10 Rookie Nanny Mistakes and How to Prevent Them

Every nanny has to start somewhere; even the most seasoned pros were once beginners that made mistakes along the way. Expecting to perform perfectly out of the gate is setting yourself up for disappointment. Mistakes made by new hires are expected; that’s why they’re called “rookie” mistakes. Here are ten of the snafus that many new nannies face when they accept their first position.

1. Getting Flustered – One of the hallmarks of a veteran nanny is her ability to navigate most minor childhood crises with ease. Becoming overwhelmed and panicking when things go haywire is almost always a new-nanny
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   response. The good news is, the ability to sail through small catastrophes comes with experience; don’t give up! Experience breeds confidence.

2. Not Establishing Boundaries With Parents – Eager to please and grateful to receive a job offer with limited experience, new nannies are notorious for allowing their employers to inadvertently take advantage of them by not establishing the proper boundaries. The gradual piling on of chores unrelated to childcare is referred to by industry insiders as “job creep,” and it’s one of the biggest contributors to nanny burnout. Having a written work agreement can help to clearly define the nanny’s responsibilities.
3. Being Too Lenient – It’s natural to want your charges to adore you, but it’s important to remember that you’re there to keep them safe and healthy and to meet their physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs. Letting little charges run the show is a common mistake of new nannies, but it can lead to disaster. Educating yourself on the importance of setting boundaries and being consistent with young children will empower you to stand your ground, even when it’s easier not to.
4. Being Too Authoritarian – Striking a balance between firm and authoritarian styles can be difficult; nannies without much experience can, in an attempt to maintain control, become too much of a disciplinarian. It’s possible to be gentle as well as firm, it just takes some practice to find that middle ground. Discussing the parents discipline style and following suit can help you to maintain consistent behavioral expectations, which can increase cooperation.
5. Overconfidence – Many new nannies think that, because they have a bit of babysitting experience or have taken a child development class, that they’ll be able to step into their new position without a single hitch. Finding out that working as a full-time nanny is more difficult than babysitting for a few hours and that those classes don’t quite prepare you for everything can be a rude awakening. Connecting with seasoned nannies to learn about the demands of a full-time nanny job and how to handle them can help you cope with transitioning into full-time work.
6. Inattentiveness – It’s rare to find a new nanny that’s deliberately inattentive, yet many inadvertently are. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to underestimate just how much attention children actually require; unfortunately, failing to pay attention even briefly can lead to trouble. When you’re on the clock, be sure to be present. Resist the temptation to text and tweet by putting your cell phone and iPod away.
7. Overindulging – Often, new nannies are college students or recent graduates that aren’t quite out of the party phase that comes with young adulthood. The mistake of overindulging on a night off is certainly not a rare one, but it’s a lesson quickly learned as morning comes early and shrieking children exacerbate hangover headaches. Save the late nights for the weekend. Nannies must be prepared, energized and ready to tackle each new day.
8. Exaggerating Skills – In some cities, the competition for nanny jobs is very stiff. As a result, young beginners will often “fudge” their resume a bit, hoping to gain an edge over the competition and compensate for their lack of relevant work experience. Regardless of the motivation, this is a mistake that can cost you a post if you’re found out, so always keep your resume honest.
9. Failing to Obtain a Written Nanny Contract – Nanny agreements aren’t just a list of responsibilities and employer expectations; they also provide written proof of agreed-upon vacation time, benefits and other perks. Mistakenly believing that these documents only serve to protect your employers can lead to disputes later on, and failure to get your agreement in writing will leave you with no leg to stand on. Be sure to execute a mutually agreed upon work agreement prior to your first day of work.
10. Bad Salary Decisions – There are several ways a new nanny can go wrong when it comes to negotiating her salary, but there are two in particular that can lead to trouble. The first is agreeing to be paid “under the table,” which means that her employers aren’t withholding taxes and she’s not reporting her income. This will affect your ability to make large purchases on credit such as a home or new car, your ability to draw Social Security and could result in severe penalties from the IRS. The second salary-related mistake is either accepting a salary much lower than the going rate, or expecting payment on a par with a highly experienced nanny. Research the average salary for new nannies in your area, and use that figure when negotiating.

Though even

minor flubs seem quite serious when there are children involved, it’s important to remember that every experience presents an opportunity to learn something valuable. Learn from these mistakes and make a concerted effort not to repeat them, and you’ll be on the road to becoming a real-life Mary Poppins in no time.

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