Questions to Ask Nanny Family
Essential questions for nannies to ask potential families to ensure a good fit, understand expectations, and establish clear communication for a successful working relationship.
1What are your main expectations for a nanny?
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What are your main expectations for a nanny?
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Why this works
Establishes the core responsibilities and helps you understand what the family values most in childcare.
2What's your typical daily schedule like?
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What's your typical daily schedule like?
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Why this works
Reveals the family's routine and helps you understand how your day would be structured and what flexibility is needed.
3How do you handle discipline and behavior management?
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How do you handle discipline and behavior management?
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Why this works
Shows their parenting philosophy and ensures you can align with their approach to child behavior and boundaries.
4What activities do you want your children to participate in?
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What activities do you want your children to participate in?
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Why this works
Reveals their priorities for child development and helps you understand what kind of activities you'd be expected to facilitate.
5How do you prefer to communicate about the children's day?
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How do you prefer to communicate about the children's day?
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Why this works
Establishes communication preferences and helps you understand how to keep them informed about their children's activities and development.
6What are your children's favorite activities and interests?
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What are your children's favorite activities and interests?
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Why this works
Shows you want to connect with the children and helps you understand how to engage them effectively.
7Are there any specific dietary restrictions or preferences I should know about?
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Are there any specific dietary restrictions or preferences I should know about?
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Why this works
Reveals important health and nutritional information that's essential for proper childcare.
8What's your policy on screen time and technology use?
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What's your policy on screen time and technology use?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to technology and helps you understand boundaries around devices and entertainment.
9How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations?
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How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations?
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Why this works
Reveals their emergency protocols and helps you understand what procedures to follow in different situations.
10What are your children's sleep schedules and routines?
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What are your children's sleep schedules and routines?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to rest and helps you understand how to maintain consistent sleep patterns.
11Are there any special needs or considerations I should be aware of?
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Are there any special needs or considerations I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Reveals important information about the children's specific needs and helps you prepare to provide appropriate care.
12How do you prefer to handle conflicts or disagreements about childcare?
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How do you prefer to handle conflicts or disagreements about childcare?
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Why this works
Establishes communication protocols for addressing differences and helps you understand how to resolve issues constructively.
13What are your expectations for household responsibilities?
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What are your expectations for household responsibilities?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether you'll be expected to do housework beyond childcare and helps you understand the full scope of your role.
14How do you handle sick days and time off?
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How do you handle sick days and time off?
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Why this works
Reveals their policies for your time off and helps you understand how to handle situations when you or the children are ill.
15What are your children's biggest challenges or areas where they need support?
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What are your children's biggest challenges or areas where they need support?
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Why this works
Shows you want to help with their specific needs and helps you understand how to provide targeted support.
16How do you prefer to handle visitors or playdates?
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How do you prefer to handle visitors or playdates?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to social interactions and helps you understand boundaries around other children and adults.
17What are your expectations for educational activities and learning?
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What are your expectations for educational activities and learning?
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Why this works
Shows their priorities for child development and helps you understand how to support their educational goals.
18How do you handle transportation and outings?
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How do you handle transportation and outings?
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Why this works
Reveals their expectations for taking children places and helps you understand what transportation responsibilities you might have.
19What are your children's favorite foods and any foods they dislike?
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What are your children's favorite foods and any foods they dislike?
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Why this works
Shows you want to provide meals they'll enjoy and helps you understand their preferences and any aversions.
20How do you prefer to handle feedback and performance discussions?
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How do you prefer to handle feedback and performance discussions?
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Why this works
Establishes communication protocols for ongoing feedback and helps you understand how to maintain a positive working relationship.
Best Practices for Nanny-Family Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest in the Children
Families want to know you care about their children as individuals. Ask questions that show you want to understand each child's unique needs, interests, and personality.
Be Clear About Your Own Needs and Boundaries
While asking about their expectations, also be prepared to discuss your own needs, availability, and boundaries to ensure a good mutual fit.
Focus on Communication and Collaboration
Emphasize your desire to work as a team with the parents and show that you value open, honest communication about the children's care and development.
Question Sequences
The Child-Centered Sequence
The Communication and Expectations Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Your Own Needs
While it's important to discuss your needs, focus primarily on understanding the family's needs and how you can best serve their children.
Avoid Being Too Rigid or Inflexible
Childcare often requires flexibility. Show that you're adaptable and willing to work with the family's changing needs and schedules.
Don't Ignore Safety and Emergency Protocols
Make sure to ask about emergency procedures, safety protocols, and how to handle different types of situations that might arise.