Hiring a Nanny: How to Pick the Right Person For the Job (And Keep An Eye On Them!)

Doing so can help you find the optimal babysitter for your child. You can also use things such as security systems and security cameras to keep a watchful eye on them.

See below for an in-depth guide on how to find the best nanny for your kids, as well as how to keep an eye on them to give yourself peace of mind.

How to Find the Right Nanny

Finding a nanny isn’t as easy as some may think. Even if you have a relative that’s willing to babysit your kids from time to time, they may not be the right fit for the job.

You need to find someone that’s qualified to watch your kids. Someone that can protect your child in an emergency, but is also friendly and good with children. Not an easy combination to find. Very few people possess it.

See below for a few steps that you can use to find the right nanny. The description of a perfect nanny depends on the person.

1. Determine the Right Qualities

As mentioned above, being a babysitter or nanny requires a certain skill set that not many people have. They need to have a passion and knack for playing with kids, while also being able to protect them in the event of an emergency.

Before you start your search, it’s important to take the time and determine the right qualities for your ideal nanny.

Ideally, they should know how to perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, as well as have an understanding of basic first-aid care to act fast to an emergency.

What needs do you have beyond that? Is there a certain price range that you need to stay below? Do you need them available for a certain amount of hours each week? Are you looking for temporary nannying or to form a long-term relationship?

Taking the time to think through your future nanny’s must-have qualities can give you direction when you start your search.

2. Set the Expectation

Not doing a good enough job of communicating your expectations for the job can backfire in a major way. For example, if you have a strict schedule you want the babysitter to abide by each day, you need to inform them of that during the hiring process.

Too many babysitters end up quitting their gig because of rules and other aspects of the job that the parents didn’t mention before hiring them. You want everyone to be on the same page.

Start by filling out a job description. List things like the ages of your child(ren), the pay, the weekly hours, specific time availability (if necessary), and so on.

3. Be Thorough During the Hiring Process

Now that you have the job description, it’s time to spread the word anywhere you think there might be a qualified applicant.

If any of your family members are interested, be sure to have them apply the same way as everyone else. You want to be fair and honest about finding the best fit for the job.

Set up a series of questions that you want to ask during every interview. That way, you can compare their answers side by side.

Ask questions like how much experience do they have? How much are they looking to get paid per hour? Do they have any extensive training? What makes them the best fit for the nannying position? Why do they want to work with your children?

You can also throw out a series of scenarios to see how they respond. This will help you have more peace of mind with who you hire.

How Can I Keep an Eye on My Nanny?

Even when you hire the most qualified nanny, you want to provide accountability for them. However, there are certain rights you have to abide by. See below for more information.

How to Keep an Eye on Them

Thanks to the digital age you live in, there’s never been a more efficient way to keep track of your children and their nanny.

You can set up a nanny cam (or several) around your house to watch and record everything that happens while you’re away. Depending on the cam you install, you can even check in on them using your mobile phone.

Be sure to read this article to learn the basics about how a nanny cam works and why they’re so beneficial.

What Are the Regulations on Nanny Cams?

Even though you’re allowed to install nanny cams in your house, you still have to respect the privacy of your nanny within certain areas of your house.

First, you have to have their consent to record their activity, so make sure to mention that during the interview process. Also, inform them of where the cameras are. This will keep them accountable.

You aren’t allowed to set up nanny cams in the bathrooms or any room that they may use for privacy reasons, such as a temporary bedroom.

Go About Hiring a Nanny the Right Way

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide of how to go about hiring a nanny and keeping a watchful eye on them, be sure to start this process for yourself.

Take the time to consider the type of nanny you want to hire. Be honest and upfront about your expectations for them and any concerns you may have as well.

Make sure to browse our website for more articles on how to hire a nanny, plus many other topics that you will enjoy as well.