Finding a qualified nanny is one thing. But finding a nanny whose approach actually aligns with your parenting style is another. That alignment is what determines whether the caregiver you choose will be a match for your family long-term.
At Oliver’s Nannies, we pride ourselves on our proprietary Olico® Care Matching system, which has helped hundreds of families find the perfect nanny. Here’s what we’ve learned about making the perfect match.
Understanding Your Own Parenting Style
As a parent, you probably have a clear sense of your own values. But translating those values into clear expectations for your child’s caregiver is equally important.
How to Identify Your Core Parenting Values
Before we can match you with the right nanny, it’s important to define what matters to you and your household. Consider:
- Your routine preferences. Does your family run on a structured schedule, or do you prefer a little more flexibility?
- Your developmental priorities. Is academic readiness a major focus, or do you prioritize creative play, independence, or outdoor time?
- Your family’s parenting style. Are you firm and consistent, collaborative, or focused on natural consequences?
A nanny who’s wonderful on paper won’t be the right fit if their approach to caregiving doesn’t closely align with yours.
How to Find Qualified Nanny Candidates
A professional nanny agency like Oliver’s Nannies will handle most of the search process before you even meet a candidate. Thorough background checks, reference verifications, skills assessments, and style-matching are all handled by our team to reduce your stress of searching for the perfect caregiver.
Communicating Your Needs to Oliver’s Nannies
At Oliver’s Nannies, the matching process begins with understanding your family. Our team will take the time to get to know your family closely—what you’re looking for in terms of household schedules and routines, your child’s unique needs, and your expectations for the nanny’s role in their development.
How would you want your nanny to guide behavior? Do you want them to prioritize creativity and spontaneity, or are schedule and structure more important to you? Thinking about your answers to questions like these—and being prepared to communicate them—will help our team identify the candidate who is the best fit for your family.
Establishing Clear Expectations for Caregiving and Communication
If you have strong preferences about screen time, nap routines, food choices, or any other aspect of your child’s care, it’s helpful to give our office team as many details as possible so they can tailor your child’s care plan and align their needs with the care provided. The more you define your approach upfront, the less room there will be for misalignment.
We encourage both parents and nannies to communicate regularly with the Oliver’s Nannies office team. This centralized approach allows our team to effectively document and manage all situations so we can ensure your child gets the best possible care.
Maintaining Alignment and Managing Differences
Set aside time monthly to check in with our office team and revisit your parenting guidelines together. What’s working? What feels off? Have your child’s needs shifted in ways that require adjusting the approach?
A regular, low-stakes rhythm of open communication prevents small misunderstandings from becoming bigger problems. As your child grows, it’s important to update your expectations for their care accordingly.
If your family’s needs shift significantly, Oliver’s Nannies is always here to help you reassess. We’ll work with you to adjust your match criteria or find a caregiver who’s better suited to where your family is now.
Find the Perfect Nanny Match with Oliver’s Nannies
Finding the nanny who’s the right fit for your family is about more than qualifications. It’s about finding a caregiver whose values, instincts, and approach align with yours from day one.
At Oliver’s Nannies, our Olico® matching process is designed to do exactly that. We take the time to understand your family’s unique needs and connect you with a caregiver who feels like a genuine extension of your family. Choosing the right caregiver is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child’s development. Contact your nearest Oliver’s Nannies location to get matched with the right nanny for your family.