Starting to interview for in-home nanny

We're starting to interview for an in-home nanny to be with the babies about 30 hours a week while I work part-time and run errands. Does anyone have a good list of interview questions or suggestions for good interview discussion items? Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

I was a nanny for 4 yrs recently and have a BS in Child Development. I think it is really important that they are educated in child development. It teaches you a lot about developmentally appropriate behavior, discipline, play and the importance of nurturing and interaction, etc.
I think the person should come off as intelligent and witty, mature- and also comfortable and confident. The person should be over 21 IMO, and its nice if they are a mom themselves. They should know infant cpr and should understand basic safety concerns.
You should ask their experience, education, info on their family and basic background info, you should get references and you could get a background check done as well, and give them scenarios and wwyd type of questions....
Ask them what they would do about feeding both babies, how they would handle both crying, how they would put them to sleep, and what they would do with the babies when they are awake.
Also make sure you give them ideas of what you would want them to do as all parents are different and have diff expectations....do you want light cleaning done while babies sleep? Can the nanny watch tv or do homework while they sleep? Do you want her driving with them? Does she understand the importance of car safety and have clean record?
I think a LOT is apparent from the moment you sit down and speak with soemone-trust your instincts.
Good luck!!!!

 

Hi there!
I am also in the process of finding a Nanny as we speak!
I just posted THIS thread a week or two ago in the PC Forum & there are some good links in there ~ Hope it helps & good luck!! :good:

 

QUOTE(tamaras @ Sep 21 2008, 09:24 PM) [snapback]990864[/snapback]
Hi there!
I am also in the process of finding a Nanny as we speak!
I just posted THIS thread a week or two ago in the PC Forum & there are some good links in there ~ Hope it helps & good luck!! :good:



Thanks to both of you!!

 

I'm in the process to look for a domestic helper to help out with the twins too. I personally thought that patience is an important trait to have, because it can get a little flustered when both babies are wailing at the same time.

Naturally, the other important factors would be:

- Experience with twins
- Qualifications
- Background checks
- Back up plans in case she can't come (fellow nanny friend? Family?)
- Medical history and condition (STDs checked? Regular inoculation against flu virus? Tuberculosis cleared?)
- General appearance (personal hygiene, standard and knowledge of basic hygiene) - personally I don't like someone to come in with heavy make-up, long-polished nails, etc
- Your vibes with that person

Not too much to ask right?? :umm: