Nanny Interview Questions and Discussion Topics – Read This Before You Hire or Accept a New Nanny Job

Many times nanny job interviews are a two-way mad dash, and these nanny interview questions and topics to discuss before you hire or accept a new nanny job are really important – take the time to hash through the ones that will apply to your nanny role, you will thank me later, trust me! So often, when a family needs to hire a nanny, or a nanny needs a job, both parties are in a rush to find a new arrangement. I have been there, and I totally understand the inclination to do it! But when these small discussion details are glossed over in hopes they just work themselves out later…as many of us know from learning the hard way…this approach doesn’t tend to serve either party.

The role of a nanny is an important part of family life for many growing families, and the role extends beyond mere childcare. Nannies are entrusted with the holistic development of children, and with any luck both the family and the nanny feel they are loved, trusted and part of a larger family. Long term nanny jobs/roles generally are desired by both sides, so put the time in understand how you each view key job requirements, expectations, nanny pay/benefits, and non-nanny related household expectations.

Nannies are household employees, and it’s REALLY IMPORTANT to discuss everything expected of a nanny job prior to hiring a new nanny or accepting a new nanny job with a family. These discussions serve both parties equally. So many common disagreements could be sorted out before they start if all the scenarios are laid out in great detail. This doesn’t have to take a lot of time – but it’s time well worth spending to ensure the long term success of a new nanny in a new family!

Importance of Clear Communication

A new nanny-family relationship is akin to setting sail on a shared journey. When you have a clear itinerary and and transparent communication, you ensure that both parties’ expectations and concerns are addressed proactively.

Expectations and Responsibilities

Here is a list of common topics that families and nannies should discuss and put in writing BEFORE the start date. These topics are much easier to discuss and settle prior to the start of employment. Trust me…discuss and define these BEFORE you start.

Defining the Job Scope

Clarifying the job scope of any role is important, especially when it involves your children (or someone else’s). This involves delineating the nanny duties- you would not believe the variety of expectations people have of nannies. Do not assume you are both aligned on the many responsibilities which may range from infant care to more complex tasks like educational support or special needs care.

1. What specific duties are expected of the nanny on a daily basis? Will there be occasional duties?
   • For example, what if a child has a playdate after school – will the nanny be responsible for picking both children up and supervising the additional child? What about a houseguest? Will the child of a visiting family be under her care?
2. Are there any additional responsibilities, such as light housekeeping or cooking? These should be outlined in detail.
   • Example: If helping with laundry is part of the role, will the nanny be folding and putting away adult laundry too? Or just children’s? If the nanny will be changing linens, how often, just children’s or all linens? What if there’s a houseguest will she be expected to make up the guest room?
   • When will the nanny perform these duties? While supervising the children, while they nap, while a parent or other caregiver is with the children?
   • Will these bet set responsibilities or will the nanny be left a list of duties to perform in addition to child care? If so, what if there isn’t time to get them all done?
3. How often will the job scope be reviewed or updated?
   • Set a time to circle back and review all the roles and definitions.

Tip: Remember when we “teach” children how to fold laundry or vacuum or make beds it actually takes MORE time than if we just did it ourselves. It’s the same for your nanny. If you’re asking her to help to teach your child some of these household helper tasks you should expect it to take up more time – not less because the children are “helping.”

Daily Routines and Schedules

Discussing daily routines establishes a rhythm of life, ensuring that both the nanny and the family adhere to a mutually agreed-upon schedule, which is essential for maintaining harmony in the household.

1. What is the typical daily routine for the children?
2. How flexible is the daily schedule?
   • Children and their needs change frequently, who will be spearheading changes in routine? Will the nanny manage that, or will that be dictated to the nanny by the parent.
   • If parents have a strict schedule (for example someone who begins a shift at a set time) this should be communicated. Consider starting the nanny’s shift a bit earlier than the absolute time you need them if you live in a large city with unpredictable traffic. Or discuss the nature of the traffic and establish that it will be the nanny’s responsibility to ensure enough time is allocated.
3. Are there any special routines or rituals that the nanny should be aware of?
   • Example might be if you don’t celebrate certain holidays or you have specific rules about food – try to outline the big ones before you cross those bridges.

