Working mothers generally rely on a nanny to care for their children while they're at work. However, they may sometimes neglect to focus on certain essential qualities a nanny should possess. In today's article, we'll provide you with a set of tips to help you choose the ideal nanny for your child, one who will provide quality and appropriate care. We invite you to review them.
Hiring a nanny to care for your child is a life-changing decision. Not only will it free up more time for you, but it will also transform your lifestyle. Unfortunately, sometimes things don't go as planned, which is why we believe the search for the perfect candidate should start with the right interview. How do you plan a nanny interview? Well, that's what we're about to talk about.
These tips are essential for choosing a nanny!
First, make sure your child's nanny is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with children. This will help her deal with your child more smoothly and in a way that is best for him.
Secondly, it's best for the nanny to be cheerful and flexible, which will help your child adjust more easily. At the same time, try to ensure that she loves her job and is committed to completing it perfectly, which will positively impact your child.
Third, it is essential that your child's nanny has quick wit and intelligence to be able to deal with the various difficult situations you encounter with your child, which sometimes require these two qualities.
Fourth, agree with the nanny on a trial period of no less than a week or a few days before agreeing on the rest of the details. During this period, you will monitor her interaction with your child to ensure her ability to care for him properly.
How to organize an interview to select a nanny?
In short, you want the interview to be productive, to some extent, and not to be mistaken. Both parties should get to know each other during this process, and if there's a match, you've found the nanny you want. Don't introduce your children during the first few minutes of the interview; rather, introduce them at the end to get a quick overview of what you intend to record.
Your interview should, in general, have a structure that describes:
- Rough outline of nanny responsibilities.
- What are your expectations?
- If babysitting is included.
- What is the nanny's philosophy, views on discipline, and work style.
- Her salary
- Whether it is in a live location or if so, what are the restrictions regarding access to public areas and visits by strangers or her friends.
- Whether any household chores such as laundry and grocery shopping are involved in addition to her desired duties.
- Any routine she has to keep up with the children, such as taking them to swimming lessons, the gym, school, and playgrounds.
- If there are any custom diet plans involved and what the ready meals will be.
- If she can use a car or bring it to the job.
- Any medical condition the nanny should be aware of in the children or family.
Essentially, you'll want to learn more about each other by structuring the meeting around your hiring a nanny interview questions, before moving forward.
Questions to ask in a nanny interview
When considering questions to ask your nanny during an interview, make sure you stick to the topic and don't go into too much detail. What you want is a basic outline of her responsibilities, expectations, life commitments, and anything else you should know before you prepare to leave or join the position. We've covered some of the most common interview questions below, which should serve as a checklist.
Know their credibility, work experience, and qualifications.
Some questions to ask regarding her credibility, professional experience, and qualifications:
- Do you have a diploma or degree in childcare?
- How long have you been a nanny?
- Do you have any plans for the future such as a change in careers, marriage, moving out, etc.?
- Do you have a friend or partner who lives with you? What do they do and when will you see them?
- Are you planning to pursue higher education?
- Would you be willing to take courses in childcare, CPR, and emergency medical first aid for the family?
- Would you be willing to do extra chores when the baby is asleep?
- How many days off do you want?
- Do you mind if I check your background?
- Do you enjoy being a nanny?
Essential food knowledge and childcare skills
Child care and nutrition go hand in hand. Here are some questions to ask about this.
- Do you know how to train babies to sit?
- What would you do if a child had a tantrum in public?
- What kind of games and activities will you plan for our children?
- What types of foods do you know and how are your cooking skills? Do you have a basic understanding of nutrition?
- Given our children's current educational ability, what areas would you recommend for improvement in terms of creativity, performance, and academics in school?
- Do you have experience weaning off a baby and cleaning and sterilizing a baby?
- How do you teach your child about discipline?
- How to build new habits in our children?
- What would you do if our child seemed uncooperative in everything?
- What books do you recommend we read to our children?
- What do you think about kids who play video games and watch TV?
Handling complex matters and emergencies
Children are not clear. It can be a complex group, and here are some questions about it and emergency medical measures.
- What would you do if a child was locked out or you were in the bathroom?
- How would you respond if a child cut himself?
- How do you deal with a child who talked to you?
- What would you do if a child mixes with bad company?
- Do you have any experience working with children with special needs or disabilities?
- How do you deal with a child who refuses to obey or listen to you?
- What would you do if a child hit you?
- Do you know how to perform CPR and apply emergency medical first aid?
- What would you do if a child threatened you out of anger or frustration?
- What was your worst experience in childcare? What went wrong and how did you handle it?
Salary and vacation expectations
Salary expectations and vacation time go hand in hand. Here are some basic questions to ask.
- How much do you charge for overtime or extra housework?
- What are your salary expectations?
- How many days would you like to spend a year? Would you be willing to travel with your family during the holidays?
- How many hours will you be available to work?
- Would you be available on weekends or willing to take on a direct role?
- Do you need time off to attend your university or continue your courses when exams are around the corner?
- When can you start working?
- How long will you be available for this position? What type of contract length do you anticipate?
- Do you do any other jobs besides being a nanny or have any related skills that we can pay for?
- When do you like to take your personal vacations?
Personal questions and background details
Some questions about personal information and background details include:
- How old are you?
- Are you married/single/divorced?
- What would an ideal employer look like?
- Do you have any previous experience or references I can consider to screen your candidacy?
Hiring a nanny isn't a science, but it isn't easy either. Take this list of questions as a guideline, not a final judgment. Observe how she interacts with your child after the interview, and generally check whether she communicates well or whether the child likes her. If your child does, and you like her profile so far, you may have a talent at your door.
