I am on the fence about confinement nannies, for many reasons. For starters, I have only had one experience with a nanny. She was great and my daughter loved her. However, when she decided it was time to leave the job, I had no idea how to replace her. My husband, who is also a parent, suggested I talk to a friend of his who used a confinement nanny service. That sounded good to me, but there were still so many questions! What qualifications must they have? How long can the nanny be in the home before we know they are ready to be released? I’m not quite sure what all those terms mean. So I did some research and here’s what I found out.
How Many Nannies Are There In The Industry?
There are currently hundreds of companies that offer this service. Some require an application process where you will complete an online questionnaire about your family, your child(ren), and your lifestyle. This may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the company you choose. After submitting the form and answering several additional questions, the company will give you a quote for their services. They will ask if you’re interested in scheduling a “nanny tour.” A “nanny tour” is an opportunity for you to meet with the prospective nanny and see the place where she’ll live while working for you. It might sound like a lot of work, but in reality the entire process should only take about 30 minutes or less. You will spend most of that time doing paperwork and talking with the nanny. The nanny tour is simply to make sure everything is going well between both parties. Once you’ve made up your mind, the nanny will begin training.
What Is Training Like?
The training consists of two parts; classroom work and hands-on training. Most companies require that you attend at least eight classes, which usually last 1 hour each. The first class typically introduces you to the nanny service. Then, after the nanny has been selected (usually based on her answers to the online questionnaire) you will get a call from the nanny service asking you if you would be willing to schedule an interview to discuss the details of the position. If you are interested, you will then go through another questionnaire, which asks more detailed questions about your personality, your family, and your household.
After the interview, you will receive a contract called a “Confidentiality Agreement” which states that neither party will disclose any information about the other party without permission. When you’re finished signing the agreement, the nanny will start training. The training itself is usually three weeks long and involves going over basic safety rules, household chores, meal preparation, shopping, cleaning, laundry, bathing, and CPR. While training, the nanny will be assigned a “mentor” who will come into the house and help train the nanny. The mentor will teach the nanny about the different aspects of being a mother/father. For example, the mentor will show the nanny how to prepare meals, do laundry, change diapers, play with children, etc. At the end of the training period, the nanny will then be evaluated by the mentor. If the nanny passes the evaluation, you will sign a contract stating that you are satisfied with the nanny and agree to pay for the remainder of her training. The nanny will then become your Confinement Nanny. The nanny will continue training until she feels comfortable enough to care for your children full-time.
How Long Does The Nanny Work?
Typically, the nanny works 35 hours per week. Sometimes the nanny will work 50 hours at first. During this initial stage, the nanny will be given a list of things to accomplish during the week. These may include grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry, and errands. The nanny will also be expected to perform routine housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and vacating trash. Occasionally the nanny will be asked to cook dinner, clean the kitchen, or watch television with the kids. On weekends, the nanny will sometimes have to drive the kids to activities and appointments.
Are There Any Qualifications For The Nanny?
As I mentioned earlier, every company has its own standards, however there are certain qualities that are required. First, you need to find someone who is trustworthy, honest, dependable, and mature. Also, you want someone who is reliable and responsible. The nanny should have a positive attitude towards children, parents, and the home environment. Finally, you want someone who has excellent communication skills, is organized, and is able to follow directions without supervision.
Can The Nanny Leave Without Permission?
Most nanny services allow the nanny to leave the home without permission if she feels unsafe or uncomfortable. If the nanny leaves the home, the employer will not be held responsible. But, there are times when the nanny will need to leave the home for personal reasons. Typically, the employer will provide the nanny with a day off once a month. During these days off, the nanny will typically use the day to visit friends and family, run errands, or relax.
How Much Do The Services Cost?
The cost of hiring a confinement nanny varies greatly from company to company. Each company offers different packages. For instance, some charge $15-$20 per hour, others charge $30-$35 per hour, and still others charge $50-$60 per hour. The average wage range for a confinement nanny is approximately $9 – $12 per hour. Depending on your location and how often you use the services, you could save money by choosing a cheaper company. But if you live in a large metropolitan area and plan to hire the services multiple times a year, you may want to consider a higher priced company.
Is It Legal To Use A Confinement Nanny Service?
Yes, it is legal to use a confinement nanny service in almost every state. However, there are some states where it is illegal to use a nanny service. For example, New York State prohibits employers from using temporary employees, including nannies, without proper licensing. Many employers avoid this type of employee because they fear paying unemployment taxes. However, even though the nanny cannot legally be considered a “temporary worker,” the nanny will still be considered a “contractor.” This means that the employer will be responsible for the payroll taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, and unemployment tax.
So what does all of this mean for you? Well, it depends on whether or not you wish to use a confinement nanny, how much you are willing to pay for the services, and whether or not you feel comfortable leaving the house alone with your children. For more information, check out Confinement Nannies.com, where you can read real testimonials from actual families who have hired a confinement nanny. You can also email them directly and ask them anything you would like to know about hiring a nanny. Their website is chock full of helpful information.
If you decide to hire a confinement nanny, please keep in mind that the nanny will be living in your home. Therefore, you should expect some changes in the way you view your life and your responsibilities as a parent. It may seem scary at first, but hopefully your confidence will grow as you learn to trust the nanny. As a parent, you just want to ensure that your children are safe, happy, healthy, and secure. By enlisting the services of a confinement nanny, you will be able to do just that.
