Qualities of a good nanny

A professional help called a house maid or atimes a nanny is a preferred relief to the families who find it difficult to manage their household activities along with their work timings and office schedules. The available domestic help include cleaners, nannies, cooks, drivers and gardeners.-

Finding a good nanny these days in Lagos is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack .Don't we all just want Mary Poppins? Its all so time consuming finding a new nanny  but the hard part is finding A GOOD NANNY

So you have interviewed the best candidates, and called references. But how do you know which nanny or maid is really the best for your home and your child?
Experience is what counts the most, so look for it in the nannies you interview. Safety training should also rank high on the wish list, and a background in early childhood development is a definite plus.

When you've picked a good candidate, try her out for a few days while you're home so you can observe her. (Pay her for her time, of course.) The list below can help you evaluate a candidate — or take the measure of the nanny you already have. If you have a nanny or maid with these qualities below then you have got Mary Poppins.

You've got a good nanny if:

• Your child lights up at the first sight of her. Kids look forward to the time they spend with their nanny if she's warm, caring, and patient. And you're doubly in luck if it's not just the kids who like having her around. "I consider myself very lucky to have my nanny," says Brenda Akinyemi, a good friend of mine. "If she weren't my nanny, I could see being friends with her."
• Your kids can't stop talking about all the wonderful things she says and does. You may find a caregiver who can do everything well, but if she truly enjoys being in the company of children, your kids will know it. Her love will shine through every day she's with your child.
• She comes up with creative solutions to problems and works with you to provide the best possible care for your child. If your child has run out of paint, for example, she'll find some household supplies your child can use for his art work home work from school.she'll turn to you for advice and help on tips. It shows that she takes her job seriously when she both takes the initiative and collaborates with you.
• She arrives on time. Other signs she's reliable: She gives you ample warning when she's unable to care for your child because of an emergency, and even helps you find a substitute caregiver. She's considerate of your needs and respects the rules you have put in place.
• She makes an effort to stay connected. A nanny who takes her job seriously will keep you informed of daily activities by setting aside some time for the two of you to catch up. She'll understand that you'll want to know how your child is doing, and will keep you abreast of any problems, big or small.
• Your child volunteers new songs and words and shows off his many projects. The best nannies are aware of and cherish children's curiosity. They'll try to answer questions, elicit imaginative responses, and think up creative ways to teach new skills.
• Your child's room is clean, and so is your child. Excellent care includes cleanliness and good health. Your nanny will practice good hygiene around your child if she truly has his welfare in mind.
• Accidents are infrequent. Of course tumbles will happen, but a good nanny makes safety a priority both at home and when she and your child are out and about. She'll hold your child's hand when they cross a street on the way to the park, keep a close eye on him in the backyard, and keep the safety gate to the kitchen closed at all times.  

TIPS
Do you know it is advisable to carry out health checks on your domestic staff every 6 months? A recent report of a nanny after commencing work with a family showed signs of TB (though at time of employment this came up negative), another tested positive for HIV 6months after she was negative. Healthcare workers recommend you send your staff for a health check screening at a reputable lab/hospital every 6 months