Choosing the right nanny is very important as you bring up your child. You have to choose wisely since that person will be responsible for the happiness and safety of your child, and also likely to become an integral part of your family. You have to be ready to sift through your options until you find the nanny you are in search of. You should not comprise on your search at all. Your child deserves the best caretaker and a good search will give you the right one. You must be resourceful and patient. You should also consult your friends and family members for any recommendations. In this article, we give you insight on how to find the right nanny.
How to Find a Nanny
1. Identify your resources
Decide what you want for your child. Talk to your spouse and seek their opinion. What should be her qualifications? Should she be older? Should she be experienced in childcare for all ages? Should she have some education on early childhood development and possess certain clearances? Make a list with all the qualifications you need, and then start looking for a nanny either by talking to nanny agencies or conducting a safe search online by using verified resources. (Such as this site)
2. Do your research. You can do this in one of many ways below:
Go online. The internet is a wonderful resource that can even teach you a step by step lesson on how to find a nanny. Try looking for websites dedicated to nanny jobs and child care. These websites act as a medium, linking prospective nannies to parents in search of nannies. The charges are minimal considering the investment you’re making in your child. Try your luck with these sites and see what you can find.
Get your word out. Let the people around you know you are looking for a nanny. Ask your family and friends to help you in your search. Post fliers at local parenting centers, and place notices on bulletin boards, school newsletters, local gyms, cafes and shops.
Go to the professionals. Search around your area for a nanny training program. You can contact their staff for referrals. These programs are mainly run by charities, community centers and other organizations.
Advertise your nanny position. Place adverts in the internet or newspapers. You should be aware that this may lead to an overwhelming number of applications. To solve this problem, be very specific in what you are looking for. For instance, you can give your conditions such as stating that applicants must be non-smokers.
3. Conduct your interviews
Once you have “advertised” your position using the above means, you should then talk to as many applicants as you can. Ask them specific questions concerning their work experience, personal habits, childrearing philosophies, and background. As you interview them, be sure to have your child with you and see how they are interacting. This is very important. Listen to your conscience, and if it does not seem right, then it probably isn’t.
4. Check references
Call the references of the candidates you think are good. Ask them questions regarding the prospective nanny. This can be very good as it can open your eyes to see what a particular candidate will be like once you give her the job. Ask about their strengths and weaknesses and why they parted ways.
5. Hire
Out of the few remaining applicants, say two or three, make the final decision. You can ask them to come to your home one at a time and spend a few days with your child. Pay them for these services. At the end of the week, analyze how well they’ve performed as well as your child’s thoughts, and decide who the best among them.
Looking for a nanny can be a daunting task that you must undertake with a lot of commitment. Using the above methodology on how to find a nanny, it will always lead you to finding the best person to take care of your child. Once you have hired the right person, you have to trust them. Incorporate them as a member of your family and treat them with love and respect. If she is happy, she will most likely take good care of your child as though it’s her own. This will be good for your child as he/she grows up. It will also ensure you are always at peace since you are confident that your child is in good hands at all times.