Because the right support doesn’t just help your home, it shapes your child’s world

Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions a family can make.

It’s not just about finding someone to help with daily tasks. You’re inviting someone into your
home, your routines, and most importantly, your child’s life. For families, especially those
adjusting to life abroad after leaving the UAE, this decision carries even more weight.

Without the usual support systems nearby, a nanny often becomes a central part of your
child’s stability, comfort, and development.

So how do you make the right choice?

It starts with asking the right questions.

1. What Is Your Experience With Children of This Age?

Not all childcare experience is the same.
A nanny who thrives with toddlers may not be the right fit for a newborn, and vice versa.

Go beyond a simple yes or no. Ask for specifics:

  • What age groups have you worked with?
  • What does a typical day look like with that age?
  • How do you handle routines like feeding, naps, and play?

This helps you understand whether they can truly support your child’s developmental needs.

2. What Experience Do You Have, and Do You Prefer Nannying or Housekeeping?

Some candidates lean more toward childcare, while others are stronger in household
management.

Clarify:

  • Is their primary experience with children or home care?
  • What do they enjoy most?
  • Where do they feel most confident?

This ensures expectations are aligned from the start and avoids confusion later.

3. What Are You Looking For, Long-Term or Short-Term?

Understanding a candidate’s intentions is key to stability.

Ask:

  • Are you looking for a long-term position or something temporary?
  • What are your future plans?

For families, especially those relocating, consistency can be incredibly important for a child’s
sense of security.

4. Do You Know the Area Well?

A nanny familiar with your local area can make daily life smoother.

They can:

  • Navigate parks, activities, and schools
  • Manage outings confidently
  • Help your child settle into a new environment

If they’re new to the area, ask how they plan to adapt.

5. Can You Travel, and Are You Comfortable With It?

For global families, flexibility matters.

Ask:

  • Are you comfortable traveling with a family?
  • Have you done so before?
  • How do you help children adjust to new environments?

A nanny who is adaptable can provide consistency for your child, no matter where you are.

6. Do You Travel Home Often? How Long Do You Stay?

If your nanny is from abroad (such as the Philippines), understanding their travel schedule is
important.

Ask:

  • How often do you go home?
  • How long do you typically stay?

This helps you plan ahead and ensures continuity of care for your child.

7. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This question reveals self-awareness and honesty.
Listen for:

  • Strengths that align with your needs (patience, organization, warmth)
  • Weaknesses they are actively working on

You’re not looking for perfection, you’re looking for growth and transparency.

8. What Do You Do on the Weekends?

This gives insight into their lifestyle and personality.

It can also help you understand:

  • Energy levels and routines
  • Social habits
  • How they recharge

A balanced, well-rested nanny often brings more patience and positivity to their role.

9. For Live-In Candidates: Do You Stay With Friends or Family on Weekends?

For live-in arrangements, boundaries and routines matter.

Ask:

  • Do you typically stay in or go out on weekends?
  • Do you have family or friends nearby?

This helps set expectations around privacy, availability, and household rhythm.

10. Can You Cook? Do You Enjoy It? Can You Follow Recipes?

Food is an important part of a child’s routine and wellbeing.

Ask:

  • Are you comfortable cooking for children?
  • Can you follow recipes or dietary guidelines?
  • Do you enjoy preparing meals?

This is especially important if you expect support with family meals.

11. Do You Have Any Allergies?

This is a practical but essential question.

Understanding allergies helps ensure:

  • A safe environment for both your nanny and your child
  • No unexpected health risks in your home

Why These Questions Matter

Hiring a nanny isn’t about finding someone quickly, it’s about finding someone right.
Each of these questions helps you go beyond qualifications and understand the person behind
them:

their lifestyle, values, flexibility, and intentions.

For families building a new life abroad, this becomes even more important. A nanny is not just
support, they are part of your child’s daily world.

Final Thoughts

At the heart of hiring a nanny is trust.

Trust that your child is safe.
Trust that they are cared for.
Trust that they are supported, even when you’re not there.

The right questions don’t just help you evaluate a candidate, they help you build that trust
from the very beginning.

Because the right nanny doesn’t just support your family.
They become part of it.