Interviews

talk to her about spacific days off, whether or not they will be paid days, sick days and vacation days. also if she will be driving her own vehicel or one you provide gas maintenance ect.

Here is something I found on another website (kidica.com):
When interviewing a potential nanny you’ll want to ask questions that draw out detailed answers instead of a simple yes or no. This will not only give you more information, but it will also give insight into the nanny’s personality through the conversation it entices. Essential questions to ask are:
■Where did you work previously, when and for how long?
■Do you offer a complete background check? This should include a criminal background check, driving record check, reference screenings and sexual offender registry searches, as well as any other screening you choose.
■Why do you like this kind of work?
■What kind of things to you like to do with children?
■What's your discipline style?
■Have you taken any first aid classes?
■What are your long term goals?

Ask about their relevant references:
■What were your responsibilities?
■What were the ages of the children you cared for?
■Why did you leave the job?

Conducting Reference Checks
Always check references and ask for more than one. Once you’ve contacted the references, you should ask:
■How did this caregiver treat your child?
■Did this person ever have to cope with an emergency while employed by you? Please tell me about it.
■Why did he or she leave?
■Would you hire this person again?

Here are some helpful websites I have used to help other make up a contract and addition ones I found since then that I like :)
http://www.4nannytaxes.com/NEWS/nanny-contract-agreement.cfm
http://www.nannynetwork.com/library/wk-agree.cfm
http://www.online-nanny.com/nanny-contract.html
http://www.enannysource.com/find-a-nanny/nanny-contract-a...
http://www.nannies4hire.com/tips/981-live-in-nanny-jobs.htm
http://www.care.com/child-care-all-about-the-nanny-contra...
http://www.nannies4hire.com/tips/1045-how-much-do-i-pay-a...
http://nanniesdirect.info/result.php?Keywords=Nanny

tip~~Nanny cam
no matter how sweet nice or how much u trust alway remember your child comes 1st pu in the nanny cams better to be safe then sorry..

and you can ever tell the nanny u have them if she ture there to help she will not mind...

I would definitely ask for references - specially ones where she worked for a registered setup ( like a daycare) so that you can be sure that the references are genuine.

Also I would ask if she is a smoker as you would not want that around your kids.

If you will want her to do any off hours babysitting write it into the contract. I have done a rate per additional hour and a bucket of hours before (ex. up to 5 hours per week outside of the 8AM to 6PM normal hours and they can/can not roll over week to week etc.). Both ways have worked out and it kept everyone from feeling taken advantage of.

I have interviewed for many nannies over the past couple of years, but not live-in ones.
You had better get a good vibe from her if she's living in your house.
I suggest a bit of role-playing - like you know exactly what your children's issues are, where they are a challenge - present these situations to your potential nanny and ask how they would handle it?
Like, "You make them breakfast and they refuse to eat - what would you do?" ...you get the idea?
I feel like details of days and times off/ pay schedule, etc can all be worked out, but you have to be comfortable with their discipline style, values, etc.

Hi T.,

I was a Nanny for many year and actually wrote a contract based on my experience and those I hear about from families. If you'd like a copy, send me a message.

First, detail the Nanny's hours, because as a live in, it is easy for parents to take advantage of the Nanny, "Oh, you're home, would you mind..." This is a quick way to burn out the nanny.

Will you have a curfew for your Nanny during the work week/ weekends? When you have a live out Nanny, you don't know if she came home at 2 am the night before, but as a live in, that may be an issue for you.

Will you allow her friends over, and if so, for how long? Until 9 pm, all night?

Detail expected duties. Do you want your bed sheets changed? The kids driven to baseball practice? Write it out.

DO A BACK GROUND CHECK!!!! Please!

Having a live in Nanny can be great, but realize it is her home too now. Create household rules and make sure they are clear.

Lastly, make sure the contract states that if you feel your children are in danger OR drug/ alchohol are abused in your home you reserve the right to evict without warning. While I'm not sure this is legal, you need to be prepared for that. If you find that the Nanny is doing drugs in your home, it is also her home, and it may be tough to get her out. Just something to think about.

Good luck, I'm not trying to scare you, just make you aware.

R. Magby