You don’t need a giant script to run a great nanny interview. A handful of thoughtful questions — paired with listening for the right cues — will tell you most of what you need to know. Here’s a curated list to keep it simple.

Check out our How to Interview a Nanny post for details on how to run the process!

Experience & Background

Q: Tell me about your past roles caring for children. What ages have you worked with most?

Look for: Specific stories (“I worked with a 2-year-old learning to potty train”) instead of vague answers. Range of ages is a plus, but depth with your child’s age is most valuable.

Q: Can you share a favorite memory from nannying or babysitting?

Look for: Warmth and joy. This question reveals whether they genuinely enjoy kids — not just tolerate the work.

Caregiving Style & Philosophy

Q: How do you usually spend the day with kids this age?

Look for: Balance of structure and play. Strong answers mention activities that fit your child’s age (reading, art, outdoor play), not just “screen time” or “keeping them occupied.”

Q: What’s your approach when kids are upset or having a meltdown?

Look for: Calm, patient strategies (redirecting, soothing, acknowledging feelings). Avoid candidates who rely mainly on “timeouts” or punishment for young kids.

Problem-Solving

Q: What’s the hardest childcare moment you’ve faced, and how did you handle it?

Look for: Clear, specific stories. Strong nannies explain both what they did and what they learned.

Q: If my child refused to nap, what would you do?

Look for: Gentle persistence and flexibility. A good answer acknowledges trying routines, comfort, and offering quiet time instead of forcing sleep.

Communication & Relationship with Parents

Q: How do you like to share updates during the day?

Look for: Answers that align with your preference. If you love photo updates, a nanny who prefers “no check-ins” may not be the right fit.

Q: Can you share a time you had to bring up a concern with a parent?

Look for: Professional, respectful communication. Strong candidates show they can be honest without being confrontational.

Practical Logistics

Q: Are you CPR/First Aid certified (or open to training)?

Look for: Willingness to get certified if not already. This is a baseline expectation.

Q: Are you comfortable preparing simple meals and tidying up kid-related messes?

Look for: Clarity and confidence. Bonus if they mention enjoying cooking or organization.

Personality & Fit

Q: What do you love most about working with kids?

Look for: Genuine joy and connection — answers that go beyond “it’s flexible” or “it pays the bills.”

Q: How do you recharge outside of work?

Look for: Healthy balance. This shows they know how to care for themselves, which translates into more patience with your kids.

Tips for Parents

• Listen for stories, not just statements. The best candidates can recall specific moments with kids.
• Notice alignment with your family’s values. Discipline style, communication, and daily rhythm should feel like a match.
• Pay attention to energy. Do they light up when talking about kids? That joy matters as much as logistics.
• Ask yourself: Would I feel comfortable texting this person with a last-minute change? Trust your gut on chemistry.

Bonus Tip

Using ChatGPT? Try this prompt to get a custom set of interview questions tailored to your family:

“I’m interviewing a nanny for my [age of child/children]. We value [parenting style or priorities, e.g., gentle discipline, outdoor play, academic enrichment]. Write me 10 interview questions I can ask to see if the nanny’s style matches our family.”

This gives you a personalized question list in seconds — and you can refine it until it feels just right.