Educational and Developmental Goals

Aligning on educational and developmental goals ensures that the nanny’s efforts are in concert with the family’s aspirations for their children’s growth and learning.

1. What are the key developmental milestones you expect the nanny to focus on? How will you communicate about the child’s progress?
2. How do you envision the nanny’s role in supporting educational activities?
3. Are there specific educational philosophies or methods you prefer?
   • There are a LOT of parenting philosophies out there – we recommend paying your nanny for her time to read at least 1 book that you feel aligns with your philosophy so they can understand it in more depth.
   • If you have absolutely strong feelings on certain topics, outline these in advance. Maybe you don’t want your child to have any screen time at all, maybe you expect your nanny to babywear (or never to babywear)…discuss all these in advance and make a list in writing so everyone is on the same page.

Tip: we’re a big fan of giving nannies a small discretionary budget to purchase things like art supplies, a new book to read together, or other materials to plan activities for them.

Work Hours and Flexibility

Setting Regular Work Hours

Establishing regular work hours sets clear boundaries, promoting a healthy work-life balance for the nanny and predictability for the family. Here’s an outside references to review household employee laws by state.

1. What are the expected work hours and days for the nanny?
2. Will there be periodic changes to the work hours? How will changes to the regular schedule be communicated? How much advance notice will be provided?
3. When and how does the nanny take a lunch break and other breaks throughout the day? If there are multiple children and naps do not overlap and the nanny isn’t getting a break, how will that be handled?
   • Tip: If a nanny is still responsible for the children during her Lunch and other breaks (expected to stay in the home, and monitor a baby monitor) then a nanny is typically paid for these breaks.
4. Is there a process for requesting time off or adjusting work hours? How much notice should be given for vacation time requests?
5. What happens when the family is away traveling? Will this be paid? Will the nanny be handed a list of other household duties to do while the family is away?
   • Outline any duties that would be added in this event – it’s not fair to say “light cleaning” then leave a list of duties like cleaning bathrooms and baseboards. Agree to how that time will be filled.
   • It is standard to pay a nanny while you travel on vacation. They should not lose a week of pay because you take vacation. You may be able to work it out that their vacation time is your vacation time – but that needs to be worked out in detail prior to starting.

Handling Overtime and Flexibility

Agreeing on how to handle overtime and the need for flexibility accommodates the unpredictable nature of family life while respecting the nanny’s time and commitments.

1. How is overtime handled and compensated?
2. In what situations might the nanny be expected to be flexible with hours? Will the nanny need the family to have flexibility in hours?
3. What is the process for arranging last-minute changes to the schedule?

Tip: if you would like a nanny to babysit for a date night periodically, consider setting a standing date night or outlining how often it will be, and how much notice will be given, and how much pay (especially if this puts the nanny over 40 hours per week).

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Negotiations

Engaging in open and fair salary negotiations lays the groundwork for a respectful and equitable professional relationship.

1. What is the proposed salary range for this position? Will the family use a nanny payroll service or pay in cash?
2. How frequently will salary reviews occur?
3. Are there opportunities for salary increases based on performance or tenure?
4. Discuss all the scenarios you may need care what that might look like or how it will change the rate
   • base salary
   • overtime rate
   • idle time rate, on call or split shifts
   • overnight rate or covering an adult only vacation (this will vary based age, hours a child sleeps and how many times a child wakes in the night)
   • additional children increases (what if you have another child? or another child is visiting and parents want to leave the child with the nanny)
   • year end bonus
   • expense reimbursements
   • lunch break
   • lunch food (does nanny eat from fridge or bring own)
   • holidays (are major holidays on or off, which are paid, days around major holidays)

Tip: If you get a major holiday off and get paid for it, your nanny should probably also get that holiday off paid.

