How to hire a nanny: 8 questions to ask in an interview, according to an expert

• A great interview will give both nannies and parents more confidence about their arrangement.
• Disputes between parents and their nannies are rare but can happen.

Finding a nanny that fits seamlessly into your family dynamic is important because that person is going to help shape your children into the adults they'll become. That's why asking the right questions when you first meet — at the job interview stage — is so important.

Occasional disputes are inevitable. We're all human, and bringing up children involves emotional as well as practical decision-making. To encourage positive working relationships, it's worth being aware of the most common disagreements between nannies and parents, which are: How best to discipline the children, having to do extra hours without warning, when holidays/leave should be taken, how much housework/cleaning is appropriate in addition to childcare responsibilities, and screen time,

This can help you figure out what questions to ask in an interview and help you write a strong employment contract, helping you and your nanny set the foundations for a good working relationship.

Here are eight questions you might want to include when interviewing for a new nanny.

1. Are you comfortable with doing some household work alongside childcare duties?

Some families want their nanny to do some light housework as part of their job e.g., to keep the living spaces and kitchen clean and tidy, make sure the children's bedrooms are picked up, and keep laundry going throughout the day. Other families want the nanny's sole focus to be on their children.

2. If my child bit another child, how might you deal with it?

Being on the same page regarding discipline is critical. How might the nanny respond if your child hurts another child in the park, refused to tidy their toys away, or do their homework? The hope is that their response is broadly in line with how you'd deal with the situation and seems fair and reasonable.

3. How would you like to arrange taking time off?

Many families expect their nanny to take their leave when they're on holiday. This is only reasonable with months of notice and as long as your nanny can take some of their leave when they choose, too. It's a compromise that you'll need to work out together.

4. Could you tell us more about your caregiving style?

Just like parents, nannies have different approaches. Some prefer to keep children outside as much as possible, visiting parks, and playing sports and outdoor games, while others might like to bake or do creative pursuits like making art and music. Do your nanny's interests align with your children's interests? And how do they come across? Assertive and efficient, or quiet and kind? There's no right answer, you just want a good personality fit for your family.

5. Would you be willing to work overtime at short notice?

Nannies know that parents are hiring them for their flexibility, and many will be willing to extend their hours for extra pay. Check how flexible your nanny is, and make sure you have a few babysitters on speed dial for when they cannot provide short-notice cover.

6. What's your view on kids and screen time?

Screen time is not recommended for infants under one, and sedentary screen time is not recommended for children under 2, according to the World Health Organisation. For children aged 2 to 5 years old, sedentary screen time should be no more than one hour, though less is better. Is your nanny aware of the guidelines, and do they prioritize physical over sedentary activities?

7. Can you give us an example of a difficult situation you handled well in your career?

Even a nanny who is relatively new to the career should be able to describe some stressful situations they've handled like a pro, from dealing with a child acting up in a public place to successful sleep or potty training.

8. Will you be cooking for our child?

This should lead to a conversation about what your nanny plans to feed your children when you're not there. Meal planning is a great idea as you can make sure the necessary ingredients are part of the weekly shop. Also, ask your nanny if she provides her own meals or expects to eat your food, as this requires planning, as well as adding to your costs.

Kirsty Wild is a nanny employment expert at Nannytax.co.uk, the nanny payroll, HR and employment specialists.