Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Nanny

Finding a nanny who is an excellent fit for your family and your kids’ needs is no easy job. As Nashville’s premier nanny placement agency, we know that all too well! But it’s important to us that every family we serve is able to meet the top candidates and choose the best fit through a personal interview.

Not sure what to ask when you’re interviewing a nanny? We can help. Of course, there are plenty of obvious and basic questions you’ll want to ask, like asking about:

• Training like safety training, first aid, CPR, and so on

• Experience

• Ability to perform specific job duties

• Availability

• Transportation

• Salary requirements

• Type of arrangement they’re looking for

But there are plenty of other questions you’ll want to ask to find out if this nanny is the right fit for your family. Consider these suggested interview questions.

What Is Your Favorite Memory with Your Last Child or Family?

This is an excellent place to start because it starts the interview in a positive light. It also gives you a sense for how much of a bond the nanny built with their last family and how much they invest in their work.

What Was Your Daily Routine with Your Last Family?

This question, first and foremost, tells you whether the nanny knows how to establish a clear routine for kids. It also gives you a sense of how the nanny spends time with the kids in their care, and it’s a great opportunity to talk about what your child’s routine is and whether the nanny is willing and able to maintain that routine.

What Is Your Favorite Activity to Do or Place to Go with the Children in Your Care?

This is an excellent question because you want your nanny to do more than simply watch your kids and keep them safe. You want your nanny to be spending time with your kids like you would, giving them active and enriching experiences that help them learn and grow. This is also a good time to talk about the activities your kids enjoy and to make sure the nanny is able to facilitate them.

What Is the Most Challenging Situation You’ve Faced as a Nanny and How Did You Face It?

As every parent knows, every day with kids is unpredictable. You want to make sure your nanny is prepared to handle challenges or emergencies when they arise, and this question gives you insight into real-life scenarios they have faced.

What Is Your Philosophy When It Comes to Guiding Behavior and Disciplining Children as a Nanny? If a Behavioral Problem Occurred, How Would You Address It?

No matter how much of a little angel your child is, kids are human and they are bound to make mistakes that need to be corrected from time to time. It’s important to make sure you and the nanny are on the same page about appropriate ways for the nanny to discipline your kids.

What Did You Like Best About Working with Your Last Family? What Did You Like Least?

This question gives you excellent insight into the nanny’s working style and whether they may (or may not) fit well with your family.

Questions Specific to Your Family’s Circumstances

Every family has their own needs and circumstances, so be sure to ask your nanny about anything that will be relevant to your family. For example, you might need to ask about their experience caring for kids with special needs or kids with a particular condition your child has, or you may want to ask about their experience with kids of your child’s age or with multi-child families.

Discussing Parenting Styles

This is less of a question and more of a conversation but it’s a critical one! It’s important that your nanny understands your parenting style and parenting philosophy, and that they are willing and able to maintain that same style with your kids. Children need consistent expectations so it’s important to make sure you and the nanny are compatible when it comes to parenting and caring for your kids.

Tried and True Can Help with Your Nanny Search

Interviewing a potential nanny is an important step but there’s so much to be done before you even get to that point. Tried and True Nannies and Sitters can help! We’ll talk through your childcare needs, source excellent candidates, and guide you through the process of choosing and hiring your nanny. Contact our Nashville nanny agency to learn more.