Attachment: An Important Part of Your Job

How To Build a Bond with New Charges

In our country, shared care is a way of life and how secure a child feels with their nanny is essential.

When a child feels secure and cared for by his caregiver, it helps both the caregiver and child in so many ways. The child has an easier time separating from their parents. He is friendlier and plays better with other children. The child develops good self-esteem. He will be willing to allow the nanny to comfort him when he is sad, uncomfortable, or sick. And all of these wonderful rewards makes the nanny job easier and more enjoyable.

Nannies should start learning how to bond with their new charges before they even start a new nanny job. In-home childcare providers should ask the parents as many questions as possible to learn about their children. Caregivers should ask the parents what are the kids favorite activities, games, songs, and books. Who are their best friends? What are their favorite security blanket or stuffed animal? What are their favorite foods and comfort foods and how should the nanny prepare them (very specifically)? What is their daily routine?

Considering what the parents have shared about their kids, the new nanny should come prepared to bond with the kids on the first day on the job. If the daughter likes arts and crafts, the caregiver can simply stop by the dollar store and bring a craft to do with the new charge on the first day. If the son loves Star Wars, the nanny can print out free coloring pages to bring for the child. It also couldn't hurt to watch some of the Star Wars episodes so the nanny can talk about the movies with the boy in detail.

Plus, kids typically love when the nanny interviews them! The nanny can ask them specific questions (like the ones asked of the parents above) and ask the children to not only answer the questions, but actually teach their new caregiver how to make their favorite snack, introduce the nanny to their favorite stuffed animal, and actually play their favorite game together.

How do you help children make these important attachments to you?  What ideas do you have to share?