Have you ever been to a park or a playdate and noticed the way that someone else’s nanny interacts with her charges? You might recognize that other parents do things differently because certain things would never fly in your household. Employing a nanny is a highly personal process. Part of the caregiver hiring process involves determining if a nanny is right for you.
Do her qualifications meet your needs?
It seems obvious that a potential candidate needs to have the skills and experience that you desire. The problem is that many families don’t stop to think about what they’re looking for before they start the nanny hiring process.
Creating a detailed job description can help you determine what qualifications to look for. Describing a typical day with the children allows you to come up with these specifics. You may or may not need someone who can drive, a mode of transportation or experience with highly sensitive children.
The right nanny should know what to do in case of an emergency. Ask questions about what the nanny would do in certain situations, such as what would she do if your child was choking. Finding out if she is prepared to think on her feet and keep your children safe is an important thing to know.
Can you confirm her background?
You should always run a background check on the candidate that you decide to hire. This will give you a much detailed idea of who the candidate is. Although a background check won’t necessarily help you decide between the best candidates, it can certainly help you eliminate the ones that are not the right fit for your family.
Did you check references?
Many parents get so busy during the hiring process that they neglect to check references. However, this can be one of the best ways to get real information about how your nanny behaved in a previous job.
A glowing review can help you confirm your decision. It also allows you to overlook some potentially negative things that come up during an interview. For example, a nanny who is shy during the interview process might end up being completely energetic and playful with the kids. Knowing this can help you decide if a nanny is right for you.
Do her philosophies match yours?
It helps to have a nanny that shares your philosophies about child-rearing and discipline. Some caregivers don’t have specific beliefs about how to raise a child. This type of nanny may be flexible and reliable when it comes to carrying out your wishes. A candidate with strong feelings that contradict yours may not be the best fit.
Did you have any gut feelings?
The feelings that you get when you’re around the candidate are important. If you can’t stand the way that the applicant mumbles, you might not be able to hide your annoyance every time you need to communicate with the nanny.
Maybe she doesn’t have much experience, but she gives you the impression that she’s a generous and caring soul. Listen to your intuition, and don’t be afraid to go with your gut instincts.
How did your children react?
Your kids will be interacting with the nanny the most. Even if the candidate seems perfect on paper, he or she may not click with the children. Don’t skip the step of arranging one or several in-person meetings with the kids. You may even want to schedule a trial run before committing to the hire. Doing this is one of the best ways to decide if a nanny is right for you.