5 Key Qualties of a Great Nanny

The 5 Key Qualities Every Great Nanny Needs

When you’re going through the process of hiring a nanny, you need to be sure that they are going to be a good fit for you and your family. Will you all get along? Will the kids enjoy their company? Do they inspire confidence?

To help you in making your decision, we’ve compiled a list of 5 key qualities every great nanny should have. Read on to find out more.

1. Trustworthiness

You're going to be entrusting the care of your precious children to someone outside your family unit. It’s therefore crucial that you feel confident that your kids will be safe and happy.

Drawing upon your own natural instinct is going to play a part when you start weighing up a potential nanny. However, there’s plenty more you should do in order to get as big a picture as possible of a prospective candidate.

Check references thoroughly. That means talking to past employers. Ask them direct and specific questions about the reliability of the person who might become your new nanny. You must do your due diligence and make necessary criminal checks too.

2. A Passion for Looking After Children

A recent global poll found that out of the world's one billion full-time workers, only 15 percent of people enjoy their work. That leaves a substantial majority of people who are unhappy in their jobs.

You need to probe for evidence that being a nanny is the dream job for any prospective candidate. If a person is passionate about their work, it is far more likely that they will do their best and do their job well.

Look for trends in a person’s education and career that prove that they love caring for children. A positive attitude will rub off on your kids so that they learn and play in a happy and nurturing environment.

3. Kindness

Nannies need to be compassionate and caring by nature. They must also possess a sufficient degree of emotional intelligence. This will enable them to connect with children and understand how to support them.

Having this kind of empathy means that they can pick up when something is wrong and talk to a child in a way that is meaningful and helpful.

Children need to feel confident that when they talk to someone about a problem or their feelings they will feel listened to and understood.

4. Having the Right Sort of Training

A nanny needs to excel in aspects of their education that will be relevant to their job. When hiring a nanny, you must make sure that they have had first aid training and have qualifications in childcare development.

If you need a nanny to drive and do errands, then clearly they must hold a valid driving license. If you are going to be asking them to prepare meals, certificates in nutrition are going to be an asset.

5. Being Proactive

Nannies need to be self-starters who have the motivation and maturity to take the initiative. They will have to remain calm in difficult situations and know when it is appropriate to refer up to you for guidance.

The best nannies will always go the extra mile and look for ways that are likely to make your life a little easier. They also must be willing to engage in your child’s learning and development.

Finding the Right Nanny For Your Family

These 5 qualities to look for are a good starting point when hiring a nanny. You might also want to be sure they are fun, enthusiastic and have a sense of humour.

Once you’ve hired your nanny, we are there to help you with all your nanny payroll needs. Contact us now. Please give us a like over on our Facebook page too

Article

5 Key Qualties of a Great Nanny

The 5 Key Qualities Every Great Nanny Needs

Increased Sick Leave for Nannies

Payroll for Au Pairs

2025 Guide to Hiring and Paying an Au Pair in New Zealand

Au Pair Guide to NZ

How much should I pay a nanny in New Zealand in 2024?