Finding a nanny you trust implicitly with the care of your children isn’t an easy task. After all, this person will be responsible for taking care of your most prized possession – your children! You want someone who will love your child and take care of them as if they were their own, but you also need to be able to trust them unconditionally.
You want to be sure you’re doing everything you can to find the best possible care for your children while you’re away, and that starts with asking the right questions.
42 Questions to ask a nanny during the hiring process:
- What experience do you have with children?
- What are your qualifications?
- Do you have any training in first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
- Do you have any other certifications or training?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to child care?
- What are your availability and working hours?
- What are your rates?
- What are your references?
- What would you do if my child had a tantrum?
- Have you ever had to deal with a sick child? If so, how did you handle it?
- Would you be willing to do light housework or run errands while taking care of my child?
- Are you comfortable with animals?
- Would you be willing to take care of more than one child at a time?
- Are you comfortable caring for children of all ages?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions?
- Are you comfortable going on vacation or business trips with us?
- What is your childcare philosophy?
- How do you discipline children?
- What are your plans for nap time/quiet time?
- What activities do you like to do with children?
- Do you have experience with children with special needs?
- How do you handle bedtime routines?
- What are your thoughts on screen time/electronics use?
- How long do you plan to work for us? Would you be willing to make a long-term commitment?
- How do you deal with picky eaters?
- How do you feel about spanking as a form of discipline?
- What are your policies on taking the children on outings or field trips?
- Are you comfortable with our family’s religious beliefs/practices?
- What plans do you have to further your education? (e.g., take classes, attend workshops, etc.)
- Do you have any special skills or talents that could benefit my child/children (e.g., musical instrument, second language)?
- What do you do in your free time?
- What would you do if I weren’t available and my child needed me?
- How did you get interested in nannying?
- What are some of the most challenging aspects of the job?
- What do you enjoy most about being a nanny?
- What experiences have you had with potty training?
- What are your plans for emergencies?
- Do you have any training in early childhood development or education?
- What ages of children have you cared for in the past?
- Are you comfortable administering medication to the children in your care if necessary?
- What are your expectations for the job?
- Do you have any questions for me or us as a family?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?
A babysitter is typically someone who is hired for a one-time job, such as to watch a child while the parents are out for the night.
A nanny, on the other hand, is usually hired to care for a child full-time, or at least regularly. Nannies often live with the family they work for and they may be responsible for tasks such as cooking and cleaning as well as taking care of the children.
How do you know if your nanny is good?
One way to find out is to ask her/him how she/he handles certain situations. If she/he has a plan for discipline, feedings, and bedtimes, she/he probably knows what she/he is doing.
You can also ask her/him to watch your child for an hour or two so you can see how they interact. This will give you a good idea of whether or not your child is comfortable around her/him.
How do you keep your nanny happy?
Make sure you are respectful and polite. Be understanding if your nanny needs to miss work because of an illness or emergency. Always pay your nanny on time and in full. Thank her/him for the hard work she/he does for your family. By following these tips, you can ensure that your nanny is happy and satisfied with her/his job.
What a nanny should not do?
A nanny shouldn’t neglect her/his duties. She/he shouldn’t leave the children alone, even for a few minutes. She/he shouldn’t let them wander around unsupervised.
And she/he shouldn’t engage in activities that could be dangerous or harmful to the children in her/his care. Nannies should be polite and respectful to the parents of the children in their care and always abide by their rules.
Conclusion
We hope this list of questions helps you feel more confident and prepared when talking to potential nannies. Remember, this is an important decision, so take your time and don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions if needed.
The most important thing is that you find someone who cares about your children as much as you would and who will become a trusted member of your family. Listen to your gut and follow your instincts when making your final decision!
