Nanny interviewing: Is your Nanny the Best Possible Fit? 9 questions for the nanny interview that can make the difference.

There's no denying that finding a nanny or au pair can be a lengthy and involved process. Conducting the nanny search through nanny agencies, meeting the prospective nannies and developing the right nanny interview questions, a family devotes significant time and energy to making the right fit.

Indeed, nanny jobs are nothing like last minute Friday night babysitting jobs. Rather, a nanny will be a long-term part of your children's rearing. Don't make the decision lightly. Let the following guidelines help steer you toward finding a nanny that is right for your family.

Is the Nanny Compatible?
Even if a nanny candidate measures up to your childcare expectations on every score, she or he may not be suited to your household, work schedule and even your personality. A good fit should feel right. If you simply don't see yourself getting along with an individual throughout the coming years, it may be a sign to move on. Take note of your potential nanny's sense of humor and the way he or she communicates. Trust your instincts.

Does your applicant share your family's level of tidiness? Will he or she be involved in your children's activities as much as you desire? Does your nanny applicant have enough time to be sufficiently involved with your family? Do your schedule's match? Is his or her schedule flexible enough for you?

In addition to compatibility, make sure to review the following nine considerations, even integrate them into your nanny interview questions, when deciding whom to hire:

1. How well does the nanny connect to children, in particular, your children?

   For example, does she or he drop down to a children's eye level when talking to them? How do your children respond to the nanny?

2. Will the nanny be able to create the safe and caring environment you desire for your children?

   Will the nanny carry out routine safety procedures and be well prepared for an emergency?

3. Is the nanny qualified in CPR and First Aid for children and infants?

   Does he or she demonstrate a good overall understanding of children's health issues, and important signals to watch out for? Will he or she be able to manage your child's individual health needs? For more information on CPR click here.

4. Will the nanny watch out for your children's nutritional health, by providing the balanced, appropriately timed meals and snacks?

5. Is the nanny experienced in caring for children?

   Does he or she understand current child development theory, especially as it relates to your children's stages and the stages they are growing into? In addition, can the nanny provide examples of his or her planned activities and ways of relating that match your children's social, physical, intellectual and emotional needs? See how our nanny application can help you find the right nanny.

6. What is the nanny's childcare philosophy, how do they discipline children?

   If it differs from yours, can the nanny assure you that he or she will work within the guidelines you set? Will you, the parents, be able to appreciate and respond to her professional opinions?

7. Do you feel you have a strong sense of who the nanny is?

   Apart from his or her own disclosures, have you checked the individual's driving record, run a nanny background check, called all the references and searched the registry of sexual offenders?

8. Do the nanny's preferred pay, schedule and job duties synch with your own requirements?

   Please see our article on nanny salaries.

9. Has the nanny been fully informed of the details of your family situation, and is he or she comfortable and sufficiently oriented with the information you've given?

Tending to these considerations will help you find a good, close fit for your children, and your family.

Thanks to Lora Brawley of nannycredential.org

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