| By :
Mark Etinger
Nannies are seemingly everywhere today. But finding a nanny agency NY that is reliable and affordable is easier said than done. With these tips, you’ll have a better idea of how to go about finding the best nanny. 1. Make a list of your priorities. Do you want an older, more experienced nanny? Maybe you want someone with a degree in childhood education? Or maybe you want a young nanny who has the energy to play with your child. Is a live-in nanny the best choice for you? Do you also want a housekeeper or a nanny that can transport your kids? These questions, and others like them, will help you to refine your selection. 2. The best way to find a nanny is through word of mouth. Perhaps you have friends who have been lucky enough to have a great nanny and want to pass her on. If not, they may know of a nanny, since nannies share all their secrets at private nanny tea parties where they discuss topics such as the best dishwasher detergent and how to make an umbrella aerodynamic. For those that are nanny hunting on their own, finding a nanny agency could be the ticket to the best nanny. 3. When you meet the nanny candidate, get to know them. Define your expectations and converse. Ten minutes of conversation should be long enough for you to get a feel for whether they are the right person to take care of your child. Include your child to watch how they interact together. Trust your gut, too – it’s never wrong when it comes to your baby. 4. Check references to make sure your potential nanny isn’t crazy. It’s perfectly okay to ask for more references, because the screening process is part of the job description. Ask past employers about the nanny’s skills and deficiencies. This step is one of the most important – if it didn’t work out with another family, you’ll want to know why. 5. Invite the nanny over for a test date. If she interacts well with the kids under normal situations, chances are she’ll be a good match when you’re not around too. If she’s weird, enough said. 6. As a last resort, post an ad on craigslist. Be prepared for a flurry of responses and wading through the bad ones to get to the few good ones. This can be time consuming, and if you’re interested in a serious, long-term nanny, it may not be worth it – your best bet is a nanny agency. 7. Don’t forget that nanny taxes are important as an employer. If you avoid this, you can get in a lot of trouble. A trustworthy nanny is a valuable investment. Don’t go out of your price range, but remember that you get what you pay for and a nanny agency is invaluable in saving you time. After all, when your children are being taken care of by a stranger, you want to feel comfortable leaving them in her care.
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