Finding the right person to take care of your children and your home when you are away is more than trusting the suggestions of a reputable “Nanny Service,” and it takes more than a few standard questions during a face to face interview. Interviewing a nanny is a task no parent wants to take lightly, so here are 10 tips that will help you get through the process and find a person who is just the right fit for you.

1. With the children: Interview your prospective nanny in your home with your children present to see how they get along. Allow for plenty of time, and use that time to observe interactions between your prospective nanny and your children, to determine if they are a good fit.
2. A Second interview: Ask for a second interview possibly in another setting. How do the children react? How did they react when you suggested they would see her again?  Have her hold your child; play with your child, again. Is the relationship building? To get a different perspective, ask her what other children liked most about her.
3. References: Ask for references and then call or if possible, visit the homes of their references. Find out how they liked this nanny and even talk to their children to get their impression. Watch their body language to see if it matches their words. A reference who says, “You’re so lucky to have found her!”  with a wide smile and open arms, probably means it.
4. Background Check: Ask for any background check information already on file and request they go through one for you- you can never be too careful with a person who will be caring for your children.
5. Create scenarios and ask how the nanny would deal with the situation. How will she discipline the children, in one situation, as opposed to another? How will she comfort them? How will she deal with nighttime fears or separation anxiety? Whining? Etc. You’re goal here is to learn what her philosophy of child rearing is, to determine if it matches your own.
6. The Basics: Discuss living arrangements, scheduling, expectations for care, salary and benefits; sign a contract so there are no questions.
7. Independence: Determine if this woman will be able to act independently and responsibly in your absence; or if you are working at home, will she be able to keep the children happily occupied without disturbing you? Will she also be able to communicate issues appropriately and respect your final authority in the raising of the children, even if your ideas are contrary to her personal beliefs?
8. Expectations: Finding a nanny is not just finding the right person for your children, it is determining if you are the right family for her, also. You want your nanny to be happy with you, so find out what her expectations are. What does her ideal family look like and how does she anticipate fitting in? What does she like about being a nanny and what does she dislike? Are there certain behaviors she finds difficult to deal with? If so, what would she do about it?
9. Health and Safety: Your nanny should be trained in CPR for children and First Aid, at a minimum, but you will also want to make sure you agree on general rules of your home for safety.  This would include expectations of tobacco and alcohol use, also.
10. Her personal plans: What are her plans for vacations? Is she willing to travel with you and what does she expect for vacations on her own? Here would also be a good time to discuss aspects of her personal life that could affect your children. Is she in a relationship? How does that affect her ability to do her job? Will she be allowed to spend time with her significant other and your children together? Make sure you discuss all these issues, so there are no problems later.

A nanny is sometimes considered another parent for your children. Oftentimes she will spend more time with your children than you do. Finding a nanny that truly cares for your children, is trustworthy and fun will give you the assurance that they are being cared for in such a way that only you could do it better.