While parents may dream of a Mary Poppins-like nanny dropping into their home and efficiently taking over the care of their kids, finding a nanny is rarely as painless an experience. Most of the time, parents have to sift through several applicants, undertake long protracted interviews and negotiate the fine print before settling on a suitable nanny for their children. In today's day and age, you can never be too careful about who you employ, so take all the time you need to make sure you find the best nanny for your kids.
Before beginning the process of searching for a nanny, it's important to know what to look for. Remember, the nanny will soon become part of your family so she needs to be someone you get along with and who shares the same values as you and your family. Make a list of all your requirements to make your subsequent search more focused and fruitful.
A good nanny should be reliable and punctual and a good listener with an eye for details. Since children learn by example, your nanny should be well mannered, clean, and respectful. Patience is imperative when looking after kids as is creativity and resourcefulness. If you have young children, your nanny may also be involved in creating activities to fill your child's day and encourage his development, so look for someone who has experience in such matters. While there is no official diploma or degree necessary to become a nanny, a person with an educational background in childcare and development will have an advantage when it comes to looking after children.
Once you have a fair idea about the sort of person you are looking for, you can start the process of looking for a nanny. There are a number of options such as:
Ask around - Speak to your friends, colleagues, other mums and your neighbors if they know anyone who fits your requirements. References from people you know are most valuable.
Advertise online - The Internet is a lifesaver in such matters. Check out various online notice boards and websites where you can advertise for a nanny and list out all your requirements. If you do decide to advertise online, be warned that you may be flooded with applicants and this can be quite daunting. When creating your advertisement, be extra specific about what you are looking for and what would disqualify a candidate from applying such as non-smoking or not having a driving license. In this way you can whittle down the applicants to a more manageable number.
Nanny service providers - These are professional agencies that deal with matching employers to the nanny of their choice. Such agencies normally charge a finding fee and may also have dibs on a percentage of the nanny's charges making it a slightly more expensive option. However, you are normally assured of a higher degree of professionalism and a peace of mind in the knowledge that all applicants have undergone rigorous background checks. Involving an agency will also cut down your time spent searching for the right candidate.
After you shortlist the potential applicants for the job, you can start the interview process. This may require some time and patience, as you should aim to meet a good number of applicants before settling on your final choice. During the interview, ask specific questions about past work experiences, personal habits, and philosophies regarding child rearing. Let your children meet the prospective nanny to get a feel of how they interact together. This can be very informative as many applicants may look good on paper or answer all your questions correctly but do not get along with your children. During the course of the interview, you will also have to discuss wages, incentives, benefits, holidays, and rules at home. A simple contract that you both sign is always a good idea to keep everything on board. Trust your instincts when it comes to choosing a nanny. If she doesn't feel right, she probably isn't.
Before hiring a nanny, it is of extreme importance to conduct a thorough background check on her credentials and past employment records. This is the person who will be taking care of your children so you need to go to all lengths to ensure their safety and security. You should check if she has any criminal records (national, state or county records) and track down her financial history (if she has filed for bankruptcy or is under any litigation). There is a nationwide registry of sexual offenders to check for sexual misconduct as well. Verify her address, college education, social security number, and DMV driving reports for any discrepancies. For as little as $150, a private security company or investigator can handle all these background checks for you and assure you complete peace of mind.
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