How Do You Know If A Nanny Is Reliable?
Getting to Know a Nanny Candidate
How the pandemic affects businesses, employees, and parents? In just a snap, our daily lives have changed.
As authorities ordered us to practice social distancing, families are trying to limit close contact to avoid coronavirus exposure by staying at home. Businesses were ordered to close. Some were able to find ways to continue operation by exploring telecommuting, while some were shut down.
For those jobs that can be done through work from home, it means juggling a variety of roles in addition to their full-time jobs--this is what most telecommuting parents are facing every day.
Since schools and childcare centers are close, kids are in their homes most of the time. So since parents are now working from home, they are juggling their duties as parents and as employees.
A Magazine US’ survey asked 15,000 people from 80 countries about the things that distract them while working from home. The result shows 62% of the respondents answered that children or family demands attention are the top distractions (Get A Desk, 2019).
The current situation shows the importance of finding a reliable nanny, regardless of what is your work setup.
So how can you find a reliable nanny in Chicago amid the pandemic?
How to know if a nanny is reliable: Signs to check out when searching for a trustworthy nanny
Hiring a candidate is like playing a poker game--you will take a chance without a 100% guarantee of winning. You will only know what you've got after betting.
With hundreds or even thousands of candidates, it is not easy to spot the proven reliable nanny just by picking, unlike in playing gambling games. Sometimes, hiring takes days, weeks, or even months just to screening applicants.
So, is it really possible to hire a new reliable nanny? Yes, it is if you are paying attention to the signs.
You hear good feedback from references
Usually, nanny agencies make sure to screen each candidate. Their previous jobs speak about their performance. Their previous employers are the best people to ask about their services. If most of the references of a candidate gave positive feedback, that’s a sign that this candidate is trustworthy and capable to provide quality services.
Always on time
Time is precious to us If a candidate shows off punctuality before the interview starts, it is a sign that she definitely respects the time of people. Hiring a nanny who is always on time is such a blessing as you know you can rely on her whenever you are unavailable.
Always communicates
Communication is essential in every industry. Since your nanny will be the one to take care of your kids while you are busy with work, it is important she updates you with the child's progress and raises some concerns.
So how can you know if a candidate has this quality? During her interview, she should ask some questions regarding work schedule, kids' activities, "do’s" and "dont’s" in your home, and etc. Although it is ok to ask about the compensation, however, if she's curious about the duties she will manage once she gets hired by asking some questions, it means she really cares.
She's curious about how the family runs things
During the interview, if she asks how things work in the family, this is a sign that a candidate for a nanny position wants to fit into your home. It means she's preparing for the adjustments and planning how she will work on the new rules.
Your kids are comfortable talking with her
Sometimes, kids may misjudge people they don't know. So if you introduce your toddler to a new person, he may not feel comfortable seeing a new nanny because of some reasons: he's clingy to his mom, or he trusted the previous nanny more.
This scenario is inevitable to kids. But if a candidate tries to earn the trust of your kid, that's a good sign.
So, did you hire a reliable nanny?
You will only find out if you have a reliable nanny once she starts working with the family. There are cases they provide satisfying services for 3 to 6 months, then suddenly lose motivation to continue working. There must be a reason why they do that. However, once you already spotted that your nanny has proven her worth, never let her go (unless she needs it due to some personal reasons).
She keeps your home tidy
Although the main focus of a nanny's duty is to take care of the kids, it is also important that she maintains your home's cleanliness. We all know that the environment should be clean for kids, and as much as possible, we have to practice proper hygiene to avoid getting coronavirus.
If your nanny cares about maintaining the cleanliness of your home, you are blessed.
Your kids love her and treat her like a family member
If your kids feel safe under her care, no doubt she's more than a good nanny--you can consider her a reliable family. Taking care of kids is not an easy job, and earning trust from them takes time. So if you see your kids are always clean and notice they are healthy, you are fortunate that you hired a nanny that cares a lot.
Kids are neat and happy
If you always see your kids neat, clean, happy, and there are no health issues reported, your nanny is definitely doing her job. Besides feeding, playing, and teaching kids lessons, she prioritizes the kids' needs and surroundings' health and cleanliness. This only means she can multitask her duties as she finds time to clean the room and do mild housekeeping.
Reports child's progress
She never fails to inform you health status and grades of your kids. While you are away, your nanny is the guardian that ensures safety and watches over your kids' progress. If your nanny is reporting the progress of your kids, you're so lucky.
Hiring a nanny while you’re working from home
It is worth investing time and effort to find the right candidate for a nanny. As parents, we prioritize the safety of our kids. With that, ensuring that we pick a trustworthy candidate for a nanny position is crucial.
Due to strict protocol, finding a trustworthy nanny becomes a bit difficult. Not all candidates can go to your home for an interview, as most of us are encouraged to practice so social distancing.
Indeed, the pandemic caused slow transactions in some services and industries. However, it also became the reason for some companies to boost their technologies. Interviewing candidates remotely is possible because of video conference software like Zoom, Skype, and even Facebook Messenger.
For parents who are WFH, here are the tips for finding nannies using the communication apps.
By posting job hiring on social media platforms or online communities, you can receive applications or get referrals. However, find a reliable nanny can be tricky.
