5 Tips for Finding a Good Nanny
Undoubtedly, it can be overwhelming to leave your kids under someone else's care. As a result, parents always want to find the best nanny they can to have peace of mind. But how do you spot a good nanny? This is a common question that parents ask, especially those who have had a disappointing experience in the past.
With thousands of nannies available, you need to be tactical to pick one who will meet your needs. Here are five tips for finding a good nanny.
Get Referrals
The first step you should take when looking for a nanny is talking to people with firsthand experience. This can be your family or friends. They may connect you to one of their former nannies who did a great job, making your search process easier.
Go Online
If you don't get any referrals from the people you know, you should consider checking online. Many different listing websites for nannies exist, so you can't miss finding one you like. These websites are dependable because they give adequate information about the nannies, including background check, experience, and skills, etc.
It is essential to include a detailed job description on these websites--for instance, the number of kids, starting period, and day off. This will make it easier for the website to connect you with the most suitable nanny. Some websites have options that can allow you to view nannies' profiles to go through their reviews, background check, and references.
Remember, you need to sign up with a website that suits your needs, because some only have part-time nannies. Therefore, you need to check the details first to avoid misunderstandings.
Work with an Agency
Besides getting referrals from loved ones or using listing websites, you can also find a good nanny via a local placement agency. Agencies usually train their nannies, which means you will meet qualified candidates.
Moreover, this can save you time because you won't have to go through the hiring process. However, you will pay a certain percentage of the nanny's annual salary to the agency at the time of placement.
Interview the Nanny
Regardless of the route you take to find a nanny, you need to interview them before closing the deal. Therefore, it is important to have multiple candidates, probably three to five, to compare their qualities. Ensure that you ask questions that can help you gauge their suitability deeply.
For example, why did you leave your last job? What are the ages of the jobs you have taken care of previously? What do you love most about being a nanny? How do you spend time with your kids, if you have any? What would you do if a child falls and hits their head?
These questions can help you tell if you have found the right nanny or not. Ensure that you make the candidates comfortable by having a friendly interview.
Set a Trial Period
After you have selected your perfect candidate, you should give them a trial period, usually a week, to see if their actions match their papers and reviews. You will study how they interact with the kids and handle chores, time management, caregiving approaches, listening skills, and hygiene, among others.
Additionally, you should take them through the family schedule to make sure they get everything in-depth. If your family is large, the probationary time can take about two weeks or a month, after which you can give them the main contract if you are satisfied with their work.
Finding a reliable nanny should not be rocket science. With the tips discussed above, you can make your process smoother. A good nanny can grow with your child and nurture them right throughout their development.