How to Hire a Nanny

By Betty Davis

Tips for Choosing an In-Home Caregiver You’re Comfortable With

Little is more anxiety producing for a parent than hiring a stranger to care for your children. The anxiety level is understandably raised a notch when parents consider care by a nanny. It appears to be a greater “leap” – someone in your home, unsupervised, caring for your children.

So, how does a parent reduce the stress of hiring a nanny and feel comfortable with the choice? The process of searching for, interviewing and hiring a caregiver should be the same as the process you would use to hire any employee. That is more easily said than done. A parent does not have the resources of a corporate HR department to make sure that all the “i’s” are dotted and the “t’s” are crossed. But, if a parent takes the time and effort, it can be done individually – or, if not, in partnership with a professional nanny agency.

To embark on a search for a caregiver yourself, you must first recognize that the process is complicated by the emotions involved. You also have to function as your personal HR department and hiring manager at the same time. To be successful, it is important to break down the process into three distinct phases: what to do before you begin your search, interviewing and screening potential caregivers, and managing your employee once you hire him or her.

Before You Begin Your Search

Children are not born with a “how-to” manual and nannies are not mind readers. If the caregiver knows what you want before you hire her, you will have a much better chance of finding a caregiver who will meet your expectations and provide the best care for your children.

To start your process, you should:

• Define the characteristics, personality, education and experience of potential caregivers you would consider.

• Describe your family and the interaction the caregiver will have with all family members.

• Describe your children’s personality, schedule, any special needs/medications, and the priorities for each child for the next 6 to 12 months.

• Define the job: what hours and flexibility do you need from your caregiver and what specific responsibilities.

• Describe the compensation you can offer, and what benefits you might negotiate.

Once you have described your family, your expectations and the specific job requirements, you are ready for the next step.

What to ask?  Review our list of age-specific interview questions.