Finding the right nanny for your family is an important decision that requires thoughtful consideration. While it’s natural to focus on experience and qualifications during the interview process, it’s equally important to learn about their caregiving approach and see how it fits in with your family’s needs and values. To assist you in this process, here’s a list of nanny interview questions you can adapt to fit your specific situation:

Training and experience  

A nanny’s background and expertise will tell you a lot about their ability to handle different situations and age groups. Asking the questions below will help you evaluate their experience, problem-solving skills, and passion for childcare. 

• How many years of experience do you have as a nanny? 
• What ages of children have you cared for, and how many at once? 
• Do you have a preferred age group you enjoy working with? 
• Have you worked with children who have special needs, dietary restrictions, or allergies? If so, how have you managed those needs?  
• Are you CPR-certified, and do you hold any other relevant training and/or certifications? 
• What do you find to be the most challenging part of being a nanny? What do you love most about it? 
• How do you handle emergencies? Can you share an example of a time you had to think on your feet? 

Daily duties

Every family has unique expectations for their nanny’s role. While childcare remains the primary focus, some nannies may be willing to take on additional household tasks. We recommend asking questions like the ones listed below to establish clear expectations from the beginning: 

• Are you open to additional household duties beyond childcare, such as laundry, meal preparation, pet care, or errands? 
• Are you comfortable helping with homework? Up to what grade level?  
• How do you like to keep kids engaged and active? What are some of your favorite activities to do with children, both indoors and outdoors? 
• Would you be available to babysit occasionally on weekends? If so, what is your typical rate for extra hours?

Expectations  

To ensure a long-term fit, clarifying expectations about scheduling, flexibility, and availability is important. Consider asking:

• How many hours per week are you available? Are you looking for full-time or part-time work?
• How long are you looking to stay with a family?
• Would you be open to traveling with our family? If so, how long would you be comfortable traveling, and do you have any additional travel-related fees?
• Are you comfortable using your car, or would you prefer the car to be provided?

Communication  

Understanding a nanny’s preferred communication style is not just a matter of preference, it’s a necessity. Clear and regular updates can prevent misunderstandings, build trust, and ensure a smooth working relationship. Ask questions to learn more about how they interact with both parents and children:

• How would you describe your communication style with both parents and children?  
• How do you prefer to update parents about their child’s day? Would you rather do verbal check-ins at the end of the day, keep a journal, send text updates, or use another method?  

Caring style  

Every nanny will have a unique approach to caregiving, and it’s important that their methods align with your parenting style. Here are some questions to help you make this determination:

• How do you approach discipline? Can you share an example of how you would handle a difficult behavior? 
• How do you comfort children when they’re upset or anxious?

Choosing a nanny is about so much more than just finding someone to help with childcare. It’s about welcoming someone into your home who will become an integral part of your child’s life. By asking the right questions and truly listening to their responses, you can gain insight into their approach and personality. By the end of your conversation, you should have a sense of whether this nanny could be the right fit for your family, knowing that you’re making a choice that will positively impact your child’s growth and happiness. 

If you’re ready to find the perfect nanny for your family, LifeWorx is here to assist with any specific needs you may have. Contact our team today to get started and take the next step toward finding the right fit for your family!