If you are working at the office and need a replacement for a nanny who quitted her job, it is better to file leaves for one day but three days or more because the hiring process will eat up your time. There might not need to file a leave for those telecommuting employees as you are already at your home. It's all up to you how you manage your time and handle your responsibilities.
Jot down what you need or what you expect
Clear your mind and think are the qualities you need for a nanny. Think about what your kids need while you are unavailable. While doing this, maybe there are lots of things going on in your head. So whatever comes to your mind, jot it down.
Once you're done, review your list and check what necessary and unnecessary requirements are.
Post job hiring online
When posting a job, make sure you are clear with your intention. In your post, include the responsibilities and expectations. You may include the salary. However, some parents would rather discuss the compensation arrangement in private.
Choose video call app for interview
Hopefully, you have no problems with the internet connection at that time. If you are going to interview a nanny through video chat, choose an app you've been using during your meeting. Or an app that has no lag issue.
It is also important to ask the candidate if she's ok to do the interview using a video chat app.
Prepare your questions
Always start with the basics. This is the best introduction to get to know the candidate well. The basic questions will make a candidate comfortable to talk.
How long have you been working as a nanny?
What are the ages of the kids you take care of?
How do you handle a kid throwing tantrums?
Are you ok with doing some household chores?
Do you have life experience that helps you as a nanny?
Consult a reputable nanny agency in Chicago
One of the trusted nanny agencies in Chicago is Karen’s Nanny Agency. Although you are working from home, you might need a helping hand in finding a trustworthy candidate. It is possible you can outsource 5 to 10 candidates. But after that, you need to check each resume and interview them one by one.
Technically, you are still working but in a WFH setup--meaning, you have to meet some deadlines. To save time and energy, and to help you screen each candidate, a Chicago nanny agency will outsource candidates that can meet your needs.
Besides, consulting a nanny agency Chicago-based will guide you on the compensation that should be paid for a nanny service, especially if you are considering hiring a full-time nanny or part-time nanny.
Background checking and ask for references
One of the ways to know if a nanny is reliable is by checking her background--this includes her previous jobs and references.
Training and experience
It is necessary to check her previous experiences or take some training as an employer or a parent. By ensuring the nanny you're going to hire had undergone training, you will be worry-free as she knows what to do and aware of kids' basic needs. Her experience proves that she knows her responsibility as a nanny.
To check the details she shared are legit, it is better to ask her previous employers.
Previous jobs
Usually, corporate employers verify employment history before finalizing a job offer because they want to check the qualification and pay fairly based on job responsibilities. This also applies to hiring a nanny. You need to check the previous job titles and job descriptions, the start and end date for each job, and the salary history.
We want to hire good services, but keep in mind paying nannies fairly and hiring them legally.
Why WFH Parents Need to Hire A Trusted Nanny
Although work from home gives you some advantages, like not requiring to travel to the office just to do your job and a chance to get closer to your family, in reality, your duties are there. Since you are working at home, you have to juggle all responsibilities--family and work.
A 2012 study published by Glenn Dutche, suggests that people can work "dull" tasks better in a controlled cubicle setting than in a less-structured remote environment (Dutcher, 2012). The assistant professor at Ohio University, Dutcher, studied telecommuting's effects on creativity and productivity. Last year, he told CNBC Make It (Stieg, 2021), there's a silver lining in working from home.
Dutcher gave a scenario where you are working in a less-structured environment and dealing with a boring assignment. Suddenly, ordinary distractions come like walking your dog, doing your laundry, or watching TV slow your productivity.
This only shows the importance of childcare services from nannies, babysitters, and housekeepers to families during the pandemic. Whether they're working from home or not, someone must take care of the kids.
Why hire a nanny? Karen's Nanny Agency will give you five reasons:
1. Convenience
Working from home is not an easy job for parents. As we all know, we need to juggle the responsibilities of being an employee as a parent. By doing all jobs, you will get tired and may affect your health. To avoid having health issues, it is better to hire a nanny.
You will be worry-free about who will take care of your kids. Besides, she may help you with some household chores.
2. Nanny will be the one to handle when kid's throw tantrums
Hearing kids' noises is one o the common issues and worries of parents whenever there's a virtual meeting. If you have a nanny, you will avoid such distractions as she will be the one to take care of your kids.
3. Some will prepare foods for kids
For moms, preparing foods is one of the priorities every morning. Sometimes, when stress, she may find it difficult to prepare food or even create a meal plan.
To lessen her worry, a nanny will be the one to prepare kids' meals. Moms should give clear instructions about the meals and the schedule. She may also create a meal plan for your kids. Well, it is up to you if you want that arrangement.
4. Worry-free whenever kids play outside
If your kids want to play outside, you don't need to forbid them as no one will watch them. If you have a nanny, you are worry-free as you know someone will make sure of their safety.
5. Your kids are always neat
Even if you are not available, your kids will always clean as your nanny will care for them. You know someone will guide them on proper oral hygiene.
Reference(s)
“Get a Desk for a Day!” Magazine US, 25 Nov. 2019, www.regus.com/work-us/en-us/get-a-desk-for-a-day/.
E. Glenn Dutcher, "The effects of telecommuting on productivity: An experimental examination. The role of dull and creative tasks" North-Holland, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 23 April 2012
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167268112000893
Cory Stieg, "Working from home actually makes you better at some tasks and worse at others-here's what you need to know," CNBC Make It, CNBC, 12 January 2021