How to Find a Good Nanny
With parents juggling work and family and with so many decisions to make daily, perhaps the most important decision to make is how to find a nanny for their children. Trusting someone else to watch young children can be stressful and worrisome to parents, but by taking the time to research and ask the right questions, finding a nanny can be made easier. There are many reputable nanny services one can use in finding a good nanny who will do the searching for parents, but for those who want to know how to find a nanny on their own, here are some important steps in finding one that parents will feel confident in hiring:
1. For safety reasons, it is best to interview applicants in a public place before disclosing one's exact address. After checking references and narrowing the list of potential nannies, the next step would be to allow them into the home to meet the family and to further discuss their duties.
2. All applicants should be required to bring a resume with personal references. Utilize this information and follow up on all referrals and past employers to verify the information provided by the applicant.
3. Once the pool of applicants has been narrowed and it's time to make a final decision on which one to hire, doing a criminal background check is vital. Applicants can get a copy of their criminal record from their local police station at a nominal fee. Those who refuse to provide one should not be considered for hire.
4. When interviewing applicants, be clear on what the nanny's duties will be, hours they are expected to work, and rate of pay. Have a blank contract prepared to go over with them and get their input. Be open about suggestions they may have to include or exclude in the contract. Let them know that they will be treated with respect and will always be able to voice any concerns they may have as a nanny for the family.
5. Some nannies may have more experience with older children, so for parents with babies or toddlers, look for a nanny who has specific experience in this area.
6. Ask each applicant why they are applying for the job and how much actual experience they have had as a nanny. Ask them about some of their past jobs, what they liked or disliked about their employment with other families. More importantly, ask them why they left those jobs. By getting the applicants to discuss their experiences, parents can observe how the applicants project their personalities and temperament. Body language, eye contact, and how one talks can speak volumes about a person.
7. Don't be taken in by an applicant's engaging personality. Check out all applicants equally and thoroughly.
Ultimately, parents must be vigilant by checking work history, personal references, and criminal backgrounds of any applicant they may be considering for hire. Though the process may take some time and effort, it is worth it to ensure their children will be in good hands. Babies and toddlers, especially, cannot tell their parents if something is wrong, so it is up to the parents to screen applicants thoroughly. Making a hasty decision can be a costly one, so when looking for a nanny, don't take any shortcuts.
