Best Interview Questions To Ask A Nanny

Introducing a caregiver to your child and household can be an overwhelming process. So, the best interview questions to ask a nanny should center on childcare experience, patience, empathy, adaptability, and reliability.

The best nannies genuinely love taking care of children and are invested in child development. Unfortunately, there are some nannies who are motivated purely financially, and who aren’t fully invested in the work . Even though they might not be terrible, you will get the best experience when you hire someone who is passionate about working with your kids.

If you're about to hire your first nanny, you may not know the right questions to ask. So, we have put together 8 of the best questions to ask any prospective nanny below.

1. What is your experience working with children, and what is your approach to childcare?

This helps you understand their level of experience, their philosophy, and their values.

2. What is your availability, and what is your notice period?

It's important to clarify your nanny’s schedule, flexibility, and commitment. For instance, you may need someone that would work part-time or full time, weekends, and/or during vacations.

3. How would you handle an emergency or first aid situation?

Children are unpredictable; your child could fall ill suddenly or stick a small object up their noses. So, this question assesses a caregiver’s preparedness, quick thinking, and ability to prioritize safety.

4. How do you discipline or redirect children's behavior, and what strategies do you use?

You want a nanny who shares your approach to setting boundaries, encouraging good behavior, and managing tantrums.

5. What activities would you plan for my child(ren) on a daily basis?

Anyone who loves children knows it's important to keep them engaged. So, their response gives you an insight into a potential hire’s creativity, ability to engage children, and their understanding of child development.

6. How do you maintain open communication with parents, and what updates can I expect?

A lack of communication is one of the top causes of friction between parents and nannies. Ask this question to ascertain how they keep you informed about your child's daily life and milestones, or how they would go about sharing any concerns.

7. What is your policy on screen time, outdoor play, and promoting a healthy lifestyle?

Research shows that too much screen time can have an adverse impact on toddlers. Hence, you must find out if their values match yours regarding technology use, physical activity, and overall well-being.

8. Can you share an example of a challenging situation with a child and how you resolved it?

Pay attention to the candidate’s problem-solving skills, patience, and ability to think on their feet. These are all vital skills for an effective caregiver.

Remember, asking the best questions helps you find a nanny who aligns with your values, parenting style, and your child's needs. Ask for references, conduct background checks, and observe how the nanny responds to every question.

Welcome to Sommet Nannies, a nanny agency with presence in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, New York and nationwide. We help busy families find dedicated and caring college-educated nannies.

●        If you enjoyed this article, you might also like ‘What to look for in a nanny position’, ‘What makes a wonderful nanny?’, or ‘What do you say after a nanny interview?’

●        If you’re a family interested in learning more about our nanny services, head over here.

●        If you’re a nanny looking for a new family to work with, you can apply to become a Sommet Nanny.