Nanny questions

Breezy8407

We are getting ready to meet some nannies. Can you suggest some questions we should ask at the interview? I have started a list, but I'm sure there are things I've missed. Thanks!

Reilly626

Do you have a criminal history background check? Can I have your reference numbers? What's your discipline policy? What's your policy on sugar?

erinruns

Definitely get references.  Find out what kind of experience they have - newborn, toddler, multiple kids.  How good are they at multitasking?  Prioritizing?  What types of activities would they do with a 9 month old?  18 month old?  Think ahead beyond just the infant phase.

Also, think about how you want to manage this person.  Do you want someone who brings some experience and suggestions to the table, or would you rather direct them and have them implement exactly what you want?  Will do they light housekeeping?  Cooking?  Laundry?  Will they drive your kids anywhere?   

And finally, watch them with your babies. 

crystaleyes39

erinruns:

Definitely get references.  Find out what kind of experience they have - newborn, toddler, multiple kids.  How good are they at multitasking?  Prioritizing?  What types of activities would they do with a 9 month old?  18 month old?  Think ahead beyond just the infant phase.

Also, think about how you want to manage this person.  Do you want someone who brings some experience and suggestions to the table, or would you rather direct them and have them implement exactly what you want?  Will do they light housekeeping?  Cooking?  Laundry?  Will they drive your kids anywhere?   

And finally, watch them with your babies. 

 

All of this for sure! I would also just trust your gut as well. I am a big believer in intuition and if you feel right about the person than trust that feeling if something feels off even if they say all the right answers..than definitely trust that as well. I also was big on a trial day. One sitter we used the girls were super fussy after she left and I just didn't have a good feeling about her even though in our initial interview she seemed great w/ tons of experiance. So we ended up not using her after that.