To ask your advice about hiring a nanny?

[SilverBirchTree]

I've never done this before- any tips? Pitfalls? What should I ask them in the interview, what should I tell them about the job?

Very nervous about getting this right but not sure what to do.

First of all take up references and make sure you contact previous employers. Secondly be sure you like the nanny and see how she interacts with your children. Is she fun, organised, able to prepare simple meals? If you have a baby it's important she or he has experience with babies.

Work out her hours and be prepared to pay extra if she works over those hours, eg if you are working late or have to go away overnight on business.

If all that is satisfactory, give the nanny a trial. You'll know if your children are happy.

Most of it comes down to gut feeling - seeing how they interact with the children.

You should write down your expectations and what the role will entail so that there are no surprises but it's a role that needs give and take not working to rule. Often posters on MN give nannies advice which pretty makes them jobsworths; there's no way I'd employ someone like that.

Also list what you think makes an ideal nanny; you'll be able to see which criteria interviewees meet.

Ask them about their experience, why they want to be a nanny and what they envisage doing with the children.

I am sure lots of people with experience will be along in the morning with useful tips OP, but it might be worth looking at some nanny agency websites - they might give you some ideas on what to ask/do? An agent could talk you through the process and give you questions to ask as well as finding candidates.

Lots of luck!

Be clear about your expectations. Writing a job description helps, or google one.
Share those expectations with the nanny. Ask interview questions related to job description. Give her/him the opportunity to ask you questions too.
Ask for and speak to references; ask them questions too e.g. what are the best/worst things about their experience with the person.
Find out the market rate (guaranteed hours, wage, paid/unpaid time off, etc).
Keep it above board i.e. have an employment contract, pay taxes, etc.
Have a backup plan for days when the nanny is unavailable.
Have a household manual if they will be a household manager. Google for examples.
If you have nanny cameras, be upfront about it.

Pop over to the Nanny topic, loads of similar threads and experienced nannies and employers over there