As most people wonder what could've happened to Yoselyn Ortega, the nanny accused of killing two kids under her care in New York City last week, I've been actually wondering if this tragedy could've been prevented. As a mom who's hired two nannies in the past three years, I'm sure Marina and Kevin Krim did everything they were "supposed" to when hiring Ortega two years ago: thorough interviews, the customary background checks and the calls to those on her reference list. From what I understand, they adored her and she adored them–which sounds just like the experiences my family and I have been lucky to have with our own two nannies. But, sometimes, all that is simply not enough.
So was there a way to avert what happened to 6-year-old Lucia and 2-year-old Leo? Short of not hiring a nanny at all, I don't see how this could have been avoided. The fact that police haven't been able to come up with a clear motive as to what caused Ortega–who's been described as a sensible, caring and responsible woman–to stab the kids to death seems to suggest that she just snapped.
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And that's the number one reason why, as a mother currently in search of a nanny, this tragedy is so alarming. In the end, regardless of background checks and recommendations, the truth of the matter is that there's simply no way of ever knowing for certain if your kids will be safe with anyone other than yourself.
Many of us are forced to trust complete strangers with the care of our children. Strangers who don't have criminal records, who others consider reliable and doting and whom our children will eventually learn to love too–but strangers nonetheless. As I continue my search for the perfect nanny, all I can do is move that thought to the back of my head, hope that my guardian angel continues to watch over my family and say a little prayer for the Krims.
Image via CBS 2
