Interviewing a Nanny? 7 Questions You Might Not Think to Ask
Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions parents make, as this person will play a significant role in a child’s daily life and development. While it’s natural to ask about experience, qualifications, and scheduling, going a step further and asking thoughtful questions about a candidate’s values, approach to discipline, and emergency readiness can reveal deeper insights and help ensure the perfect match. Here are seven crucial questions to ask when interviewing a nanny.
1. What Are Your Personal Values When It Comes to Childcare?
Why It Matters: Understanding a nanny’s values helps you assess how well their priorities align with your family’s parenting style. Are they patient? Do they prioritize creativity, or maybe structure and routine? Follow-Up: Ask how their values influence their daily interactions with children. Their response can reveal how they’ll foster a positive environment and reinforce what’s important to your family.
2. How Do You Approach Discipline?
Why It Matters: Discipline is one of the most sensitive topics in childcare, and differing views can lead to challenges. You’ll want someone who mirrors or complements your family’s approach. Follow-Up: Give a hypothetical scenario, like a child refusing to do homework or hitting a sibling, and ask how they’d handle it. This can provide a practical look at their philosophy in action.
3. What Would You Do in an Emergency Situation?
Why It Matters: In a crisis, quick thinking and a clear plan can make a difference. A nanny’s readiness to act in an emergency is vital for keeping kids safe. Follow-Up: Ask them to describe how they’d react if a child got hurt at home or how they’d handle a fire alarm going off. Assess if they’re comfortable taking swift action and whether they know first aid basics.
4. What’s Your Approach to Managing Sibling Relationships?
Why It Matters: Handling sibling dynamics requires balance and patience. A nanny who understands how to keep sibling rivalries in check can help foster harmony. Follow-Up: Ask for examples of how they’ve helped manage sibling disagreements in past positions, or how they’d keep activities fair when working with kids of different ages.
5. How Do You Feel About Screen Time, and How Would You Use It?
Why It Matters: Screen time is a big part of modern parenting, and nannies may have varying opinions. It’s essential that you and the nanny agree on when and how it should be used. Follow-Up: If your family has specific rules on screen use, share those and gauge their response. Ask how they’d fill screen-free time with creative activities or if they have favorite indoor or outdoor alternatives.
6. How Do You Handle Feedback and Communication with Parents?
Why It Matters: Open communication is essential for a strong parent-nanny partnership. You’ll want someone who is receptive to feedback and comfortable keeping you updated. Follow-Up: See how they prefer to communicate with parents—text, daily reports, or weekly check-ins. A nanny who can adapt to your preferred communication style is often easier to work with.
7. What Has Been the Most Challenging Situation You’ve Faced in Childcare, and How Did You Handle It?
Why It Matters: This question uncovers how well they handle stressful situations and problem-solve in real time. How they reflect on and learn from these challenges is key. Follow-Up: Ask what they learned from that experience and if they’d handle it differently today. Their response can show resilience, adaptability, and their commitment to professional growth.
Asking these questions can offer a more complete picture of a nanny’s experience, personality, and approach to childcare, helping you feel confident in your hiring decision. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that a nanny’s philosophy, communication style, and values align with your family’s. A well-matched nanny not only meets practical needs but also creates a nurturing and enriching environment for your child.