The Daddy Complex

@sippymccloy asked via Twitter:

What should I ask during a nanny interview? What questions can I forego since they are presumably professionals?

Great question. We had a nanny help me while I was a work-at-home dad and she still is our go-to babysitter. The boys love her and she’s definitely a part of our family. When we were interviewing (and we interviewed a bunch of people), here’s what we were concerned about and why:

  • References - to make sure what we were being told was true
  • CPR certification - this one’s obvious
  • Discipline techniques - the best answer is “Whatever techniques you prefer,” but really we just want to make sure it wasn’t “Knives” or something
  • Stress management - raising kids, even in a part-time capacity, is incredibly stressful, so we wanted to make sure it didn’t build up
  • Transportation - our main concern here was that our nanny had a reliable way to get to work but, if you want the nanny to run errands, you need to work out the car seat situation 
  • Credit check - this is important for a number of reasons, but the main one is this: if the credit check revealed huge debt, we knew they would either continually ask for raises or always be on the lookout for a better paying gig
  • Criminal records check - this one’s obvious, too
  • Rate of pay - we firmly believe you get what you pay for and childcare is not where you want to skimp, but we also asked how she prefers to be paid because taxes are also an issue
  • What that pay includes - we couldn’t assume the rate included things like laundry, cooking and cleaning, so we made sure to get clear answers and know where the line was
  • Legal status - I kinda hate that it’s an issue, but it’s an issue, especially in California
  • Kidnapping plans - also, kinda obvious

I would also suggest not forgoing any questions, even if you’re interviewing a professional. It’s your kid and you should be thorough, so no question is unnecessary.

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Notes

  1. diamondnannies reblogged this from thedaddycomplex and added:
    Another helpful tip would to ask your candidates scenario questions — you want to be able to gauge their problem-solving...
  2. electradaddy said: I always encourage honesty about a nannycam if you’re going to use it.
  3. notjustnanny said: As a nanny, I would also suggest setting up a trial period. You need to make sure the fit is right- for you, your child & also for the nanny :)
  4. redcloud said: Just how do you ask about that last bullet point? ;) “So, ever think through what it would take to pull off a successful kidnapping?”
  5. thedaddycomplex posted this