On Finding a Good Nanny

Often times, parents need that extra hand to help out with some basic chores in the family and so the need to hire a nanny comes up. When thinking of this, there are certain factors we must consider to ensure we get the right person for our kids and the family. Always have it at the back of your mind that hiring or finding a nanny is not going to be an easy task so, do not because of the pressure or stress you might be experiencing at the moment, rush into hiring one without first putting some basic factors into consideration. You need to look out for honesty, reliability and other great qualities while hiring a nanny. Remember nannies play a vast role in your child’s social and emotional development as well as his safety so you do not want to compromise on this. In finding a nanny we need to put these factors into consideration:

·     Discuss with your partner the type of person you want as a nanny: young adult or an older and more matured adult

·      You can ask your friends or contacts to make recommendations for you

·       You can place adverts in your church or in your child’s school

·        Know the job description you want for the nanny; be very specific

·        Be clear about your priorities

·       Interview your potential nanny: find out where she has worked, why she left the place, how old the kids she took care of were, why she enjoys her work as a nanny etc

·       Ask open ended questions and know how she responds

·        Introduce her to your child to know how she interacts with him and also how your child responds to her viz; if he feels comfortable with her

·       Do not forget to run a background check: find out her residence, hometown, know if she has relatives around and make sure she does not have any criminal records

·        Get references and check them out

·        If possible you should screen her for diseases like tuberculosis  so as to prevent spread