Problems You Face When Doing a Nanny Search on Your Own

Why doing a nanny search on your own will be harder than you think.

So, you’ve decided to hire a nanny and are considering avoiding the agency fees altogether by doing the search solo. While some families test their luck on caregiver and sitter sites, many come back empty-handed and at a loss for where all the qualified nannies are hiding. You may see the huge pool of people on sitter sites as an opportunity to see more candidates, but you will come to find that many of these candidates are not as dedicated to the job opportunities. This cycle leads families to make decisions about their child’s care that weren’t their original intentions, like daycare or settling for a nanny that doesn’t fit all their requirements. Therefore, before considering doing your nanny search alone, here are some problems you may face. 

You May Overlook Some Important Deal Breakers 

If you’re going into your search only knowing the days and times you need childcare, then you’re missing out on many other important factors you must consider before finding the right nanny. For example, have you considered if you need a nanny with transportation? Are there any certifications/education you need your nanny to have? Do you need a nanny that is okay with helping with household tasks? Does your nanny need to be willing to travel? The list goes on. Forgetting to put anything in your job description can lead to holding interviews with potential candidates that aren’t actually good fits for your family. When working with an agency, you will be asked questions you may not have even considered being a part of your nanny search, yet they’re important for aligning your wants and needs with a nanny that fits perfectly with your family. 

You’re Unaware Of How To Spot Fake Resumes, Experience, And References 

Many people don’t have experience hiring individuals, and even if you have hired someone in your job, it’s completely different when it comes to hiring a nanny. With a nanny, you need to make sure that you’re doing your due diligence and doing background, reference, and experience checks. Besides “trusting your gut,” you need to know what to look for when reviewing resumes, speaking with references, and know how to run an extensive background check. Nannies take on the huge responsibility of caring for children, and it’s our responsibility as parents to make sure we put our children in safe hands. 

You Don’t Understand The Logistics Of Legally Hiring A Nanny 

It’s tempting to want to treat and pay your nanny as you would a casual babysitter, but doing this only causes long-term issues. The position nannies are put in when they work under the table is not a great one. By not filing taxes, they’re not able to apply for unemployment benefits. It also prohibits their ability to apply for a car loan, a mortgage, and build a solid credit history, among other things. Keep in mind that nannies and families are always at risk of being audited.

You May Overlook Some Qualities You Want Your Nanny To Possess
Considering you want a nanny that will stay with you for the long run, it’s imperative you keep in mind the qualities you want your nanny to have. We know the typical qualities like patience, kindness, positive attitude, etc., but consider diving deep into your family’s dynamic and parenting philosophy to see what you want from a nanny. This will only give you an even clearer idea of the type of person you want your nanny to be.

What To Do Instead

If agency fees are out of the question for you, but you want to avoid making these mistakes, we have options. Your Nanny Now Hiring Guide will walk you through the hiring process with reliable information and step by step guidance that avoids common pitfalls. If you are looking for general tips and information, our free workshop 5 Steps to a Faster Nanny Search is a great place to start.