Tips for Hiring a Nanny

There is no such thing as the perfect nanny. Qualities to look for are a good attitude, honesty, reliability, shows initiative and a willingness to communicate and do the tasks the mother’s way. Skills can always be taught. Remember to trust your gut instinct when making your choice.

my 5 tips:

1. Use a reputable agency – make sure that they do check written and verbal references and that they can supply you with the contact numbers so that you can speak to the previous employer. 
2. Don’t judge a nanny purely on age and training, but rather on personality – at the end of the day you will probably hire someone based on their personality/character and how they relate to your family rather than their impressive skills on paper. You can always train someone to do it your way. You can’t train a bad attitude.
3. Pick a nanny that has a stable family background and good support network in case they have young children themselves.
4. Insist on a trial period – an agency cannot guarantee how a nanny interacts with your children. The trial is the real interview.
5. Before hiring your nanny, seal the deal by insisting that the nanny gets a police clearance from the police station. Please pay for this as it is a big expense for the nanny if she is not working. Also ask them to go for a free TB test at their nearest government medical clinic. TB is a worse household predator than HIV.

The right nanny will love your child and will have your child’s best interest at heart. They are looking after your most precious being – your child, so it is worth looking after her, treating her with respect, showing or expressing your appreciation and remembering to say thank you even when they are just doing their job!