It can be a little unsettling to trust a stranger with your child’s care for the first time. The professional nannies that we offer at Household Staffing International are childcare experts who will enrich your child’s life while making your life easier and more convenient. So, the next step is narrowing down nanny candidates to choose the best one for your family.
Here’s how to find the best nanny for your child and how we can help streamline the hiring process.
Consider Your Child’s Age
Some nannies specialize in very young children, while others are best with school-age kids or pre-teens. Learn about nanny candidates’ past experience with different age groups so that you choose one who has worked with children of a relevant age and who knows the best ways to interact with this age group.
Think About What Your Child Needs
Are you looking for a nanny to just provide for your child’s basic needs with snacks, naps, and playtime? Or does your child have special needs that require extra attention, such as administering medication, health monitoring, or specialized care?
Some parents want their children to be outdoors and active as much as possible while the nanny is working, while others prefer more academic time in an indoor setting. Set goals for what you want your child to achieve during nanny time so you can communicate these goals to your new employee.
Plan for How Much Childcare Time Is Needed
Some families only need a nanny to come over to the house for a few hours per day, while others are looking for all-day care and weekend care as well. Another option is to hire a live-in nanny so that you can benefit from nanny services around the clock, after hours, and on weekends as needed. You may also want to find a nanny with a flexible schedule if you work irregular hours or travel a lot.
Tutoring and Homeschooling Considerations
An increasing number of people are interested in homeschooling their kids these days, and many nannies can help with this too. Even if your children attend school outside the house, a nanny can help with tutoring and homework after school. If this appeals to you, look for a nanny who has a background in education and who has provided academic support on the job for past clients.
Questions to Ask Prospective Nannies
Whether you are hiring a nanny for the first time or the tenth, you’ll always have a lot of questions for potential candidates before making a hiring decision. Here are some important questions to ask:
- How would you suggest spending a day with a child who is my child’s age?
- What was your last nanny position, and why did you leave?
- What is your preferred method of communicating with parents?
- What child-related housekeeping duties are you comfortable with doing around my house?
- What style of discipline are you most comfortable with while nannying?
Why Choose Us to Find Your Best Nanny
At Household Staffing International, we know better than anyone what makes a great nanny and how to match qualified and caring nannies with families who can benefit from their expertise. This has been our specialty since 1974, and we will be with you every step of the way to find the best nanny for your child.
Contact us online or by phone at 212-683-7722 to learn more!