nanny questions

twinnies11

What would be some of your most important questions when interviewing a nanny?

This is such a stressful process!

TIA

Strunella

I found a whole list of questions online and modified them to fit our situation.  I asked about her experience, most challenging situations with a child, how she would handle an emergency, what she would do if baby was inconsolable, did she know about shaken-baby syndrome, why a typical day would be like, her approach to discipline, etc.

Breezy8407

I just googled "nanny interview questions." I found quite a few different lists and just compiled them into one list for those that applied for us.

litzo27

I got the list of question of the internet as well but mostly I found the following two "groups" of questions helpful:

1. I asked a lot about prior work. The way they talk about prior kids tells a lot about how they approach their jobs - I think you can easily get a sense of how much they care about "their" kids and how much they like children in general. I asked about what ages they looked after. What temperaments the kids had. What where their daily routines - eating, sleeping, activities. What were some challenges.

One nanny kept referring to her prior kids as very spoiled (which they may have been but sounded like a big red flag). Another couldn't name more than three activities she did with the toddler - when I asked whether they did any crafts she laughed and said she is not good with art.

2. I was very clear from the start that it's really important to me that the nanny follows my wishes. I may have some more-granola-than-average quirks in my parenting and I would like to know that she would be receptive.

And of course logistics questions - hours, pay, time-off, long-term plans, etc. 

Good luck - I think overall it's clear whether you feel a click with a nanny or you don't. For my first one I interviewed more than a dozen before I felt it - and she was wonderful. And after we moved I was lucky to find a perfect one on the second interview. 

twinnies11

thank you so so so much!!!

Great tips. I don't know why I feel very nervous about doing this. I need to just get started and get it over with. Hopefully someone wonderful is out there for my boys.