Nanny Questions for Background on the Family

A nanny interviewing with a family needs some basic background information about the family to construct a framework within which to consider the specific position. I have found the following list of questions to be particularly helpful.

• How many children do you have?
• What ages are they?
• Do you plan on having more children? When?
• Do you work in the home or out of the home? Some nannies report that working with parents who are home all day can present problems with role confusion for children.
• Why do you want a nanny as opposed to a daycare or after-school program?
• Have you ever had a nanny before? If they have, try to get a sense as to what they liked and what they disliked about their prior experience(s). If they are hiring their first nanny, try to get a sense as to what their expectations are - and whether you think they are realistic. Obtain permission to talk to the prior caregivers. Useful Form
• What are the children's typical daily and weekly schedule? (Include school, naps, extra curricular activities, sports)
• Are any of the children in school? What grade is each in? What are the hours?
• Does anyone smoke in the household? Do they have any rules about smoking in the household?
• Do you have any pets? (beware if you have allergies)
• Do family members drink alcohol?

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