Any good parents would want the best for their children. That is why we work hard and perform demanding jobs to live up to our title as a "parent." But everyone has to realize that they can't do everything. Work and children responsibilities are not always a perfect match. And so we seek for help from nannies who promise to take care of our children while we are at work. But then, not all nannies are up for the job and finding the right nanny is not an easy task as it takes time, patience, and money just to make sure that the person you entrusted to take care of your children really fits to the description. So if you are still finding the right nanny, here are the steps you can follow:

Know your expectations. Mrs. Doubtfire may resemble the best nanny you will ever find, but even she is not that perfect. Still, regardless of who she (he) is, we know that the qualities of a nanny are really in her. The truth is that rare gem is really hard to find. And if you did, you can expect hefty price. Anyway, finding the right nanny involves knowing what your expectations are. Assess your expectations and align them to your budget and to your choices.

Where to look. Finding the right nanny may take you to different places. But it is good to go to local employment agencies or recruitment agencies as they have a good list of nannies you can consider. They also know how to select which nanny is right for your requirements (baby sit your children, prepare meals, or teach your children, etc). Also, word-of-mount may be a good way if you are finding the right nanny based on first-hand experience. Classified advertisements and website listing are also a better way in finding the right nanny.

Make a thorough research. After you've chosen some possible candidates, be prepared. Know what questions you want to ask. Your questions in the interview must answer why you are finding the right nanny in the first place. There are lots of articles online and self-help books that will allow you to know which question will get the answers you are looking for.

Check references. Whether you are working with an agency or not, make sure that you check all the references. Take note that you are letting someone into your house to do all the household businesses for you. Call previous employees and ask about their experience with your possible candidate. It is also good to check with previous employers with similar household or age of kids. You'd be surprised how much you can learn from previous employers.

Gut feel can save you. After you've done everything from interviewing to checking references, your choice is probably clear. But if your gut is telling otherwise, then something may be wrong. Anxiety is normal, though, like hiring a nanny for the first time or a bad experience from previous nannies. However, if your instincts tell you that you should not trust her, consider continuing the search. The bottom line is, do not stop finding the right nanny until you are fully confident about your choice.