Publications
- Obtaining a driver's licence can be an exciting yet intimidating process.
- For nannies and au pairs, it an "absolutely" necessary skill, but where to begin?
- A nanny training extraordinaire shares advice to "ensure that [home employees] gain confidence when embarking on this journey".
They're aptly nicknamed the Third Parent, and for many South African households, nannies and au-pairs are integral to family life.
The responsibilities of these home-based essential workers are immense, which is why equipping them with the skills they need to perform the job is vital.
One such fundamental skill is acquiring a driver's licence, which Lindiwe Shibambo says is "absolutely" necessary "for all types of home employees".
As a former domestic worker, and the founder and CEO the award-winning domestic service recruitment and training agency, Maid4U, Shibambo knows a thing or two about what is required to "ensure that [home employees] gain confidence when embarking on this journey".
And while there are many driving schools to approach for assistance, Shibambo urges employers to avoid going down the generic route, adding that employers can do a few things to make the process simpler, which don't necessarily come with a cost.
Also read: How to help your nanny stay safe
'Looking after children is a very sensitive job'
"Most [nannies] have not been exposed to a car, and this is really a scary process for them. They can use all the support and encouragement they can get," Shibambo advises.
Confidence is another key and often underestimated ingredient for becoming a driver, Shibambo says, which comes with supplementary training.
"Looking after children is a very sensitive job, especially where it entails driving them around. We encourage nannies and childminders to take additional lessons".
Recommendations
Shibambo says that in addition to obtaining a driver's licence, it's essential for a nanny to be equipped with additional precautionary training.
According to Shibambo, supplementary training in child safety should include:
- Correct car seat usage
- Checking for any hazardous items before driving
- Safe observation techniques
- Safe toys and activities
- First Aid and CPR
Shibambo says that since "the world is now migrating to AI and digitalisation," employers should also consider training options such as "Basic Computer and APP usage".
"As MAID4U, we encourage employers to invest in skills development and training of their nannies".
Chatback:
Share your stories and questions with us via email at chatback@parent24.com. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
Don't miss a story!
For a weekly wrap of our latest parenting news and advice sign up to our free Parent24 newsletter.
