How to Check a Nanny’s References: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Choosing a nanny is always about trust. Parents are looking for someone they can confidently trust with the most valuable thing in their lives — their child. That’s why references often become one of the key factors when selecting a candidate.
However, there is one important detail: having references alone does not guarantee professionalism. It is essential to verify them correctly and understand what truly stands behind positive words and recommendations.
In this article, we explain how to properly check a nanny’s references and what to pay special attention to.
Why Nanny References Matter
References help parents:
- learn about the candidate’s real work experience;
- understand her communication style with children;
- evaluate responsibility and punctuality;
- identify potential issues before cooperation begins.
The most valuable references come from families where the nanny worked for a long time or recently completed employment.
Step 1. Ask for Contacts of Recent Employers
Many candidates provide references from families they worked with years ago. But situations change: a person may change their work style, lose motivation, or gain new experience.
That’s why it’s best to ask for:
- contacts of the last 2–3 families;
- recent references;
- an opportunity to personally speak with the parents.
If a candidate avoids providing contacts or constantly finds excuses, this may be a warning sign.
Step 2. Don’t Rely Only on Messages
Written recommendations or screenshots of chats are not the most reliable format.
It’s much better to:
- make a phone call;
- arrange a video conversation;
- ask follow-up questions.
During a live conversation, pay attention to:
- tone of voice;
- speed of responses;
- confidence;
- emotional reactions.
Sometimes even a short phone call gives more information than a full page of written recommendations.
Step 3. Ask Specific Questions
One common mistake parents make is asking only:
“Did you like the nanny?”
Details are much more important.
Here are questions that truly help evaluate a candidate:
About Responsibility
- Was the nanny punctual?
- Did she follow agreements and schedules?
- How organized was she?
About the Child
- How did your child react to the nanny?
- Was there an emotional connection?
- How did she handle difficult situations?
About Stress and Conflicts
- How did she react to feedback or criticism?
- Were there any conflicts?
- How were problems resolved?
About the End of Employment
- Why did the cooperation end?
- Would you hire this nanny again?
Specific details help reveal the real picture.
Step 4. Pay Attention Not Only to Words
Sometimes people do not want to speak negatively about a former nanny directly. However, certain signals may say more than words.
Possible warning signs include:
- long pauses;
- vague answers;
- overly general phrases;
- unrealistic perfection;
- unwillingness to recommend the nanny again.
It’s important to listen not only to what is said, but also to the emotions behind it.
Step 5. Verify Information Comprehensively
Even excellent references are not a guarantee of safety.
A professional household staff agency always conducts a comprehensive screening process, including:
- document verification;
- experience analysis;
- motivation assessment;
- communication and personality evaluation;
- safety checks.
A comprehensive approach helps minimize risks and find a person who is truly the right fit for your family.
Why Parents Choose Family World
At Family World, we understand how important it is for parents to feel calm and confident.
That’s why we do more than simply select candidates — we conduct a multi-level screening process for every nanny:
- analyzing experience;
- checking references;
- evaluating professional and personal qualities;
- paying attention to safety, communication, and motivation.
Our goal is to help families find not just an employee, but someone they can truly trust.
Conclusion
Checking a nanny’s references is an important part of the hiring process, but it only works effectively when parents ask the right questions and carefully analyze the answers.
Do not hesitate to clarify details, verify information, and pay attention even to small things — they often make the biggest difference.
And if you want to save time and work only with thoroughly screened candidates, the Family World team is always ready to help.
