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Hiring a nanny

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by GloriaGrant, Jun 25, 2015.

  1. GLORIAGRANT

    GloriaGrant New Member

    Hi, We need to hire a nanny for our daughter who is 8 years old now. We have spoken to a child care service providers in Toronto. ( Diamond Personnel .com ) They are sending in a few candidates and I don't know how to interview them, as I have never hired a nanny before. How do we test how good they are with the kids? Is there a way to find out?
     
    GloriaGrant, Jun 25, 2015
    #1
  2. snowy

    snowy so kawaii Staff Member

    While I have a feeling this is an ad for said website, and I doubt this person will be back, here are some things to look for:

    1) Education (in general, or in early childhood in particular; people with higher education levels are more likely to practice positive discipline in an authoritative way)
    2) Experience
    3) Willingness to communicate clearly (ask about the most interesting time they've had taking care of a child AND the most difficult--how did they problem-solve?)
    4) Ask if they have any anecdotes from previous charges they'd like to share--in my experience, this tells a lot about the person.
    5) Ask to have them watch the kids while you're still at home, though make it clear that the nanny is in charge while they are there. Any person who is not comfortable with you being there is not the candidate you want.
     
    snowy, Jun 25, 2015
    #2
    • Like Like x 1
  3. redravin

    redravin Cynical Optimist Donor

    Location:
    North
    I've always been of the opinion that if you see a woman using an umbrella to fly that's the one you hire.
     
    redravin, Jun 25, 2015
    #3
    • Like Like x 1
  4. snowy

    snowy so kawaii Staff Member

    Well, shit. In my 20 years of taking care of kids, I still don't have the flying umbrella thing down.

    And yes, I've been babysitting/nannying/teaching for 20 years now. Crazy!
     
    snowy, Jun 25, 2015
    #4
  5. fflowley

    fflowley Don't just do something, stand there!

    You need references from other people who have employed her.
    Make sure you contact them.
     
    fflowley, Jun 25, 2015
    #5
  6. snowy

    snowy so kawaii Staff Member

    In general, word of mouth is a powerful tool; it's how I've gotten almost all of my jobs. Anyone who's done a good job in the past will be more than willing to share their references.
     
    snowy, Jun 25, 2015
    #6