This list of questions help you assess qualifications, personality, safety awareness, and compatibility with your family’s needs.
🧩 General Background
- Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your background in childcare?
- How long have you been working as a nanny, and what ages of children have you cared for?
- What made you choose to work with children?
- What do you enjoy most about being a nanny?
- What are your long-term career goals?
🍼 Experience & Responsibilities
- What were your main duties in your last nanny position?
- Can you describe a typical day you planned for the children you cared for?
- Have you ever cared for multiple children at once? How did you manage that?
- Are you comfortable with light housekeeping, meal prep, or laundry related to the children?
- What’s your experience with infants/toddlers/older children (whichever applies)?
🧠 Childcare Philosophy & Approach
- How do you approach discipline and setting boundaries?
- What is your philosophy on screen time and structured vs. unstructured play?
- How do you encourage learning and development at different ages?
- What’s your approach to handling tantrums or emotional meltdowns?
- How do you communicate progress or concerns with parents?
🚨 Safety & Emergencies
- Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
- Have you ever had to handle an emergency? What did you do?
- How do you handle situations where a child gets hurt or sick under your care?
- How do you ensure children’s safety at home and outdoors?
- Are you comfortable administering medication if needed?
🚗 Practical Details
- Do you have a driver’s license and reliable transportation?
- Are you willing to travel with the family or do overnight stays?
- Are you comfortable with pets?
- What are your preferred working hours or schedule?
- Do you have any upcoming commitments or vacations we should know about?
❤️ Personality & Compatibility
- How would your past employers describe you?
- What do you find most challenging about being a nanny?
- How do you handle differences in parenting styles between you and the parents?
- What kind of family environment do you work best in?
- What are you looking for in your next nanny position?
🗣️ Follow-Up / Situational Questions
- A child refuses to eat their meal — how would you handle that?
- A parent gives you feedback that you don’t agree with — what would you do?
- The child throws a tantrum in public — how do you respond?
- The child doesn’t want to nap, but it’s nap time — what’s your approach?
- How do you handle transitions, like when a parent leaves for work and the child cries?