As some of you may remember I've been searching for someone (I'm calling it a Mother's Help) to look after DD2 (5 months old) two days a week at home while I work (from home). This is probably now going to extend to looking after DD1 (3 yrs)on one of the days also as my office want me to commit to working on one of her non-nursery days. That's the background.
HAve now interviewed 6 candidates and whittled down to a shortlist of three. WOnder if any of you more experienced employers of AuPAirs, Mother's Helps, Nannies might have any insights to help me decide between them
Candidate 1 - 23 years old. NVQ in childcare. First Aid qualification (couple of years ago). 18 months experience in a nursery. 18 montsh experience as Home Help for different overseas families posted here for work. Very pleasant manner. Seemed good with the baby. Responded well to interview questions, seemed intelligent and responsive. Has her own 5 year old son. Lives about 20 mins drive (on a good day) to an hour (on a bad day) away. Also works as a promotor nights and weekends. Flexible about days but needs to drop off and pick up son to school and from after school club. Seemed to have plenty of energy but said her worst point was being sensitive and taking things personally. I really liked her but don't want someone I have to pussyfoot around. Also worried about how long her drive wil take and whether she'll be reliable as a result. Will she get sick of it and give up?
No 2 40 year old mum of 6. Again very pleasant manner and very gentle and nice with DD1. Didn't voice her own firm opinions about things like food, discipline etc but said she would take direction from me. Happy to do general housework too. HAs worked as mother's help before. 3 kids of school going age. WOuld be dependent on her family to help out with pickups, dropoffs and school holidays. Having some personal relationship issues at the moment - should I let this influence judgement? Very local and would cycle to and back.
No. 3 27 year old Czech au pair who wants to move out from family (she has discussed this with them) and move in with bf. Very good English but studying further. Flexible on days. Lives nearby and can easily bus it (or walk). No kids or other family committments. Has 14 years experience with kids in summer camps etc. 2 years in UK with families of 4 kids each. Only candidate who brought written references. Will disclose current families phone no only if sucessful at interview (fair enough I suppose). Didn't warm to this woman as quickly, but felt that she would be capable and efficient and most of all reliable. She was pleasant with DD1 and 2. Referred a few times to the fact that things (eg routines, toilet training) are stricter in Czech rep but said she is happy to go along with our way of doing things. Could bring a bit of much needed discipline re. things like eating into DD1's life if we played our cards right. Came across as intelligent and well organised. Mybe a bit stricter than the other two but that might not be the worst thing in the world
So, any thoughts. DH and I are veering towards no.3 as she seems the least complicated proposition and I feel would look after our DDs very well, possibly without too much smothering with love but then I guess that is what we are there for. (although one of her references said the families children had absolutely loved her)
just got two more calls in response to ad tonight but am getting tired of interviewing (although will probably phone interview them at least)
it is harder than I though, this lark
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childcare decision - any thoughts? (OMG This is long)
31 replies
motherpeculiar · 28/07/2005 20:41
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