Health Insurance and Other Benefits

Discussing benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans reflects the nanny’s value and the family’s commitment to their well-being.

1. What type of health insurance stipends or benefits are provided?
2. Are there options for retirement savings or other financial benefits?
3. How are benefits managed in case of long-term illness or disability?

Paid Time Off and Sick Leave Policies

Establishing clear policies on paid time off and sick leave ensures that both parties are prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

1. How is paid time off accrued and tracked?
2. What is the policy for sick leave? Is there a waiting period?
   • example: if the nanny is sick on the third day of work, will that be covered under stick time? or does sick time kick in after a month?
3. Are there any blackout dates for taking vacation time?
   • If you know in advance there are times when your work will be inflexible or your back up coverage is unavailable establish as much of that as you can to avoid disappointment.
   • Example might be if your Mother helps out when the nanny is on vacation but your Mother spends the month of August visiting family out of the country each year, blackout August from the vacation calendar in advance. 

Childcare Philosophy

Understanding the Family’s Approach

Understanding the family’s childcare philosophy allows the nanny to provide consistent and supportive care in line with the family’s values.

1. What are your core beliefs about child-rearing and discipline?
   • Example – do you think that socks and shoes should always be worn outside the house? Or does your child hate socks and shoes and you don’t care if they wear them. Should a child be allowed adequate time to climb into a car seat on their own, or is it okay so scoop them up and place them in the car seat? How do you want these kinds of things handled?
2. How do you see the nanny’s role in reinforcing these beliefs?
3. Are there cultural or family practices that the nanny should be aware of?

We highly suggest paying for educational classes or for time to read up on these if either is available, especially if you have very specific beliefs.

Discipline and Reward Systems

Agreeing on discipline and reward systems fosters a cohesive approach to managing behavior and encouraging positive development.

1. What methods of discipline do you prefer?
2. How should positive behavior be rewarded or encouraged?
3. How should the nanny handle challenging or disruptive behavior?
   • Outline a communication strategy before it happens. Nannies don’t want to tattle tale…and Parents don’t want to feel like a nanny is complaining about their child…but its important there is some kind of communication strategy so that parents know when a nanny is being pushed/tested so they can have a hand in how it’s handled, and ensure the nanny doesn’t get burn out!

Safety and Health Protocols

Emergency

Procedures
Establishing emergency procedures, including first aid and contact information, is crucial for ensuring the safety of the children.

1. What are the specific emergency procedures in the household?
2. Who are the emergency contacts and how should they be reached?
3. Are there any special medical or safety considerations for the children?

Tip: Make a one-page emergency sheet with all the details a nanny may need from the age/birthday/weight of each child, the home address, nearest cross streets, all emergency numbers, allergies, etc so this is easy to access in an emergency – hypothetically if there’s an emergency and 911 is called, a caregiver may be nervous and blank on a child’s weight, or even the home address….keep it all handy and then all your sitters and family members have it too.

Health and Allergy Concerns

Discussing health and allergy concerns ensures that the nanny is prepared to manage these issues effectively and safely.

1. Do the children have any allergies or specific health needs?
2. Will a nanny manage medication or special dietary requirements?
3. What are the protocols for sick children? Will the nanny be expected to care for the children when they are sick? What protocols should be followed so the nanny doesn’t get sick? What happens if that makes the nanny sick?

COVID-19 Precautions

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, discussing precautions and protocols is essential for protecting the health of both the nanny and the family.

1. What are the family’s expectations regarding COVID-19 precautions?
2. How should exposure or symptoms be handled?
   • Example: If a family or nanny is particularly sensitive to covid exposure, discuss this is detail – consider purchasing tests for the nanny to take prior to returning to work after traveling (or agree to test your family after you travel).

Living Arrangements (If Live-In)

Privacy and Personal Space

For live-in nannies, discussing expectations regarding privacy and personal space is key to maintaining a comfortable living environment.

1. What are the living arrangements for a live-in nanny?
2. How is privacy and personal space respected and maintained?
3. Are there any house rules or expectations regarding guests or personal time?

