Smart, Thoughtful Questions That Help You Find the Right Fit
Interviewing a nanny is one of the most important steps in finding someone you trust with your children and in your home. While resumes and references provide important details, the interview is your opportunity to dig deeper—to see if this caregiver aligns with your family’s values, expectations, and lifestyle.
If you’re working with a nanny agency (which we strongly recommend), much of the early vetting—like background checks, reference calls, and skills assessments—has already been done. This allows you to focus your questions on personal fit, communication styles, and long-term compatibility.
To help guide the conversation, here are the top categories and sample questions to ask during your nanny interview.
Experience & Background with Children
Start by learning about their professional journey, the ages and types of families they’ve worked with, and how they view the role of a nanny.
Sample Questions:
- How long have you been nannying?
- What do you enjoy most about working with children?
- Tell me about your experience with [your child’s age group].
- Do you have experience caring for siblings or multiple children at once?
- Have you worked with families where a parent is home—either full-time or working remotely?
Tip: Be specific about your family dynamic and listen for alignment in experience and energy.
Comfort Levels, Flexibility & Daily Logistics/h2>
Nannies often wear many hats. These questions help uncover their comfort level with daily routines, multitasking, and flexibility.
Sample Questions:
- What is your current availability? Do you foresee any schedule conflicts?
- Are you comfortable commuting with kids (on foot, public transportation, or car)?
- Do you have experience driving children? Are you comfortable doing so?
- Would you be open to helping with children’s laundry, tidying play spaces, and preparing meals?
- Are you comfortable assisting with homework or school projects?
- Are you willing to care for the kids if they’re home sick? Are you comfortable administering medication if needed?
- Could you travel with us for family vacations or occasional overnight stays?
Tip: Clearly outline what your typical day looks like and confirm your expectations align.
Discipline & Childcare Style
This is where you dig into parenting philosophies. You want someone who will reinforce your approach to boundaries, behavior, and emotional regulation.
Sample Questions:
- What styles of discipline do you gravitate to? How do you handle tantrums, conflicts, or sibling disagreements?
- How would you respond if a child refuses to follow directions or is having a tough emotional day?
- What do you do to support positive behavior and independence?
Tip: Remember that an experienced nanny may have worked with and be comfortable with more than one parenting/childcare style.
Communication & Professionalism
A strong working relationship with your nanny relies on clear, consistent communication and mutual respect.
Sample Questions:
- How do you typically check in with parents—text, email, daily debrief?
- How do you like to receive feedback?
- What has worked well in past nanny-parent relationships?
Tip: If your household includes other caregivers or staff, ask how they’ve navigated similar dynamics in past roles.
Legal Pay, Compensation & Benefits Expectations
Being upfront about compensation is essential—not just the hourly wage, but also benefits, taxes, and schedule expectations.
Sample Questions:
- We plan to pay you legally, withholding all required taxes. Are you familiar or experienced with this setup? Here is a resource from our payroll company.
- What benefits, in addition to an hourly wage (and overtime when applicable), are you looking for? (e.g., healthcare reimbursement, paid time off, sick leave, paid holidays, a retirement plan)
- We plan to pay weekly in arrears (payment the week following the work period). Do you have any questions or concerns about that?
- Are you looking for a long-term position or something more short-term?
Tip: Hiring legally helps protect both you and your nanny. It also helps you attract experienced professionals who value security, consistency, and respect.
Scenario-Based Situations
These questions offer a window into how the nanny thinks on their feet, problem-solves, and handles real-world situations.
Sample Questions:
- What would you do if both kids were having meltdowns at the same time?
- How would you handle a situation where a child refuses to eat lunch or take a nap?
- What would you do if there was a minor injury at the playground?
Tip: There’s no single right answer—just look for thoughtful, calm responses that show empathy.
Wrapping Up the Interview
Leave time for the candidate to ask questions of you. Also make note of your own observations: How does the candidate respond to questions? Are they thoughtful and warm? After the interview, take time to reflect on how they’d mesh with your parenting style and household culture.
Hiring a nanny is a big step—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right questions, the right support, and a clear understanding of your needs and obligations, you’re well on your way to building a successful working relationship based on trust, respect, and care.