Finding a nanny for your child or children is an important task that isn’t to be taken lightly. Entrusting someone to help you raise your children, often out of your sight, isn’t something that you do with just anyone.
It’s important to have all of your bases covered so that you make the best possible selection which suits your children and you as well. Since it’s someone who’s going to be spending a lot of time in your life, it’s important to like them. There is nothing wrong with being meticulously selective during the process of hiring a nanny.
Here are some of the best tips to help you along the way.
Be Specific
It’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for and what the details consist of. Placing an ad which isn’t detailed and specific about what kind of a person you’re looking for and what their job description is will only frustrate you and your applicants.
Are you looking for someone to drive your kids to soccer practice? What about cooking? Do you prefer that they live near you? Is it important that they uphold your religious values? Make sure to go over every detail with your partner and children that you’re looking for and make sure that you specify to your applicants what will work and what won’t. This will ensure that you weed out a lot of people who aren’t a good fit without wasting their time and yours.
Talk About Money Upfront
Some people aren’t comfortable discussing money with strangers or putting it all on the table during the first interaction. However, even if you aren’t a manager in your professional life, you’re a manager now.
It’s important that you remember that as an employer, you need to be clear about what kind of budget you have and how much you’re willing to pay. Without specifying, you’re leaving a grey area which could lead to problems down the road.
Require a Background Check
It goes without saying that if you’re going to leave someone alone with your child that you should perform a background check. By doing this you are giving yourself peace of mind. Since you unfortunately never know what kind of person someone is until often it’s too late, it’s perfectly acceptable and responsible to take every precaution possible.
Ask For The Kids Input
Since it’s ultimately about the children, it’s important to take an assessment of how they’re feeling about the process. Asking for their input about who they feel comfortable with and whether you are finding the same applicants appealing is important.
It’s important that you can all agree on the same person, and until you do, you can consider the position still looking to be filled!
