Considering a Part-Time Nanny- Advice?

[3GirlieMommy]

I'm a super hands-on mom so I'm not sure how it might even work (I practically grab the baby out of DHs hands the moment my DD starts crying) . That being said I could really use a little help with 3 kiddos now and want to go back to work (from home PT). Any suggestions/recommendations in terms of things to ask during an interview, and maybe other tips for me? There is a woman coming highly recommended and I'm going to talk to the mom she's worked with today. TIA

[luvsviola]

I think you need to set extremely firm boundaries with her about who is in charge when she is there. If you run out and grab a crying baby while she's there, she is going to feel undermined. You need to have a plan/understanding in place for when kiddos are upset/fighting/whatever while she is there.

Spell out the exact hours, and pay in writing so you both have a copy.

Have an agreement about vacation days and sick days. If you or the kids are sick and don't need her, does she still get paid? What is her sick policy?

What are your expectations for chores/cleaning up around the house? Do you want her to rinse the dishes, or rinse them and put them in the dishwasher? Does she do the kids laundry, or just play with the kids all day? When putting kids down for naps, do you rock to sleep, or do some CIO? This all should be set out ahead of time.

Will you let her take the kids places (library, zoo, park, etc.)? If so, does she have car insurance?

The more you can discuss and put in writing, the better.

[3GirlieMommy]

These are really helpful tips... it makes sense that the more we discuss and clarify beforehand, the better. Some of the things I don't know yet, except that I definitely want help doing chores/cleaning while I'm with the baby.