When it comes to one’s household, there are countless quotes that describe the importance of a healthy, fulfilling and joyous life:

“Home is where the heart is.”

“Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love.”

“A house is made of bricks and beams. A home is made of hopes and dreams.”

One could simply go on and on about the importance of home life and how a happy home brings a perfect balance to one’s life. When you walk through your front doors, you want to feel comfort, security and happiness. No one wants to feel anxiousness, disgust or sadness upon turning the key and walking inside.

That’s why it may be hard to bring in a household worker, or nanny, into your home. It could be you need someone to watch the kids while you work, pick them up from school or simply help with cleaning and homework. Hiring nannies is on the rise and there is no shame in asking for a bit of extra help.

There are always some things to consider when bringing someone into your home. You don’t want them to upset the balance and the environment you’ve set out for you and your children.

The Nanny Should Connect with Your Children

Every day, you try and give your child the most love possible. Accept them for their faults and cherish them no matter what. As a parent, you want the best for your children. Whatever their passion is, you want them to succeed. When children grow older, you can start seeing their interests form and you as a parent do your best to encourage that.

You’ll want a nanny who can do the same. Whether your child fancies themselves as the next LeBron James or Leonardo da Vinci, you want a nanny who will encourage and foment their likes and hobbies. If your child is a sporty type, find a nanny who can foster their athletic endeavors. If you have a child who likes drawing and making crafts, search for a nanny who isn’t afraid to draw outside the lines.

You don’t want a nanny who lacks encouragement skills or shames the child because they don’t want to do something. Even though it isn’t possible, you want someone who will try and care for your child like you would, encouraging them in every way possible.

The Nanny Should Connect with You

At sometime in your life, I’m sure you’ve had a coworker who walks into a meeting or your office and messes up your whole day. You’re having quite a productive day, but this person disturbs your inner equilibrium and the rest of your day just feels off. Every day at the office is spent trying to avoid this person or interact with them as little as possible.

The same principle should apply with a nanny that you bring in. You don’t want to see them in the morning, after work or any other time and think “Oh, it’s you.” While the care and safety of your children is such a high priority, your mental health is just as important. You should strive to be on the same page as them, not just in scheduling but in principles and thought processes. When it comes to taking care of your home, you should only want the best.

The Nanny Shouldn’t Break the Bank

It’s no secret that finances are causes of worry and stress among many. If you’re looking at hiring a nanny, you should make sure you’re financially sound before you embark on that journey. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my budget, what could I pay the nanny?
• What will the nanny be expecting?
• Will I need to pay for anything else, like vacations, meals and housing?
• Can I afford it?

These are all very important questions that need to be asked and answered honestly. If you’re not sure, sit down with your partner and examine everything from top to bottom. The last thing you want to happen is a deficit or having to cut back on essentials.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re abiding by the law so check all the appropriate paperwork and see if you’ll have to pay the nanny tax.There are lots of different stipulations and rules, so make sure to do your homework.

While it can be no fun to think about the nitty-gritty with finances, it’s important to take out a magnifying glass to protect your family and your home because remember, “there’s no place like home.”