How To Interview A Nanny For A Newborn

How Do You Deal With Temper Tantrums

Every kid can get naughty at times. So parents want to understand how youd be handling those mood swings. Can you respond to temper tantrums in a positive, age-appropriate manner? Your answer should show that you can handle this situation calmly with empathy.

Sample answer:

First, I simply lower my voice. Ill sit on the floor so the child knows I am nearby. If its a younger child, I might try to hold their hand or simply talk to them in a calm tone. When they calm down enough, Ill comfort them. For older kids, I will encourage them to try deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. When the tantrum is done, we can work on strategies for staying calm. Mostly, I try to avoid tantrums by learning to recognize and avoid triggers such as hunger and overstimulation. I also believe that becoming angry or shaming kids who have lost control of their emotions is counterproductive.

Problems With Typical Nanny Interview Questions

Of course, I looked online and found questions I was supposed to ask. Many of these are important, but I ran into three problems:

• You can find most of this information in their resume or profile. Asking questions like How many families have you cared for? seems redundant when it says so right in her resume. And yes, you should confirm whether she has CPR training and experience with kids. But these are, again, information you likely already know even before you decided to call her.
• These job interview questions are rehearsed. Just as youve answered typical questions at job interviews, so too have your potential nannies. They dont tell you much other than she came prepared to answer these questions.
• These questions dont allow you to get to know your nanny. Many interview questions lend themselves to what you want to hear, not what someone would honestly say. Questions like Are you willing to prepare meals? dont reflect what your nanny would actually do. Instead, leave those as statements: Part of the job includes preparing meals.

What Are The Qualities Of A Good Nanny Or Babysitter

This is another example of one of the most frequently asked nanny interview questions.

Everyone wants whats the best for their children and a nanny also must be the best. Most of the parents will come to an interview with a long list of the required qualities. Such lists often include self-discipline, a knack for organization, a sense of humor, creativity, imagination, speaking fluently at least one foreign language, etc.

However, we want to make it clear. Wheatear you are a nanny looking for a job, or a parent looking for a nanny , remember that a perfect nanny does not exist. Think of the qualities which are really important for a good nanny :

• loving children,

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What Is Your Favorite Memory With Your Last Family/child

Not only is this question the perfect way to start, it gets the interview off on the right foot. The nanny you are interviewing will have a chance to talk about a family that undoubtedly meant a lot to them, and when you see how they light up, youll be able to see the way theyll talk about your child in the future.

Are You Looking For A Long

Some nanny candidates view caregiving as a career. Others consider it a stepping stone, allowing them to earn a living while, say, furthering their education.

Ultimately, neither answer is wrong. However, if theres a timeframe involved, its wise to find out what it is. That way, you can see if their timeline aligns with your needs.

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How To Conduct A Nanny Interview And The Questions To Ask

by adele@grandnanny.com | Apr 19, 2021 | Uncategorized |

When it comes to hiring someone to look after your children, theres no such thing as being too cautious. Seeking out a nanny for your family can feel overwhelming, so weve rounded up some questions you should be asking your future GrandNanny.

There are three main things to consider when interviewing a potential nanny:

For Children Over The Ages Of 5 What Are Your Feelings About Outdoor Play Without Direct Supervision

Note: We do not have professional answers for this career

User Answers

1. Play with children helping them to write and bathing them.

2. What appeals to you about taking care of children?

3. Taking care of children are quite difficult because in this age range is in their curiosity stage where in they intend to do something which caught their attention. It simply show there innocence.

4. They warm smile and having make sure they are fine at all time.

5. I’ve always loved children. I think they are so creative and so honest, usually to a fault. It’s positive though, because they don’t know any better than to be completely honest and say whatever they are thinking. Unlike adults who are so caught up in their daily routine and the stresses of life, children are so carefree and usually always happy. I love working with them and picking their brain- I think because I’d like to go through life with the spirit they have. And let’s face it- children are just way more interesting than adults. I’d rather hang out with a 3 year old than a 30 year old any day of the week.

6. The energey the yhave and how they have no care in the world.

7. I m very interested to care children and to play with them then it is my satisfaction.

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Describing The Available Nanny Position

You will need to describe the position that you are offering in detail. Set out below is a suggested list of issues that should be covered:

• Duties and responsibilities, relating to both the children and around the house. In particular if you require something more than nursery duties this should be mentioned
• Routines that you would like kept – e.g. swimming lessons, playgroups etc

What Is Your Approach To Baby Routine

If youre a first time parent, you may not even know what a baby routine is. Dont worry! In short, there are three approaches:

What youre looking for is a maternity nurse or a night nanny whos preferred way of doing things is compatible with yours, or she is flexible to adapt to your approach.

And if youre an inexperienced parent, expecting your first baby, youre looking for someone who you feel will guide you well in your decisions and be adaptable enough to adjust to you as you grow as a parent.

Breastfeeding v. bottle feeding? Especially during the nights

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How Do You Introduce Yourself As A Nanny

This isnt a question as much as it is your first introduction during the interview. Youll want to open with a brief, enthusiastic statement that outlines your interest and main qualifications. Remember that this is your chance to make an amazing first impression.

Sample answer:

I first began working with young children as a camp counselor back in my teenage years. This inspired me to study preschool education. After I completed my Associates degree, I took on my first position as a nanny for twin boys whose parents traveled frequently for work. Over the last ten years, I have had the privilege of working for three other amazing families. Im happy to say that I have remained close with all of them, and just attended the middle school graduation of the first child I cared for.

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Most Asked Nanny Interview Questions With Answers

Here are the top 10 most asked nanny interview questions along with suggested answers that will prepare you to answer the interview questions with ease.

