5 Interview Questions Every Family Should Ask Before Hiring a Nanny
A thoughtful guide to understanding philosophy, professionalism, and fit before you make one of the most important hires in your home.
Hiring a nanny is not just about finding someone experienced with children. It’s about finding someone whose values, communication style, and daily approach align with the way your home truly operates. A résumé can show qualifications, but the right questions reveal insight, how a nanny thinks, manages challenges, and engages children in meaningful ways.
Here are five questions every family should ask before hiring a nanny, and what the answers should tell you.
1. “What do you believe children need most during the day?”
This question moves beyond childcare basics and opens the door to philosophy. Some nannies may emphasize emotional connection and imaginative play, while others focus on structure and consistency. There’s no wrong answer, but it should mirror your household’s values.
If your home thrives on routines and predictability, a nanny who believes in flexibility above all else may not be the right match. Listen for examples that show awareness of developmental needs, such as promoting independence, communication, or self-regulation.
Example nanny answer:
“I believe children need a balance of structure and connection throughout the day. They thrive when they know what to expect, but also when they feel seen and heard. I like to plan activities that support milestones, like fine motor play or early problem-solving, but I always stay tuned to how the child feels in the moment. A calm and predictable environment helps them explore confidently.”
2. “How do you handle moments when a child is upset or not listening?”
Discipline is one of the most revealing topics in a nanny interview. The goal isn’t to test the nanny’s patience, but to understand how she thinks about teaching rather than punishing.
A strong candidate will describe calm, age-appropriate strategies that help a child learn from the moment, not fear it. Look for consistency, empathy, and respect for the family’s guidance. These qualities form the foundation for trust and teamwork.
Example nanny answer:
“When a child is upset or not listening, I always start by understanding the ‘why.’ Maybe they’re tired, frustrated, or testing boundaries. I get down on their level, use a calm tone, and remind them of what behavior we expect. For younger children, redirection works well. For older ones, I like to involve them in problem-solving, asking what they could do differently next time. I believe discipline should teach, not shame.”
3. “How do you like to communicate with parents throughout the day?”
Misunderstandings often begin with mismatched expectations about communication. Some parents want quick text updates or photos, while others prefer an end-of-day summary.
A professional nanny will ask about your preferences and adapt her approach accordingly. She will balance transparency with good judgment, keeping you informed without disrupting your day. Her answer should demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and awareness of boundaries.
Example nanny answer:
“I usually check in with parents once or twice during the day with a short text or a photo if something special happens, and then give a more detailed recap at the end of the day, including meals, naps, activities, and anything I noticed developmentally. Every family is different, so I always ask how much communication you’d like. My goal is to keep you informed without overloading you.”
4. “What does a well-planned day look like for you?”
The best nannies walk into a job with a sense of purpose. This question uncovers how she structures time, plans activities, and maintains a child-centered rhythm.
You’re looking for balance, active play, rest, meals, and quiet learning moments, not just “keeping them busy.” A professional nanny will often mention developmental milestones or creative engagement, showing that she views her work as intentional rather than routine.
Example nanny answer:
“A well-planned day starts with a predictable routine: breakfast and morning play, a walk or outdoor time, a craft or learning activity, lunch, rest, and then more relaxed play in the afternoon. I like to build activities around the child’s age and interests, maybe sensory bins for toddlers or simple science experiments for preschoolers. I plan ahead but stay flexible if the day needs to shift.”
5. “What do you value most in your relationship with a family?”
This question gets to the heart of long-term success. Some nannies will say “communication” or “mutual respect,” but listen for how they define those words. The most aligned candidates view the nanny-family relationship as a partnership built on trust, consistency, and shared goals for the child’s growth.
When both sides understand that, everything else, from logistics to loyalty, falls naturally into place.
Example nanny answer:
“I really value open communication and mutual respect. I think of the relationship as a team effort, we both want what’s best for the child, so being honest and consistent helps everything run smoothly. When parents trust me to handle the day-to-day, I can do my best work and support their parenting style fully.”
The Takeaway
A great interview isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about listening for mindset, not memorized answers. The right nanny will reveal her professionalism through calm, thoughtful responses that reflect both heart and skill.
At Kensington Nanny, every candidate we present has already been screened for these deeper qualities, not just their experience, but their philosophy of care. We help families hire with confidence, knowing the conversation starts on the right foundation.