Help me with nanny interview questions

[Anonymous]

Mb here – we've worked with nannies for the past four years and had two long-term relationships. i'd like to think we're good employers, and we're still in regular close contact with both of our former nannies. We recently moved to another state so we're in the process of looking for someone to help us care for our two kids under the age of four. It's been a couple of years since I did interviews, and I can't remember what are some of the good questions to ask. I know the obvious things about childcare style, what they do with the kids during the day, discipline, etc. But I'm wondering either on the nanny side or the family side what questions you found most helpful in narrowing down the candidates? Our main priority is someone who is responsible, safe and loving. Someone who can teach the kids things is great, but I am not as focused on that as just general safety and common sense. I'm starting to meet with people tomorrow, so please send along any great ideas for questions. TIA!

[Anonymous]

Do a search here - I think there was a thread with some really good suggestions on this exact topic not long ago (or maybe it was on the employer thread).

[Anonymous]

The most useful thing to us was having a working interview and seeing how they did.

[Anonymous]

As a nanny I want to know what kind of person you're looking for. Do you want someone who will take the kids out regardless of weather? Do you want someone who's not afraid to set boundaries and say no or is that going to bug you got someone else to deny your kid something? Do you want someone super friendly or athletic? Or someone who's a little more low key and capable of spending time without adult interaction? Do you want someone artistic knowing it's possible you'll come home to half finished projects or do you want someone more detailed oriented? Do you want someone who will get your kids on a schedule or someone who will let them sleep whenever they're tired even if it means they're awake at 10 pm. Do you want someone interested in cooking and willing to do some dinner prep during nap? These kinds of things help me as a nanny decide whether to apply for particular jobs.

[Anonymous]

I agree that having a clear and detailed vision of what you want is helpful all around.

Other than that, ask lots of hypotheticals: "If toddler hits infant, how would you handle?"

"If preschooler refuses the lunch you prepared, how do you handle?"

Etc. Think of actual hings that come up with your kids, as well as issues that are down the road (If older DC starts more extracuriculars next year, how would you manage keeping younger DC occupied during practices?). Not that there's a right or wrong to most things, but it gives you more of an idea.