What is the Role of a Nanny?

A nanny is responsible for the complete care of their employer's children. Duties include tending to each child's basic physical needs, meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, providing behavioral guidelines and disciplining when appropriate, intellectual stimulation, language activities and provide transportation when required. Housekeeping responsibilities are primarily child related. A nanny must be able to communicate well with both children and parents. Depending on the individual family, the nanny may be treated as an employee, a cherished friend or as a member of the family.

Sample Questions For Interviewing a Nanny

Sample Behavioral Questions for Parents


1. How did you get into this work? What interests you most about this work?

2. Can you talk about your past experiences with children? Why did you leave?

3. What types of activities do you enjoy? Do you like going for walks, park, play dates, etc.?

4. How do you deal with difficult children? Tantrums? Crying?

5. What do you feel is most important for our son/daughter at this age?

6. What would you do in an emergency situation? Have you ever been in an emergency situation?

7. How much flexibility do you have with your schedule? (including how much “last minute” flexibility)

8. What do you expect from us?

Sample Items/Issues to Discuss with Nanny

1. Salary, vacation days, personal/sick days, holidays, etc. This includes scheduling, notice and pay.

2. Method and timing of payment (i.e. how she will be paid and how frequently)

3. Taxes

4. Role and Responsibilities (i.e. Be as detailed as necessary with type (s) of household and child responsibilities: cooking, cleaning, feeding, nap times, keeping a schedule of activities, etc. Also, if you specifically want the nanny to teach the child and assist in his/her development it is good to be specific.)

5. Any specific requirements related to feeding, bathing, changing, etc. (i.e. if the child is allergic to certain food groups, if you use certain diapers and cream, specific milk, etc.)

6. Emergency Numbers: Always leave emergency contact phone numbers for your nanny. (This may include (but is not limited to): Parents, grandparents, friends, physician and 911.)

Nanny Boutique Summer Newsletter

Interviewing Tips for Parents and Nannies

http://www.nannyboutique.com/docs/NannyBoutiqueSummer2008Newsletter.pdf