Onboarding new nanny -- best practices?

[Anonymous]

We are about to onboard our third nanny (first nanny was a bad fit and we switched after 2 years; current nanny is my absolute dream but we are moving out of state) and I'm looking for tips for how to make it as smooth of a transition as possible for my kids.

When our second nanny came on board, my two year old was a little fussy for about two days but then quickly adjusted. But this feels different -- we are moving, leaving our beloved nanny behind and now I have two kids, ages 3.5 and 1.5.

Anyone have advice?

[Anonymous]

Have a couple facetious with her before you move. Then, have her over in person or meet at a park to play with the kids for a bit (paid, obviously).

[Anonymous]

The term "onboarding" is so cringey and corporate-speak.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have a couple facetious with her before you move. Then, have her over in person or meet at a park to play with the kids for a bit (paid, obviously).

[Anonymous]

You could do a play date at a park together the day before she starts. Maybe the first couple days just have her come part time. Then just go full in and let it work itself out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The term "onboarding" is so cringey and corporate-speak.

Makes 0 sense for a nanny and domestic position.

[Anonymous]

Not sure why other posters feel the need to weigh in without anything useful to say…? You ask a valid question regardless of terminology.

When our new nanny started, we had her watch DC for a few hours on a weekend so they could get to know one another. It gave her a chance to ask questions and get to know how we do things. I typed up some basic instructions (daily routine, emergency contact info, where to find important items like medication, food likes/dislikes and ideas, etc). I gave it to her in advance and then we talked through it on her first day.

[Anonymous]

Don’t linger. Let the nanny and the kids work out their routine and relationship.

But be specific with her if there are things you absolutely require of her and the kids.

[Anonymous]

I prepped a booklet with tons of info (like where backup diapers are, some typical meals, instructions for appliances, emergency contacts, etc.)

Then do one day together where you are in charge and the nanny is just shadowing you. Don’t try to force the kids to go with the nanny or to bond yet. Just demonstrate that she is someone you like and trust. You be the caregiver and let the kids see that you have positive vibes towards her.

Then let her figure it out without any parents around. I try to suggest some fun activities for the first few weeks that they don’t usually get to do with me (messy art project, visit to a playground that’s farther than I usually bother to drive, admission to a cool indoor play space) to give them a chance to form some fun memories.

Schedule a check in after a week, then again every month for the next few months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are about to onboard our third nanny (first nanny was a bad fit and we switched after 2 years; current nanny is my absolute dream but we are moving out of state) and I'm looking for tips for how to make it as smooth of a transition as possible for my kids.

When our second nanny came on board, my two year old was a little fussy for about two days but then quickly adjusted. But this feels different -- we are moving, leaving our beloved nanny behind and now I have two kids, ages 3.5 and 1.5.

Anyone have advice?

Stop using "on boarding" for hiring. Such a disgusting term.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure why other posters feel the need to weigh in without anything useful to say…? You ask a valid question regardless of terminology.

When our new nanny started, we had her watch DC for a few hours on a weekend so they could get to know one another. It gave her a chance to ask questions and get to know how we do things. I typed up some basic instructions (daily routine, emergency contact info, where to find important items like medication, food likes/dislikes and ideas, etc). I gave it to her in advance and then we talked through it on her first day.

Did you pay 1.5 time for interrupting her weekend?

[Anonymous]

Do you also "onboard" your house cleaners and gardeners?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The term "onboarding" is so cringey and corporate-speak.

But a lot of people hiring nannies ARE in the corporate world. It makes sense and communicates what will be happening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure why other posters feel the need to weigh in without anything useful to say…? You ask a valid question regardless of terminology.

When our new nanny started, we had her watch DC for a few hours on a weekend so they could get to know one another. It gave her a chance to ask questions and get to know how we do things. I typed up some basic instructions (daily routine, emergency contact info, where to find important items like medication, food likes/dislikes and ideas, etc). I gave it to her in advance and then we talked through it on her first day.

Did you pay 1.5 time for interrupting her weekend?

I think you’re just trying to be rude, but the answer is that no, I did not. We hadn’t officially hired her yet, as in we hadn’t made an offer or signed a contract. But we had told her that we were interested in hiring her and we asked her when she could do a trial day. We discussed availability and decided on a Saturday morning. We paid her what is now her hourly rate, which is generous and way more than I have paid a babysitter.

[Anonymous]

Typically, an experienced nanny does not need to "shadow" you and should be able to do her job with minimal guidance except basics like where supplies are, etc.