Hire a nanny 101
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Anonymous
| I would like to hire a nanny at the end of this year, but I feel so overwhelmed! Can anyone tell me step by step what I need to do? |
Anonymous
|
Google is your friend.
https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/childcare-options/how-to-hire-a-nanny.aspx |
Anonymous
| Yes, I have googled this. Most things on DCUM are actually very google-able. But I’m wondering if people have specific advice, local agencies, or any other things to add. |
Anonymous
|
For us, we did not prioritize a degree/educational experience (honestly we couldn’t afford that pedigree for a nanny).
We looked for someone sweet and loving. 30s/40s. Both were recent immigrants and non-native English speakers. It’s worked out wonderfully. We’ve become close with our nanny’s extended families and even traveled with them to their home countries. My kids speak the manny’s native language fluently. Dcurbanmom HATES this kind of nanny and claims you MUST have someone with a degree, you MUST pay $30-40/hour, they must speak English, etc. Those things didn’t matter to us and it worked out great. During Covid we’ve allowed nannies to bring their own kids even at times. It’s been fun for my kids and helps reinforce the 2nd language. |
Anonymous
| Go to the Childcare other than Daycare forum. Parents there have more time (because they have nannies) to walk you through it. |
Anonymous
|
For us, we absolutely prioritized education and experience and it’s worked out wonderfully for the last three years. Nanny, having been a teacher, kept my oldest engaged and learning and being so imaginative. He started preschool this year and was definitely way ahead and comfortable in his class. Our little one is also loving being with nanny and learning so much.
First, know what you want. Educated? Legal to work? Hours? Responsibilities? Able to read in English (I cannot stress the importance of this enough)? Experience? Will your nanny drive your car or her own car? The go through an agency or place an ad detailing what you want in care.com. Up your hourly if you aren’t getting response you like. |
Anonymous
Sorry but the request seemed too broad / lazy. "I don't have time to google but hopefully one of you has time to write out crib notes for me." Asking for local agency recs is much more specific and not asking people to do all the work for you. |
Anonymous
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Agencies are fine but expensive.
We found a true Mary Poppins nanny on care.com by paying well and writing an ad that outlined exactly what we needed. I still had to sort thru responses that were not right but it’s so worth it when you find “the one”. |
Anonymous
We went this route as well. Our kids aged out of having a nanny but she is still a close family friend. |
Anonymous
| Coast to Coast Nannies |
Anonymous
| We did not prioritize education or tons of experience, but did prioritize someone who wanted a long-term position. We did three trials (we paid), and picked the person DH liked best. Eight years later, and we still pay our nanny full time, but they go to college during the school day. |
Anonymous
| Look at the top of this forum there is a whole tab called Nanny Forums. Good grief. |