While due diligence, like background checks and checking references, is essential, the interview is where you discover who a candidate is and how they could solve your childcare problems. And devising the right questions to ask your nanny can help you go beyond resumes and qualifications to understand how they think, handle challenges, and fit into your family’s rhythm.

Let’s discuss 5 questions every employer should ask their nanny, explain why they matter, and help you interpret the answers to make a confident hiring decision.

1) But first: why interviews matter more than you think

A resume tells you what a nanny has done. An interview shows you who they are. Asking thoughtful questions can reveal:

• How they approach caregiving in real situations
• Whether their style aligns with your parenting philosophy
• How they communicate under pressure
• What they value in their work and in relationships with families

These insights help you identify a candidate who isn’t just qualified, but truly compatible with your home.

2) 5 essential questions to ask your nanny

Here are five powerful questions every family should include during the interview process:

1. “How do you approach discipline and setting boundaries?”
   You’ll learn if their strategies—positive reinforcement, natural consequences, or structured rules—match your family’s approach.
2. “What does a typical day look like when you’re caring for children?”
   Their answer will highlight how they balance educational activities, play, meals, and rest.
3. “Can you share an example of how you handled an emergency or unexpected challenge?”
   This reveals their ability to stay calm, make quick decisions, and keep children safe.
4. “What do you enjoy most about working with children?”
   Passion matters. A nanny who genuinely loves their work tends to be more patient, creative, and committed long-term.
5. “What are your long-term career goals as a nanny?”
   Understanding whether they are looking for a short-term role or a long-term position helps align expectations from day one.

3) How to evaluate their answers

Knowing which questions to ask your nanny is only half the process. You also need to interpret what you hear. Look for:

• Specific examples, not vague answers: Interviews can be stressful in any industry, so give your interviewees some grace with this one, especially if a story doesn’t come to mind immediately. But a particularly strong candidate is likely to recall real stories that show their experience and highlight their skill set.
• Alignment with your values: Their approach should match how you want your children raised and guided. Has the candidate echoed values that your family holds dear? Have they shared experiences that instill confidence and alignment with how you would like a situation to be handled?
• Warmth and professionalism: Tone and body language often matter as much as the words themselves. What can you learn from how they are holding themselves, how they are saying what they’re saying, and how they are physically showing up?

When you see both their skills and their personality clearly, you get a fuller picture of what having them in your household will be like.

4) Laying the groundwork for long-term success

Asking these questions isn’t just about vetting candidates. It’s about setting the tone for your working relationship. When interviews are open and thoughtful, they encourage mutual respect and clear communication from the start. Once you choose the right nanny, follow up with a detailed contract, regular check-ins, and open dialogue to ensure expectations stay aligned and everyone feels supported.

Choosing a nanny is a decision that shapes your family’s daily life and your child’s development. By preparing thoughtful questions to ask your nanny, you’ll gain the insight needed to hire someone who not only meets your childcare needs but also fits seamlessly into your family’s lifestyle.