Parents seeking nannies can be picky

Published 07/04/09

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) - One Potomac mother of five used to prepare for interviews with prospective nannies like a Hollywood audition. She cleaned her house, made sure the children were quietly coloring and "glamified" the family's lifestyle, which includes regular trips overseas. She capped off talks with a tour of an au pair suite so deluxe it was mentioned in a glossy home magazine.

This year, the pressure is off. When she recently posted an ad online for a new nanny, she was inundated with responses from qualified candidates and unemployed women seeking a job, any job. She ended up hiring a nanny agency to vet...

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still hard - 2009-07-04 09:28:15

I've been using Sittercity.com to try to find help for months. Perspective sitters/nannies have bios and contact you via e-mail on the website if they're interested in a position. I can't believe the responses I'm getting. Most of these people can't spell and their grammar is horrible. Not to mention they apply as if they're texting you. Even better, their bio pictures look as if they're straight off of myspace. One girl looked like I'd find her on the couch with her boyfriend when I got home. I'm looking to entrust someone with the care of my children and my home. The job pays at least $10 an hour around here. Money these kids aren't taxed on and can take straight to the mall and laugh at the store manager who earns less than they do. I'm astounded at the carelessness and casualness in the shallow pool of applicants. Even college educated ones. The ones who have been good are of course continuing their education and their class schedules interfer with our needs. It's still hard to find an intelligent, responsible person regardless of the current economy.

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