When it comes time for choosing a nanny to watch your children, of course you want to select a caregiver who will align closely with your personal parenting philosophy and value the safety and wellbeing of your child the same way you do. With daycare centers filled to capacity and families forced to endure long waiting lists, sometimes in-home childcare is the only viable option for parents.

There are many different parenting styles you may choose to raise your children under, such as attachment parenting, positive discipline, intentional parenting and equally shared parenting. But how will you go about choosing a nanny who shares the same parenting philosophy? Here are a few questions to ask your potential nanny to determine if they share the same parenting approach that you do.

Choosing a Nanny – 3 Parenting Philosophies

1. Attachment Parenting

Parents interested in choosing a nanny who values the attachment parenting philosophy may ask a few unique questions of their potential caregiver, in addition to more common ones. Questions surrounding sensitivity and respect will help determine if the applicant is a good fit. Ask questions such as “How will you respond if the child has a strong emotional reaction?” or “What steps do you take to foster a secure and loving relationship with children in your care?”

1. Positive Discipline

When choosing a nanny who shares your views surrounding the discipline of your child, it is essential to run through various scenarios to determine if the nanny is right for your family. For parents raising their children under this philosophy, traditional discipline is damaging to the child. Ask your potential nanny questions such as “How would you reprimand my child for misbehaving?” or “What does punishment look like to you?” There can be a fine line between discipline and abuse, so be sure to press your nanny for details if you are unsure how they will react.

1. Intentional Parenting

An intentional parenting plan revolves around exactly what it sounds like - parenting your child with intention. Parents who choose this style have clearly defined goals and expectations for their family in the future and want their children to share their values. This includes setting a clear direction for your children to learn and grow within the confines of. You are sure to want a nanny who shares this philosophy, so be sure to ask questions in the interview like, “What behavioral scenarios do you see occurring regularly, and how will you handle them?” or “Do you have a routine to put children to sleep at night?”

When choosing a nanny, there is always a degree of risk. The only way to really know what is going on and prevent abuse or mistreatment when you aren’t home is to implement a childcare monitoring system. Contact NannySure today to learn about how you can use their unique monitoring service to build trust between you, your nanny and your child.

Photos Courtesy of: Justin Baram-Backwell