The nanny rules

What to do before you hire her

Finding a Supernanny

Of course, one of the simplest ways to find a childminder, nanny or domestic helper who can take care of your child while you’re at work is to commission the services of an au pair or domestic placement agency. The agency representative will create a shortlist of candidates for you to choose from and you’ll be able to interview each one thereafter. Karen Thomsen, owner of Super Nannies, a nanny placement and training agency that has branches in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, says that doing it right from the start is key. “An employment contract is essential, because this formalises the relationship and sets out clear boundaries. Even though your nanny will become part of the family through her work in helping to care for your child, a professional relationship must be maintained, and a contract enables you to clearly define terms and conditions,” she says.