Six Most Important Factors Hiring a Live-in Nanny
After 20 years in the nanny industry, I have learned a few things about finding the right live-in nanny that may surprise you. There are so many factors in finding the right nanny; a nanny that stays with your family and creates the types of bonds we all hope for in a live-in nanny. As a mom, I want my nanny to be an extension of myself without my flaws! It’s easy these days to hire a nanny; the Internet has provided us with a myriad of “online agencies” and databases and job boards, however, finding the RIGHT nanny still eludes many families. I watch hundreds of families a year hire and fire and work with nannies and there are several consistencies that lead to the most successful placements.
#6. BE HONEST
You may want to sugarcoat the job, the hours, and the responsibilities when hiring a nanny. Some families tend to “sell” the position. Let’s face it; when you go to sell a car, you make it look as clean and shiny as possible. You change the oil and vacuum all those little crumbs from your seats. While this is a great car-selling strategy, you want your live-in nanny to see those crumbs. Let your nanny know the REAL you. Tell your nanny about your challenges as a family; let her know the real work hours. Explain to candidates that you are awful at finding the kids’ matching socks and would love her to take over the kids’ laundry. Live-in nannies that are prepared for what they’re about to step into last; it’s true!
#5. CHOOSE SOMEONE YOU LIKE
While this point seems obvious, you’d be surprised by how many families get caught up in the inertia of checking credentials, sifting through nanny profiles, and comparing candidates. While all of these things are important, nannies and families who have a natural fondness and ease with one another make for more contented placements. I’m not suggesting families hire a new BFF (we can review the importance of boundaries and upholding employee expectations in a future blog); what I’m talking about is finding a nanny who will fit in well with your family based on the fact that you really and truly like them and you have a natural ebb and flow to your conversations. Live-in nannies share a lot of time and space with your family; pick someone you like!
#4. ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Stop for a moment and think about what you’ve been asking nanny candidates in the past. I find that families ask many questions about the nanny’s experience with children and about her ability and willingness to complete the position's tasks. These are great questions, but how do you know if a nanny is right for your family? Try taking some time to write down what’s important to your family in a live-in nanny. You can ask questions that reveal if your nanny fits in with the qualities that most match your family’s needs. For example, it may be important to keep a quiet and subdued environment in your home; what is your nanny’s nighttime routine like? You will want to know how they make friends, how they spend their time off, and what activities they enjoy. When living with an employee, the questions take on a whole other line of questioning than a live-out provider. I will send you questions to ask your nanny; nannies expect personal questions.
#3. LET THE NANNY TALK
Of course, we all want to hear nannies answer the questions we have asked, but families miss a lot more beneath-the-surface questions. While you undoubtedly have a list of questions that you are asking all your candidates, how do you find out the answers to all the questions that you don’t know you don’t know? Let the nanny talk!! When she is finished answering a question, don’t feel the need to rush to the next question right away. Allow the nanny to fill in the gaps. Wait and see what she has to say next. You will find out a lot about your nanny this way.
#2. SCREENING/VETTING
Using an agency such as YC Nanny ensures that your nanny is screened for thier ability to care for and be responsible for children. Even beginner nannies with YC Nanny must exhibit at least three years of background caring for children outside their families. I check a minimum of four references for every nanny myself; these references are available to you both transcribed and to call. Some other ways I screen my nannies include sex offender registry checks, state and national criminal record checks, CPR and first aid certification verification, past job and education verification, Social Security verification and trace, driving background records checks, and skills assessments for childcare.
#1. THE NANNY CONTRACT
By far, the most important factor in hiring any domestic employee will be the strength of the Work Agreement and the prep work to get the employee and the family on the same page. I work with every family to create an exceptional document covering every aspect of the job and living together in the home. With my 21 years in business, I have the tools and experience to think of everything that could come up during your time together. The family and nanny agree to all these details with my coaching before the nanny’s arrival. I also provide ongoing and free coaching to every family to ensure adherence to the agreement and that the nanny continues to grow toward perfection with your family.
All of these factors will help you create lasting, healthy, and enriching experiences for you, your children, and your new nanny. My area of expertise as your childcare coach and the owner of YC Nanny is coaching families and nannies and helping them thrive in this complex relationship. I offer continuing counseling free of charge to all of our hiring families and nannies for as long as your nanny is with you. Call me today to find out how to move forward toward a satisfying live-in nanny placement that lasts.