Evaluating Nanny Success. Is your Nanny Working well with your Child?

After you've hired a nanny and she has worked for you a while, it's important to keep an eye on the situation. You might find either that things are not working out and it's time to make a change, or you may eliminate anxiety because you know you've made the right choice.

Signs that she might not be doing her job well:

• Your baby or child isn't happy to see the nanny or she is anxious and withdrawn.
  While it's possible that your child and caregiver haven't bonded yet, it could also be that the nanny just isn't providing the kind of warmth and comfort your child needs. If this happens on a regular basis, it could be a sign that their relationship is not developing in a positive direction.

• There are too many accidents that could have been avoided.
  Sure, all children are active and are bound to have accidents. But if a clear pattern emerges of repeated accidents that don't tend to happen when you're around, either she is causing harm or is not attentive to your child.

• She is frequently late.
  Nannies who don't respect your time likely are not qualified to be a nanny. Not only does it cause major inconvenience for you when you're trying to get to work, it also indicates a lack of structure, and structure and dependability are what all children need.

• Your intuition tells you that things don't add up.
  If something seems amiss you should ask questions. If it starts to seem like her stories are inconsistent or that she is lying, you should start searching for a new nanny. Children sense when someone is undependable as well and that's not the kind of example you want to offer them.

Remember, most nannies are loving and devoted caregivers. And often when things don't work out, it's not necessarily a sign of abuse, just simply that the nanny either wasn't qualified or isn't a good fit. If you stay diligent and communicate regularly with her, it will lead to a healthy and happy relationship with the nanny.