Why Integrity Matters When Hiring a Nanny
By Michelle LaRowe
Doing the right thing when no one is watching.
For parents seeking a nanny, this importance of character trait can’t be overstated. Integrity encompasses honesty, reliability, and moral uprightness – and a commitment to them that one refuses to budge on or change.
When it comes to entrusting a caregiver with the well-being of our children in an unsupervised setting, these traits are non-negotiable. Here's why integrity should be at the forefront of every parent's mind when hiring a nanny:
Trustworthiness: Parents rely on nannies not only to meet their children's physical needs, but also to nurture their emotional and psychological well-being and development. A nanny with integrity can be always trusted to act in the best interests of the child, ensuring their safety and security.
Reliability: Consistency and dependability are essential for maintaining stability in a child's life. A nanny who lacks integrity may be prone to unpredictable behavior, last-minute cancellations, or neglecting their duties. Conversely, a nanny with a strong sense of integrity will demonstrate reliability, showing up on time and fulfilling their responsibilities with diligence – even when parents are not in the home watching.
Role Modeling: Children are incredibly perceptive and absorb the behaviors and values of those around them. A nanny with integrity serves as a positive role model, exemplifying honesty, respect, and responsibility. Through their actions and interactions, they instill valuable life lessons that contribute to a child's moral development.
Confidentiality: Parents entrust nannies with intimate details about their family life, from medical concerns to personal schedules. Integrity ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and is not shared without permission. This trust forms the foundation of a strong nanny-parent relationship.
Conflict Resolution: Disagreements or misunderstandings will arise between parents and nannies or among family members in the home. Integrity guides nannies to approach such situations with honesty, open communication, and a commitment to finding mutually beneficial solutions. This fosters a harmonious environment where conflicts are resolved respectfully and constructively.
Emotional Support: Nannies play a significant role in fostering the emotional development of the children in their care. Integrity enables them to offer genuine empathy, understanding, and encouragement, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Professionalism: Integrity is a cornerstone of professionalism. Nannies who prioritize integrity demonstrate respect for their employers, colleagues, and the nanny profession as a whole. They insist on legal pay, uphold ethical standards, maintain boundaries, and conduct themselves with integrity in all aspects of their work.
Integrity is not just a desirable trait; it is essential when hiring a nanny and inviting them into your home. Parents should prioritize candidates who demonstrate honesty, reliability, and moral uprightness, as these qualities form the bedrock of a trusting and mutually respectful caregiver-parent relationship. By choosing a nanny with integrity, parents can increase the likelihood that nannies meet their expectations when they’re home – and when they are not.