Essential Questions to Ask a Prospective Babysitter or Nanny
Hiring a nanny or babysitter is not a decision to be taken lightly. Your babysitter will play an integral role in your child’s development, and as a parent you want assurance that the person you choose is reliable, good with children, trustworthy and has similar values to your own. At ABC Nanny Services, all prospective nannies undergo thorough background checks and a screening process to determine their suitability. Whether you are sourcing a nanny independently or interested in engaging ABC Nanny Services, it is important that your children feel safe and cared for in your absence.
To help you make the right choice of carer for your children, we suggest asking the following questions during the nanny interview process.
- Tell me about your experience as a nanny?
Being a nanny is more than just keeping a watchful eye over children. It is important to ask this question so that you can gain a better understanding of your prospective nanny’s background, experience, and personality. In asking this question, you will learn more about the age-ranges of children that have been under their care as well as their suitability for your child or children.
- Do you hold any formal qualifications?
Whilst it is not mandatory for nannies to undergo specific educational training, it may be important for some families to have a nanny who holds advanced educational certifications. All nannies should have a Working with Children Check, National Police Check, First Aid Certificate and CPR Certification. Those who hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or a bachelor’s degree in education, will have advanced knowledge and skills which may benefit your child’s education.
- What do you love about being a nanny?
A great nanny is loving, caring and enjoys being around children. They will show a genuine enthusiasm for providing care and educational support, and they view their role as more than just a ‘job’. Asking this question will help you to better understand your nannie’s personality, as well as provide reassurance that your children will feel safe and supported whilst under their care.
- How do you deal with challenging behaviour?
It’s normal for children to push boundaries and act up every now and then. It is important that your nanny is able to cope with these situations in a calm and rational manner. By asking this question you will learn more about the ways in which they deal with behaviour management. Parents all have different ways of approaching this, so it’s important you choose a nanny with a similar attitude as your own.
- What is your availability?
This is one of the most important questions to ask, as there is nothing worse than finding a great nanny only to find they have limited availability. Ideally you want to stick with the same nanny long term, as this will allow for a stronger relationship and help your children feel more settled. Be sure to check whether your prospective nanny has any work or study commitments to ensure they are able to accommodate your schedule.
Find a Nanny with ABC Nanny Services
At ABC Nanny Services, we make finding a great nanny as simple as can be. Our nannies are passionate about providing quality care for every child, and we have a service to suit every family. Call today on 02 9387 3030 or make a booking online today!