by Lisa Davies

Created on: October 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 11, 2008

How do we find the perfect nanny? Or better yet what is the perfect Nanny? Knowing that this person has the potential for caring for our children when we can not, is quite unnerving for all of us. We must keep in my mind, no matter what references she/he has to show for us - that this person is a complete stranger. Unless of course, we are lucky enough to have our best friend recommend a nanny that she had used for years, but no longer needed. Chances are, that although that would be ideal; this is more than likely not going to occur on our search.

Firs thing I would constantly remember is to never and I mean never get yourself in a position when you must hurry or make a rash decision. If you get get backed in a corner and time is of the essence, worst case scenario, but temporary - put your children in a highly recommended day care of pre-school temporarily. Even if some are in grade school and need after care once school is let, let them attend the day care till you are able to thoroughly research your search.

Start with close friends and co-workers that have children, wny kind of feedback then can allow, should always be welcome. Try our local churches, see if they can reccomend someone or a service.

If you must go to a Nanny service blindly, check with the better business bureau, make sure there has been no past complaints. Make a list of questions prior to going to the service. Find out exactly what credentials a potential Nanny must possess prior to being considered for a position. Ask the service what exact means that they use to check out her resume. Are there FBI checks, credit checks, are the refferences thoughrly investigated and followed up to make sure the service has not been mislead.

It's ideal if your children are able to speak for themselves before leaving them in a strangers, care, but with the economy the way it is, and parents both needing to work now more than ever before, just to survive - we don't always have this luxury. If this is the case, interview as many as possible, have her come to your home and interact with your children as much as possible, maybe even staying for dinner. Remember, kids and animals are very perceptive in the entire innocence, therefore leaving them with a keen and extremely acute sense of character.

You know your child or children better than all else, and spending time with a potential nanny interacting one on one with them is sure to give you some answer, if nothing else a good gut instinct.

As far as what her duties shall be - always, I mean always, make it perfectly clear what you expect from the potential nanny, being strait forward about your needs and demanding the same for her. Honesty is always the best rule of thumb for all parties concerned. If the potential candidate appears she may not be able to handle the job, you'll know.

Always put your children first when searching for the perfect nanny, and never, ever settle for less.

When it comes to the safety and well being of our own children, we as parents have sick sense for a bad egg, so to speak.

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