https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:32:05 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-reference-checks-what-to-ask#post-2811821 Mon, 26 Mar 2018 07:45:21 +0000 cake2017 2811821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In addition to the PP, Id like to know if she’s been arrested and /or treated for anything mental. I’ve asked all of that and have checked criminal history as well. Depending on your state there’s public records for criminal history/arrest. (not everything is always posted but it gives an idea) -</p> <p>It’s how you talk to people when it comes to asking mental history. I’ve gotten honest answers etc. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-reference-checks-what-to-ask#post-2811812 Mon, 26 Mar 2018 06:03:28 +0000 LCTBQE 2811812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: @Pollywog: this is so incredibly helpful, thank you both! Spoke to one of the three references last night and she was raving about how much she loved this girl and how her son adored her. It was clear that the capacity wasn't quite the same because her kid was older, so I'm looking forward to speaking with the other references who had babies and toddlers. I did hear a lot of stuff that resonated with me, though, which is encouraging. @LBee: #4 is exactly what I needed someone to tell me to ask about a college student (not a pro) but never would have thought to on my own :) @Pollywog: she's genuinely anti-screen, yayyyyyy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-reference-checks-what-to-ask#post-2811781 Sun, 25 Mar 2018 19:30:44 +0000 Pollywog 2811781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've given tons of reference checks. The best questions I've gotten are "what is the thing that drives you the most nuts", "how well does she fit with your parenting style", and "how do your kids respond to her". I find a lot of parents dwell on the negatives, but they miss all of the amazing things. </p> <p>I also think every parent has different pet peeves/things they are strict on. Be sure to ask about yours. I'm surprised how many people leave the TV on all day and who don't want their kids outside in certain temperatures, but other people are shocked I allow unlimited juice </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-reference-checks-what-to-ask#post-2811734 Sun, 25 Mar 2018 07:41:11 +0000 LBee 2811734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve been on both sides - giving and receiving reference. I’ve got a few thoughts: </p> <p>1. Pull her driving record. Our nanny had never received a ticket or had a wreck, which comforted me so much. He’s 100% more endangered riding in the car with me 🙈.<br /> 2. If they’ve parted ways, ask if she still watches their kids ad hoc and/or if she would let her.<br /> 3. Ask for their one main complaint - everyone has one, even if they love the nanny - they have something.<br /> 4. Ask about how much guidance they think she needs - is she someone who needs everything spelled out or not (you are going to face stuff like screen time, snacks, etc)<br /> 5. LISTEN - I’ve had people call me and just tick off all their questions and not give me a second to provide any feedback. </p> <p>Good luck! Happy to answer any other questions. We’ve been doing this nanny thing since LO1. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-reference-checks-what-to-ask#post-2811731 Sun, 25 Mar 2018 07:12:02 +0000 LCTBQE 2811731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are about to move to a new town and put our 19-month-old son in a new daycare (which is another post I have to write!)--anyway, we're hiring a college girl for 3 hours a day in the evening to pick him up from the daycare (a 5 minute drive from our house, using our car) bring him back to our house and do dinner and get bath going while we get home from work. She is in college elsewhere--so I haven't met her yet, I've just seen her picture and talked to her on the phone-- but she's a native from this town coming home to live with her parents for the summer, and she gave me three references from other local moms who she's babysat for over the years. </p> <p>What should I ask these other moms about aside from basic character/reliability questions? </p>