Shared Household Responsibilities

Clarifying shared household responsibilities, such as chores or cooking, helps in defining the boundaries of the nanny’s role within the household.

1. What household responsibilities are shared between the nanny and the family?
2. How are chores and tasks divided and managed?
3. Are there any specific expectations regarding cleanliness or organization?

Transportation and Travel

Use of Family Vehicle or Nanny’s Personal Car

If the nanny is expected to transport children, discussing the use of the family vehicle or use of the nanny’s personal car, including insurance and safety considerations, is important.

1. Will the nanny be required to drive the children?
2. What are the guidelines for vehicle use and maintenance?
3. Is there insurance coverage for the nanny when using the family vehicle?
4. Reimbursement rates for gas and mileage? How will those be submitted, how often?

Traveling with the Family

When travel is involved, discussing expectations, logistics, and compensation for trips ensures a smooth experience for both the nanny and the family.

1. How often does the family travel and what is the nanny’s role during travel?
2. How are travel expenses and accommodations handled?
3. Are there specific expectations or routines during family trips?

Professional Development

Opportunities for Training and Advancement

Exploring opportunities for the nanny’s professional development and career advancement shows an investment in their growth and skills.

1. Are there opportunities for professional development or additional training?
   • If the nanny wishes to take a class in child development or another class that would benefit your child, will you help pay for it?
   • Example: if your child has a delay or dietary needs, consider offering to pay for a class which helps your nanny learn more about their needs and how to support them.
2. How is ongoing education supported or encouraged?
   • Will the family pay for CPR and First Aid Certification or the renewal of the certification?
3. Are there pathways for career advancement or increased responsibilities?

Performance Reviews and Feedback

Regular performance reviews and open feedback channels help in aligning expectations and fostering professional growth. They also work in reverse to understand how to make your home environment better for your nanny.

1. How often are performance reviews conducted?
2. What criteria are used to evaluate the nanny’s performance?
3. How is feedback communicated and addressed?
4. Will your nanny have the opportunity to provide you with feedback and suggestions to improve their work environment?

Cultural and Lifestyle Considerations

Respecting Family Traditions and Values

Respecting and adapting to the family’s traditions and values is vital for creating a harmonious home environment.

1. What are the key cultural, religious, or family traditions to be aware of?
2. How can the nanny participate or support these traditions?
3. Are there any cultural sensitivities or practices that should be observed?

Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

Understanding and accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences is part of providing personalized care to the children.

1. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or preferences in the family?
2. How should meals and snacks be planned and prepared?
3. Is the nanny expected to follow these dietary guidelines as well?

Communication and Check-Ins

Regular Updates and Reporting

Establishing a system for regular updates and reporting keeps the family informed about their children’s activities and well-being.

1. What is the preferred method and frequency for updates and reporting?
2. Are there specific aspects of the child’s day that should be regularly communicated?
3. How should concerns or observations about the child’s development be shared?

Handling Disagreements and Conflicts

Having a plan for handling disagreements and conflicts constructively is essential for maintaining a positive working relationship.

1. How should disagreements between the nanny and family be addressed?
2. What is the process for resolving conflicts or issues?
3. Are there resources or mediators available if needed?

Technology and Media

Screen Time Policies for Children

Discussing and agreeing on screen time policies ensures that the nanny enforces the family’s preferences regarding technology use.

1. What are the family’s policies on screen time for the children?
2. How should the nanny enforce these policies?
3. Are there any preferred educational programs or apps?

Use of Surveillance Cameras

Addressing the use of surveillance cameras respects the nanny’s privacy while ensuring the family’s peace of mind.

1. Are surveillance cameras used in the home?
2. What are the guidelines for privacy and monitoring?
3. How is footage reviewed and by whom?

Privacy and Confidentiality

Respecting Family Privacy

Ensuring the nanny respects the family’s privacy is crucial in building trust and a secure environment.

1. What are the expectations regarding privacy and confidentiality?
2. How should sensitive or personal information be handled?
3. Are there boundaries around discussing family matters outside the home?

