Asking the Right Questions: A Nanny’s Guide to Interviewing Families

Landing the right nanny position isn’t just about impressing a family — it’s about figuring out whether the job is actually a good fit for you. The interview is a two-way conversation. Families are evaluating you, but you should be evaluating them too. Knowing which questions to ask (and how to ask them) can save you from a mismatched placement and help you walk into the role with clear expectations.

Here’s a guide to the categories of questions worth asking, along with a few notes on tone and timing.

Why Asking Questions Matters

A nanny position is a long-term working relationship inside someone’s home. Vague expectations upfront are one of the most common reasons nanny placements fall apart within the first few months. Asking thoughtful, specific questions signals professionalism, shows you take the job seriously, and protects you from surprises after you’ve already accepted an offer.

Questions About the Children

Start here — it’s the heart of the job.

• What are the children’s daily routines (naps, meals, screen time, activities)?
• Are there any allergies, medical conditions, or developmental needs I should know about?
• What discipline approach does the family use, and what am I authorized to do?
• What are the children’s personalities like? Any particular challenges I should be prepared for?

Questions About Daily Responsibilities

Get specific about what the job actually involves day to day.

• What does a typical day look like, hour by hour?
• Am I responsible for driving the children anywhere? If so, whose car will I use?
• Will I be the only caregiver, or will I work alongside a parent, housekeeper, or other staff?
• What’s expected if a child is sick — do I still come in, or do plans change?

Questions About Schedule and Logistics

• What are the exact start and end times, and how much flexibility is expected?
• What happens with scheduling around holidays, family vacations, or school breaks?
• How much notice will I typically get for schedule changes?

Questions About House Rules and Boundaries

• Are there specific house rules I should follow (food restrictions, screen time limits, guests in the home)?
• What’s the family’s communication style — do they prefer texts, calls, or a daily log?
• How does the family like to receive updates about the children’s day?
• What’s the protocol in an emergency?
• Is there anything in the home that’s off-limits to me or the children?

A Few Tips on Delivery

• Frame questions around the job, not the family’s personal life. “What does the morning routine look like?” lands better than prying into their household dynamics.
• Take notes. It shows you’re organized and helps you compare offers later if you’re interviewing with multiple families.
• Ask open-ended questions rather than yes/no ones — you’ll learn more about how the family actually operates.
• Save logistics and pay questions for when you have genuine interest. Leading entirely with money questions in a first conversation can come across as transactional, even though they’re completely fair to ask.
• Trust your gut. If a family seems evasive or uncomfortable answering basic questions about routines, expectations, or pay, that’s useful information too.

Bottom Line

Interviewing is a chance to protect yourself professionally and set the relationship up for success. The families worth working for will expect and welcome your questions — a good employer wants a nanny who thinks ahead, communicates clearly, and takes the role seriously from day one. TLC Family First can be a partner for you in finding a great family! We want your relationship to work for everyone.