Questions for Nannies

Below are a list of examples of questions to use during an interview with a potential babysitter or nanny. Please use this list as suggestions to perhaps develop your own questions for your unique situation. It is also recommended to do a complete background check and to call all references provided.

Make sure during the interview that you completely discuss your needs and the job requirements. It is in your children's best interests to hire a caregiver who is highly satisfied with their job. Constant, opened lines of communication are essential. Be sure that you are offering a fair and competitive pay, vacation time, and benefits if possible. 

General questions:

• What appeals to you about taking care of children?
• Why are you looking for a new position? Describe your most current childcare experience and why you left or are leaving.
• What was your most dificult experience in providing childcare and how did you resolve it?
• What do you find most enjoyable about spending time with children? What is the most challenging?
• Are you CPR or First Aid certified? Have you ever had to handle an emergency situation? If so, describe what happened and what action did you take?
• What are your hobbies?
• Do you have children of your own? Do you need to bring them to work or will you need special arrangements for them? (ex. Ability to pick them up from school, etc.
• Do you smoke or drink? Would you be willing to submit to a drug test?
• Describe the best child chidcare experience you have had? What was the worst?
• How will you handle it if my child disobeys you? What if he is doing something dangerous?
• How do you handle fighting between brothers and sisters?
• How would you react if a child bit or hit you or another child?
• How will you handle your own anger at a child's behavior?
• What if my child asked you to keep a secret? What would your response be?
• What if my child confided something to you that you knew I wouldn't approve of?
• Can you swim? Would you be willing to supervise my child in the pool?
• At what point would you call a pediatrician or 911?
• How would you handle it if you saw a child touching their own genitals?
• How do you think your closest friends would describe you and your personality?
• Do you have any responsibilities or life situations that might interfere with your commitment to care for our children? Examples would be an upcoming marriage, birth of children, school schedule, etc.

Infants and toddlers:

• In what ways would you handle a crying baby? Would you always respond to my baby's crying or are there times when you might let her "cry it out"?
• What do you see as an baby's primary needs at this age?
• What activities did you engage in when you last cared for a baby or toddler?              
  

2 to 3 years: 

• How would you handle a temper tantrum in a grocery store? In our home?
• Do you have any experience with potty training? What are your philosophies or thoughts on potty training? How did it work out?
• Will you take my child outside to play? What outdoor activities do you find appropriate for children of this age?
• What types of educational activities have you provided or taken part in when you last cared for a child this age?
• What indoor activities are appropriate for a child this age in? What part would you play in these activities?
  

3-5 year olds:

• What are your methods for setting limits and what forms of discipline do you feel are appropriate for this age? What has worked for you in the past?
• What television shows do you feel are appropriate for this age child? If my child was watching TV, what would you be doing?
• How do you feel about supervising other children that come over to play with my children? Are you willing to transport our child to activities that my require your active participation? Ex. Gymboree .
  

5 and up:

• How do you feel about allowing children of this age to play outdoors without direct supervision? (ex. the child is playing in a fenced backyard while the caregiver is in the house with a younger child)?
• Can you assist with homework?
• How do you feel about supervising other children that come over to play with my children?