Nanny’s Personal Privacy Rights

Similarly, respecting the nanny’s privacy rights is important for maintaining their dignity and autonomy.

1. What are the nanny’s rights to privacy within the workplace?
2. How is personal information of the nanny protected and respected?
3. Are there guidelines around social media use or sharing information about the family?

Legal and Contractual Agreements

Understanding the Employment Contract

Reviewing the employment contract together ensures that both parties understand and agree to the terms of employment.

1. What are the key terms and conditions of the employment contract?
2. How are changes to the contract negotiated and documented?
3. What legal protections are in place for both the nanny and the family?

Tax and Legal Obligations

Discussing tax and legal obligations, such as reporting income and employment laws, is crucial for compliance and transparency.

1. What are the tax obligations for the nanny and how are they managed?
2. Are there legal considerations regarding work status or visas?
3. How is compliance with employment laws ensured?

Long-term Commitments

Discussing Duration of Employment

Discussing the expected duration of employment helps in planning for the future and setting realistic expectations.

1. What is the expected duration of the nanny’s employment?
2. How will changes or extensions to this duration be handled?
3. Are there plans for transitioning to a new nanny or childcare arrangement at some point in the future?
   • Example: if you know you plan to transition your child to preschool at some point, discuss when that will be and what it might look like. Will you plan to pay your nanny full time and they will be dropping off and picking up? Will you want to cut hours by 50%? Be up front about what this will look like as best as you can predict.

Plans for Changes in Family Dynamics

Anticipating and planning for changes in family dynamics, such as the birth of another child or relocation, ensures preparedness for future adjustments.

1. How will changes in the family (e.g., new siblings, relocation) be managed?
2. Are there expectations for the nanny’s role in these changes?
3. How will adjustments to the nanny’s responsibilities be negotiated?

Parenting Involvement

Balancing Nanny and Parent Roles

Balancing the roles of the nanny and the parents in childcare is key to a successful partnership.

1. What is the balance between the nanny’s role and parental involvement?
2. How should the nanny support and complement the parents’ roles?
3. Are there specific boundaries or guidelines for decision-making?

Parenting Styles and Expectations

Understanding and adapting to the parents’ styles and expectations helps in providing cohesive and supportive care.

1. What are the family’s parenting styles and expectations?
2. How can the nanny adapt to and support these styles?
3. Are there any specific practices or methods the family uses?

Handling Special Needs

Caring for Children with Special Requirements

Discussing the specifics of caring for children with special needs ensures that the nanny is equipped and prepared to provide the necessary care.

1. Are there specific needs or conditions the nanny should be trained for?
2. How is the care plan for special needs children communicated and managed?
3. What support is available for the nanny in managing these needs?

Required Training and Skills

Identifying any required training or skills for handling special needs is important for the safety and well-being of the children.

1. What training or certifications are required for caring for special needs children?
2. Is the family willing to support or provide this training?
3. How is the nanny’s proficiency in these areas evaluated?
4. Has the nanny has the opportunity to observe the needs of child to determine his/her own ability to provide support?
5. Will a current caregiver be available or onsite for an initial period to provide hands on training and support?

Support and Resources

Access to Support Networks and Resources

Providing the nanny with access to professional support networks and resources aids in their professional and personal well-being.

Dealing with Burnout and Stress

Acknowledging and addressing the potential for burnout and stress is important for maintaining a healthy work environment.

Ending the Employment

Termination Clauses and Notice Period

Discussing termination clauses and notice periods ensures a clear understanding of the conditions under which the employment relationship can end.

Exit Procedures and Handover

Planning for a smooth exit and handover process helps in ensuring continuity of care for the children.

Conclusion

Summary of Key Points

Summarizing the key points reinforces the importance of these discussions in fostering a successful nanny-family relationship.

The Value of Open Dialogue

Emphasizing the value of open dialogue highlights the foundation of trust, respect, and mutual understanding essential in this unique professional relationship.