Hiring a nanny means entrusting someone with the well-being of your child and home, and when the nanny consistently forgets important instructions, it can be frustrating and concerning. In Dubai, where nannies play a pivotal role in many households, communication and efficiency are key. But what do you do when your nanny doesn’t seem to remember what you’ve taught her? Here’s a guide on how to manage the situation, maintain a good relationship, and find long-term solutions.
Why Does Your Nanny Keep Forgetting?
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to consider why your nanny might be struggling with remembering instructions. Here are some possible reasons:
- Language Barrier: If your nanny’s first language is different from yours, she may have difficulty fully understanding your instructions.
- Overwhelm: Juggling various tasks—housework, childcare, cooking—can be overwhelming, especially for a new nanny.
- Lack of Clarity: Perhaps the instructions weren’t as clear or detailed as needed, or they weren’t repeated enough for the nanny to retain them.
- Lack of Experience: Some nannies may not have been exposed to the routines or practices that are commonplace in your home.
Understanding the root cause of the forgetfulness can help you approach the situation with empathy and find a solution that works for both of you.
How to Address the Issue
1. Evaluate Communication and Instruction
First, consider how clear and consistent your instructions have been. Have you clearly communicated your expectations? Were there any points where the nanny may have been confused? If language barriers are an issue, consider using simpler language, repeating key points, or even demonstrating tasks.
You could also create written guidelines or checklists to help the nanny refer back to instructions when needed. Many nannies are visual learners, so having something they can consult can be a game-changer.
2. Repetition and Patience
Remember that repetition is key when teaching new habits, especially in households with multiple routines. Sometimes, a nanny might need to hear or practice certain tasks several times before they become second nature.
Being patient during this phase is important. If after repeating instructions several times the nanny still struggles to retain information, consider breaking down tasks into smaller steps.
3. Set Up Regular Check-Ins
Weekly or bi-weekly meetings to check in on progress and discuss any difficulties can help both you and your nanny feel heard. These check-ins can also be an opportunity for her to ask questions about tasks she’s unsure about and for you to reiterate priorities. Clear communication during these meetings can prevent misunderstandings and build trust.
4. Use Visual Aids and Technology
If your nanny is better with visuals, use charts, sticky notes, or even apps to help her keep track of daily duties. Apps like Google Keep, Asana, or even a simple notes app can act as a reference point for instructions, tasks, or changes in routine.
5. Reinforce Training with Gentle Correction
If your nanny continues to do things her way rather than how she’s been taught, it’s important to gently correct her. Be firm but kind. Let her know that while you appreciate her input, there are certain routines and methods that need to be followed for consistency. The goal is to align her methods with your household’s expectations.
You can say something like:
"I noticed that you're doing things a bit differently than we discussed. It’s really important that things are done in a particular way for our family. Let's go over it again so we're on the same page."
6. Consider Cultural Differences
In Dubai, many nannies come from different countries and may have their own ways of doing things based on their cultural backgrounds. Acknowledge these differences, but emphasize the importance of following your household’s practices while being respectful of the nanny’s perspective.
7. Reassess the Workload
Is it possible that the nanny is juggling too many tasks? If the workload is too heavy, she might not be able to focus on remembering specific details. Reassessing and redistributing tasks could help improve her performance and memory.
8. Provide Continuous Training
Just like any job, being a nanny requires ongoing learning. Make time for continued training, especially around complex tasks like child-related activities, meal prep, or managing specific health needs. Over time, regular coaching sessions can help reinforce best practices.
9. Reward Improvement
Positive reinforcement can go a long way in motivating your nanny to improve her memory and performance. When she successfully remembers tasks or follows instructions, acknowledge her efforts. Positive feedback makes employees feel valued, and it encourages continued diligence.
10. Set a Trial Period for Improvement
If forgetfulness continues despite your best efforts, it might be time to set a clear improvement plan. Provide a timeline—such as 30 days—where she is expected to show improvement, with regular feedback and check-ins. If, by the end of the trial period, things have not changed, you may need to reassess if the nanny is the right fit for your household.
Related Considerations to Strengthen Your Approach
Delegating Tasks to Nanny
One reason why some moms find it hard to delegate is the fear that the nanny will forget or not follow through on instructions. By addressing forgetfulness effectively, you’ll feel more confident in delegating tasks.
Signs It’s Time to Let Your Nanny Go
If forgetfulness persists even after trying several solutions, it might indicate a deeper issue, such as lack of focus or unsuitability for the role. Knowing when it’s time to consider a change is also crucial for maintaining household harmony.
Cultural Sensitivity with Nannies
Dubai is home to a diverse expat community, and it’s important to approach issues with cultural awareness. Understanding your nanny’s background and being respectful of cultural differences can make it easier to communicate and find a middle ground.
Conclusion
If your nanny consistently forgets important instructions and defaults to doing things her way, it can feel overwhelming. However, with clear communication, regular check-ins, visual aids, and continued training, you can work toward finding a solution that works for both of you. Remember to approach the situation with empathy and patience, but also set clear boundaries to ensure your household runs smoothly. If improvements aren't made after several attempts, it may be time to reassess if your nanny is the right fit.
