Childcare is no child’s play. There is a lot to be considered and numerous decisions to be made. Moreover, it can be overwhelming juggling work, family life, and other responsibilities with a child in tow. For many families across Canada, hiring a nanny proves the most flexible alternative to traditional forms of childcare. In this blog, we share with you the most common reasons that prompt parents to opt for a nanny. More importantly, we are taking this opportunity to dispel some misconceptions regarding nanny care.
Why Hire a Nanny?
What do you think prompts a parent to find a nanny in Ontario? Well, there are numerous reasons. After all, the needs of each family differ. One set of parents might be looking for childcare simply because they are both working. Another might have more than one child and might need an extra hand. Apart from these, there are quite a few other reasons that cause parents to come to this decision.
The following are the most common reasons cited by parents who hired professional nannies through us:
- Working Parents
In most families, both parents are working. They do not always have flexible timings and their work commitments make childcare complicated. Daycares are mostly not an option they could consider. The timings wouldn’t match and sometimes the waitlist is too long. Availing nanny services can be the solution to all these woes. Parents can focus on their work while the nanny takes good care of the children at home.
- Stable Environment
Childcare facilities like daycares entail taking children out of the comfort of their homes. On the other hand, a nanny can look after your kid at home. Your children stay in an environment they are comfortable with. In addition, having one long-term nanny can be extra comforting. Your children will learn to trust them and look to them as a third parent. This will provide them with stability. A stability that cannot be achieved through a daycare or babysitters who keep changing.
- Need for Specialized Care
In some cases, parents find it reassuring to have a specialist caring for their children. Especially if a child has special needs or requires specific educational or developmental support. Hiring a nanny with relevant expertise can satisfy this need. Armed with their experience these nannies might just have a few tricks up their sleeve that could make your life easier.
- Quality Time
Some parents avail of nanny services to spend quality time with their children. Although that might sound counterproductive, it really is not. A nanny can handle mundane things like meal preparation, laundry, and after-meal cleanup. This leaves you more time to engage with your kid. Children grow up so fast. A lot of parents would rather watch their children grow up than run about completing chores. After all, handling childcare-related chores is exhausting. And being exhausted might prevent a parent from being fully present for their kids.
Some Misconceptions About Nannies
Nanny care is one of the most comprehensive childcare services available. Many parents swear by their nannies and consider them a part of their family. But a few misconceptions have been hindering more people from hiring nannies. It is important to debunk these myths that are not doing anyone any good.
These are the most common myths about nannies:
- Nanny Services in Ontario are Expensive
- Nannying is Easy
- Nannies Should Not Have Paid Sick Leaves
- All Nannies are Women
- Nannies are Independent Contractors
- Nannies Should Do Household Chores
Now, let’s methodically debunk each of these:
Nanny Services in Ontario are Expensive
Nanny services are often considered a luxury. People think it is only for the wealthy. However, this is a myth. Daycares charge hefty sums for taking in your children. Compared to that having a nanny can burn a smaller hole in your pocket. Many families find that hiring a nanny in Ontario is more affordable. It also offers better value. After all, a nanny can do so much more than a daycare for your kid’s well-being.
Nannying is Easy
Nannying is both physically and emotionally draining. After all, taking care of kids is no walk in the park. You will need reserves of patience, skill, and adaptability to sail through. It is a demanding role and that needs to be recognized.
Nannies Should Not Have Paid Sick Leaves
Some parents do not think of nannies as proper professionals. It is the right of every professional to get paid sick leave. And a nanny is a professional no less than any other. If you deny them paid leave, you can end up souring your relationship with them. You might also be risking your child’s health.
All Nannies are Women
This is a stereotype that refuses to die down. Nursing and nannying have long been associated almost exclusively with women. But today there are male nurses and nannies who are breaking these stereotypes. In fact, we often get parents who specifically request male nannies to look after their boys.
Nannies are Independent Contractors
This is a common misconception that results in significant consequences. Nannies are not independent contractors. You might consider them family. But they are your employee. There are legal and tax obligations at play here. You have to draw up a contract and make sure everything is above board. If you are working with a Canada nanny agency, they will handle all the paperwork for you.
Nannies Should Do Household Chores
Your nanny is only responsible for chores that relate directly to your child. This could be their laundry, tidying up, or even meal preparation. A nanny is not a maid who can serve you. When you hire a nanny be clear about your expectations and clearly outline their responsibilities.
What Criteria Should Your Nanny Meet?
Misconceptions and unnecessary anxiety could have held you back from hiring a nanny. The previous section must have eased your worries. With that being said, there are still a couple of things you need to consider. After all, you are entrusting a nanny with your children. They must meet a few criteria. We have outlined them below to help you out:
- Your nanny should have relevant childcare experience.
- Make sure they pass a thorough background check.
- Make sure they have good communication skills.
- Your nanny should have safety certifications.
- Your nanny should fit your parenting style.
Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring a Nanny
- Not drawing up a proper contract.
- Hiring a nanny without extensive research about their experience.
- Not vetting your nanny before calling them in for an interview.
- Hiring without a trial period.
- Making an uninformed decision because you are pressed for time.
- Expecting your nanny to double up as a maid.
- Not contacting previous employers for feedback.
Avoid making these mistakes when hiring a nanny. It might seem like a lot of work but it is work that needs to be done. If you are a first-time parent, you might already have a lot on your plate without having to worry about all this. We understand that. If you find the process overwhelming you can always work with an agency. An agency can handle the legal paperwork and match you with the right nanny for your child.
Conclusion
As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. Parents are not obligated to do everything themselves. So take help where you can. Hire a nanny without inhibitions. Don’t let the myths come between you and your comfort. Research shows that nanny services can also mitigate the motherhood penalty to some extent. So avail this and other benefits of having a nanny around. Just be sure to ensure that the nanny you hire meets the criteria that we outlined. After all, you and your child deserve the best nanny care services in Canada.
