Tips for Finding a Nanny
When you hire a nanny depends on multiple factors, but ultimately it depends on when you decide to receive help. Getting help makes you no less of a mother or parent. A nanny should allow you to thrive as a person – whatever that means to you. I initially thought I wanted a nanny to do the tasks that reduced my quality time with my children, but realistically I needed time apart from them while I worked from home full-time. I won’t get into the mom guilt I battled with due to the work from home struggle, but I recommend that you clearly know what you need support with, then get started finding a suitable person.
Getting started
Begin prayerfully. This person is coming into your home, and they will bring good things: peace, happiness, and growth. Know what you want. Once you set your criteria, use it. I do not require a nanny who has her own children. I am more concerned about personality traits, ability to take feedback, willingness to learn, being intuitive, and good work ethic. It is necessary to be flexible, and it is equally important to have a certain level of consistency as a whole person is introduced to your family. Overtime, everyone adjusts as you all grow as a unit.
Ask for personal referrals
It helps to let your friends and family, especially those with nannies, know that you are looking for a nanny. They may have access to offline nanny agencies or know someone who has connections to find good candidates. Facebook groups also can be a good way to find leads for a wider reach before you look through a large agency.
Request and call references
You are unlikely hiring a nanny who is dong this for the first time, so they should have references to share. Talk with the provided references prior to your phone interview with the candidate. This will help you decide if you proceed with a phone interview with the candidate. I prefer to text the reference with a short introduction of myself and why I am reaching out prior to listing three questions:
- What are her strengths?
- What areas of concern did you have with her?
- Would you hire her again?
A conversation may follow, but I like to give the reference an opportunity to answer the questions without the pressure of having a full discussion.
Schedule an in-person interview
After conducting a phone interview, hearing the responses, and not noting any red flags, schedule a paid face-to-face interview. This is less about how they answer interview questions and more about seeing how they interact with you and your children in your home. Schedule this for a 60 min time slot. This will give you the opportunity for a short conversation with follow-up questions, tour of your home, and further explanation of expectations. I like scheduling this right around lunch time, so I can show a typical mealtime and nap time routine.
Complete a background check
If you feel great and would like to offer the position to this candidate, do a background check. It shows a certain level of professionalism, which attracts the nanny you are expecting to hire. This will also allow for any necessary discussion to happen upfront.
Review and sign contract
This was my first time creating a contract. It felt weird, but with an exchange of services for money, a contract is necessary and meant to protect both sides. I have a nanny contract available for free download at the end of this post. Adjust it based on your family’s needs. Be transparent on the expectations of everyday. Send it to your nanny candidate when you make the offer, and give time for it to be reviewed. Also read it word-for-word with your nanny. It may feel awkward. Do it anyway in the spirit of transparency. Revisit that same contract word-for-word at 90 days. I promise you, it will sound like some of it is brand new information.
Clinical Pearl: Review the contract with your nanny on a pre-scheduled basis. Keep it up-to-date as you make adjustments.
Pray and fast
Again, commit this situation to prayer and even bring in fasting. If you narrow it down to two candidates, remember that you are not choosing between two extremes. I felt like one led to heaven while the other led to hell. This is not the case! You have done the work to find the most compatible person for your family, the next steps involve a lot of grace and communication. The ultimate goal for me is that my nanny loves my children and enjoys working with us. Wishing you all the best!
