As a nanny, what do cultural differences look like between you and your employers? While we often think about big differences, such as religious practices or foods we eat, these differences can be much more subtle than we realize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How you speak to the kiddos, play with them, feed them, or help them get to sleep: you may not realize that all of this stems from a family\u2019s or parents\u2019 cultural experiences and preferences! It might sound overwhelming to think about how cultural differences can play into your job as a nanny, but they don\u2019t have to be a \u201cdownside\u201d to your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With clear communication and flexibility, you can embrace and appreciate these differences, and even become a more well-rounded nanny because of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baby sleep training is a great example of how cultural differences impact your job as a nanny. Cultures around the world have different beliefs and techniques<\/a> for getting their baby to fall asleep or stay asleep. Singing lullabies, co-sleeping, herbal teas, using blankets or scarves with a parent\u2019s scent on them: these are techniques that parents in other countries use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s just one part of baby sleep cultural differences. There\u2019s also early vs. late bedtimes, soothing and self-soothing, the bed setup itself, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other examples of cultural differences in child care might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We think all of these differences are a great part of what makes a nanny\u2019s job so important and rewarding. But how can you navigate these cultural differences so that everyone is on the same page and happy? Our best suggestion is \u2014 you guessed it! \u2014 communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clear, frequent communication is important in any nanny-employer relationship. But it\u2019s even more essential when you and the family are coming from different backgrounds. This is great to bring up during an interview, for example, by asking questions about their background or sharing yours. This way, you can determine if there is room to find \u201ccommon ground\u201d in your working relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After you start with a family, the key is to be honest with the parents about your cultural differences. Talk about the differences with respect and an open mind. Ask the parents to help you find common ground or solutions for any problems that you\u2019ve noticed. Discuss their expectations for your care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good employer will respect your honesty and desire to find a resolution. That initial conversation about your differences might be tough, but it sets the tone for the relationship with your employers and builds good communication habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing you shouldn\u2019t do with cultural differences? Try to change them or outright ignore them in favor of your own culture. Just because you\u2019re used to doing something a certain way doesn\u2019t make it the \u201cright\u201d way. It\u2019s also powerful modeling for the children you care for: you\u2019re showing them in real-time what it\u2019s like to learn about and accept other cultures!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communicating with your employers can help you acknowledge these differences, but so can paying attention while you do your job. Observe how parents and kids talk to each other, what they eat and how they spend meals together, how they prefer to spend their free time, and so on. If you don\u2019t know or quite understand something about their culture, ask! Both parents and children will appreciate your willingness to learn, and you\u2019ll gain a lot from what they have to say. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes there\u2019s no easy solution or fix that works every time. What may work for a previous family may not work for your current family. Be adaptable and keep an open mind. Remember to communicate and work with <\/em>your employers to care for the kids. Cultural differences can teach you and other nannies a lot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n —<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re searching for a nanny family you can learn and grow with, A Perfect Fit helps nannies find the perfect family fit in and around Phoenix, Dallas, and Denver. We take the time to get to know each of our nannies, understanding their needs and goals, to ensure a great match between nanny and family. Apply to join A Perfect Fit<\/a> today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a nanny, what do cultural differences look like between you and your employers? While we often think about big differences, such as religious practices or foods we eat, these differences can be much more subtle than we realize. 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Acknowledge and embrace differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Be flexible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n