Checking the Nanny’s References

Before you interview a Nanny you should check her/his references.

Be open to hearing what the reference has to say about the nanny candidate, and rule out any nannies that are not right for you.

This is a tough job that requires good listening skills. If you don’t “actively listen,” you may hangup the phone after a thirty minute conversation, thinking you got the information you needed,when really; all you did was have a nice, friendly connection with another mother.

Sit down with a stack of loose-leaf paper and a pen and pencil and call the references that the nannies gave you. Sometimes you will reach the husband instead of the wife.

Speak with whoever did the hiring and firing (if there was firing), and the person who had the most contact with the nanny while she was in the reference’s employ.

Sometimes you will reach a reference that has lots of time to talk with you and wants to help you. Other times you will reach someone who is really too busy to take the time to talk to you for more than a few minutes.

If you sense that the person is too busy to talk at that moment, ask if there is a better time to reach them for a fifteen-minute chat.

Have your questions for the reference ready in case you get someone who doesn’t have much time. If the reference seems to be willing to help you, keep your prepared questions as a plan, but feel free to veer off the plan.

What Kind of Nanny Will Work Best For You?

Know your child and know your family in order to figure out what kind of person works best for you – and be open minded.

You may be looking for someone outgoing, when a demure and quiet nanny is more compatible, allowing your “little star” to shine.

You may think that you have a family with lots of big egos and you need someone mousey to fit in, when really only someone else with a big ego will be able to handle all the other energy your family brings to the table.