Hiring a nanny is a big decision. A structured interview helps, but the questions you ask matter as much as the format.

## 1. "Walk me through a typical day you'd plan for a toddler."

Vague answers like "we'd play and do activities" are a red flag. A strong nanny describes specific activities — craft projects, outdoor time, reading routines — and explains why they choose them at different times of day.

## 2. "How do you handle a child who refuses to nap?"

This reveals patience, creativity, and whether their approach aligns with yours. Listen for calm, consistent strategies rather than frustration or giving up quickly.

## 3. "Tell me about a difficult situation with a child and how you resolved it."

Real stories show real skills. Anyone can describe the ideal scenario; this question surfaces how they actually behave under pressure.

## 4. "What's your approach to screen time?"

There's no single right answer, but their response should reflect a considered view — not just "whatever the parents want." You want someone who has thought about child development.

## 5. "What do you need from us to do your best work?"

This tells you whether they're a good communicator. A confident, experienced nanny will articulate clear expectations around scheduling, communication, and household rules. That's a very good sign.

After the interview, follow up with references using the same questions. Patterns across multiple sources are very reliable.