A new baby is a momentous event and every family will need a little extra help – even a Royal family!
As Prince William and Kate Middleton prepare for the arrival of their second child at the end of April. They have apparently advertised for a new nanny. This is part of the process of sticking to their plan of leading as normal a life as possible. Of course it’s caused a furore. With nannies around the world hoping to at least make it to the shortlist.
Is there anything we can learn from the way the royals are choosing a new nanny? Actually, there’s quite a lot to garner from the way the royals do it.
Top tips on choosing a nanny or maternity nurse the Royal way
Be clear
The difference between a nanny and a maternity nurse is substantial. Knowing which you require makes it easier for you. And the potential candidates, to know if you’re a good match for each other. A maternity nurse may be a trained nurse or simply very experienced in the care of newborn babies. She helps a new mother from the day of birth, or return from hospital. To the point when a good routine is established at home. This can be anything from a few weeks to a couple of months. A nanny, on the other hand, is a childcare professional who either visits the family. Or lives in with them to care for a child or children. Some mothers work alongside nannies whilst others give their nanny sole charge of the child or children.
Be honest
William and Kate require a great deal from their nanny. Which is probably why their choice for Prince George was a single woman in her forties. This meant her life circumstances would permit the necessary amount of travel and unsociable hours that a royal baby brings in their wake. For most families, this isn’t such an issue. But it’s important to know your own requirements and communicate them. If you entertain regularly. Letting the nanny know can help both sides be sure they’re right for each other. If you expect your nanny to accompany you on your twice annual skiing trips. It’s good to be sure that nanny likes to ski! And if you’re a vegan household. Being direct about what food is and isn’t acceptable in your home will ensure your nanny is a great fit for your lifestyle, so you all thrive together. Rather than rubbing each other up the wrong way.
Be adjustable
While you will have bottom lines that are non-negotiable. You may also discover that the right person for you comes in a slightly different package to the one you were expecting. Before William and Kate chose a permanent nanny for Prince George. They asked Jessie Webb to come out of retirement to serve as a maternity nurse. She was seventy-one when she returned to work part time for the royal family, which is quite unusual, but she had such a great relationship with William and Harry after serving as their nanny, that she was said to be William’s first choice for a very demanding role. Even when she nannied William and Harry she was considered unusual, having a broad cockney accent and strong opinions! Whatever the original views, she must have done a great job to become maternity nanny to a new Royal generation.
Clarity, honesty and adjustability will give you a great start in choosing the right nanny or maternity nurse for you – and if it’s good enough for William and Kate, we’re confident in recommending this approach to our readers!