When Sara Cantwell, a mum of twin boys, and her husband hired their first nanny, they let her go the very same week, after the nanny repeatedly turned up late. That meant the family had to nearly go back to square one, which put them behind in their search and schedule. It was then that Cantwell, a product and marketing professional, decided that she needed a nanny trial to ensure competent, loving care that suited her family’s needs and dynamic. “A trial is good for both families and nannies,” she observes. “You’re interviewing and evaluating each other to see if it’s going to work.”
Indeed, trial periods are common for parents searching for a nanny. But how should families and nannies structure a trial that works for all parties? Here are 7 key tips.
1. Set up a 1-week trial period
After initial interviews, move forward with nanny candidates by setting up a 1-week trial period. That’s typically enough time for both the nanny and the family to make a decision.
If a full 1-week trial can’t be worked into schedules, just do a short trial or a working interview. This is when a nanny interacts with the child or children in the home and even potentially takes them on activities, while the parent(s) observes. A working interview, even if it’s a couple of days or just a few hours, can still help you both understand the chemistry and how personalities mesh.
Venture capitalist Neena Kadaba, mum to a 5-year-old boy and 2-year-old girl, did a trial run with her current nanny. “She came for a couple of hours a day for 4 or 5 days,” Kadaba says. “I liked her and thought it would work out, but it was helpful to have her get to know the kids and their routine a bit before fully committing.”
2. Align on expectations and write them down
Families should think through what they expect from the nanny—and, conversely, nannies should be upfront about what they’re willing to do.
Have a conversation about what your needs are, whether it’s light housekeeping, driving the children to school or sports practice, or speaking a second language with them. It’s important to be clear on what’s required both during the trial and later on during full-time employment.
“You want to cover things like how they’re paid, what happens if you’re going out of town, time off, etc,” Kadaba says. “It really prevents issues later on.”
3. Remember that trials are paid
Families should generally pay a fair wage that matches what the nanny will actually make if they get the job. You should only trial a nanny who’s in the range of what you’re prepared to pay.
4. Set yourself up for success
A trial run should closely mirror actual home life, whether that’s picking a child up from school or playing at home for the day. Don’t have a working interview where there’s no direction—remember the nanny is brand-new to your household. Think through what they need to be successful, whether that’s logistical information like phone numbers, addresses, and dietary restrictions, or simple instructions like which parks to visit.
5. Speak up
It’s important to open the lines of communication with the nanny during the trial period to get a sense of their approach with the children and receptivity to areas of responsibility.
Try to draw out information with specific questions around the things that are most important to you. For example: Was the light housekeeping easy to handle or too much? How was it trying to get the baby down for her nap? How did our toddler react when you corrected his behaviour? This helps give a better sense of how things are going—and how the nanny might handle daily job demands.
Set aside 10 to 20 minutes to talk when the children are not there or are otherwise preoccupied. This is your first opportunity to set the tone and practice open communication.
6. Make yourself available at home
If parents can make it work, it’s good to be home for a trial run with a new nanny, at least in the very beginning. Experts advise families to be there at first until they feel comfortable. After that, it’s good to leave for a bit and then evaluate how things feel when you come back. How are the kids? How’s the atmosphere in the house? Check your gut and see what it tells you.
Ensure children get a chance to connect one-on-one with a prospective caregiver. Even if you’re sticking around, find something to do—answer some email, prep dinner, fold laundry. Just give them some space to feel each other out.
7. Be honest about your feelings
If a family or a nanny doesn’t feel like it’s a good fit, it’s not a problem. That’s exactly why you do working interviews. Just be honest, direct, and kind when you share that it won’t work out.
