Entrusting your children to a stranger's care is one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences for any parent. This universal fear has been powerfully dramatised in the wildly popular new Peacock series, All Her Fault, starring Sarah Snook.
The show follows a mother who arrives to collect her son from a playdate, only to make the horrifying discovery that he has been kidnapped by their nanny. While such extreme incidents are, thankfully, exceedingly rare, the programme highlights the very real dangers of not taking proper precautions when hiring childcare.
The Expert's Advice for Safe Childcare
According to Miss Monique, a professional nanny with over 25 years of experience, there are simple yet crucial steps parents can take to avoid treacherous situations. In a recently republished interview with the Today show from 2023, she outlined the common and potentially dangerous mistakes that mothers and fathers make.
Her insights provide a vital checklist for ensuring your little one is in the best hands possible.
Mistake 1: Withholding Vital Information
The first and most common error parents make is failing to share enough information with the babysitter. Monique stresses that when it comes to hiring a stranger, more detail is always better.
She emphasises the importance of thoroughly reviewing schedules, bedtime routines, food restrictions, and any important household rules before leaving. 'Parents and sitters should communicate. Mommy and Daddy know what's best,' she explained.
She advises providing a clear schedule for meals, along with specific rules concerning screen time and preferred activities. This level of detail gives the caregiver a solid framework for the day and manages expectations on all sides.
Mistake 2: Assuming the Sitter 'Knows the Ropes'
Many parents operate on the dangerous assumption that a sitter will instinctively know how to use essential household items. Monique says this is a critical oversight.
It is vital to physically demonstrate how to operate equipment like the bottle warmer, stroller, or noise machine before you depart. This prevents frustration and ensures things run smoothly in your absence.
Furthermore, if you have a tricky lock on your front door, take an extra moment to teach the sitter how it works. This simple step can prevent them from being accidentally locked out or struggling in an emergency.
Mistake 3: Neglecting Safety and Contingency Planning
Another area where parents often fall short is in emergency preparedness. Monique strongly reminds parents to show every babysitter where the first aid kit is stored and to provide a list of emergency phone numbers.
'Think ahead of time [about] any contingencies and leave a clear and detailed list of any important details or contacts,' she stressed.
She recommends having a clear list of contacts and details written down and placed somewhere the nanny can easily see, just in case an emergency arises. This list should be comprehensive and unambiguous.
Monique also adds that parents must take extra time to review any medication the sitter needs to administer to the child, ensuring dosage and timing are perfectly understood.
Mistake 4: Overlooking the Sitter's Own Needs
Finally, a common mistake of a different kind is not paying enough attention to the babysitter's own welfare. A good working relationship is built on mutual respect and care.
Monique suggests a simple yet thoughtful practice: If your sitter drove to your house, be sure to check in with them later to confirm they got home safely.
If the sitter walked or used public transport, she advises driving them home yourself or calling them an Uber. This not only ensures their safety but also fosters a positive and professional relationship, making them more likely to want to work for you again.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, parents can significantly reduce the stress of hiring childcare and create a safer, more secure environment for their children.
