Guest Blog - Finding the Nanny of Your Dreams!

We're thrilled to announce our newest partnership - we'll be teaming up with Olive.You.Nanny to help our clients find the nanny or night nurse of their dreams! Check out the wonderful tips below from Sarah Davis of Olive.You.Nanny!



Who you’re looking for

It’s a good idea to make a list of specific qualities you’re looking for in a nanny; what is important to you and your family? Do you want someone who is a career nanny? Or, someone who has at least 5 years of full time nanny experience. Perhaps you are looking for someone who is younger with an educational background. Whatever it may be, make a list. You may just end up with someone you didn’t expect but it’s important to find who would be the best fit for your family.



Expectations

It’s unrealistic to think your nanny is going to do everything the way you do. Be open to the idea of your nanny bringing new ideas to the table. Chances are they have been in this industry for many years, so they may have some good suggestions! It’s a good idea to have a list of expectations for your nanny. Make sure in the interviewing process that you go through the things you want your nanny to do; in terms of your child and also around the house. (Just remember a nanny takes care of your child, and is not a housekeeper.)



A good fit

As most moms will tell you, you just know when it’s the right person. You get that feeling that the nanny will become a part of your family and you have a connection. Make sure you have the same childcare philosophies and your expectations are in line.



Screening

It’s extremely important to conduct your due diligence. You’ll want to get all of her childcare references. It’s a good idea to speak to at least 3 of the nanny’s past employers. It’s important to have a list of questions you want to ask. (If you’re working with an agency, this is their responsibility.) It’s also a good idea to do a background check on your nanny. It helps to have the piece of mind that your nanny is fully verified. If you’re nanny will be driving your child, it’s important to review driving history records.



Trial day and contract

We always recommend setting up at least a half-day trial before offering the nanny the position. Make sure you see the nanny interact with your child, show her around and where things are. You both need to feel comfortable in the situation. After the trial day, assuming all has gone well, it’s time to create a contract with your nanny. This can be as simple as hours, pay, holiday and vacation. And can get as detailed as all of your expectations, both with the child and your home (this should all be discussed in the initial interview.)



Standards

Families should offer paid holidays, sick days and vacation. You should also get an idea of what the market pay is for your situation - whether you have one or more children. You’ll want to be in the same range of what other families are paying.



Review

It’s a good idea to follow up with your nanny to see how things are going. The 3 month mark is a good time and again at 6 months and 1 year. Having a nanny is all about communication. You want to make sure you’re on the same page!