1. What made you choose a career as a nanny?

The interviewer will likely be a parent or family caregiver, or someone from a nanny agency. Some interviewees will attempt to get a job as a nanny because they are not sure what kind of a job they really want, but they have babysitting experience and so intend to use a nanny position simply for a paycheck until they decide what they want to do. Merely having babysitting experience does not qualify you to be a good nanny. Use your answer to this question to show the interviewer that you are passionate about children, want to spend time with children, and understand the seriousness and the responsibility of ensuring the safety and welfare of little human lives.

2. If you disagreed with the parenting style of a family you worked with, how would you deal with this?

3. What are the most important qualities of a good nanny?

The interviewer will have their own ideas about what qualities a good nanny should have. The interviewer is using this question to see what you think are the most important parts of your job. Before the interview, think about what is most important to a parent when leaving their child in someone elses care. Focus on those qualities when answering this question and show the interviewer you have those qualities.

4. Tell me about your experience as a nanny.

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Whats Your Favorite Part Of Working As A Nanny What About Your Least Favorite

This is another question that lets you discover the candidates passions and motivations. Ideally, theyll enjoy aspects of the job that you find particularly important or ones that give you a sense of peace of mind.

Asking about the least favorite isnt a trap. Everyone has parts of their job that they dont enjoy, and thats okay. However, how the nanny candidate responds could sway your decision, so its critical to find out what they dont like, too.

Nanny References & Work History:

• Are you familiar with following nap and feeding schedules?
• Do you have experience following dietary restrictions and avoiding food allergies?
• Do you have experience introducing solid foods to a baby?
• Can you share an example of what your day would look like while watching my child?
• Do you have experience staying in the home for a few days if needed?
• Do you have experience traveling with families for a few days if needed?
• Any special duties youve been responsible for you feel are worth noting?
• Do you have any experience working in a home with pets ?

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Basic Nanny Interview Questions:

• How long have you been caring for children?
• Why did you get involved in child care work?
• How many families have you worked with?
• What makes you interested in this position/caring for my child?
• What is your availability?
• Are you familiar with ?
• Where are you located? Are you local to the area, or have you recently moved here?
• What are you looking for in your next nanny job?
• Have you had or do you plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Interview Questions For A Nanny For An Infant Or Baby:

• Tell me about your experience with infants/babies.

• Do you have experience caring for infants who have a difficult time taking a bottle?

• What is your approach to establishing a sleep schedule?

• If applicable, do you have experience working with new parents?

• What is your experience with pumping and/or supplemental feeding?

• Are you comfortable with our methods of sleep training, play, and/or feeding? What are your preferred methods?

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Ask About How She Would Handle An Emergency

Before you hire a nanny for your newborn, have a candid chat about how she would handle an emergency if it arises. What would she do if your baby chokes from snacking in your best stroller or falls? What if the fire alarm goes off? Your childs safety is paramount!

Ask specific questions about whether and when shes dealt with emergencies on the job in the past and what she did to remedy the situation. It certainly doesnt disqualify her if shes never had to handle a sticky situation, but if she has, and she rocked it, well, wouldnt you want to know that?

For more on this topic, check out the full Childcare Options collection

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Must Ask Nanny Interview Questions

Now that youve found your candidates, you need to make sure you know exactly which questions to ask the potential nanny for your child. These questions will range from professional experience to their basic lifestyle. They can sound intimidating. But you must find someone you trust and have n0 doubts about. These nanny questions can help you figure it all out.

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How Long Have You Been Working As A Nanny

Naturally, the parents want to know how much experience you have. Be simple and direct with your answer. Dont exaggerate the length of your work experience. But do mention extra relevant jobs or educational experiences.Sample answer:

I have three years of experience working as a full-time nanny. Before that, I worked part-time as a childcare provider in the summers while I was attending a trade school for two years. Additionally, I worked as a line cook in an Italian restaurant, so Id be happy to help with some food prep for the kids.

Are You Willing To Supervise Friends Of Our Child Who Are Invited To Our Home While You Are In Charge

Note: We do not have professional answers for this career

User Answers

1. Play with children helping them to write and bathing them.

2. What appeals to you about taking care of children?

3. Taking care of children are quite difficult because in this age range is in their curiosity stage where in they intend to do something which caught their attention. It simply show there innocence.

4. They warm smile and having make sure they are fine at all time.

5. I’ve always loved children. I think they are so creative and so honest, usually to a fault. It’s positive though, because they don’t know any better than to be completely honest and say whatever they are thinking. Unlike adults who are so caught up in their daily routine and the stresses of life, children are so carefree and usually always happy. I love working with them and picking their brain- I think because I’d like to go through life with the spirit they have. And let’s face it- children are just way more interesting than adults. I’d rather hang out with a 3 year old than a 30 year old any day of the week.

6. The energey the yhave and how they have no care in the world.

7. I m very interested to care children and to play with them then it is my satisfaction.

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Best Questions To Ask In A Nanny Interview

Once the interviewer has finished asking their questions, they should ask if you have any questions for them. If they do not, you should speak up and ask them if you can ask some questions. Asking questions shows that you are knowledgeable about your role and have an interest in the job. If you do not know much about the children you would be caring for, show your passion for children by asking questions about the children. The answers to your questions can help you evaluate if the agency or the family is a good fit for you.

• What are your expectations of a nanny?
• What are the names and ages of your children?
• What is important about each of your children for me to know?
• Is there a daily schedule for the children?
• How do you see a nanny fitting into your family?
• What methods of discipline do you use with your children?
• How often do you anticipate needing overnight stays, for what length of time, and how much advance notice are you typically able to give?
• What other responsibilities and tasks do you think a nanny should be willing to undertake?
• Is there a vehicle for use to take the children to their activities?
• What do you find most challenging about having a nanny?