ADHD child -- do I need to advertise for "special needs" nanny?

[Anonymous]

One of my children has ADHD. He's young so he's currently unmedicated. He's not the easiest to care for, I'll admit, but given that 20% of boys have this diagnosis, is it expected that one advertises this as "special needs"? WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Speaking as a nanny, I would want to know about this before coming to an interview but would not necessarily need to see the job advertised specifically to special needs nannies.

IMO you should place a straightforward advertisement, mention your son's diagnosis and a brief summary of how it manifests/what challenges his caregivers face, offer a higher than average rate of pay, and take the probation period of employment very seriously. You may find that the nanny you've hired cannot cope (or she may decide she can't) and you want to leave room to start your search over if that happens.

[Anonymous]

Yes please advertise. I lasted a week on a job like this and turned down other offers for that job. If your child is ADHD and uneducated you really need to pay a premium for child are if you want to keep a nanny long term. I quit because why would I do that job for the same price as a regular nanny job?!

[Anonymous]

* unmediated, not uneducated... Sorry!!!

[Anonymous]

*medicated.... Ugh!! Sorry new phone

[Anonymous]

Yes, you should absolutely advertise for a special needs nanny. My daughter has ADD and before she was on medication, we could not hold on to a nanny - she drove them all away. The nanny must be aware of how difficult ADD/ADHD kids are - a special needs nanny will have the patience to deal with him.

[Anonymous]

Look for a special needs nanny and advertise for a special needs nanny. ADHD kids without medication are very difficult to handle and connect with - they are actually hard to like. You need to find a nanny who knows what to expect or you won't keep her for long.

[Anonymous]

Show me a stat that says 20% of boys have adhd.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the situation. Are you looking for a 15 hour a week nanny or a 60 hour a week nanny? Is your kid unmedicated because his symptoms are mild, or because you believe medication should be a last resort and are managing symptoms through a complicated system of behavioral management techniques?

I think you should absolutely be up front about the diagnosis, but if the days aren't too long (40 hours or less) and the symptoms are either mild or controlled, then you could try working with a nanny who doesn't have existing SN experience. Everybody has to start somewhere, and you can pay less if you are willing to be someone's guinea pig family and train her on the job.

[Anonymous]

OP, please mention a few of the circumstances about what drove the other nannies away. And exactly how you responded to those situations.

That must be honestly addressed BEFORE you can hope to establish a good relationship with a successful nanny. Please be forthcoming about what the nanny reported to you, vs. what your child reported to you.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here, I would love to know before hand.

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP -- we've had other nannies and he never drove any other nannies away (I think that was a different poster saying that). He's very sweet and loving, and generally well-liked, but he's very active and therefore does require a little more effort to stay on top of, and work with the behavioral plan. I think we pay top of the market already. Honestly, he's not that different from all the boys I babysat for back in the days before kids got diagnosed with anything other than being "a handful". I guess I'm not sure how to advertise for a "special needs nanny" --- is there a service for this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the OP -- we've had other nannies and he never drove any other nannies away (I think that was a different poster saying that). He's very sweet and loving, and generally well-liked, but he's very active and therefore does require a little more effort to stay on top of, and work with the behavioral plan. I think we pay top of the market already. Honestly, he's not that different from all the boys I babysat for back in the days before kids got diagnosed with anything other than being "a handful". I guess I'm not sure how to advertise for a "special needs nanny" --- is there a service for this?

What's that amazing pay rate you're offering?

[Anonymous]

All about the money, 17:29. That's all you care about.

[Anonymous]

ADHD prevalence in every other part of the world except the US is 3-5%, not 20%. In the US, the rate of diagnosis is a little higher, but still far from 20%.

You should be upfront and honest about the needs of your kids as you want a nanny that is well equipped to manage the needs. You should advertise for a nanny experienced with ADHD. Special needs can mean a thousand things.