finding a nanny- tips?

marieg4108 · April 2012

Hi ladies-

We are starting to look for a full-time nanny at least until the creche we have found officially has room for our DD. My employer has a service that we work with and pays the fee for this service; however, I am still a bit lost- what are the key questions and needs for a 2 year old? I have forms to fill out about what my priorities are and would love input from those that have gone through this.

We are moving from US to Geneva. DD knows no French and will start English or bilingual English/French International School next fall.

I want to focus on the following: someone who speaks English, someone that is active and will take daughter to parks, etc, and someone who can ensure she has basics for international school.

For background, we have her in a full time daycare here and love it.

Thanks.

allibally · April 2012

I got most of my babysitting jobs off of http://babysitting24.ch/?change_locale=en

I would usually contact families who made a posting. But you can search and contact too.Then we would set up a time to meet for a sort of interview.

AmericanInOz · April 2012

I've never had a nanny (dd is in daycare)

but I would ask

1. do they cook? what would they make for my child to eat?

2. what sort of activities do you do during the day with the child? craft suggestions? do you allow them to watch tv?

3. experience? how many kids have they cared for - for how long, ages, etc, do they have references (that you can speak to)

hmm that's all I can think of now....

myblueangel19 · April 2012

Do you mean basics as in teaching her how to read? or more like social basics to make sure she is ready for school? I am a nanny and while I do read to the kids and lightly work on letters, that isn't my main focus. I would ask about the cooking, previous experience, what would you do in such and such situation, make sure they are in line with your idea of discipline, and mainly see if the nanny clicks with your daughter and that you get a good feeling about him/her. I think that one of the most important factors in choosing a nanny (and a nanny choosing you) is chemistry between the nanny, child, and parents. Trust your gut feeling.

ktkl09 · April 2012

myblueangel19:
Do you mean basics as in teaching her how to read? or more like social basics to make sure she is ready for school? I am a nanny and while I do read to the kids and lightly work on letters, that isn't my main focus. I would ask about the cooking, previous experience, what would you do in such and such situation, make sure they are in line with your idea of discipline, and mainly see if the nanny clicks with your daughter and that you get a good feeling about him/her. I think that one of the most important factors in choosing a nanny (and a nanny choosing you) is chemistry between the nanny, child, and parents. Trust your gut feeling.

I agree with this. I'm a nanny (have been for four years) and also teach English at a Montessori method preschool in Switzerland (we're in Neuch?tel). The websites most families use in Geneva are:

www.glocals.com

www.englishforum.ch

www.worldradio.ch

Good luck!

ktkl09 · April 2012

You might want to also look into signing your child up for classes at Gymboree. It's something she and the nanny could do together and it's educational for your child too. The staff there is really great also. They're located in Le Pommier, near the UN.

Which area of Geneva will you be in?

anna7602 · April 2012

I would ask a lot about discipline & related philosophies and pose specific scenarios relating to your child. For example, if you know your child fights going down for a nap or has a hard time leaving a place when he/she is having a great time, I would ask the potential nanny how she deals with these situations. Is she for or against spanking a child, how does she handle temper tantrums, etc.? These are the kinds of issues where I've differed with someone's philosophy and decided not to hire them to take care of my child.

marieg4108 · April 2012

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies.

To respond to some of the questions, we are moving at the end of June and come house hunting in early May. I will be working in Petit-Lancy and we are looking in many areas including Carouge, Champel, and Eaux Vives.

I have looked into the Gymboree class and will definitely keep that in mind for DD and nanny to do together.

I also really appreciate the idea of asking specific situation questions.

I will keep the group updated.

ktkl09 · April 2012

marieg4108:
Thanks for the suggestions, ladies.

To respond to some of the questions, we are moving at the end of June and come house hunting in early May. I will be working in Petit-Lancy and we are looking in many areas including Carouge, Champel, and Eaux Vives.

I have looked into the Gymboree class and will definitely keep that in mind for DD and nanny to do together.

I also really appreciate the idea of asking specific situation questions.

I will keep the group updated.