Things to Consider When Looking for a Live-in Nanny

Posted by ochomefamily on May 22nd, 2019

Summer’s right around the corner. The thought of dropping the kids off at daycare where they’ll be cooped up inside on fun summer days bothers you. You want them to have a fun summer outside. So, you figure you’ll look into hiring a live-in nanny from Orange County.

There’s a lot that goes into this decision. You want to hire someone who will be a positive influence on your kids, as well as someone who is responsible and will look out for their health and safety. You also want someone who is honest and fun, especially if they are living in your home. Then there is the compatibility issue. Let’s say you like a spotless house with everything in its place. But the nanny is more casual and messy. Or perhaps you come from different ends of the political and religious spectrum. And how will the kids do with a total stranger? How will a new person fit with the routine of the house?

Here are a few things to consider when hiring a live in nanny from Orange County.

#1 – Separate Living Space – A live-in nanny needs her own room, and when not watching the kids her own space. Does your floorplan accommodate this? Ideally, the live-in nanny will have her own bathroom.

#2 – Transportation – Does the live-in nanny have her own car? Will she be okay with using her own car, with compensation, of course, to drive the kids around? Or do you have a car she can use to transport the kids around to their activities? If the live-in nanny is only needed Monday through Friday, does she have a car to drive home within Orange County for the weekends?

#3 – Interview – Select your best candidates and then weed out your list with phone interviews by probing for previous childcare experience and getting a sense of personality. Then invite the best girls to your house. Meet with them one-on-one and then introduce them to your children. Excuse yourself into the next room and watch the interaction with your children? Is the girl friendly? Does she interact well with the children? Do the children like her?

#4 – Trial Period – Once you feel comfortable with a girl or two, ask them to watch the children for the afternoon. Afterward, if you feel comfortable and the kids like her, you may have the ideal candidate.

Setting Expectations

In any relationship having previously agreed upon, clear expectations help things go smoothly. A written contract is a great place to collect all that needs to happen such as hours to be on duty, payment for services rendered, time off and curfew (so you don’t worry), car and driving, household tasks that will be performed, vacation and sick days, etc. You may want to include a list of behaviors that will lead to dismal. Will you pay for the nanny’s food and other household expenses? Do you expect her to cook family meals? How loud can she play her music? How clean must she keep her room and bathroom? Can she have friends over?

As you can see, there is almost an endless list of items you could include in the contract. So, it is best to let common sense prevail. And because you are entrusting your children’s care to a stranger, you can also hire a company online to do a background check.