tips for a (paid) trial day / week with older kids

[Anonymous]

Any tips for a successful trial with a nanny when its not just a baby?

My kids are 5/3/1 and we are looking for a new nanny. Our last one was never really a great fit (though she left because she ended up moving) so I'd like to do more than just an interview / meet and greet with this one to get a sense of how she really connects with the kids, how she manages their behavior etc. Has anyone had success doing this with older kids? I worry that its really tough for a nanny to step in cold and manage older children in one day without know their personalities / behavior etc, but that a week or longer isn't practical for either of us if we're waiting until she's wrapped up with her current job only to spend a week to not click and be back at square one trying to find someone.

Appreciate any and all tips!! And yes I'LL PAY HER of course!! (just anticipating someone's aggressive comment here)

[Anonymous]

I think having her come over when the baby is napping is a good idea - she can do an art project with the older kids to establish a relationship, then when the baby wakes you can introduce the baby to her and then all go to the park.

[Anonymous]

A trial day isn't typically the nanny jumping in and doing everything. It's more of a shadow day to see nap times, what the kids like to eat, their favorite activities, learn how the household functions and flows, etc.

[Anonymous]

Can you trial an evening or weekend activity time? References are key here - it’s a huge leap of faith to hire a nanny. Mostly you won’t know what you’re getting into.

[Anonymous]

Trial day is horrible idea because it takes time for someone new to build a rapport and place demands on children. If you expect a nanny to come in and immediately give all instructions without doing fun things first the situation won’t end well regardless. If you’re concerned do a month long trial period but not one day, that’s a ridiculous ask. You won’t know how things will really go for a minimum of 2-4 weeks.