How to Discipline Your Child

One of the hardest things about being a Nanny is that they have no idea on how to enforce rules in your household.  They’ve probably been with different families with different set of rules.  Sometimes, they have their own set of rules.  But joining a family, Nannies wouldn’t know what they can and/or should do.  It should be something that should be discussed before hiring her and there should be constant communication about this.

Here are some tips on how you can make this work for you and your Nanny:

Discuss the rules

Rules are rules and you have to strictly enforce this in the house for your family’s sake.  You can’t afford to have your kids breaking your rules just because their parents are not home.  Discuss the rules with the Nanny and explain on how you implement them.  Encourage her to ask questions if she has any.

Talk to your children about it

It is important to let your children know that their Nanny is an extension of your authority.  Explain to them why you’re doing this because you don’t want your children to feel that you left them to a stranger who disciplines them.  This would help them understand and not feel confused about it.  It’s also a good idea to give your children responsibility in giving you feedback if they don’t like what’s happening if they’re old enough.

Reach a compromise

You can tell your Nanny on what you do to discipline your child.  First, ask yourself if you’re giving the Nanny permission to do that as well.  You’re basically giving your Nanny the authority to discipline your child.  Talk about each of your methods and arrive at a compromise and stick with it.

Share your resources with the Nanny

Do you have a reference like a book or articles on child care that you’re following?  There are a lot of great sources of information that you can get from books, articles or even online.  Some great tips can be found at online sites like www.nannytoyou.com.  Don’t be afraid to share these resources that you have.  Since they’re going to take care of your child, you can help achieve consistency by sharing your tips to them.

Ask the Nanny to observe

Nannies are normally observant.  It would be a great idea to ask them to observe on how you enforce rules around the house.  This would give them a better idea on how you do it.

Following these tips can help you and your Nanny with the transition.  It can be a start of a wonderful relationship built on trust and communication.  It can be hard at first, but it will surely help you in the long run.