Monday Mailbag: Hiring A "Mature" Caregiver
Q: Is there a benefit to hiring an older person to work in the home as a nanny or occasional babysitter? It seems as though older people are just too experienced, and their skill set is more than what is required for the actual work.
A: Yes there is. As a "mature" (over 40) caregiver, I have worked with both younger (old enough to be my children) and older (too old to be my child, but old enough to be a sibling) caregivers. Each has their own values, experience, and passion they bring to the profession, and each one is an individual with their own things they bring to the table.
The field of early childhood education is filled with all kinds of caregivers: new, professional, and career. Whether they work in a center based program or nanny, the new caregiver is the first timer learning as she goes. Those with five years experience are considered professional caregivers, while the ones with more than five years experience are considered career caregivers. Similar principles apply to nanny positions as well. I coin the term "springboard", referring to young adults who work in a childcare center or nanny position to get through college, or those who enter or return to the profession while searching for a job following college graduation. The springboard refers to the act of using the profession to enter the professional world.
I've worked with young people, and some of my favorite caregivers have been younger. In fact, two of the best co-teachers I had in my entire career turn twenty-two in July.
Younger caregivers can be hard workers, however, many times hiring someone young brings the risk of work ethic, lack of experience, and poor attendance. By contrast, older, mature caregivers typically have a stronger work ethic, more experience and better attendance. Older caregivers have consistent schedules, while younger caregivers may have constantly changing schedules, thereby making it difficult to provide consistency.
When I first moved back here, I found a family seeking a babysitter. I called the number listed on the profile, mentioned my experience, and I was laughed at by this family, who said " 'you're overqualified, and it's just babysitting. Not like you need experience...' "
A few weeks later, this family contacted me, apologizing for laughing at me. They begged me to babysit, and I wasn't sure how to respond, or if I responded.
Personally, I feel like many families will not take the time to interview older caregivers like myself because they believe I want more money then they are willing to pay, or that some just don't understand that babysitting is more than just being a body in a house. It can involve separation anxiety, children who may be difficult to sleep with a new person in the house, and/or anything that would make the evening a challenge for a inexperienced young sitter.
Next time an older, polished caregiver applies for a position, take a chance. Get to know them. Do not be afraid of their experience, or be rude with a response. Embrace the fact that older caregivers are reliable, love their job, and that your children deserve to be well cared for by someone who loves what they do.
A: Yes there is. As a "mature" (over 40) caregiver, I have worked with both younger (old enough to be my children) and older (too old to be my child, but old enough to be a sibling) caregivers. Each has their own values, experience, and passion they bring to the profession, and each one is an individual with their own things they bring to the table.
The field of early childhood education is filled with all kinds of caregivers: new, professional, and career. Whether they work in a center based program or nanny, the new caregiver is the first timer learning as she goes. Those with five years experience are considered professional caregivers, while the ones with more than five years experience are considered career caregivers. Similar principles apply to nanny positions as well. I coin the term "springboard", referring to young adults who work in a childcare center or nanny position to get through college, or those who enter or return to the profession while searching for a job following college graduation. The springboard refers to the act of using the profession to enter the professional world.
I've worked with young people, and some of my favorite caregivers have been younger. In fact, two of the best co-teachers I had in my entire career turn twenty-two in July.
Younger caregivers can be hard workers, however, many times hiring someone young brings the risk of work ethic, lack of experience, and poor attendance. By contrast, older, mature caregivers typically have a stronger work ethic, more experience and better attendance. Older caregivers have consistent schedules, while younger caregivers may have constantly changing schedules, thereby making it difficult to provide consistency.
When I first moved back here, I found a family seeking a babysitter. I called the number listed on the profile, mentioned my experience, and I was laughed at by this family, who said " 'you're overqualified, and it's just babysitting. Not like you need experience...' "
A few weeks later, this family contacted me, apologizing for laughing at me. They begged me to babysit, and I wasn't sure how to respond, or if I responded.
Personally, I feel like many families will not take the time to interview older caregivers like myself because they believe I want more money then they are willing to pay, or that some just don't understand that babysitting is more than just being a body in a house. It can involve separation anxiety, children who may be difficult to sleep with a new person in the house, and/or anything that would make the evening a challenge for a inexperienced young sitter.
Next time an older, polished caregiver applies for a position, take a chance. Get to know them. Do not be afraid of their experience, or be rude with a response. Embrace the fact that older caregivers are reliable, love their job, and that your children deserve to be well cared for by someone who loves what they do.
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