Nanny Red Flags to Look Out For
The most reliable nanny red flags are a reluctance to provide employer references who can be called directly, unexplained gaps in employment history, a pattern of very short stays with multiple families, and evasive or inconsistent answers during the interview.
Quick Answer
The most reliable nanny red flags are a reluctance to provide employer references who can be called directly, unexplained gaps in employment history, a pattern of very short stays with multiple families, and evasive or inconsistent answers during the interview. These signals matter more than any individual bad answer.
Resume Red Flags
- Multiple short stays (under 6 months) with different families, especially if unexplained
- Employment history with no verifiable employer references (family friends do not count)
- Gaps longer than 3 months with vague explanations
- Job descriptions that list duties without any specific detail about the children or the household
Interview Red Flags
- Difficulty recalling specific situations when asked scenario questions -- good candidates have stories ready
- Blame-heavy descriptions of previous employers or families
- Evasive or inconsistent answers when asked why they left previous roles
- Pushback on reference calls or requests for references from employers only
- Reluctance to complete TrustLine or background verification
Reference Call Red Flags
A reference who pauses before saying they would hire the candidate again. Specific incidents described diplomatically but that reveal poor judgment. A reference who says everything was "fine" but cannot provide a single specific positive example. References who do not return calls may also be communicating something.
Red Flags After Placement
- Children who are consistently withdrawn or anxious specifically around the nanny by week three or four
- Nanny who discourages you from asking the children about their day
- Inconsistency between what the nanny reports and what you observe when you are home
- Resistance to normal household cameras or monitoring in common areas
- Frequent unexplained absences or last-minute call-outs early in the placement
What to Do If You Spot Red Flags
Do not ignore them and hope the pattern resolves. Have a direct, specific conversation early. If you are within the agency guarantee period, contact your agency immediately. Acting on concerns promptly is better than investing months in a placement that was already signaling problems in week two.
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