Red Flags To Watch Out For When Hiring A Nanny.
If you have recently hired a nanny on probation or you’re at the hiring interview stage you should read on. The difficulty in finding nannies especially in Ghana can sometimes cloud one’s judgement during the hiring stage and influence you to quickly hire. Irrespective of the current stage you are at, there are certain red flags you need to look out for.
Low to zero engagement with your child.
If the Nanny doesn’t engage or interact with your child during the interview or even ask to hold them, it’s a red flag which should immediately communicate lack of interest in childcare. If she’s constantly checking her phone during the interview or only maintains eye contact with the adults, then you need to be cautious about hiring her.
What to do: When she arrives for the interview, observe how she interacts naturally with your child. A genuinely good nanny will be curious, gentle and attentive to your child even during the trial interview.
2. Shows Vagueness In Presenting a Referral
Hiring a nanny in Ghana by referral is always a safer option as you can ask more pertinent questions from the previous employer. Agencies too are good but still ask for previous employer feedback before hiring. If the nanny keeps holding back or giving excuses when asked for a referral then that’s a major red flag. Ask yourself what it is they’re hiding from you.
3. Overly argumentative
During the nanny’s trial period , watch how she takes feedback (especially negative feedback) This would inform you if she’s willing to learn or is able to work under your supervision. Some older nannies tend to veer into this direction especially when you’re a young Mom.
What to do: Gently offer a small correction during the trial and observe how she responds. Humility and a willingness to learn are key.
4. Phone addict
Social media addiction has become a distraction for many people and is quite common to see shop assistants on their phones instead of paying attention to customers in a shop. Nannies are not exempt from this addiction. During the interview is the nanny constantly on her phone during the trial interview? That is a sign that she won’t be entirely focused on her childcare duties.
What to do: Put into place phone use policies which she has to comply with. Allow phone use during lunch breaks and other approved break times and also during emergencies.
5. Discomfort with Your House Rules or Faith
As a Mom you have your own house rules which must be complied with by any domestic staff which includes a Nanny. You also have your own core values which you’d want to nurture in your child, whether it’s prayer time, screen time limits , nutrition choices etc. The nanny must be willing to respect those values and house rules. Watch how she reacts when you inform her of these choices; if she rolls her eyes or makes sarcastic comments, it may lead to conflict later on.
What to do: Discuss your parenting style and values upfront and watch for any signs of resistance.
6. Disregard For Personal Hygiene or Sloppiness
While nobody is perfect, a nanny who shows up untidy, chewing and popping gum, smelling of cigarette smoke, or looking unkempt may not take the role seriously—especially in a job that involves children, cooking, or cleaning. Long and pointy finger nails whether artificial or natural are dangerous around children and should be something you should warn her about. If she doesn’t take them off after several warnings, you should look elsewhere for her replacement.
What to do: Set clear expectations about hygiene, dress code, and general presentation during your first meeting. If possible, sew a nanny uniform for her to change into after being hired.
7. Overpromising or Saying “Yes” to Everything
The average Ghanaian looking for a job is always eager to please and would say yes to anything to get the job, even when not qualified. That’s just facts. So watch out for a candidate who seems too eager to please , doesn’t ask questions and may not be honest about their abilities or limits. Watch out for phrases like: “Anything you give me I can do!” or “ I can work any day of the week you want me to.”
What to do: Ask them how they would handle specific real-life situations like what they’d do in an emergency. A thoughtful answer is better than a perfect one.
Have you hired a nanny before? What worked (or didn’t)? Let’s help each other out! ❤️
