| Ten top tips when interviewing your nanny. | | | | character and how they relate to your family rather |
| 1. Use a reputable nanny agency - make sure they | | | | than their impressive skills on paper. You can always |
| do check written and verbal references and that | | | | train someone to do it your way. You can't train a |
| they can give you the contact numbers so that you | | | | bad attitude. |
| can speak to the previous employer. | | | | 9. Insist on a trial period - an agency cannot |
| 2. Check if your nanny is in debt - ask her if she has | | | | guarantee how a nanny interacts with your children. |
| any clothing accounts e.g. Edgars and how much does | | | | Yes they can check to make sure that they are |
| she owe? You don't want to hire a nanny that starts | | | | reliable and trustworthy but every mother has |
| asking for loans as soon as the contract is signed. | | | | different expectations and an agency can only try |
| 3. Pick a nanny that has a stable family background | | | | and match accordingly. The trial is the real interview. |
| and relationship. | | | | 10. Before hiring your nanny, seal the deal by insisting |
| 4. Check if the nanny is hygiene conscious - does she | | | | that the nanny gets a police clearance from the |
| think of washing her hands before she holds the | | | | police station. Please pay for this as it is a big |
| baby? | | | | expense for the nanny if she is not working. Also ask |
| 5. Find out how healthy she is but do expect that at | | | | them to go for a free TB test at their nearest |
| least once a month one of you will be sick - nanny, | | | | government medical clinic. TB is a worse household |
| you or baby, this is normal. Factor that into your | | | | predator than HIV. |
| work schedule and make sure you do have back up | | | | There is no such thing as the perfect nanny. |
| options if needed. Please note that it is illegal to ask | | | | Qualities to look for are a good attitude, honesty, |
| her for her HIV status. Have a read through our HIV | | | | reliability, shows initiative and a willingness to |
| and TB FAQ's. | | | | communicate and do the tasks the mother's way. |
| 6. Test her reading and writing - ask her to take a | | | | Skills can always be taught. Remember to trust your |
| message and get someone to call during the | | | | gut instinct when making your choice. |
| interview. This will also test how well she responds to | | | | The right nanny will love your child and will have your |
| instructions. | | | | child's best interest at heart. They are looking after |
| 7. Find out if she has young children - if they are | | | | your most precious possession - your child, so it is |
| under three years old, what type of support system | | | | worth looking after her, treating her with respect, |
| does she have in place if they are sick? | | | | showing or expressing your appreciation and |
| 8. Don't judge a nanny purely on age and training but | | | | remembering to say thank you even when they are |
| rather on personality - at the end of the day you will | | | | just doing their job! |
| probably hire someone based on their personality | | | | |