Choosing A Nanny: Six Tips For Finding The Perfect
Choosing a nanny is one of the most important privileges for mothers who have to return to work a few months after birth. It also includes women who need extra help around the house for some reason at any stage of their child’s life.
The task of choosing a nanny is not easy. You have to think about it a lot. After all , they will be responsible for the well-being of the most precious part of your life : your children.
The bond that children form with their immediate family is no secret to anyone. This is a very important thing to consider when a baby needs to be placed under another person. Many doubts and worries will come to your mind and this is perfectly normal. This is especially true for a baby, who probably has not had much contact with people outside his immediate family.
This is not an easy task, but it is not an impossible task. It’s all about being observant, careful and thorough. You have to be aware that the look is deceptive in some way.
Therefore, you need to interrogate and research as much as you can to choose a reliable nanny who can guarantee your children’s well-being.
Choosing a nanny: A search that requires time and patience
Your maternal instinct will always find ways to protect your children.
Getting a person to take care of the little ones can be a long process. However, it is best this way. You need to be patient and come up with a long list of reasons to hire a particular person before making a decision to choose a nanny. Do not rush into it.
Remember that the profile of the nanny you need will vary depending on what you need at any given time. For example, whether they want to be alone with your children or in the company of another family member makes a difference.
Also consider the age of your children and whether they will be with them for short or long periods. It is not the same to look for a nanny for a baby who does not speak yet, as it is to look for someone who will look after toddlers or older children.
The level of self-confidence and security that the chosen nanny inspires in you is crucial to your peace of mind, especially if they are with your children for several hours every day. Trust your instincts ; they never lie. If something smells rotten or is too good to be true, it probably is.
Do not settle for the wrong person because of desperation. Keep looking.
Choosing a nanny: Frequently asked questions and concerns
When you start a search to choose a nanny, it is quite possible that you will be filled with questions and concerns. This is especially true if it is your first child they want to look after. Choosing a caregiver who is perfect for your needs is definitely a challenge.
Analyze the most common challenges and questions throughout this process so that you can decide if you need to choose a nanny or if you should choose a daycare instead.
- A person who offers childcare services is usually not a specialist in pedagogy. It is possible that the educational contribution they offer will not be the same as what can be given in kindergartens.
- It is also sometimes difficult to find a person who is available to work when you need them. But when your children are at home, they may want to adapt to your work schedule better than having to wait for you in a daycare center.
- Most nanny services in the home are often more expensive than daycare centers. You must confirm that your budget allows you to pay for some of these fees. You may also have to pay for their meals and transportation.
- We’re all heard horror stories about evil nannies. This is why you need to be suspicious of any “strange” attitude you may have in a particular person during an interview. Do not let fear cloud your judgment. But trust your gut if it feels like “something is weird.”
Basic tips for choosing a nanny
1. Do a background check and confirm their previous experience
Check all the references a person presents on the CV, especially with those that apply to similar jobs. This is the first step before choosing.
Talk to the families they worked with and confirm the experience they claim to have with children. If someone you trust can recommend them, that may be your best guarantee.
Schedule an interview
Plan and prepare for the interview you want with the possible candidates.
Ask all the questions you think are necessary to get to know them. And ask about their previous work and if they have experience caring for children. If they have been a nanny before, also ask why they no longer work with these families. In addition, you can ask them how they will cope with different situations that may arise while caring for your children.
In addition, find out how they stand in relation to punishment and reward.
3. Checks for behavior and presence
When choosing a nanny, it is very important that they have a good attitude, demeanor and a nice personality during the interview.
Good presence is not about dressing like a leader or a fashion model. It’s about looking well-groomed, clean and tidy, and that they know how to dress appropriately for this occasion.
They must also reflect good manners and treat themselves with respect. Remember that your children will follow the example of this person and learn from them.
4. Do a little test
Take a few minutes to do this during the interview so you can see how they are with your children. Make sure your child likes this person and do not question their feelings. Their intuition is much sharper than yours. The same goes for the pet if you have one.
Also pay attention to how you feel during their time together. Are you comfortable, calm and safe from the start? You can not force a relationship between the children and a nanny. Doing so will make the separation process much more difficult for everyone involved.
5. Confirm your schedule and availability
From the information you gather at the interview, you should know how long they are willing to offer their services. Confirm that they can be there on time and whether they need to leave exactly when they specify it or if they have some flexibility.
If one of you has any issues with your schedule, it is better to keep interviewing other potential candidates for the job.
6. State rules and conditions
During the interview to choose a nanny, the candidate should know what you expect from them. This includes:
- How exactly they should take care of the baby and / or the children.
- What is the scope of their responsibilities.
- How to act if there is an emergency.
- What constitutes an emergency.
If the candidate has any objections to how you want them to deal with your children, then interview the next candidate.
7. Ask the candidate to state terms and conditions
During the interview, a candidate must state their working conditions. The more specific and detailed they are, the better for you.
If it is incompatible with what you need, they are not the right match for the job. Then you should continue the process of choosing another nanny.
Remember: there is nothing that is more important for the well-being of the family e.
Choosing a nanny: how to choose one that is perfect?
If you find that the nanny you choose meets all these requirements, you are ready to give them a more formal test. They can start taking care of your children for short periods here and there. In this way, you can observe and analyze how they react in different situations and how it affects the behavior of the little ones.
In the same way, you must be aware of whether they follow the instructions you created. You need to give them a number where they can reach you at any time and they can inform you about any news or just about their usual routine. If you feel satisfied with this second test, you can rent them for longer periods.
Finally, even if you choose the best nanny in the world, they will never be able to replace your attention as parents. No matter how many hours you have to work, only you can give unconditional love to your children.
Do not deprive them, and yourself, of the privilege of growing up together. Time goes extremely fast, and there will come a day where you have all the time in the world to spend with your children, but when def does not have it.
