A great nanny will help make your life easier and create a healthy environment for your child to thrive. How do you find a great nanny? It’s not always so easy! We are sharing a few tips that will help you improve your search process and bring you closer to finding the right fit for your family.
- Start looking early
Finding the right nanny can sometimes take up to 3 months, and you have to start early to avoid missing out on the nanny of your choice. Also, the best nannies who come highly recommended often have strong competition from families and are usually hired quickly. Give yourself enough time and check back frequently for newly available nannies.
- Think long term
When hiring a nanny think about how the needs of your child will evolve over the next few years. For example, a newborn may have specific care needs, but what support will your child need as they become a toddler consider if this person will also be able to meet the evolving needs of your child over time.
- Ask the right questions
Once you have narrowed down the candidates, ask questions not only about your nanny’s experience but also ask scenario questions, so you understand how a nanny would react in day-to-day scenarios and also in emergencies. As part of the interview process you should also see how the nanny interacts with your child to get a sense of their energy levels when interacting with your child, are they calm, disciplined, or very playful, and does this match your family’s style and expectations?
- Do your homework
Once you have found a nanny you love, it is important to also do some basic checks and fact-checking. One way to do this is to ask for referrals from previous employers. This will give you additional comfort in the nanny’s experience and background.
- Set clear expectations upfront
Just like you would expect your employer to do, it is important to set working expectations clearly upfront and respect those. Ensure that your nanny clearly understands her working hours, her scope of work, her holiday entitlements, and how you would like her to engage your children. This ensures you and your nanny are on the same page and minimizes future disappointment.