6 Tips for Hiring the Right Nanny

Nannies are an invaluable resource for families with children. They are specialists who love and care for your kids in your absence and for many families, their nanny is more than just someone who works for them. Many times, nannies become a part of the family and are involved in the children’s lives for years to come, well after their “job” as a childcare specialist is completed. If you’re looking to hire a nanny, here are some important must-knows before you start the hiring process.

Know a Nanny's Primary Role

A nanny’s primary role is to oversee the wellbeing of your child while you are away. Nannies will generally prepare meals for the children, clean up the house after them, change diapers, play and do activities or crafts with them, take them out for special events or outings, and more. There are also nannies that specialize in specific social or intellectual development and could be hired to help with potty training, language development, or homework, in addition to their regular duties.

Assess Your Needs

Before you start looking for a nanny to hire, consider what your exact needs and expectations are. What days and hours will you need care and what’s your budget going to be? Next, make a list of what requirements you need your new nanny to possess. Do you want someone that specializes in infant care? Perhaps you need someone that has a vehicle and/or driver’s license, so they can take the child to doctor’s appointments or to other fun activities during the day. Be sure you are clear about what your “must-haves” are versus the things that are nice to have, but not essential.

Know What You Can Afford

Childcare is expensive, and hiring a nanny is no exception. So, when you’re looking to hire a nanny, look closely at your budget and what you can afford when it comes to wages, as well as the employment taxes and possible worker’s compensation you need to pay for your nanny. Research what nannies are being paid in your area, so you can provide a competitive wage. If you cannot afford a full-time nanny, consider looking for someone part time or consider arranging a nanny share with another family you know. Nanny shares involve hiring a nanny that’s willing to care for the children in two families, and the families split the cost to help make it more affordable.

Know Where to Look

Finding the right nanny for your family is an important, life-changing decision. So, where do you begin? You can choose to find a nanny on your own by reading ads online, or you can work with a reputable agency that is experienced in matching families and screened nannies. Whichever way you decide to go, be sure you plan on doing pre-screening and interviewing with the candidates, so you can get a feel for their personality and communication style. It is very important to know if you connect with the person before you proceed. Once you’ve found your top candidate, pay for a background check to be sure you know about any history that could be a potential deal breaker (agencies include this in their fees). If the background check comes back clear, consider doing a working interview with the potential nanny so you can see how they interact with the children and your kids respond. Not only should they gel with you, but your kids should be able to bond and connect, too.