10 Household Details Your Nanny Needs to Know

2011 OCTOBER 4

by Ken

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Now that you have hired your nanny, it’s time to start thinking through the onboarding process (aka the first day).  Typically, you will have thought through the basics like when they should show up and how to introduce your caregiver to the kids, etc.  However, sometimes it’s nice to have a checklist of household details prepared in advance for your nanny.  It’s true that you know your home along with the strengths and weaknesses.  You also know where everything is and who to call in the event of an emergency whether it’s a repair or something even more serious.  Of course, your nanny needs access to some of that information so here are 10 items that you should be prepared to download to your nanny on his or her first day:

1. Electrical panel (fusebox) - The exact location of the electrical panel (fuse or circuit-breaker). You should also be sure that they have access to a flashlight and that they are comfortable with resetting the breaker and/or replacing a fuse if the need arises.
2. Water shut-off valve - The exact location of the main shut-off valve for the water supply. In the event of an unfortunate water leak, the nanny will need to be aware of how to prevent a catastrophic water disaster. Its also a good idea to establish ground rules for when they should immediately call a plumber versus calling you first (though you should be very high on that list of course).
3. Security system - If you have a home security system, you will definitely need to go over how to enable and disable the alarm along with the basic process your monitoring company goes through in the event of an alarm and how the nanny should interact with them.
4. Emergency info - The written or diagrammed fire escape plan you have established with, and for, your children (you may even walk them through it literally depending upon how easy that is to pull off). Also, post all emergency related numbers, (Fire, police, Poison Control, etc.) directly by the telephone.
5. Fire extinguishers - The location and operation of any and all fire extinguishers you have in your home.
6. Medications - The secure location(s) where you store any medications. If your children are taking any medications on a daily basis or require ‘as needed’ medications (ie. asthma inhalers), you need to post a written chart for the convenience of the nanny, indicating the time and dosage of the medication.
7. Smoke detectors - The location of any, and all, smoke detectors; and, if applicable, where replacement batteries are in the event that they start to go off due to low batteries (a common problem).
8. Cleaning supplies - The location of all cleaning supplies; and if there are area specific cleaners (ie. stone countertops, stainless appliances), make sure you provide written instructions if they are abnormal.
9. Cleaning equipment - The location and operation of  vacuums, brooms, etc.  Depending upon how old your children are they should be able to help quite a bit in this area.
10. Bathroom supplies – As hard as it may seem to believe your nanny doesn’t really want to search through every cabinet or drawer looking for a new roll of toilet paper, soap/soap refills, and other bathroom products.  Be sure to help them out by quickly pointing out where you store them.

Getting your nanny off to a good start largely depends upon how well you have done your job screening, hiring, and then preparing your nanny.  Your work is not done when you offer them the job and they show up, it’s your responsibility to make sure they know everything you want them to know as quickly as possible to keep everyone on the same page and to enable them to be successful in their new role.

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