A nanny is much more than simply a babysitter—he or she is an individual who will play an integral role in the care and development of children. As such, the following nanny interview answers and questions will help potential employers make one of the most important decisions of their lives.

Why Do You Want to Be a Nanny?

With this question, your interviewer hopes to learn more about what interests you and what drives you to be successful. Above all else, you should be sure to show a love for and interest in children. You should provide some information about the aspects of being a nanny that appeal to you. “I find that being a nanny allows me to express my creativity and imagination during play. I am also fond of helping children learn and grow, and the love I receive back from the children in my care is often worth much more than any paycheck” is a great way to answer. You can also touch upon your credentials and references, if asked.

What is the Most Important Aspect of Being a Nanny?

Your interviewer is learning more about the areas on which you are likely to focus when this question is asked. Since each family and job is different, you should be sure to incorporate this into your answer—and never provide a single answer. You should answer with something similar to “In my experience, there are several important aspects associated with being successful as a nanny. Being able to develop a sense of trust within a family and promoting the children’s sense of well-being are at the top of the list”, but you should also follow up with things such as learning about the family dynamic and preferred disciplinary measures.

Why Do You Think Children Like and Respond to You?

Here, you are being provided with an opportunity to list all of your best qualities and methods. You should discuss your methods for keeping children entertained, indoor plans during inclement weather, communication tactics, your sense of humor, your patience and your ability to provide effective discipline that is still in line with the wishes of the parents or primary caregivers. You can also provide some examples of ways in which you handled children in the past, such as games you played together or new skills that you have taught to children in your care.

How Would You Handle an Unruly Child?

Even in the most loving and nurturing of homes, children can sometimes become temperamental. This can be due to many things, whether there are changes happening at home or perhaps even hormonal changes occurring during pubescent years. “I would first attempt to discover the root of the problem and discuss it with the child. I would also relay this to the parents or caregivers so that they can speak with the child. I would implement a structured schedule and ensure that I find time to interact one-on-one with the child and do some of his or her favorite things” is a great way to answer this question. It shows that you will take initiative while making sure to keep the parents or caregivers informed.
Nannies play very important roles in the lives of children, so interviewers are often most concerned with methods and childcare strategies. Your ability to bring your own ideas to the table is appreciated, but you should also show that you are open-minded enough to modify them in order to fit the family dynamic.