Anonymous wrote:I my experience, if you tell the nanny applicants what you what and then ask questions, they repeat back what you want to hear. I'd ask questions and then tell the nanny applicant what we're looking for when you think you've found a good match.

Exactly. Give broad expectations (education incorporated into play; outings) and then ask for examples of what those mean to them. You'll see which nannies have to stop and think about each thing. The nannies who can list and describe a lot of things to do with your child (without stopping to think!) are the ones that do those things with kids frequently.

I my experience, if you tell the nanny applicants what you what and then ask questions, they repeat back what you want to hear. I'd ask questions and then tell the nanny applicant what we're looking for when you think you've found a good match.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I need a nanny to watch my son on MWF for 9 hours each day. The nanny would need to prepare breakfast and lunch. I would really like a nanny who will work with my son on his speech, read to him a lot, point out objects, do arts and crafts, be very interactive with my son who is 16 months old. I also need a nanny who is willing to take DS outside twice a day. DS loves to go to the park and also just walk the neighborhood streets.

This is what you tell the nanny that you need! You have a brain, USE IT!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

At that age, I'd ask things like:

"How do you handle tantrums?"

"Can you tell me about your discipline style?"

"What kind of activities do you like to do with toddlers?"

"What kinds of educational goals do you have for a child this age?"


For your position, I would also ask
"Have you ever cooked for a family before? What kind of things do you like to cook?"

I would love to hear how some of you would answer this question.

At 16 months old it would depend on what he can already do. In general, all of the following, accomplished through talking and playing:

Talking (at 16 months old the child may not have a vocabulary of over 25 words yet, or he might be saying phrases, there's a huge gap in what is normal)

Patience, following directions, saying what he wants rather than pointing or making sounds, sharing, please/thank you, making choices (green shirt or blue shirt type choices)

Letters, numbers, shapes, colors (for most 16 month old children, basic recognition is a stretch, but some are able to work with a bit more)

Walking, running, crawling, jumping, balance, reaching, sitting still

Dancing, singing, coloring, finger painting, mixing food

I prefer to keep in mind long-term goals and incorporate them into play, especially with a toddler. Toddlers frequently focus on one area of growth at a time while plateauing for others, so if the child is showing more physical progress (growing taller, better balance, running more confidently), I wait patiently for them to show more interest in other areas, but I keep working on them. Eventually, they'll get through it all, but every child is different in terms of how they will do it.

Anonymous wrote:

At that age, I'd ask things like:

"How do you handle tantrums?"

"Can you tell me about your discipline style?"

"What kind of activities do you like to do with toddlers?"

"What kinds of educational goals do you have for a child this age?"


For your position, I would also ask
"Have you ever cooked for a family before? What kind of things do you like to cook?"

I would love to hear how some of you would answer this question.

* How much do you charge per hour?

* Are you willing to do light housekeeping duties if and when there is any downtime?

* Do you have reliable transportation and childcare for yourself?

* Do you drive? If so, would you be willing to bring us a DMV printout of your driving record please?

* Would you be willing to submit to our own independent background check?

* Do you have at least THREE professional references we may contact, preferably by telephone?

* What were the ages of the children you cared for in the past?

* What is your highest level of education?

* Why have you chosen childcare as your profession at this point in your life?

* What activities do you enjoy doing with children? What would a typical day include with my child?

* Would you be willing to come in for a trial day so you and my child can get to know each other?

* Do you prefer to be paid weekly or bi?

* We have a "no T.V." rule for our child. Would you be willing to respect that when our child is around?

* Do you have a reliable cell phone in case of emergencies?

* How would you describe your basic childcare philosophy? I.e, laid back or are you a stickler for rules?

* What sets you apart from other nannies?

* In all honesty, what is your least favorite part of working as a nanny, if any?

* Are you a good communicator with both parents and children?

* What are some of your favorite children's books?

OP aside from the questions, it is vital that you and the prospective nanny have good chemistry since overall, you will need to feel completely at ease with her since you are entrusting your child's life basically with her.

If you feel even the slightest red flag, don't worry about hurting her feelings. Your child's safety is paramount here.

Good luck.

If he's 16 months, I would also ask about how they do outings to the park. Does she use a stroller on the way, or have the child try to walk part?

At that age, I'd ask things like:

"How do you handle tantrums?"

"Can you tell me about your discipline style?"

"What kind of activities do you like to do with toddlers?"

"What kinds of educational goals do you have for a child this age?"


For your position, I would also ask
"Have you ever cooked for a family before? What kind of things do you like to cook?"

The non-consecutive days will be very difficult for your child to get into a good routine with a nanny. Can this be at all adjusted, for your child's sake?

OP here - I need a nanny to watch my son on MWF for 9 hours each day. The nanny would need to prepare breakfast and lunch. I would really like a nanny who will work with my son on his speech, read to him a lot, point out objects, do arts and crafts, be very interactive with my son who is 16 months old. I also need a nanny who is willing to take DS outside twice a day. DS loves to go to the park and also just walk the neighborhood streets.

It depends on what you want and need. If you can give a description of your position, we can help formulate questions. Whatever you do, ask open-ended questions, not yes/no.

I need to hire a nanny but don't know where to start. What are some questions that I should ask when I interview potential candidates? What should I look for in a nanny? I would really appreciate any advice from someone who has done this before. Thank you so much!