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Finding a Summer Nanny / Babysitter in Canada
What a long winter we have had this year! But, signs of spring are showing across the country and that means that summer is just around the corner! Many parents hire a nanny or babysitter just for the summer, while the kids are out of school. Is there any better way for your child to enjoy the freedom of summer? At CanadianNanny we would recommend the following to ensure you find the best summer nanny for your family:
- Start your search now. Yes, we recommend that you figure out what your family needs in advance, and post it sooner than later. Some university students look for nanny jobs for the summer. Since classes are out, they are all looking for jobs now.
- Determine what you need. Do you need a summer nanny that has a car or can swim? These are important things to know before you interview. If you have a pool and the nanny cannot swim, which is more common that you would think, then she wont’ be a fit for your family.
- Clarify your vacation time with the nannies you interview. Are you planning to take a vacation away in the summer? It is only fair to mention this in the interview. You also want to ask her if she has any vacation time planned. For those of you who want to take the nanny to the cottage in the summer, make sure you check with her first; some nannies may not be into this.
- Plan activities that the nanny can take your children to in the summer. Will the nanny be taking your children to swim lessons or baseball camp? Be sure that you have your children signed up for all these activities in advance, before summer starts. When you’re hiring the nanny, you can give her a good idea of what is planned for the summer.
- Try to have your summer nanny come and babysit a few times before she starts. Why? This allows her to connect with your children and will make the transition in the summer much easier.
Check out Martha's blog on Today's Parent at www.todaysparent.com/marthasblog!
Posted by Martha
@ 2:05:17 PM
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Wednesday April 29, 2009
Nanny Sharing in Canada
In response to Sara, who commented on the “Recession & Nannies in Canada” blog, here is some information on Nanny Sharing in Canada.
Families will choose to nanny share with their neighbours, friends or with families they have met through local community programs. You may choose to place an ad in a community newspaper for another family who might be looking for a nanny share situation. If you decide to use the newspaper you will want to interview the families and the nannies.
A nanny share can be very beneficial to your child, as it will also provide a regular playmate for your child. It will also cut the costs for you by nearly half. The share can operate on a week here, week there basis, monthly, or at one home at all times. This would be decided between the two families and you will want the nanny’s feedback on what she feels comfortable with.
To make the nanny share a successful experience, you must be able to compromise so that both families feel they are getting an equal deal. Both sides must listen to each other for it to be a success. You must avoid situations where the nanny may feel like she is being pulled in two different directions. With most nanny positions the nanny is responsible for the children's washing and ironing, and cleaning duties. In a nanny share situation this may be difficult to arrange.
On CanadianNanny.ca, there is a feature available to registered parents to search for a nanny share situation. Registered parents can post an ad to other parents in search of a family who has a nanny and wants to share, or in search of a family to share their family with. For example, Angela was looking for a part-time nanny and wanted to share a nanny with another family in order to lower the cost, give her son some time at home, and make a new friend and go to his/her house sometimes. Sherry was looking for a nanny share because she works shift work, and was finding it difficult to find a nanny. Shannon had a nanny and wanted to offer her out to share with another family.
Nanny sharing is attractive for many reasons, and many families find that it suits their needs.Nanny sharing is great for nannies as well. By working for two families, the nanny is able to have a full-time workload, even if each individual family is unable to provide them with more than part-time. Depending on the arrangements made between the families and the nanny, a nanny may find that the amount of money he/she makes is more than if she was working for one family. As an added bonus, if two families require care at the same time, the children can play with each other alone or together with the nanny.
If you have any questions about nanny sharing that haven’t been answered yet, leave a comment and we’ll be sure to respond. Also, if you want to see us blog on something that we haven’t yet, please leave a comment and we’ll look into it! Thanks!!
Check out Martha's blog on Today's Parent at www.todaysparent.com/marthasblog!
Posted by Martha
@ 3:19:28 PM
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Friday April 24, 2009
Nanny and Babysitter''s weight
We had a parent suggest that we add the babysitters weight to profiles.
Do you think a nanny/ babysitter can be too skinny or heavy to care for children?
Would love to hear your opinion.
Posted by Martha
@ 4:03:16 PM
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Thursday April 9, 2009
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Amidst all the daily commotion of raising two daughters and running a National home-based business from Vancouver Island, Martha takes time to blog about her life as a woman, mother, wife, and entrepreneur.