Finding the right nanny isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about finding someone who feels like an extension of your family.
Let’s face it: leaving your child with someone new can be nerve-wracking, but the right questions can help you spot a caregiver who’s trustworthy, nurturing, and a good match for your parenting style.
Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. You’re not just hiring a nanny; you’re welcoming someone into your home and your child’s life. Let’s make sure you ask all the right things to find the perfect fit.
Table of Contents
Experience, Qualifications, and Background
- How many years of experience do you have working as a nanny?
- Have you worked with children of the same age as mine before?
- Can you share details about your previous childcare roles?
- Do you have any formal training or certifications in child care or early childhood education?
- Are you certified in CPR and first aid? If so, when was the last time you renewed your certification?
- Have you ever handled children with special needs or medical conditions?
- What inspired you to become a nanny?
- Can you provide references from families you’ve worked with in the past?
- Do you have experience managing multiple children at once?
- Have you worked with families that share values or parenting styles similar to ours?
- What’s the longest period you’ve worked with a single family?
- How do you handle transitions between families or changes in household dynamics?
- Are you comfortable with specific dietary preferences or restrictions, such as allergies or cultural cuisines?
- Have you ever worked in a household where parents worked from home? If so, how did you adapt?
- Are you open to further training or attending workshops to align with our family’s specific needs?
Childcare Approach and Philosophy
- How do you approach discipline? Can you share specific examples?
- What types of activities do you like to do with children to support their development?
- How do you balance structured routines with free play?
- What’s your philosophy on screen time for children?
- How do you help children manage big emotions like frustration or sadness?
- How do you encourage positive behavior and habits in children?
- What would a typical day with you as a nanny look like?
- How do you handle situations where a child refuses to follow instructions?
- Do you incorporate outdoor play into daily routines?
- What’s your approach to teaching life skills, such as tidying up or helping in small tasks?
- How do you encourage creativity and curiosity in children?
- What’s your stance on potty training, and how have you supported it in the past?
- How do you handle sibling rivalry or disputes between children?
- What role do you believe a nanny plays in a child’s emotional development?
- How do you address issues like picky eating or sleep challenges?
Personality and Compatibility with Your Family
- How would you describe your personality in three words?
- How do you handle stressful situations, especially with children?
- What do you enjoy most about working with children?
- How do you adapt to a family’s specific parenting style?
- What kind of household environment do you work best in?
- How do you ensure that both the child and the parents feel comfortable with you?
- Are you willing to align with our family’s cultural or religious practices if applicable?
- How do you handle constructive feedback from parents?
- Can you share an example of a time you faced a conflict with a family and how you resolved it?
- What hobbies or interests do you have that might connect with our children?
- How do you approach building trust with both parents and children?
- Are you comfortable being assertive if you believe a child’s safety is at risk?
- How do you ensure open communication within a family?
- Are you comfortable helping children build friendships and social skills?
- How do you maintain boundaries between personal and professional life?
Safety, Health, and Emergency Preparedness
- Can you walk me through your process for handling a medical emergency?
- How do you ensure a child’s environment is safe and childproofed?
- Are you comfortable administering medications if necessary?
- Have you ever dealt with a situation involving a food allergy? What steps did you take?
- How do you teach children about safety in age-appropriate ways?
- What’s your protocol for handling minor injuries like scrapes or bruises?
- Have you ever had to call emergency services while working as a nanny?
- What steps do you take to prevent accidents, such as falls or choking?
- How do you ensure outdoor play is safe, especially in public spaces?
- Are you familiar with basic fire safety and evacuation procedures?
- How do you handle situations where a child becomes sick while in your care?
- Do you have any experience handling behavioral safety, like preventing a child from running into the street?
- Are you comfortable enforcing strict rules around pool or water safety?
- How do you ensure children follow safety rules during activities like biking or playground visits?
- What’s your plan if there’s a weather emergency while you’re with the child?
Daily Routines and Practical Logistics
- Are you available during the specific hours we need?
- How do you handle last-minute schedule changes or overtime requests?
- Are you comfortable preparing meals or snacks for the child?
- Can you help with light housekeeping tasks, such as tidying up toys or laundry?
- How do you ensure punctuality, especially during rush hours?
- Are you available for occasional overnight or weekend care?
- What’s your approach to keeping a child on a regular nap or bedtime schedule?
- Are you comfortable driving the child to activities or playdates?
- How do you handle situations where a child refuses to stick to the schedule?
- Do you track daily routines, such as meals, naps, and activities, for parents to review?
- How do you balance flexibility with maintaining a structured routine?
- Are you open to traveling with the family if needed?
- How do you handle personal phone use during work hours?
- Are you comfortable caring for pets if they’re part of the household?
- How do you ensure a smooth transition when parents come home from work?
Building Trust and Communication
- How do you provide updates on the child’s day to the parents?
- Are you comfortable using communication apps or journals to stay connected?
- How do you handle situations where you and the parents have different views on childcare?
- How often do you suggest formal check-ins with parents?
- How do you address concerns or issues with a child’s behavior to parents?
- Are you comfortable sharing photos or videos of the child during the day (with consent)?
- How do you ensure transparency in your actions and decisions while with the child?
- What’s your preferred method of receiving feedback from parents?
- How do you involve parents in a child’s achievements or milestones?
- Are you comfortable with open discussions about adjusting roles or routines as needed?
- How do you build a trusting relationship with the child over time?
- What steps do you take to maintain professionalism in sensitive situations?
- Can you share an example of how you’ve built a strong relationship with a previous family?
- How do you respect family privacy while being involved in their household?
- Are you comfortable signing a contract that outlines roles and expectations?
Commitment and Future Plans
- What are your long-term career goals, and how does nannying fit into them?
- How long do you see yourself staying with a family?
- Are you open to adjusting your responsibilities as our child grows?
- How do you handle transitions if a family no longer needs your services?
- What would make you feel valued and motivated in this role?
- Are you open to working additional hours during special occasions or emergencies?
- How do you manage balancing work with personal commitments?
- Are you willing to relocate or travel for work if necessary?
- How do you handle situations where parents need to extend your contract?
- What are your expectations for salary increases over time?
- Are you willing to participate in continued learning or workshops related to childcare?
- How do you view your role in a child’s long-term development?
- How do you prepare for eventual transitions when children grow older?
- What motivates you to continue working in this field?
- Are you willing to sign a longer-term contract for stability?
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a nanny is more than just a caregiver—they’ll be part of your family’s daily life. That’s why asking the right questions during the interview is so important. It helps you find someone who’s skilled, reliable, and kind—someone who will care for your child as if they were their own.
Don’t overthink it. Stay present, listen carefully, and trust your instincts. The effort you put into finding the right person now will lead to a smoother, happier experience for everyone involved.