of mouth. Good nannies are well known in the neighborhoods within your cities. Even before giving birth ask the "stroller pushers" a few questions. Are you a grandmother? Are you a nanny? How long have you been with this child? Hang around the gardens and observe the nannies. You will gain valuable information just by watching how the mothers, grandmothers, fathers, and baby sitters interact with each other and each other's children. Trust your instincts. The nannies know each other and they also know who does a great job and who does not. Don't be shy and let them all know you are interested in help within the next few months. Discover what you like about how the caretakers handle their children and what you do not like. A little self education goes a long way. You will learn who is free to start a new job and when. The Internet also will give you information and you will find agencies more than happy to find you a nanny. (YES - it does cost money with agencies).
Once you have an idea of exactly the kind of person you would welcome into your home, the real search begins. What to look for in an interviews is another story. Maybe nanny Frankie can help you and the nanny look for the right match. ~ See yah next time, Nanny Frankie.

p.s. Just to let you all know - MONEY is the VERY LAST thing for discussion!

Comments

Unknown said…
Good entry, thank you. I'm glad to read something like this in the Israeli blogosphere.

Maya Norton

The New Jew: Blogging Jewish Philanthropy
Anonymous said…
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