How to Interview Potential Caregivers

Trusting the care of your child to a new person is always frightening, but it's often impossible to avoid. Knowing that the babysitter or nanny you've picked is loving, skilled and trustworthy makes the process so much easier. Choosing the right person is a multistep process, but if you trust your gut and take your time, you can find the perfect match.

  1. Start with the Basics

    • Before you get into a discussion about philosophies and care styles, make sure the person you're considering isn't irresponsible or a safety risk. Ask the person the basic questions you'd find on a job application, like what her job history is, if she has been a nanny before, why she left her last job and what education she has. Ask if she smokes, whether she has a valid license, car and insurance and, if you have pets in the home, whether she's allergic to them and comfortable being around them. Find out when she's available to work, and ask whether she has any problems with you running a background check on her. If she does, end the interview. Always perform a thorough background check on anyone you are entrusting with the care of your child.

    Ask About Skills

    • Once you've learned some of the prospective caretaker's background information, move into specifics related to the position. Ask about her first-aid knowledge and whether she's taken any courses that give her additional insight into caring for your loved one; for instance, babysitting classes or child development courses are valuable. Ask her to tell you about her personal strengths and skills, and how she thinks they make her right for the position. Create hypothetical situations that could arise on the job and ask how she'd handle them.

    See Her in Action

    • A candidate who looks great on paper might not have the right temperament for the job, and your child also needs to feel comfortable with the nanny. Schedule a time for any applicants you're considering to meet with your child. After you've introduced them to one another, sit back and let them interact. She may play games with your child and read stories. Determine whether she seems comfortable with your child and if you would feel confident leaving your child in her care.

    Finishing Up

    • A diligent caregiver will probably have questions for you too, so allow plenty of time at the end of the interview for these. This is also a good time for you to explain what you expect of a caregiver. For instance, you might explain your approach to discipline or talk to her about what cleaning and cooking duties she'd have, if any. You must also talk about the salary you're planning to pay. Finally, always ask for multiple nonfamily references. Call all references and ask each person about the nanny's reliability and skills.

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