In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that out of all married couples with children, 95.3% of couples had one employed parent in 2020 while 59.8% of the couples were both employed. While you and your partner may want to stay home with your baby or young children for as long as possible, unfortunately, the day will come when going back to work is necessary.
If your family is part of the nearly 60% of couples that are both employed with children, you may be interested in hiring a reliable nanny to care for your children while you and your partner are at work. Here are five important tips that will help you find the best nanny for your children.
Use a Reliable Source
There are many ways to find a nanny for your children. First, you may use a website that specializes in matching childcare providers with families. Or, you may ask your friends and family for nanny recommendations, as you might have a friend with children who have outgrown their nanny. Another option is to post an ad on social media. Out of these options, asking for referrals or using a dependable website that provides background checks will be the safest.
Schedule Interviews In Person and In Public
You may not want to invite a stranger into your home to meet your family for an interview. In this case, it's best to schedule interviews in person and in public. You may want to bring your children so you can see how the candidates interact with your kids. Either way, you could meet at a public café where there are plenty of people around in the event the candidate isn't what you're looking for.
Ask the Right Interview Questions
As you interview nanny candidates, you want to ask questions that will allow them to demonstrate their childcare experience, qualities, and accomplishments. You also want to ask questions that will help you determine whether the candidate is a good fit for your particular family. Here are a few questions to consider asking:
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How long have you been a childcare provider?
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What aged children have you watched?
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What other experiences qualify you for this position?
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Do you have CPR and first aid certifications?
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Are you educated in childcare?
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Are your vaccinations up to date?
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Are you looking for a long or short-term position?
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Can you describe a previous emergency situation you've been in with a child and how you handled it?
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What does your schedule look like?
Look for Important Qualities
As you ask your interview questions, take notes. What qualities do their answers and body language convey? You want a nanny that is experienced, friendly, flexible, kind, patient, punctual, communicative, proactive, and overall good with children. Call their references to determine whether your thoughts on the candidate match their references’ experiences.
Watch Them Interact With Your Kids
To help you determine whether a candidate you like will work, you can ask them to visit your home for a second interview. This interview can be more hands-on. You can set up play areas for your children so the nanny candidate can interact with your children and get comfortable with them. If you think your children like them and that they would be a good match for your family, you can take the final step of making them an offer.
Hiring a nanny can be a stressful process, but if you diligently follow these tips, you should be able to find a qualified nanny that will take care of your children in the best way possible. Once you hire your nanny, and if you want to save money on your taxes, you may consider using a payroll software for household employees. This type of software will track all of your nanny payments and tax records, making it easier for your family. Look for a nanny using these tips today!
