Any quality, professional nanny is proud of their job and their little charges. As we hear more about the royal’s new nanny, there is no doubt that she already knows that she has landed the job of a lifetime. Whilst we don’t all have the budget or the security challenges that the royals do, there are some steps that all nannies should take to ensure the smooth running of their employee / family relationship. Here are my 6 tips to help make sure that things go smoothly for Kate and William’s new nanny:
- Mind your manners
Kate and Wills’ nanny will not only have to watch her own social skills and behaviour, but she will also be responsible for teaching the best behaviour to Prince George. Bringing a sense of the regular and ordinary to the young Prince’s life, encouraging balance in his life whilst appreciating the legacy that he has been born into, will also be an important responsibility of the nanny.
- Share baby’s milestones
Just like all working parents, Kate and Wills don’t want to miss George’s tiniest learning experience to his biggest, but it’s possible that their responsibilities will keep them away on those milestone moments. This nanny will need to find ways to share the day’s highlights and make sure Mum and Dad feel like they’re part of these moments. Savvy use of technology should mean that all of these “aaah” moments can be recorded for the parents to coo over when they’re home.
- Welcome support from your team
The nanny won’t be alone but in fact will be supported by a whole team of household staff. Domestic staff will assist in the day-to-day running of the nursery area and other members of the Royal Household will coordinate things like security, travel, publicity and event planning. There will even be footmen to help lug all the baby equipment.
- Keep your feet on the ground and your lips sealed
Joining the Royal household can mean a loss of your own freedoms and privacy and your own private and personal life is up for grabs in terms of intense press interest. Adhering to confidentiality is expected towards all families, but not even a peep of the royal nanny’s day could be shared with a friend! No asking other Nannies to pop over for a coffee anytime or to spontaneously return a playdate!
- Devote your time
As tough as this might be, this nanny will have to put Kate, Will and George first for her time at the palace. In the royal nanny’s case, she is committing for at least 5 years but in general, professionals should make long term commitments to their nanny roles to ensure consistency for the whole family and to give themselves time to settle in.
- Become part of the furniture.
It’s the top job in the Nanny world. You’ve “made it” if you work for a royal family. The best thing for any nanny to do (and any family when hiring) however is to work at establishing a strong yet relaxed relationship with the family. Be comfortable sharing the highs and lows of the day. Kate and Wills’ nanny is their employee but she will soon become part of the family, as many nannies in the UK do.