Justine Davies
I’m going back to work part time in January (three days a week) and I haven’t been able to get my 2yo and 6 month old (both girls) into a daycare centre that I like. The only ones that have vacancies are ones that I wouldn’t leave my dog at, let alone my kids!
With two children it doesn’t work out that much dearer to hire a nanny instead, so that is the option that I’m looking at. My issue is that out of the potential nannies that I’ve interviewed, the one that I like the most is a male! I don’t know whether having a “Manny” is a good idea?
My husband reckons that it’s a bad idea – that we have daughters so we should have a girl looking after them. And also that I’ll probably still be running around trying to get myself dressed in the morning when the “Manny” arrives, which he has an issue with (I think he’s been watching too many American soaps!!) DH can be possessive so I don’t want this to cause problems between us. But truly, this chap has been the best candidate by far for the role.
What do you think?
J
Well, only you can know whether hiring a male nanny would seriously cause marital tensions – but in terms of your kids, they may well love it! Seeing as your girls probably spend more time with you than their Dad, having a male carer could provide a great balance for them.
I have asked Delia Timms, founder of FindABabysitter.com.au for some advice.
“It’s all about finding the right person for the job / for your family - regardless of gender!” she says. “There are many skilled males who are able to provide quality childcare.
When I contemplate this question I always think about the lovely males I come across in daily life who teach my kids at school or in swimming lessons or other extra-curricular activities (as well as all the kind and caring men I see around our school and kinder raising children). It really doesn’t matter if you are male or female – what matters most is your ability to care for children well.”
But J, Delia recommends that as with any person coming into the home (a cleaner, a tradesperson OR a babysitter, male or female) you should really be fully dressed when they arrive. That’s just a matter of basic modesty, really! Delia also suggests giving your husband a greater involvement in the hiring process than you have done thus far. “Together you can decide what characteristics, skills and attitudes are essential for your carer to possess,” she says. “If you’ve already conducted initial interviews then have your husband conduct second-round interviews with you – covering both the male and female candidates.”
As with any selection process Delia recommends that parents:
- Always view a candidate’s credentials. Including a Working with Children’s Check (in most states) or Blue Card (in Qld).
- Conduct reference checks by calling 2 recent employers
- Interview candidates face-to-face before booking the babysitter / Manny
“After reference checking I am confident that together you will choose the most appropriate person for the job,” she says. “And good luck!”
EB members: what’s your advice for J? Leave a comment for J.
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