Nanny Questions about Parent's Personality

Contributed by Dorothy Popovich

Don't underestimate the importance of this information. You may work 50 hours a week with the children, but you report to the parents. You have your own communication styles and personality likes and dislikes. The parents do too. You don't have to be the same, in fact it is probably best if you are not, but you BOTH must understand each other's personalities and communications styles to effectively work together. This requires both mature self-assessment and careful observation of the parents during the interview.

• What do you both do for a living? (gives you some insight as to their personalities)
• How would you describe yourselves as people? Would you consider yourselves easy-going, business-like, impulsive, social, family-oriented etc.?
• How do you react when you are angry or disagree with someone? Do you bottle it up until you explode, do you hint at something being wrong, do you ignore the person bothering you, do you walk away? Do you write a letter?
• As my boss, how would you give me direction. Do you direct in broad objectives and leave me discretion as to the details? Do you schedule out a day or a week and want me to follow the schedule? Do you want to know details or just general information?
• It is inevitable, particularly in the beginning, that I would have some questions about your children or how you want your household run. Some people get annoyed by frequent questions, others don't mind quick questions and answers at all. Do you prefer being asked as they come up or do you prefer that I bundle that type of communication up and ask less frequently?

This list is a work in progress. Any suggestions are appreciated, please send them to me via this website.