When you have a busy schedule and little free time, a nanny will help ensure your child is well-looked after and entertained. Whether you're searching for a temporary nanny or a live-in one, they'll play an impactful role in your child's care, so it's essential to find one that will be a positive and beneficial figure. To help you in your search, below are several key qualities to look for in potential candidates.

What to Look for When Choosing a Nanny

1. Patience

From picky eating to tantrums while they're fighting their sleep, children can be a lot to handle, especially when they're young. Patience is a crucial trait to have when caring for them, as it allows difficult situations to be dealt with calmly and effectively. 

Plus, children pick up social behaviors from watching caregivers and adults, so a nanny that stays level-headed and rational can foster that same patience in your child. Look for candidates who stay relaxed and pleasant when meeting you, as this can indicate a calm, patient demeanor.

2. Creativity

A caregiver will be responsible for keeping your children entertained and stimulated. Someone with imagination and creativity will come up with engaging games, interesting activities, and riveting stories to share with your child, as well as play along with the stories they come up with. 

This will encourage a strong bond between them while keeping kids active. Consider asking candidates to doodle or make up a game when meeting them.

3. Shared Interests 

You also want someone who shares some interests with your child, which gives them something to bond over and encourages their growth as an individual. If they share your child's enthusiasm for art, for instance, they'll have a wealth of information to impart about famous painters and techniques, and they'll know a wide variety of activities that are fun and hone your child's skills. 

They could become a valuable teacher, providing a steady stream of knowledge as your child ages and their skills expand. Have them fill out a short questionnaire about their interests and skills, allowing you to identify overlapping interests.

4. Reliability

Children thrive off of routines and schedules, and disruptions to them can cause stress or upset. They need a caregiver who is punctual and sticks to agreed-upon plans, so they know they can count on them. 

You also want someone reliable, as lateness or constant cancellations can lead to missed meetings and appointments. Ask candidates for previous references who can vouch for their reliability, and steer clear of ones that don't seem committed or arrive late to your meeting. 

My City Nanny , a Philadelphia nanny service, will match you with a dependable Philadelphia nanny your child will love. They connect clients with nannies in Philadelphia who have gone through an intensive 11-step screening process, and they provide short-term, long-term, and live-in placements. This Philadelphia nanny agency also offer custom sleep care plans from registered nurses, as well as expedited nanny services. Explore their screening process online, and call (215) 264-9017 to get started.