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I agree with you on many points but I don't think the issue is so black and white. The point of interviewing and checking references should be for the parents to address their areas of concern. No nanny being interviewed is going to say, "no I don't think I'm capable." But a reference might admit that the nanny has a hard time with naps early on, or that she wasn't able to sleep train, or didn't believe in it.
I do think it's important for parents to have realistic expectations. Even the most experienced nanny will have to get used to a new family's unique style and the way they want to raise their kids. So to some extent they will have to train. But maybe this mom is worried that she doesn't know how to sleep train, and she wants someone who already knows how. It is possible to find a loving, engaged nanny who *also* has experience with infants and sleep training.
I do think it's important for parents to have realistic expectations. Even the most experienced nanny will have to get used to a new family's unique style and the way they want to raise their kids. So to some extent they will have to train. But maybe this mom is worried that she doesn't know how to sleep train, and she wants someone who already knows how. It is possible to find a loving, engaged nanny who *also* has experience with infants and sleep training.
Yes! Even if you find a nanny through word of mouth, you want to have a contract that ensures everything you have agreed to is in writing. At best it will simply serve as a reference for each party to remember what was agreed to, and at best it will protect you in the event you need to fire her for cause or you have irreconcilable differences that require you to part ways gracefully.
There are lots of contract templates available online, but many of them are extremely basic, and you really want a comprehensive agreement, so that when inevitable issues come up (snow days??) you aren't forced to negotiate or make a call on the spot, that your nanny didn't necessarily agree to. Try this one:http://www.thechildcarevillage.com/product/nanny-work-agreement/
Use the code ccarev02 to get the download for free!
Best of luck!
There are lots of contract templates available online, but many of them are extremely basic, and you really want a comprehensive agreement, so that when inevitable issues come up (snow days??) you aren't forced to negotiate or make a call on the spot, that your nanny didn't necessarily agree to. Try this one:http://www.thechildcarevillage.com/product/nanny-work-agreement/
Use the code ccarev02 to get the download for free!
Best of luck!
Don't worry OP! Yes, August/September is a fantastic time to be looking for a nanny, but great nannies come on and off the market all the time for various reasons. As far as your particular timing, December can definitely be a slower time to find someone as no one wants to make big changes around the holidays. If you can, I would time your search so that your nanny can start in January rather than in December.
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