If you enjoy working with children and their families, a career as a nanny could be a great choice for you! Becoming a nanny is different from babysitting because you will work full-time. As a nanny, you are in charge of not only keeping children safe, but contributing to their emotional and mental well-being. Here are some tips on becoming a nanny.
Training
No formal nanny training is required for the job, but it is a good idea to take some basic classes. Local nanny agencies, community centers, and hospitals may offer babysitting and nanny classes. It is important to be certified in CPR, and you should also consider water and infant safety. The more credentials you can stack up behind your name, the more likely you are that a family will hire you. Not only that, but you will be a better nanny for the children you work with. Research what trainings are available in your area.
Experience
Before you start applying for nanny jobs, you need to have some experience with children. You can start as a babysitter for family and friends in the evenings and on the weekends. Another good idea is to volunteer with children either at a school, community center, or with another organization. Working with children is not for everybody, so you need to make sure you like it. This experience will also help families feel more comfortable leaving their children with you, since they know you can handle the job.
Finding a Job
After you have gathered training and experience, you’ll need to find a job. The best way to do this is to apply to a nanny agency. Research ones in your area to determine what is available and which one fits the type of job you are looking for. Look into how long an agency has been around and what their reputation is. The better the reputation, the more likely you are to find a good job.
Expectations
Once hired, you should expect to become an integral part of your family’s life. Nannies typically work 40-60 hours a week and get two days off. This means you will be spending a lot of time with the family and their children. You’ll have to learn about the parents and what they expect from you. As far as discipline, you need to be comfortable with whatever discipline plan the parents have set out.
Becoming a nanny is a fun job. You get to work with children every day and become an important part of their life. Use these tips to determine whether you are ready and if you want to become a nanny.
