Looking for a Nanny? Read This First!

Choosing a nanny for your children is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. And you thought it was your birth plan or maybe even choosing cloth or disposable diapers? Nope! One of the most challenging concerns for families is childcare. Trusting someone with the care of your child can be very difficult. 

When it comes to finding a nanny, parents frequently grapple with concerns about safety, compatibility, and their children's well-being. Finding someone who aligns with your family's values and understands your child's unique needs can take time and effort – a process that can often feel overwhelming. It's worth the effort, though, since a dependable nanny brings peace of mind to the entire family.

Knowing that your child is in capable hands allows you to focus on work or personal commitments without the constant worry. This sense of security can enhance family life, enabling parents to be more present and engaged at home, ultimately creating a happier and healthier family environment.

Why a Nanny?

According to Indeed, some of the most common childcare roles are babysitters, nannies, and au pairs. 

Babysitters are people that parents hire on a case-by-case basis to care for their children. Babysitters may be paid hourly, or they may receive a flat rate for their services, depending on the arrangement. In contrast, nannies are generally older and have made a career out of caring for children. They may live with the families they work for or travel with them on vacations or for temporary job assignments.

Another childcare option is an au pair. An au pair is someone who lives with a family in a different country. They do this to immerse themselves in the local language and culture. An au pair is responsible for caring for the family's children, an arrangement that provides a unique blend of childcare and cultural learning for both the au pair and the family.

A great nanny offers more than just childcare, they also become an integral part of the family dynamic. Beyond supervising playtime and managing daily routines, a skilled nanny provides emotional support, helping children develop confidence and resilience. 

The family support a nanny offers is so important. With a nanny handling the day-to-day responsibilities, you and your children can focus more on other activities. 

Hiring a Nanny

So how do you go about hiring a nanny? One option is to use a nanny agency that can provide pre-screened candidates, saving you time, though they often come with higher fees. Also, you may consider reaching out to your local networks, including friends, family, or parenting groups, which may have recommendations that can lead you to a great candidate. 

Once you have a list of potential candidates, it's time to begin the screening process. Start by conducting interviews, either in person or via video, to assess their personality and childcare philosophy. This part of the process is essentially a “vibe check.” Then, run background checks to ensure the safety of your children, and thoroughly check references to verify their experience and reliability. You may even want to check a potential candidate's social media. 

To provide expert insights on the matter of finding the right nanny, we speak with Brian Reich, Jovie franchise owner for the Portland Metro Area. Jovie is a childcare resource that links parents with professional nannies and babysitters, providing services for home, business, and events. This franchise has offices throughout the country. If you're wondering what's different about Jovie compared to hiring a nanny or babysitter on your own, Jovie hires nannies and sitters as their employees. They handle taxes, workers' compensation, and general Human Resources tasks for you. 

Reich states that Joive doesn’t have the high placement fees that other organizations often have, fees that can be as high as $2000-$5000. He says it can take 2-6 weeks to get a nanny in a role. Jovie is typically $32 an hour, but that fee includes payroll taxes and more.

According to Reich, full-time nannies are easier to place because it's more attractive to have full-time job opportunities. He says the hardest to place is after-school care because it's every day for only a few hours.

Reich explains that one advantage of using a service is that they handle much of the legwork for you. They also observe how the nannies perform their duties, allowing them to understand each nanny's unique style and approach to childcare.

Indeed lists some of the things to look for in a childcare provider:

• Caring for children
• Problem-solving skills
• Child safety courses and certificates
• Punctuality
• Attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions

This is a great start in finding the right fit for your family – but it is only a start. There are many things to consider when you're planning on bringing someone into your home to care for your children.

What Parents Can Do

Reich says prepared parents make a job description for themselves. “Decide on your needs and write it down,” explains Reich. He says new parents may have a hard time because it can be hard to understand the unknown. As you learn and grow with your child, you will have a better understanding of what your needs are.

Even as a first-time parent, there are things you can do to help make the nanny search easier. The US Nanny Association also has some great tips when looking for a nanny: 

• Define the job
• Determine the cost
• Find candidates
• Conduct interviews
• Assess candidates or pick an agency
• Conduct a background check
• Check references
• Offer a job with a written work agreement
• Conduct trial and host a paid orientation
• Sign up with a payroll service
• Invest in nanny career development
• Manage a nanny departure

Reich says, “Be very clear on needs and priorities.” This will help immensely during your search for the perfect fit for your family's needs. 

By stating your specific requirements, such as the number of hours needed, any particular duties you expect, and the qualities you value in a caregiver, you can streamline the process and attract people who align with your family's expectations. Clear communication not only helps in finding the right fit but also lays the groundwork for effective dialogue with potential nannies, ensuring that everyone is on the same page from the beginning.

Try a Trial

Before making a long-term commitment, consider implementing a trial period. Reich suggests doing a trial session if possible. He explains that this allows you to observe how the nanny interacts with your child and adapts to your household. It’s an excellent way to ensure compatibility before finalizing the arrangement.

Once you’ve chosen a nanny, initiate an open discussion about your expectations. This includes daily routines, discipline methods, and any house rules. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and sets the stage for a successful relationship, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Maintain an open line of communication with your nanny through regular check-ins. This practice helps address any concerns and provides constructive feedback in a meaningful way. Ongoing dialogue not only supports your nanny but also reinforces the importance of their role in your child’s life, fostering a positive working relationship.

Conclusion

Hiring a nanny is an important decision that can greatly improve your family's quality of life. By clearly defining your needs, thoroughly vetting potential candidates, and fostering open communication, you can find the right fit for your family.

A great nanny not only aids in your child's development but also provides parents with peace of mind, creating a nurturing and stable home environment. With careful planning, research, and consideration, you can make this process less intimidating and more fulfilling, ultimately leading to a happier family life when you discover your ideal nanny.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com.