Child Care Challenges

Choosing a nanny is one of the most important parenting tasks you'll ever undertake. To help you better understand what to look out for when selecting a nanny, I asked Deborah Smith, a former nanny, mother of "two terrific" boys and the owner of several online nanny services including NannyClassifieds.com, 4EverythingNanny.com, and BestNannyCam.com to share her thoughts on this subject:

Tip # 1 - Do not fall in love with your nanny based on what she looks like on paper: I had a family once contact me who had found a British nanny online and wanted to know if she was legitimate. After checking out some of the claims she made in her online profile, I told the family that I thought she was a fake. They still sent her $700 for plane fare. The foreseeable end to this tale? The nanny never had any intention of flying to the US. (Actually, nanny was probably not a nanny at all). But, she looked great on virtual paper and the family was so blinded by their need for a nanny that they refused to see the writing on the wall.

Tip #2 - While interviewing a nanny is important, interviewing her references is far more important: Be sure to verify all information provided by the prospective nanny. Ask references how long the nanny worked for them, the ages of their children, what nanny's responsibilities were, why did nanny leave, and so on. If your prospective nanny has never worked as a nanny before, interview her former employers. Ask them if they think she would make a good nanny and why they think so.

Tip #3 - Run a thorough background check: Do not rely on "National Databases" that give you results in 24 hours. The sad truth about criminal records in our country is that there is no central database as many records are still kept on local files in County Courts. A reputable background screening service will have agents who physically visit the county(s) where your nanny has lived and will look her up personally. It's more expensive and a little more time consuming, but it is the only way to get credible results.

Tip #4 - Conduct a working interview: Have the nanny come in for a paid, trial run. Spend some time getting her acquainted with the house and the children. Then remove yourself from the room but still stay within ear shot. Does nanny know what to do to occupy your toddler or sooth your infant? Does she seem comfortable and self-assured or nervous and clueless? The more days you can dedicate to this phase of the "interview" the better.

Tip #5 - Hire an agency to help with screening: If you are uncomfortable taking the reigns of the interview process, invest the $200 to $300 to hire a nanny agency that can interview your nanny and her references. Many nanny agencies offer this service as an a la carte option.

Tip #6 - Bonus: Okay, I know I said 5 tips, but here's a bonus. Put together a written job description/work agreement that both you and your nanny agree to and sign. Revisit this agreement periodically over coffee with your nanny to see how things are going and to get her input on how she is doing. Keeping the lines of communication open with your nanny will make the whole employment experience a much happier one for everyone involved. For a sample work agreement, visit 4EverythingNanny.com.

Other Helpful Child Care Resources:

Child Care Aware is a non-profit organization committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources in their community by connecting parents with the local agencies best equipped to serve their needs.

Sitter City enables you to find babysitters, nannies and pet sitters in your local community. Use the promo code "JAM" and receive 10% off your order at checkout.

Downloadable 38 point Child Care Check List is very useful for any parent scouting out a new daycare facility or child care provider.