10 Smart Interview Questions for Hiring a Nanny in UAE

Hiring a nanny is an important decision for families in the UAE. A nanny becomes part of your daily life and plays a key role in your child’s safety, routine, and emotional well-being. Asking the right interview questions helps parents choose a nanny who is reliable, experienced, and a good fit for their household.

This guide shares 10 smart interview questions to help families make confident hiring decisions when interviewing professional nannies in UAE.

1. Can You Tell Us About Your Previous Nanny Experience?

This question helps you understand the nanny’s background, years of experience, and the types of families she has worked with.

Why it matters:

When a nanny’s experience matches your childcare expectations, she can adapt faster to your family’s routines, values, and needs, creating a smoother transition with minimal training.

2. What Age Groups of Kids Have You Cared For?

Some nannies specialize in newborn care, while others are more experienced with toddlers or school-age children.

Why it matters:

Choosing a nanny with age-appropriate experience ensures your child receives proper care, attention, and support.

3. Are you Comfortable Managing Daily Routines like School Drop-offs/Pickups, Meals, and helping with Homework?

This question reveals how the nanny handles everyday responsibilities, including school schedules, meals, activities, and homework support. Some nannies may have limited experience with these tasks, while others confidently manage everything from packing lunchboxes to supervising homework. 

Why it matters:

Structured routines help children feel secure and support healthy development. They also reflect how proactive, organized, and reliable the nanny is in meeting your family’s childcare expectations. A nanny who can manage daily routines effectively provides consistency and stability, which is essential for your child’s well-being.

4. How Do You Handle Emergencies or Safety Situations?

Ask how the nanny would respond to situations such as injuries, illness, or accidents. You do want someone who acts quickly and confidently, contacts you immediately, and takes the right steps to get help fast. It’s also helpful to know whether the nanny has basic first-aid or CPR training or is willing to take a course.

Why it matters:

Safety awareness is essential. A good nanny should stay calm, act responsibly, and follow emergency procedures.

5. What Is Your Approach to Discipline and Guiding Children?

Ask the nanny how she sets boundaries, handles misbehavior, and encourages positive behavior. Some nannies prefer gentle guidance, while others may use structured reward systems.

Why it matters:

Understanding her discipline style ensures it aligns with your family’s values and parenting philosophy, helping maintain consistency between parents and nanny. This creates a stable environment for your children and prevents confusion or conflict.

6. Are You Comfortable Following Family Rules and Instructions?

Every household has its own rules regarding screen time, meals, schedules, and discipline.

Why it matters:

A nanny who respects family preferences is more likely to integrate smoothly and support parenting goals.

7. Can You Help with Child-Related Household Tasks?

Before the interview, make a clear list of the household tasks you expect the nanny to handle. Some families may only need light tasks, such as preparing children’s meals, tidying play areas, or organizing school items. Others might hope the nanny can also cook or assist with light cleaning. During the interview, ask the nanny if she is comfortable and willing to take on these responsibilities.

It’s equally important to clearly understand the difference between a nanny and a maid. A nanny’s primary role is childcare, focusing on the overall care, supervision, and well-being of the children, while household chores are secondary and should generally relate directly to the children. Clarifying this difference in advance helps prevent misunderstandings.

Why it matters:

Every family has different expectations when hiring a nanny. Clear role definitions help maintain smooth daily routines, ensure children’s needs are prioritized, and prevent confusion or frustration for both the family and the nanny.

8. What Are Your Availability and Expectations Regarding Hours, Days Off, and Duties?

Ask the nanny about her preferred working hours, whether she is open to live-in or live-out arrangements, and her flexibility with schedules and duties.

Why it matters:

Ensuring your schedules align is crucial for long-term stability. A clear understanding of availability and expectations helps prevent conflicts and ensures reliable childcare, especially for working parents with changing routines.

9. Why did you choose to work as a nanny?

This question gives insight into the nanny’s motivation and attitude toward childcare. You will quickly sense whether her interest comes from a genuine love for children or simply the need for a job. Listen to answers that reflect passion, patience, and commitment, not just duty.

Why it matters:

A nanny who genuinely enjoys working with children is more likely to provide loving, patient, and attentive care.

10. Do you have any questions for me?

Always end the interview with this question. A good nanny will usually ask about your children’s routines, likes and dislikes, allergies, school schedules, or any medical needs. If she doesn’t ask anything, it may be a sign that she is not fully engaged. This is also a good time to discuss visa arrangements and the hiring process.

Why it matters:

A nanny who asks thoughtful questions shows genuine interest in your family and your children. This curiosity often reflects care, responsibility, and a desire to do the job well.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a nanny in UAE requires careful thought and the right questions. A well-structured interview helps parents find someone who not only meets their family’s needs but also supports their child’s safety, development, and happiness.

By using trusted nanny services like MyPoppin and asking smart, thoughtful questions, families can make confident hiring choices and build strong, long-term childcare relationships. The right nanny brings peace of mind, stability, and meaningful support to today’s busy family life in the UAE.