Getting a Full Time Nanny

Hiring full time nanny services is very common today especially in homes where both parents work. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to hiring getting a full time nanny. On the good side, it allows you to provide dedicated care to your child instead of the typical scenario in a child care center where 1 adult looks after 4 children. This also reduces the risk of your child getting colds.

Additionally, if you hire a full time nanny who came from another country or who speaks another language, then you expose your child to learning about different cultures or possibly, becoming bi-lingual.

The obvious disadvantage is just the idea that a complete stranger will be taking care of your child. However, with proper screening you can make sure that you get a capable and reliable full time nanny. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your search:

First, sit down with your spouse and list down what both of you want in a full time nanny. Include the working hours you require, if you prefer someone to stay in your home (live-in nanny), the level of experience you require, the exact duties you expect them to perform, and others.

Using this list of requirements, prepare a list of questions so you make sure that you cover all important points during an interview. Make copies of this questionnaire so you can record the answers of applicants for your quick reference when you need to make your decision. In addition, make sure to ask each candidate about their expectations of the job.

Once you have screened applicants on the phone, the next step is to personally interview those that have made your short list. It is important to meet your prospects and introduce them to your child so you can observe how they are together. Look at how they interact with each other. It is very crucial that your child is at ease with the person.

Just like in the screen process, you need to prepare a list of interview questions. The tone of the interview does not have to be very formal. You can simply have a conversation around the topics that are important to you. Do not ask close-ended questions or those where the applicant will only answer either yes or no. Encourage discussion by being friendly and polite.

Once you have made a decision, it is imperative to do a background check to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future. You want to be secure in the fact that you have made the right choice in a full time nanny.

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