12 Essential Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Nanny:

 Because finding the right fit for your family matters.

Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. You're not just looking for someone to care for your children — you're looking for someone who will nurture, guide, and grow with your family. Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking to find someone new, these questions can help you get to the heart of who a nanny is, how they work, and if they’re the right

match for your household.

Here are 12 thoughtful questions to ask during your nanny interview, along with why each one matters:

1. How would you describe your personality? Start by getting a feel for who they are as a person. Are they energetic, calm, nurturing, and structured? The nanny's personality should complement your family’s dynamic and the temperament of your children.

2. Tell me about your childcare experience. Dig into their history: how long they've been a nanny, the types of families they've worked with, and the settings they’ve been in (in-home care, daycare, etc.). This will give you insight into their professional background and comfort level.

3. What ages have you worked with? Experience with different age groups matters — caring for an infant requires different skills than caring for a school-aged child. Make sure their experience lines up with your child’s developmental stage.

4. What is your favorite age to work with? This question reveals where their passion lies. If they light up when talking about toddlers and you have a 2-year-old, that’s a great sign. It also shows their natural comfort zone.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses when working with children? An honest and self-aware nanny will be able to reflect on their strengths (like patience or creativity) and also acknowledge areas they're working on. This builds trust.

6. What is your educational background? While a formal degree isn't always necessary, training in early childhood education, CPR/First Aid certification, or child development courses can be a huge plus.

7. What do you enjoy most about being a nanny? Passion matters. A nanny who truly loves their job will bring warmth, energy, and dedication to your child’s daily life.

8. What do you find most challenging about being a nanny? No job is without its difficulties. A thoughtful answer shows maturity and realistic expectations. It also opens the door for deeper discussion around your child’s specific needs.

9. What is your discipline style? Make sure their approach to discipline aligns with your parenting philosophy. Whether it’s positive reinforcement, time-ins, or gentle redirection, consistency is key.

10. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a child. This gives you a real-life example of how they problem-solve, stay calm, and manage behavior under pressure. It’s a glimpse into how they’ll handle challenges with your child.

11. Tell me about a time you had a difficult situation with a parent. How did you resolve it? This question shows their communication style and professionalism. Can they navigate differences with maturity and grace? A good nanny should feel comfortable raising concerns and listening to feedback.

12. What activities would you do with my children? Ideally, the nanny will provide responses that align with the children's ages and developmental needs, while also showing creativity, responsibility, and an understanding of early childhood development.

Final Tip: As you go through these questions, don’t just listen to the

answers — observe the tone, enthusiasm, and level of detail the nanny provides. Interviews are just as much about connection as they are about credentials.

With the right questions, you’ll find someone who’s not just a caregiver but a true partner in your child’s growth and happiness.