How Do You Know When a Nanny Is a Good Fit?

[Naomi m]

There are some things in life that we want to be certain about.

For one, when it comes to care for your children, you want to know that you are getting the best.

Throughout my 25 years of experience of pairing families up with nannies from my agency, while also being a mom, there are a few tips I would like to share to help you identify if your prospective nanny is right for you:

1. Checking References
When calling the prospective nannies’ references , it is important to ask the right questions.
Here are a sample of questions
– How long did she work for you? Why is she no longer employed by you?
– Was she on time every day? Was she honest?
– Was there ever a time that she disappointed you?
– What were her specific duties?
– Knowing what you know now, would you hire her again?
– Did she enjoy interacting with your children?

There are times when the nannies that you are interviewing do not have previous child care references; If they worked in another capacity, check those work references. If they have never worked, ask for personal references. You can ask some of the same questions as listed above, adjusting them to their situation. You may still get some very valuable information that will assist you in your decision.

2. Check-ins
Another tips, is when possible, is to come home unexpectedly. It is important to check on the care, environment and the activities in the home when it is unexpected. Hopefully you will find everything to your liking but if not, based on the degree of your discontent, you can take the appropriate action.

3. Listening To Your Kids
Take note of children’s reaction to the nanny. If you discern any negative reaction to the nanny or any changes in your children in general do not disregard these signs. Vigilance and continuous observation is of the utmost importance. If the child can speak, have open conversations about how the child feels with regards to the nanny. If the child cannot speak, look at body language and emotional signals. Take everything seriously. Of course, many infants do have separation anxiety from their mother and many older children may feel angry about their mother leaving the home, so good common sense when coming to conclusion should prevail.

There are those who feel that the technical approach is best, such as built in surveillance cameras or audio equipment. It is a costly option that may not be extensive enough to catch every misdeed, but it may be the solution that seems the most accurate especially when an infant is involved.

4. Reach Out For Guidance
For the busy parents who don’t want to have to deal the with hassle of finding an honest nanny, or those that would like some additional support, I recommend that you reach out to an experienced agency for assistance. At Loving Care Inc. we do the work for you by conducting background checks and interviews for you and placing you with the kind of nannies you will know that can trust. I would love to be a guide to you and answer any questions you have about the nanny process- you can reach me, Naomi, through my agency at Loving Care Inc (773) 262-7181.
We service families in the Chicago-land area and suburbs who are seeking assistance in their home with childcare, senior care, and housekeeping.

Find us on facebook at @LovingCareagency, or you can go to our website at http://www.Lovingcare-agency.com.

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