Help! What to ask potential nanny (during interview)?

Ourfamilyof5

We are hiring a part time nanny to start some time in late October. I'm not really planning on starting the interview process until mid-September (I'm going to get a one month membership on Care.com to start) so I haven't given interviews much thought yet. 

A couple of weeks ago, a friend sent me an email from a woman that works with her husband. The woman was basically saying they've had a wonderful, full time nanny for the past 2 years, but they'll no longer need her starting October 1st. She was passing on the info incase anyone happened to be looking for a great nanny.

I figured it was a long shot, but I emailed the woman asking if she would be interested in part time work. I was surprised when she wrote me back saying yes. We just spoke on the phone and she's coming over for an interview tomorrow afternoon. So that being said, I'm not at all prepared!

For those of you who have or have had a nanny, can you tell me a bit about your interviews and what questions you asked?

Thanks! 

emschott

https://www.care.com/child-care-questions-checklist-p1145-q8385549.html

This might help.  I used care.com to find our nanny who starts in a week and a half.  There are lots of helpful articles on the site.  At the main page, hover over Children, then click on Articles and Resources.  Good luck- hope she's great!

tootlebug

I found both of mine through care.com and sittercity.com

Everyone has different wants/preferences for a nanny so I'll tell you mine.

I wanted someone young but with a college degree.  I ask what experience, personal and professional they have had with babies and toddlers since we have a three year old too. Multiples experience hasn't been a huge thing for me.

Our first nanny had lots of personal and professional experience.  She was head teacher at a daycare so she was used to handling multiple crying babies etc at end time. she potty trained my son and always played with him when she had free time she was very interactive with him and the girls.  She just had great instincts all around I was so lucky to have her.  We had her since the twins were two weeks old until now, five months, when went off to grad school. So sad. She was their godmother too.

My new nanny is a little greener but has similar qualities.   My number one thing is just making sure my kids are their number one priority. I've seen too many "career" nannies where they are always on their phones. I'm sure of course it's not like that with all of them.

I also had to really feel out their personalities since I'm home....I'm in and out running errands and stuff, taking the kids places etc so there needs to be some chemistry since we are around each other a lot. 

aprilsarahjune

References, references, references.  (But of course, you already have a great reference from someone you trust, so that is an added bonus.)  Also, ask her about the age of kids she has worked with, the size of those families, what a day looked like with those families.  Does she like a structured environment, a more laid back one, etc.?  (This can let you know whether she is right for your family.)

And be upfront about what you expect.  For example, are baby dishes, baby laundry, vacuuming (for crawlers), cooking, etc. on your list of expectations?

We are on our second nanny and we have had great experiences.  The first round I interviewed 8 in person and talked to a few dozen on the phone.  But I did not have the benefit of someone I trusted giving me a name of a potential nanny.  Good luck!