Interviewing A Nanny Questions – 5 Questions to Ask A Nanny

Want the best interviewing a nanny questions? Here are 5 interview nanny questions you need to ask before getting a nanny.

Let’s chat about interviewing a nanny questions.

Are you thinking about getting a nanny or babysitter?

If so, you are in exactly the right place!

Today I will be sharing with you 5 crucial interview nanny questions you absolutely need to ask if you are considering getting a nanny or babysitter.

As an ex-nanny myself (this was my part-time job while I was studying at university for my psychology degree) I know the importance of making sure you feel comfortable choosing the right nanny for your family.

Plus if you have a child (or more than just one) there’s a good chance that at some point during your parenting journey you will require the services of a nanny or babysitter (especially if you don’t have help in the form of family close by).

I truly believe that nannies are really important individuals in the eyes of the families they serve.

So when you find a good one that you can trust, you seriously feel like doing a happy dance.

A good nanny will provide for your family a source of stability, handle temporary discipline, and act as your child’s buddy too.

All in all, a nanny who fits in with your family will give you peace of mind when you are unable to be with your children.

That’s our goal, right? So I took the time to think about important questions you can ask your potential nanny, while interviewing candidates for a nanny position.

Bear in mind that the answers to these questions will enable you to make a wise decision moving forward.

So without further ado, here are 5 interview questions you should consider asking your potential nanny or babysitter:

INTERVIEWING A NANNY QUESTIONS

1 – What is your background with children?

Ask the candidate about their experiences with other children to gauge how they will engage with your children.

• What is their favorite age group to work with?

• What are their go-to activities to keep boredom at bay?

• Does the candidate enjoy physical activity or do they prefer crafting and art projects?

• Are they willing to take field trips to local attractions such as amusement parks or the zoo?

Their answers to these questions will allow you to determine how the candidate will engage your child and if they plan to design projects and activities your child will enjoy.

INTERVIEWING A NANNY QUESTIONS

2 – Are you opposed to undergoing a background check?

To ensure that your child is not in the hands of an undesirable person, it’s important to complete a criminal background check, as well as a current driving record report.

Here in Australia anyone who wants to work with kids is required to provide a Working With Children certificate.

Please don’t stress about asking this question – this is a totally normal and expected question to ask!

Most legitimate nannies will expect that you will do a quick background check in advance to engaging in their services.

• Background checks can be conducted over the internet for a small fee.

• Having a background check will give you a piece of mind when leaving your children and material belongings in their care.

• If your nanny comes from an agency they will usually provide this background check information for you.

• Keep in mind that background checks can only provide a small peek into an individual’s ethics and morals. 

• Many county clerk offices provide access to driving records through the internet.

INTERVIEWING A NANNY QUESTIONS

3 – Are you willing to be recorded by a nanny cam?

So word of warning, not everyone will love this questions and not everyone will have a nanny cam installed but this is up to you.

You don’t have to ask this question if this isn’t your personal preference.

Back when I was a nanny this wasn’t even an option (back in the pre technology days!) and maybe I would have initially felt weirded out about it.

But in the end I had nothing to hide.

I knew I was a great nanny and if my boss wanted to see me in action they could go for it!

So this is really up to you.

Yes, it’s okay to ask a potential nanny candidate if they would be opposed to being filmed while in the house with the children.

• If a candidate accepts this idea, it suggests that they’re prepared to treat your children appropriately and with respect according to your standards.

• Refusing a nanny cam due to issues of privacy may simply be an excuse for not wanting to be carefully watched.

• If the candidate really, really, really wants the position and is prepared to treat your children kindly, they will set aside their own opinions about privacy and agree (at least hopefully they will!).

INTERVIEWING A NANNY QUESTIONS

4 – Do you know how to cook?

A healthy lifestyle is often a goal for every parent and having a nanny who can cook nutritiously for your children is a winner!

This will hopefully encourage your children to make healthy choices too.

• FYI: Children learn their lifelong habits through the adults they view as role models, such as their nanny. 

• A child who is exposed to different types of foods will be willing to explore other facets of their life that are in their control, making for a well-rounded individual.

• Find out about the candidate’s experience with nutritional meal planning and ask about their favorite dishes to cook. 

• You may also want to inquire about their opinion of organic versus processed foods.

INTERVIEWING A NANNY QUESTIONS

5 – Do you have first-aid or CPR certification?

Chances are most nannies will answer yes immediately to this question.

But if they confirm that they have these certifications, another great question to ask them is if they’ve ever had to utilize their first aid or CPR skills.

• Yes, accidents happen to children in every age group.

• A solid background, or at least some training, in the field of first aid should be a priority for someone caring for your children.

• If you have a child with severe food allergies, you will require a nanny with knowledge of how to effectively use an EpiPen. I know this personally is absolutely essential knowledge to me as I have a son with numerous anaphylactic allergies.

INTERVIEWING A NANNY QUESTIONS

All in all, it makes sense to take your time choosing a nanny as they are often a long-term figure in a child’s life.

No, you are not weird if you take the time to ask these questions.

Your future nanny will serve as a potential mentor for your kids – who are technically impressionable young people seeking attention, love, approval, and companionship while their parent is away.

It is totally justifiable that you deserve to have a credible, kind, and well-rounded individual caring for your children.

No, it is not too much to ask for!

Finding this person will take some work, but peace of mind is worth more than all the money in the world.

So feel free to use this guide to help you make a decision you feel comfortable and confident with and best of luck with finding the best, most wonderful nanny for your family.

Much love, Frances Vidakovic xxx

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Frances Vidakovic

I’m Frances Vidakovic – a mindset & action coach for quietly ambitious women who want to stop overthinking and finally take aligned action. I help women achieve their goals and follow through on what matters, without sacrificing their sanity or soul.