Finding the Perfect Nanny...or Manny

HOW TO FIND THE Perfect Nanny... or Manny

While a caregiver need not possess the powers of Mary Poppins, the right nanny or manny can bring a sense of magic to a household. This special person will be a caring, competent adult with tireless energy and enthusiasm who will come to love and respect your family. Don’t fall into outdated stereotypes: a male caregiver can be an ideal match for your family, particularly if you have a son and your household lacks a positive male figure. The key criteria for this job are experience, qualifications, and a personality that melds with your household. Here are our tips on finding the best nanny for your needs.

Questions to ask a nanny agency:

• How much experience does your average nanny have? • How do you handle reference and background checks? • What special training or certifications do your nannies have? • How do you charge and what services are included in this fee? • How long does it take to have a nanny in place? • What if the nanny doesn’t work out?

Questions to ask a potential nanny:

• What ages have you worked with? • What’s your parenting style? • Where do you see yourself in five years? • How do you see your role evolving as the children get older? • What’s an emergency situation you’ve encountered? How did you handle it?

Tips to help your child adjust to a nanny:

• Give your child advance notice and information about the nanny before they meet. Honestly answer all of your child’s questions. • Do a trial run with the nanny while you are home. You’ll get to know the nanny better, and your child will see you interacting with the nanny in a positive way. • For a child who may experience separation anxiety, record a video message for your nanny to keep on her phone and then play back for your child when they need reassurance. • Emphasize to your child that the nanny is the one in charge when you are away from the house.