10 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Nanny
Hiring a nanny is a big decision.
You're inviting someone into your home, trusting them with your children, and relying on them to become
a positive part of your family's everyday life.
And while finding someone who is warm, experienced, and wonderful with children
is important, there's more to it than that.
After more than a decade working professionally with families, I've learned that some of the most important qualities in a nanny aren't necessarily the ones you'll find listed on a résumé. They're the things you discover through conversation. How someone approaches a difficult situation, communicates with parents, responds to a child's emotions, or handles the unexpected.
Here are 10 questions I believe every parent should ask when interviewing a potential nanny, and why they're worth asking.
1. Can you walk me through your previous childcare experience and what led you to leave your most recent position?
This is a natural place to begin, and it tells you quite a bit.
Of course, you want to understand their experience, the ages of children they've cared for, and what their responsibilities looked like. But pay attention to how they speak about previous families, too.
Not every position ends on perfect terms, and that's okay. What matters is whether your candidate can discuss those experiences with honesty, maturity, and professionalism.
2. How would you describe your approach to discipline and helping children navigate big emotions?
Every family has its own parenting philosophy, and every nanny brings a little of their own experience and perspective to the table.
The goal isn't necessarily to find someone who thinks exactly like you. It's to find someone who understands your approach, respects your preferences, and can provide consistency for your children.
Ask for a real-life example. How did they respond when a toddler had a meltdown or a child repeatedly pushed a boundary?
Their answer can tell you much more than simply asking whether they're patient.
3. Tell me about a time something unexpected or stressful happened while children were in your care. How did you handle it?
A great nanny needs to be able to think on their feet, remain calm, and make thoughtful decisions when things don't go according to plan.
Listen for how they approached the situation, what they prioritized, and whether they can reflect on what they learned.
4. If my child were injured or experiencing a medical emergency, what steps would you take?
This is one of those questions I wouldn't skip.
You want to know that the person caring for your children has the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately in an emergency.
Ask about their CPR and First Aid certifications, when they were last renewed, and whether they've ever had to use that training.
5. What would a typical day with my child look like?
Would they spend time outdoors? Read together? Encourage imaginative play? Incorporate age-appropriate learning into ordinary routines?
You're not simply looking for someone to supervise your children. You're looking for someone who will engage with them, encourage their development, and make their days meaningful.
6. Have you ever disagreed with a parent about a childcare decision? How did you handle it?
A successful nanny-family relationship is a partnership.
And like any working relationship, there will occasionally be differences of opinion.
A professional nanny should feel comfortable sharing observations or concerns respectfully, while also understanding that parents make the final decisions about their children.
You want someone who can communicate openly, accept feedback, and work alongside you rather than around you.
7. How do you prioritize competing responsibilities at once?
Imagine one child is crying, another needs help getting ready, and lunch is running behind.
What happens next?
This question offers insight into how a nanny manages competing needs, especially in homes with multiple children.
You're looking for someone who can recognize what's most important in the moment, adapt when necessary, and keep everyone safe without becoming overwhelmed.
8. What does professionalism look like to you when working inside a family's home?
Nannying is a unique profession because the workplace is someone's private home. Relationships naturally become personal, and over time, a nanny may feel like an extension of the family.
That's a beautiful thing, but it doesn't eliminate the need for professional boundaries.
Reliability, discretion, respectful communication, and clearly understood responsibilities all contribute to a healthy working relationship.
9. What are you hoping to find in your next position?
Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation.
You're evaluating whether someone is right for your family, but they're also considering whether your position is right for them.
You may find someone who is absolutely wonderful with children but simply isn't the right fit for your household's needs. A good match should make sense for everyone involved.
10. If you became part of our children's lives, what would you hope they remember most about you when they're grown? (My personal fave!)
It invites your candidate to think beyond the daily responsibilities of the job and consider the impact they hope to have on your children.
What you're listening for is a genuine understanding that caring for children is about more than getting through the day. It's about the relationships, experiences, and sense of security we help create along the way.
The Questions Matter. So Do the Answers.
A great interview doesn't automatically mean you've found the right nanny.
Someone can be personable, engaging, and wonderful to talk with, but that doesn't necessarily tell you how they'll perform once they're responsible for your children's everyday care.
Pay attention to whether their answers are specific, consistent, and thoughtful. Notice whether they ask questions about your children and show genuine interest in understanding your family.
And never feel pressured to make a decision on the spot.
Take time to reflect, verify references, complete appropriate background checks, and consider a paid trial before making your final decision.
You're not just hiring someone to fill a schedule. You're choosing someone who will become part of your children's daily world.
At Little Lighthouse Nannies, I help families navigate the nanny hiring process with greater clarity and confidence.
Whether you're just beginning your search or already interviewing candidates, having the right information can make all the difference.
The Nanny Blueprint™ is my $75 digital guide designed for parents hiring independently. It walks you through common hiring mistakes, interview strategies, red flags, reference checks, and a structured approach to evaluating candidates.
And for families who would appreciate more personalized guidance,
my 1-on-1 Consultation offers an opportunity to talk through your specific needs, questions, and hiring decisions together.
Because finding the right nanny shouldn't have to feel like guesswork.
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