This is not a comprehensive guide to finding a nanny but a quick look into how my family found the best nanny ever! If you want to know all about finding, hiring, paying, tax information and job descriptions, then you should check out Nanny.com. They have everything you need to know, even sample interview questions.
When it came time for us to find a nanny, I was stumped. As a stay-at-home mom I had no idea where to start, only that I knew what I didn’t want. I didn’t want a nanny who spoke no English. Call me what you will, but I really did not want to have to struggle to communicate what are needs and expectations were. I also didn’t want someone who would simply fill my child’s time.
Since I have a hands-on mothering approach, I wanted to find someone who was similarly focused. And by hands-on I don’t mean “helicopter” mothering. I simply mean that I try to engage my daughter in learning throughout the day – instead of TV, we play with her kitchen, instead of toys that light up and do things we have blocks and dolls and whatnot so her imagination gets a work out.
Now, I’m not wholly opposed to such things as TV and such- a woman needs a break once in a while and those time fillers serve a definite need. But not for our nanny.
Back to finding our nanny. I watched the nannies at the playground. I watched them for a long, long time and noticed how they interacted with the kids their were caring for. Did they sit on the sidelines gossiping with the other nannies, or were they out there interacting with the child? When I was ready, I asked the nannies I admired about their work and simply got to know them. Then, I asked for advice/referrals from those nannies I had come to trust.
What I found was that the nannies who I personally knew became invested in their recommendations because they knew me and my daughter. They knew what we needed and what we didn’t. Their reputation was on the line.
Then, when I got the names of potential nannies for us, I interviewed the women by arranging a play date with my daughter. Afterall, she was the one who would have to spend the most time with this newcomer – she should have a say. Then, after checking references (and you can even do background checks now, if you’d like) I hired the one we all felt the most comfortable with.
Now, she’s with us and we all love her! When she comes over we all happily greet her at the door and look forward to her time with us.
I realize it’s not that easy, especially for working mothers who don’t have the time to personally vet potential nannies at the playground every day. A good back-up resource is a mother’s group in your area. The one I belong to is invaluable for such information. But, there is no substitute for first hand referrals and face to face, “gut check” meetings.
Good luck! I hope you find a nanny as great as ours!
photo credit: d4rr3ll
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I loved reading a positive article like yours on nannies and families. As a mother and owner of a nanny agency I know what a great infuence nannies can be on our children. Please let me know if you ever need any information on hiring a nanny or would like a industy experts opinion.
Debbie Hipp
FindTheBestNanny.com
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