How Do You Interview a Nanny?

Here are some questions I've asked, followed by issues to be addressed as you move forward with a nanny:

Questions
-asked for resume and references
-experience caring for infants?
-nanny experiences? vs babysitting or working in a center?
-approach to child care (don't recall how I phrased this, but something to do with how they plan for the day, activities, routines, etc)
-knowledge of child development - how did they learn this, how do you stay up-to-date?
-describe a typical day with an infant (would add toddler to this, as well as what kind of activities do you like to do).
-your greatests strengths/weaknesses
-what are your long-term goals?
-what are you looking for in position? Type of responsibilities, hours, length of employment.
-current position and why you're leaving
-why you chose to be a nanny
-what do you enjoy about nannying
-what qualities make you a good nanny
-what do you find to be the most challenging thing about working with children and how do you deal with it (crying, long days alone with children, how do you assure you remain happy in the job)
-CPR/first aid certified
-Have you had to deal with an emergency with children before? How did you cope?
-Do you have a current flu shot?
-What are some ways you help to prevent the spread of illness?
-make sure they are on board with your plans for how much they get out of the house - a daily walk, going to the store, errands, putting a car seat in their car and making sure its installed correctly and inspected, etc.

I did want our nanny to do the kids laundry, and just made sure they were ok with that up front - I think they all were. I also just made sure they were ok with preparing simple meals for the kids, washing bottles, picking up toys, emptying diaper pail, etc - basically anything related to the care of the babies. And I asked if they would be ok taking care of minor household tasks, on occasion, such as putting a casserole in the oven during the day, letting the dog out,or emptying a dishwasher.

I did a contract, which I just compiled this from a number of different samples found on the internet.

You'll want to address the issue of taxes - will you take out taxes, how you manage that (accountant vs your own software). And keep in mind that you end up paying more in taxes than what you actually deduct from her her check. If you pay her $12/hr, after you pay taxes, you end up paying more than $12/hr.

We give a weeks paid vacation, which is 3 paid days each year. I think we gave her a week of sick time after something like 3 mos - this is all in the contract. And we pay her for the major holidays when they fall on a day she would typically work.

Kathy

I would come up with a list of the parenting style things you do. Like what age do YOU feel is appropriate to introduce baby foods then whole foods, what age do you start to cut out the extra nap, how did you potty train your other kids? And once you know how you parent then ask the nanny without giving her your style answers or leading her to a "right or wrong" answer. Because most of the nannies out there are good, you just want to find a nanny who most matches your parenting style before you give directions and your desires. This will help ensure your child is being raised most like you would want to and avoid any conflict over not agreeing on how to handle a situation.

Definately ask for references and prepare a good list of questions for them. Every person has their faults and just like with a spouse you have deal breakers and things that just don't bug you. Figure out what yours are, for some it would be finding the trash wasn't taken out timely, for others it could be finding out that they don't believe in organic foods. Ask your references if they had any experience with the nanny and your must have senarios and how did they feel the nanny presented herself.

Get "Protecting the Gift" by Gavin de Becker for some really good ideas on interview questions...you want your nanny to tell you stories on how she will handle particular situations: baby crying all day, discipline in various stages, ideas around play, sleep, eating, etc.

You also want to see how she interacts with your child. Some nannies are better with infants vs toddlers vs kids and you want to know what you're getting.

I would be happy to help you with your question in regard to interviewing a nanny. My name is D. and I have over 10 years experience working in the nanny industry and I have a website to help families like yourself find and interview nannies safely on line. The website is FindTheBestNanny.com.
I recommend 3 series of questions. 1). Experience and Education. Tell me about your experience working with kids? what age groups did you work with? have you taken any childcare related courses? 2). All About the candidate. Tell me about yourself? what do yout like to do? hobbies? sports? big family? and 3) childcare related questions. What would if the baby won't take the bottle? how would you handle a temper tantrum? Make the questions specific to your job. Listen to his/her answers and then ask follow-up questions based upon the answers.
Always ask for references and do a background check. For a list of specific questions and sample reference forms, contracts, etc visit our website. Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions.

D. Hipp

You will want to know her "experience" of course.

I assume this will be a long term position - don't just think short term baby questions - try to reach a little further.

I would want to know how she will deal with different situations - when he cries, will she pick him up and cuddle him? As he grows, what form of discipline will she use - time outs, telling him no no, (spanking - EEK?)
What are her nutritional habits - will she allow him junk food? or will she reach for something healthy first? Does she plan on dragging him all over to do her errands? Will she keep him on a schedule that you lay out for him? How does she feel about taking him to Dr. visits? How do you feel about it?

Make sure you have a clear idea of what you expect from her! Mostly if you don't "feel" it - trust your instincts - watch her handle the baby un prompted - this will tell you a lot!

Good luck!

N.