Always hire from a nanny agency. ALWAYS. Websites, personal ads, even recommendations from acquaintances pale in comparison to the peace of mind hiring from a nanny agency brings. A good nanny agency will conduct a full background check, including police records, history of alcohol or drug abuse, and even petty thefts… serious concerns for anyone looking to bring a complete stranger to work in their home.
Make sure to keep it local, however. If you need a nanny in New York, call a NY nanny agency. If you need a nanny in California, call a CA nanny agency, etc. The more local your nanny agency is, the more expertise they are likely to have.
The next step is to interview the nanny. Just because a nanny agency approved of them doesn’t mean they’re right for you. Additionally, it is not considered unorthodox to conduct the interview in front of your children, because it’s important EVERYBODY feel comfortable with the person that you hire. Surprisingly, the children often have a better instinct than their parents over who is a more friendly person.
And finally, monitor the status and performance of your nanny. Interviewing well and doing the job well are two different things. Take a few weeks, or even a month or two, to keep a careful watch over your new nanny to guarantee they are everything that you were expecting.
Also, as silly as it may sound, don't forget to listen to your kids. If there are any complaints, minor or serious, that your nanny is unable to explain, consider immediately letting them go.
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