Hiring a nanny is a huge decision that can be difficult to make, especially when it comes to finding the right fit. Elite Nannies Miami has seen and heard it all as industry professionals.
The top ten mistakes parents make when hiring a nanny are as follows:

-They don’t devote enough time to considering their needs.

Before you do anything else, you must first identify exactly what your family´s needs are. Make a list of what you require the most assistance with, when you require assistance, and the attributes you seek in your ideal nanny.  This should be done with your partner to ensure that everyone is on the same page!

What is the ideal schedule for you? What obligations and duties do you anticipate from the nanny? Do you need someone to accompany you on your journey? What about added responsibilities like food shopping? Walking the dog? Errands?  You should also think about what personality type might function best in your home. Finding the proper nanny is all about fit!

-Families don´t ask the right questions.

Interviewing can be stressful. We know because we do it all the time! You may feel just as nervous as the potential nanny hire at times! It is beneficial to listen more than you speak during an interview. Allow for some silence; as awkward as it may feel to you, it will be awkward for them as well, and they will fill in the gaps – sometimes with quite interesting information!

While discussing your family’s requirements and expectations is important, it’s also crucial to ask your possible nanny intelligent, open-ended, and situational-based questions. Prepare questions in advance – your memory can often go blank during an interview! It can be really beneficial to have the questions written down ahead of time.
The interview is your chance to see if this nanny is the appropriate fit for your family; take advantage of it and make the most of the time you have with them!

-They Give the Wrong Impression when Hiring a Nanny.

Let’s face it: the nanny market in Miami is fierce! You’ll be competing with other families for the same talent, so keep in mind that a great nanny is in high demand!  Be careful to present a positive picture of your family. You should be open and honest about your challenges, like as sibling rivalry or behavioral concerns, but keep in mind that a nanny chooses you just as you choose them. Be upbeat, friendly, and interested; you, like they, want to make a good first impression.

-Families They Let Indecisiveness Get in The Way.

This happens frequently. Parents wait a little too long, and the nanny has already been hired by another family by the time they give her the position. Families frequently fall in love with the first nanny they meet, but they will want to visit more nannies to compare her to and make a more informed decision.

We understand that thought process, but seeing other nannies for days or weeks only to realize the first one you met was the one could mean you’ve missed out on her. Know what you want and trust your instincts. It’s similar to dating in that when you know, you know!

-Families They Don’t Check References when Hiring a Nanny.

Not to scare anyone, but there have been horrific stories about parents conducting their own searches and failing to thoroughly check references.

One of the most crucial components of our vetting process at Elite Nannies Miami is reviewing references. “Can’t nannies just make up references?” we’ve been asked. Is there anything you can learn from them? “Won’t everyone just say she was great?”

We’ve been doing this for a long time and are specialists at spotting nannies who provide false information to families and spotting fraudulent references.  We know what questions to ask families, and we spend a lot of time talking to them to ensure they feel confident and comfortable talking to us about all elements of their nanny experience, both good and negative! Every call is thoroughly investigated – did someone pause after you asked a question? Do you detect a smidgeon of hesitation in their tone? If so, expand your search.  When you hear that slight indication of something else they’re not saying, ask the inquiry you want to ask. You shouldn’t stop looking for a nanny just because she has one fantastic reference. Call all of your references! It takes time, but it is necessary and can save you from making a mistake.

-Families They Don’t Conduct an Adequate Background Check

Background checks aren’t all the same. Many online sites claim to do background checks on their nannies, but these checks are sometimes woefully inadequate. We’ve heard of families who hired a nanny after believing the nanny had been background checked, only to discover the nanny had a criminal past that wasn’t disclosed.

We don’t leave any stone untouched at Elite Nannies Miami. It’s crucial to know how thorough your background check is. While many claim to be, the majority just do not provide adequate protection. You should also find out if your background check includes driving records, other identities used, previous addresses, Social Security Number verification, and sex offender searches, in addition to a criminal check.

-Not utilizing a Nanny Work Agreement

We’ve worked with thousands of families and nannies, we’ve hired our own nannies, and we’ve previously worked as nannies. We assure you that having a work agreement is beneficial. This is a fantastic idea.
In all of our years of managing the connection between a nanny and a family, we’ve discovered that using a work agreement greatly boosts the odds of a successful relationship. It benefits both parties in the relationship and typically increases the likelihood of a nanny staying for a long time.

-Families not Offering the Right Compensation Package

It’s critical to provide adequate compensation package! The right salary is determined by two factors: your position and the nanny’s qualifications. When deciding on pay, take into account the number of children, obligations, and the flexibility you demand. An reputable agency will be aware of current market trends and can provide you with a wage range estimate. They should also be able to explain current market rates and any anticipated benefits with you.

-Not Taking the Time to Train the New Nanny

Many parents make the mistake of assuming that if they hire a professional nanny, she should simply “know what to do.” This is not the case. Each family has its own set of norms, expectations, and procedures. A nanny’s experience does not necessarily imply that they have worked in your home.

Every new employee, regardless of their position, requires training! Set aside the first week for training and check in on a daily basis. Make a household guidebook that your nanny can refer to in advance. Putting time and effort into training will pay off in the long run and boost the likelihood of a nanny’s success in the profession. Your nanny wants to perform a good job, so be clear about your goals and what “winning” looks like.

Miami Nanny Agency Elite Nannies Miami

Mistakes Parents make when hiring nanny