How to Interview a Nanny: Questions, Red Flags & Hiring Tips for Busy Families

Knowing how to interview a nanny is one of the most important steps in hiring safe, reliable in-home childcare for your family. The nanny interview process helps you evaluate experience, judgment, communication style, and overall fit — especially for busy families who don’t have time to second-guess their decision later.

“I didn’t realize how hard it would be to know who to trust.”

Whether you’re hiring your first nanny or replacing a childcare arrangement that isn’t working, the interview process is where most families either gain confidence — or start second-guessing themselves.

At Georgia’s Dream Nannies, we interview hundreds of candidates every year for families in Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston, and Savannah. Below is a practical, family-friendly guide to how to interview a nanny, what questions actually matter, and the red flags busy parents shouldn’t ignore.

How to Interview a Nanny: Start With the Right Mindset

A nanny interview isn’t just about skills.
It’s about trust, judgment, consistency, and values.

Many families we work with previously tried hiring on their own and felt overwhelmed by:

• Too many unqualified applicants
• Candidates who “sounded great” but didn’t feel right
• Uncertainty around safety and professionalism

That’s why interviews should focus on real-life scenarios, not rehearsed answers.

Best Nanny Interview Questions to Ask

Here are the questions we recommend families focus on — because they reveal how a nanny actually works.

1. “Tell me about a challenging day with a child — and how you handled it.”

This shows:

• Emotional regulation
• Problem-solving skills
• Parenting philosophy alignment

🚩 Red flag: Blaming the child or past families.

2. “What does a typical day look like with children this age?”

Strong candidates can clearly explain routines, structure, and engagement — not just supervision.

🚩 Red flag: Vague answers or heavy reliance on screen time.

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3. “How do you handle discipline and boundaries?”

You’re looking for calm consistency, not extremes.

🚩 Red flag: Discipline approaches that don’t align with your values or avoid the question entirely.

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4. “What kind of family do you work best with?”

This question reveals self-awareness and helps determine long-term fit.

🚩 Red flag: “I can work with anyone” — without explanation.

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5. “Why did you leave your last position?”

Longevity matters. Professional nannies can explain transitions respectfully.

🚩 Red flag: Frequent short-term roles with unclear reasons.

Red Flags Families Should Never Ignore

Even busy families should pause if they notice:

❌ Inconsistent work history
❌ Hesitation about background checks
❌ Poor communication or slow follow-up
❌ Overly casual attitude toward safety
❌ Defensive answers during interviews

Parents often tell us they ignored early concerns because they were exhausted — and later wished they hadn’t.

Why Many Families Choose an Agency for Nanny Interviews

Interviewing well takes time, experience, and a trained eye.

When families work with Georgia’s Dream Nannies, we:

• Recruit candidates intentionally (not from mass job boards)
• Conduct in-depth interviews
• Screen social media and online presence
• Run detailed background checks
• Verify professional references

Most importantly, families only meet candidates who already meet their criteria — so interviews are about chemistry, not risk.

Learn more about our process here:
👉 https://www.gadreamnannies.com/families-how-it-works/

Interviewing Is About Long-Term Success

Families in all four of our service areas consistently tell us they want:

• Stability
• Trust
• Someone who feels like an extension of the family

The right interview process protects that goal — and prevents costly, emotional mis-hires.

Ready to Hire the Right Nanny?

If you’re hiring a nanny in Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston, or Savannah and want expert guidance from day one, our team is here to help.

👉 Find a Nanny or Household Support
https://www.gadreamnannies.com/families-find-a-nanny-housekeeper-or-household-manager/

The right nanny changes everything — and it starts with the right interview.