Babysitting - the litmus test for many families in Romania who don't have help from grandparents to supervise their children when they are at work.
One of the most stressful times in a parent's life is certainly when mom goes back to work. With whom to leave the children safe? Do you have grandparents? Reliable helpers? A nanny? A babysitter? Quitting your job? We spoke to Magda Peisakh, general manager.
CSÎD: Why do Romanians use nannies?
Magda Peisakh: The main reason is the labor shortage for this niche. People often turn to nannies because of the lack of alternatives. With more and more working hours spent in the office, and Romania still a country where people work long hours, help is clearly needed. Especially in the case of families with several children, where both parents work, there is a need for someone who is able to be constantly involved in supervising and accommodating the needs of the little ones.
CSÎD: What's the difference between nanny and babysitter?
Magda Peisakh: A nanny is a long-term caregiver who is a constant presence in the child's life, whereas a baby sitter is a baby sitter who is responsible for the occasional supervision of the little ones. While the responsibilities of the nanny are very clear and quite varied, and often involve carrying out activities with the child, In the case of babysitting, we are talking about an activity that is mainly occasional, which is mostly limited to supervising the little ones, for situations when parents want to go out for a few hours, attend an event or have an emergency.
Some Romanians turn to Asian nannies
CSÎD: How has the voucher market in Romania evolved in the last 2 years, in pandemic?
Magda Peisakh: With the onset of the lockdown, many people were forced to work from home in the presence of their children, which drastically reduced their chances of efficiency. This was the reason why most of them chose to seek and hire help from Asia, which implicitly led to an increase in the demand for foreign nannies.
If 11 years ago, the phenomenon of Asian nannies was considered exotic, today it has become a normality and a necessity for more and more families with considerable incomes.
CSÎD: What qualities do Romanians look for in a nanny?
Magda Peisakh: Among the most important selection criteria are experience, the ability to undertake different activities with children. Of course, their kindness and openness as a person come first. For some employers it is also important how well they can cook for children. It is an asset when nannies are also mothers, as they are seen as more responsible. If you're looking for a nanny from abroad, advanced knowledge of English is another criterion. Because some clients are interested in nannies for newborns, in their case the care giver's certificate becomes very important, because then the respective employee how to take care of children, elderly and disabled people.
It is also possible for the nanny to live permanently in the house where she works
CSÎD: What does internal nannying actually involve?
Magda Peisakh: The concept of an in-house nanny implies the provision of board and lodging for the nanny, as well as a registered employment contract for a certain period of time, e.g. minimum 2 years.
CSÎD: How to choose a nanny? Who ultimately decides if she's suitable?
Magda Peisakh: In addition to the experience of the candidates, a very big emphasis is put on the family chemistry with the future nanny, a new person who will become part of their everyday life.
Families who call the agencies can interview 2-3 candidates and the final decision is made based on their opinion.
