Which nanny? Long!

[infocrazy]

Long story short, DH's hours are changing and we need someone PT for the 3 hr overlap of our off-shift schedules. I've done phone interviews and they are coming by to meet the boys so I can see how they interact with my initially shy, but then exuberant boys.

Nanny 1: 21, in school for Elementary Ed. Currently a PT nanny offset our times for similar aged boys and one older, 9. Has been with them for 2 yrs. Pros: Experienced, seems very confident, nice. Cons: Has carseats for other family in car (although I think any nanny would only need to drive on very rare occasions), mentioned video games twice, takes night classes so isn't quite as flexible on time as I would like, but I could deal for a good fit.

Nanny 2: 27, degree in fine arts. Worked at daycare for three years in college and then three years at an art school in the preschool room, has nannyed short term for families. Pros: our personalities really seemed to gel, seems excited about the prospect, very nice, asked questions about the boys. Cons: Probably more experienced with preschool and up, less with younger and we have a 2 yo. I think more used to classroom/daycare setting than home.

Thoughts?

[arivecchi]

When I selected mine, two things made a huge diference, my gut feeling (you have to like the person who will be in your home) and the references I got (I would not hire someone w/out excellent references). I was able to eliminate some people quickly, just based on my first impression of the person and the fact that we did not gel at all. It so happened that my favorite also had excellent references! HTH.

[roobee]

my vote is for nanny #2 - only ?? - she's 27, not in school and excited to work 3 hours a day? Does she have another job?

[sste]

I comletely agree with ariverez. And in my case my initial gut feeling is always panicked and suspicious no matter how great the person so I really go by references. Check those references carefully and when you get a person where the references are over the moon positive hire that person within the hour!

I also think a little bit about the person's career trajectory and the likelihood they will leave me sooner than I want for another job or more schooling.

Last, I think experience with a certain age group is helpful but it pales in comparison to someone who is just ga-ga over children and will get on the ground and really interact with them. When people come to the house to interview I always look to see who gets on the ground with DS, talks to him, and engages him.

[infocrazy]

Originally Posted by roobee

my vote is for nanny #2 - only ?? - she's 27, not in school and excited to work 3 hours a day? Does she have another job?

Yes, I had the same question. Basically, her fiance supports her and she wants to make sure that she stays productive but she is extremely close to her grandmother that she visits daily so she just wants something part-time but with kids. She also does other odd jobs such as house sitting/dog walking to keep her busy.

[ha98ed14]

I would go with nanny 2 just because you like her better. Just because someone has experience with a lot of children ages x to y doesn't mean they will be a good fit for your family. But if she is a good fit for your family, and you like her and can build a relationship with her, she can learn about your kids. JM$.02.

[L'sMommy]

I totally agree with ariverez! With my first nanny, I didn't connect with her at all. In fact, she kind of annoyed me in some ways. With the nanny we have now, she has become more my friend. I had instant rapport with her when I met her. I would do reference checks for sure. I talked to SOOO many moms who gave me bad references for the nanny candidates i was considering. I was amazed - obviously these nannies didn't know they were being given bad references.

[scmama]

I would go with your gut and see how meeting them in real life goes. See how they interact with your kids. From your post, I'd probably lean towards nanny #2 as well.